Evanston, Ill.- Northwestern safety Brandon Joseph earned Big Ten Co-Freshman of the Week honors for his performance during Saturday's 21-20 victory over Iowa.
The College Station, Texas, native snatched two interceptions in what was Northwestern's largest comeback win in the Big Ten since 2009, as NU overcame a 17-point deficit against the Hawkeyes. Joseph's first career interception came in the third quarter and the second proved pivotal in the 'Cats keeping the lead during the fourth quarter, as NU took over at its own 18-yard line after the turnover.
Over the course of the first two games this season, Joseph has started at safety alongside senior leader JR Pace and is fourth on the team in total tackles (11). He leads the Wildcats with two interceptions and is just one of three defensive backs to record a tackle for loss.
Joseph shared the weekly award with Michigan State freshman Ricky White, who recorded a Spartan freshman record of 196 receiving yards in MSU's upset over Michigan. Joseph is the first Wildcat to be named as a Big Ten Freshman of the Week since Coco Azema earned the honor on Dec. 2, 2019.