Illinois QB John Paddock Tops List of Big Ten Players of the Week For Week 11

The Big Ten announced the Players of the Week for Week 11 of the football season. Players from Maryland, Illinois and Purdue all received honors, headlined by Illinois quarterback John Paddock, who threw for 507 yards in a win over Indiana.

There are a lot of first-time recipients of the Big Ten's weekly awards following Week 11. Three of the four players to receive honors from Saturday earned their first mention. The only returning name is Purdue defensive back Dillon Thieneman. 

Maryland was the only team to have two players receive a mention this week. Here's who the Big Ten awarded with its honors for Week 11:

Offensive: John Paddock, QB, Illinois

Illinois backup quarterback John Paddock earns the Big Ten honor after torching Indiana's defense in Saturday's 48-45 overtime victory. The Ball State transfer also made Memorial Stadium history in Champaign.

Paddock completed 24-of-36 passes for 507 yards and four touchdowns, which included a 21-yard scoring strike to Isaiah Williams in overtime to end the game.

The 507 yards through the air were the most ever in the history of Illinois' Memorial Stadium. 

Defensive: Tarheeb Still, DB, Maryland

Senior Tarheeb Still earned the first Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honor in his career after a tremendous outing against Nebraska in a 13-10 victory in Lincoln.

Still intercepted two passes, including one late in the game with the Huskers threatening inside the 10-yard line. He also posted a team-best seven tackles. Thanks to his efforts, Maryland is now 6-4 and bowl eligible.

Special Teams: Jack Howes, K, Maryland

More honors rolled in for the Terrapins this weekend, as kicker Jack Howes also received recognition from the conference. It was his foot that helped lead Maryland to the 13-10 win.

Howes made a 35-yard attempt in the fourth quarter to tie the game 10-10. Then, with time expiring, the sophomore drilled a kick from 24 yards out to lift the Terrapins to the victory. 

Freshman: Dillon Thieneman, DB, Purdue

Dillon Thieneman has been a regular recipient of this honor, earning his fourth Freshman of the Week honors in the Big Ten this season. 

The freshman defensive back played a critical role in Purdue's 49-30 win over Minnesota at Ross-Ade Stadium, tallying a team-best nine tackles. He last received recognition from the league on Oct. 30.

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