For the fourth time this season, Nittany Lion quarterback Christian Hackenberg has been named the Big Ten Freshman of The Week. This time, coming off of a 23-20 overtime loss to Nebraska in which Hackenberg threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score. In total, Hackenberg accounted for all three of Penn State’s touchdowns on Saturday.
Hackenberg has started every game this season and his four Big Ten Freshman of the Week selections are the most for a conference player since 2010 (Nathan Scheelhaase, Illinois, 6; James White, Wisconsin, 4). Hackenberg shares this week’s honor with Indiana defensive tackle Ralphael Green III.
With his eighth 200-yard passing game now in the books, Hackenberg is now in a tie for third place on the Penn State single season list with Daryll Clark (2009), trailing only Kerry Collins (10, 1994) and Matt McGloin (11, 2012). His eight 200-yard passing games are already tied for 10th on the school career list with Michael Robinson (2002-05).
He is second in the Big Ten in completions (210) and passing yards (237.8 ypg) and fourth in total offense.
Penn State closes the regular season Saturday at No. 14 Wisconsin. The game will kick at 3:30 p.m. ET/2:30 p.m. CT and air on ESPN.
