Gopher Football & Basketball Players Win Big Ten Honors

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota Gophers quarterback Demry Croft is the Big Ten's Co-Offensive Player of the Week with Ohio State's Mike Weber.

Croft led the Gophers to a 54-21 win against Nebraska on Saturday. Croft rushed 10 times for 183 yards — averaging 18.3 yards per carry —and three touchdowns. He set a Minnesota record for rushing yards by a quarterback in a game, breaking Marqueis Gray's record of 171 set against Miami (Ohio) in 2011.

Croft's 183 rushing yards were the most by a Gopher since David Cobb ran for 194 against Purdue in 2014.

Minnesota running back Rodney Smith was named the Big Ten's Special Teams Player of the Week. Smith returned three kicks for 135 yards against Nebraska and started the game with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.

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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Minnesota junior forward Jordan Murphy has been named Big Ten Player of the Week for his opening-night performance against South Carolina Upstate.

Murphy scored a career-high 35 points and grabbed 15 rebounds as the Gophers overpowered South Carolina Upstate 92-77 Friday night.

The 6-foot-6 San Antonio, Texas native had career-high totals in five categories, finishing with his 22nd career double-double. Murphy is the first Minnesota player with 35 points in a game since Andre Hollins recorded a career-best 41 points against. Memphis on Nov. 23, 2012.

Murphy also posted career-bests for field goals made (13), field goals attempted (22), free throws made (9) and free throws attempted (15).

It was the second time Murphy has won the honor. He was named co-Big Ten Player of the Week last February.