DC Metro Sports - Connor Big Ten Defensive Player of Week

Written by Michael Minnich
Monday, 04 September 2006
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa.; September 4, 2006 -- Penn State linebacker Dan Connor has earned Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week honors after leading a strong defensive effort in Saturday's season opening win over Akron. Connor becomes the fourth different Nittany Lion to earn Big Ten defensive accolades the past two seasons, joining senior linebacker Paul Posluszny (three selections) and a pair of 2005 seniors, defensive end Tamba Hali and cornerback Alan Zemaitis. A junior from Wallingford, Pa., Connor recorded 13 tackles (seven solo) in the 34-16 victory over the 2005 MAC champions. He set career-highs with two sacks and 3.5 yards for minus-23 yards. The former Strath Haven High School standout also forced a fumble. He reached double figures in tackles for the seventh time in his career. Connor was instrumental in the Nittany Lions recording five sacks, two interceptions and a fumble recovery against Akron. Penn State held the Zips to 33 yards rushing on 34 attempts and just 225 yards in total offense (2.9 yards per play). The Lions limited quarterback Luke Getsy, who averaged 265.6 ypg in 2005, to 160 yards (7.2 ypc) and intercepted him twice. The 2003 Parade National High School Linebacker of the Year, Connor is second in the Big Ten and tied for 10th nationally with 13 tackles. He is tied for the conference lead and fifth nationally in sacks (2.0) and is second in the Big Ten and fifth in the nation in tackles for losses (3.5) and forced fumbles (1). No. 19 Penn State (1-0) visits No. 2 Notre Dame (1-0) Saturday in the first meeting between the national powers since 1992. The series is tied, 8-8-1. Kickoff is 3:30 p.m. EDT in South Bend. NBC Sports, the Penn State Sports Network and www.GoPSUsports.com will carry the action.

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