IOWA CITY, Iowa – The first Big Ten awards were released Monday morning and Iowa’s Anthony Nelson was named the conference’s freshman of the week.

Nelson (6-7, 253) recorded six tackles, including 2.5 sacks, in the Hawkeyes’ 45-21 win against Miami (Ohio) Saturday at Kinnick Stadium. The Waukee (IA) High product also forced two fumbles, both leading to Iowa touchdowns.

Nelson was playing in his first college game after red shirting last season. He’s the first Hawkeye to win the award since Parker Hesse, also a defensive end, captured it for his performance in the ’15 regular-season finale at Nebraska.

In addition to the tackles, sacks and forced fumbles, Nelson managed to break up a pass against Miami. He didn’t start the game but played a significant amount after Hesse exited early with an injury.

Nelson’s first fumble came at an opportune time. Miami had reached the Hawkeye 8-yard line in the first quarter when he sacked quarterback Billy Bahl and knocked the ball out. Fellow DE Matt Nelson recovered the fumble and the Hawkeyes needed only two plays to go 81 yards for a touchdown and a 21-0 lead.

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Anthony Nelson also had a sack wiped out on a false start penalty by Miami.

Iowa plays host Saturday to rival Iowa State, to whom Anthony Nelson originally verbally committed before flipping to and signing with the Hawkeyes.