Iowa's Klug earns Big Ten football honor

Iowa defensive tackle Karl Klug has been named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in Iowa’s 42-0 win over Florida International last Saturday. The announcement came today from Big Ten officials.

Klug, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound sophomore from Caledonia, Minn.., posted career highs against FIU with nine tackles and two sacks while also forcing a fumble to help the Hawkeye defense post a shutout. The sophomore tackle’s second sack forced a fumble that was recovered by Iowa on FIU’s final drive. The Hawkeyes limited the Golden Panthers to 56 rushing yards and four-of-15 on third downs.

Klug is a backup to all-Big Ten candidate Matt Kroul. The Minnesota native missed most of last season due to a foot injury and played in only one game (Minnesota).

Against FIU, Iowa posted the fifth shutout in Kirk Ferentz’ nine-plus seasons as head coach and its second straight dominant defensive outing. The Hawkeyes held Maine to a field goal two weeks ago.

The last Iowa player honored by the Big Ten came when Mike Humpal won defensive honors following Iowa’s win over Illinois last year (Oct. 13th).

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