Akron knocked off Northwestern on Saturday, the first win over a Big Ten team by the Zips since 1894. That victory would not have been possible without the stellar player of free safety Alvin Davis Jr. The junior from Fort Lauderdale had 2 picks that he returned for touchdowns. The first went for 97 yards, while the second only went for a cool 50. Davis also added 10 tackles. This impressive performance not only helped secure the win, but also resulted with Davis being named the Bronco Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week.
This award is has been awarded every week during the regular season since the 2001 season.