The Big Ten must’ve read our post from earlier this morning on Minnesota running back Rodney Smith and agreed, because the sophomore has been named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week after his performance in the Gophers’ 34-32 win over Rutgers on Saturday. Smith amassed 257 all-purpose yards against the Scarlet Knights, including a 94-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the third quarter.
Smith finished the game with 111 rushing yards on 22 carries and one rushing touchdown to go along with his score on the kickoff return. He also hauled in one reception for 27 yards on the Gophers’ first play from scrimmage.