Malik McDowell Named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week

Nov. 16, 2015

EAST LANSING, Mich. â€" Michigan State sophomore defensive tackle Malik McDowell, who posted career highs in tackles (eight) and tackles for loss (4.5 for 14 yards) in MSU's 24-7 win over Maryland, has been named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.

McDowell's 4.5 tackles for loss are the eighth-best single-game total in MSU history and the second most by a Big Ten player this season (Dean Lowry, Northwestern, six vs. Nebraska). McDowell also was credited with a half sack (2 yards) and forced fumble against the Terrapins. He totaled a career-high 29 production points in the game.

Michigan State held its second opponent below 300 total yards, as Maryland managed 289 yards total offense on 73 plays. The Spartan defense allowed a season-low seven points, while shutting the Terrapins out over the last three quarters. Michigan State also recorded a season-best five takeaways (3 interceptions, 2 fumbles) and scored 17 points off Maryland turnovers.

"Malik McDowell played a vital role in our defensive effort against Maryland," Michigan State defensive line coach Ron Burton said. "Malik was aggressive at the point of attack, which allowed him to be disruptive in the backfield. His physicality really was the difference.

"With Malik's physical gifts, he's a factor on every single play. As the season has progressed, we've seen a player who's working toward becoming a student of the game. We're now watching someone whose physical ability has been enhanced because he has invested the time to prepare in the film room, which allows him to play even faster on game day."

McDowell ranks second on the team and 15th in the Big Ten with 10.5 tackles for loss (43 yards), including 3.5 sacks (28 yards). His 35 tackles are the most among Spartan defensive linemen and he ranks second on the team with five quarterback hurries. McDowell is also tied for the team lead with two forced fumbles.

This marks the ninth time a Spartan has been recognized by the Big Ten with a weekly award this season and the first for McDowell. MSU has won the conference's defensive player of the week honor four times in 2015 (Riley Bullough, Week 2 vs. Oregon; Shilique Calhoun, Week 4 vs. Central Michigan and Week 7 vs. Michigan).

No. 9/9 Michigan State returns to action Saturday, Nov. 21 to face No. 2/2 Ohio State at 3:30 p.m. in Columbus.