Mike Teel became the first player in BIG EAST history to throw five touchdown passes in the first half in a league game.

PISCATAWAY, N.J. – Rutgers senior quarterback Mike Teel (Oakland, N.J.) has been named USA Today’s National Player of the Week after his record-setting six-touchdown performance in the win over #17 Pittsburgh last Saturday.

 

Teel, who was also named the BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week on Monday, earned 63% of votes from fans across the nation who voted for the award. Each week during the season, readers can select their pick for USA Today’s Player of the Week. The fan vote comprised one-third of the award with one vote each also going to college football editor Erick Smith and Gannett News columnist Mike Lopresti.

 

Teel threw for a career-high 361 yards and a school record six touchdowns in the 54-34 victory at #17 Pittsburgh. Teel became the first player in BIG EAST history to throw five touchdown passes in the first half in a league game. 

 

Teel was only the fourth player in BIG EAST history to throw six touchdowns in a BIG EAST game. He finished the first half 12-for-15 for 311 yards and five touchdowns with one interception.

 

Rutgers returns to action Saturday, November 8 at Rutgers Stadium vs. Syracuse. Kickoff is set for 12 noon with live national television coverage on ESPNU.