MADISON, Wis. – Earlier in the week, the Big Ten recognized Wisconsin senior running back Montee Ball for his outstanding performance in the Badgers’ win over Purdue. Now he has been honored nationally.

Ball was selected as the Maxwell Award Player of the Week after running for a career-high 247 yards and scoring three touchdowns in UW’s 38-14 victory in West Lafayette. With his third TD, Ball surpassed former Badger Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne for the Big Ten and school career touchdown record.

With 72 career touchdowns, Ball now ranks third in NCAA FBS history, trailing only Ricky Williams of Texas (75) and Travis Prentice of Miami, Ohio (78).

Ball has 816 rushing yards this season, good for eighth in the country. His 11 touchdowns are tied for the Big Ten lead and tied for sixth nationally.

Each week during the 2012 college football season the Maxwell Football Club (MFC) will select a Player of the Week in recognition of outstanding performance in the previous weekend's games.

Fans across America can nominate a Player of the Week by visiting the Maxwell Football Club website http://www.maxwellfootballclub.org and completing the Player of the Week submission on the main page of the website. The Player of the Week winners are selected by the Maxwell Football Club national selection committee.