Nov. 2, 2004

EVANSTON, Ill. -- The honors keep coming for Northwestern linebacker Tim McGarigle (Chicago, Ill./St.Patrick).

Today, the Football Writers Association of America (FWAA) tabbed him as this week's recipient of the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week award for his performance in the Wildcats' 13-10 win over Purdue this past Saturday.

The junior had a career-high 21 tackles (eight unassisted) and one pass breakup as the Wildcats' defense held Purdue to a season-low 210 yards passing. He now has 339 career tackles, which ranks eighth on NU's all-time list. McGarigle ranks first nationally in solo tackles (7.88 per game) and second nationally in total tackles (12.6 per game).

For the fourth straight season, the All-America committee of the Football FWAA will select the winner of the weekly award on behalf of the Charlotte Touchdown Club. The winner is announced each Tuesday throughout the season.

McGarigle has been added to the Watch List for the 2004 Bronko Nagurski Trophy, which will be presented on Dec. 6 in Charlotte, N.C., by the FWAA and the Charlotte Touchdown Club.

McGarigle's position coach is NU All-America Pat Fitzgerald, the only two-time recipient (1995 and 1996) of the Bronko Nagurski Award.

For more information on the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, go to Charlotte Touchdown Club or FWAA.

2004 Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Players of the Week
Sept. 11: Michael Boley, Southern Miss
Sept. 18: Matt McCoy, San Diego State
Sept. 25: Derrick Martin, Wyoming
Oct. 2: Junior Rosegreen, Auburn
Oct. 9: Mike Patterson, USC
Oct. 16: Scott Starks, Wisconsin
Oct. 23: Chris Harris, Louisiana-Monroe
Oct. 30: Tim McGarigle, Northwestern