Manti Te'o leads the Irish with 38 tackles and has recorded three interceptions and two fumble recoveries in 2012.

Manti Te'o Named Bednarik Player Of The Week

Sept. 25, 2012

PHILADELPHIA – University of Notre Dame senior linebacker Manti Te’o has been named Chuck Bednarik Player of the Week by the Maxwell Football Club, the club announced Tuesday.

Te’o recorded eight tackles, intercepted two passes and forced two more interceptions with pressure to Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson and running back Vincent Smith. The hurries applied by Te’o caused Robinson and Smith to rush pass attempts that were intercepted by Bennett Jackson and Nicky Baratti.

Notre Dame defeated No. 18 Michigan, 13-6, to improve to 4-0 for the first time in 10 years. Te’o and the Irish forced six turnovers and kept the Wolverines out of the end zone for the first time since losing to Ohio State in 2007.

Te’o leads the Irish with 38 tackles and has added two tackles for loss. His three interceptions and two fumble recoveries are career highs and lead the team.

The Irish defense, led by Te’o, has allowed 36 points this season and ranks fourth in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision in scoring defense, allowing nine points per game. The 36 points allowed through four games are the fewest by a Notre Dame defense since 1975.

Te’o and the Irish are off this week and return Oct. 6 vs. Miami (Fla.) at Soldier Field in Chicago.

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