IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — Linebacker James Morris has been a fixture on Iowa’s defense since 2010, emerging as a star freshman on a team that finished well below expectations. Morris is closing an up-and-down career with one of the better seasons in recent school history.

Morris was honored as the Big Ten’s defensive player of the week for second time in 2013 on Monday. He had 2½ tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and a fumble recovery last week in a 17-10 overtime win over Northwestern.

Morris and the Hawkeyes (5-3, 2-2 Big Ten) head into Saturday’s home game against No. 22 Wisconsin (5-2, 3-1) with a shot at bowl eligibility after missing out on the postseason in 2012.