In the aftermath of Iowa State’s upset victory of Nebraska last Saturday, two Cyclone players were honored by the Big 12 on Monday.

Senior linebacker Jesse Smith was named Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week, while senior punter Mike Brandtner earned Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Week honors.

Smith totaled 12 tackles against the Huskers, as well one forced fumble and a fourth quarter interception. Smith’s 10.9 tackles per game first in the Big 12 and he has recorded 87 total tackles this season — 21 more than Baylor’s Joe Pawelek who ranks second.

Brandtner’s execution of second quarter fake punt by the Cyclones helped set up Iowa State’s go-ahead touchdown drive. Brandtner scrambled for 20 yards downfield off of the fake. The senior punter was called upon to kick the ball away nine times, averaging 40 yards per kick and pinning Nebraska within its own 20-yard line five times. Brandtner ranks first in the Big 12 in average yards per punt with 42.7.

Smith and Brandtner are Iowa State’s second and third players to earn Player of the Week honors this year after Alexander Robinson was named Offensive Player of the Week on September 28.