Big XII Players of the Week - Week 12

*Originally published on ArmchairAllAmericans.com*

With another week of “quality” Big XII play behind us, these are our picks for offensive and defensive Players of the Week.

Offense: Justin Crawford JR RB – West Virginia

Although the Mountaineers fell to Oklahoma in blowout fashion, 56-28, Justin Crawford gashed the Sooners on the ground for 331 yards. Crawford’s performance was easily a career-high as he bested the 129 yards he posted against Kansas in week eight. Although he did not find the end zone, he was still responsible for 57 percent of West Virginia’s offense in the game.

Crawford has impressed throughout his debut season for Dana Holgorsen’s team this year. He is averaging nearly 100 yards per game from scrimmage (98.8) and is making a strong case for Newcomer of the Year in the conference. He will look to close out this season on another high note as West Virginia takes on Iowa State and Baylor to close out conference play.

Defense: Dorance Armstorng SO DE – Kansas

Dorance Armstrong was a force for David Beaty’s defense against Texas as Kansas was able to secure its first conference win in two seasons. Armstrong exploded for 11 total tackles, with three for loss, as well as two sacks. He also added a forced fumble and fumble recovery; all were career-highs.

The 24-21 victory marked Beaty’s first win over an FBS school since taking over the program and the defense, led by Armstrong, was a big reason for the triumph. The six turnovers forced by Kansas were easily a season-high and ensured that Beaty would get the ever-elusive first conference win his team has been searching for.