By TOM LEA
tlea@espnwisconsin.com

MADISON – Fresh off his 247-yard, three-touchdown performance during a 38-14 win over Purdue, Wisconsin senior running back Montee Ball was tabbed Maxwell Award Player of the Week.

The Big Ten conference previously named Ball its Offensive Player of the Week earlier in the week.

Ball currently ranks third in NCAA football history with 72 career touchdowns, a number he reached with three scores against the Boilermakers. He’s already the Big Ten’s all-time leader in the category and trails just Ricky Williams (75) and Travis Prentice (78) for the all-time lead.

“It’s in the back of my head,” Ball told reporters following Tuesday’s practice. “I’ve just got to make sure I keep practicing hard to get to that level. If I stay on the track I am it will help the team and help my personal goals.”

Ball ranks eighth nationally with 816 rushing yards, a number boosted heavily by his 247-yard outburst against the Boilermakers. His 11 total touchdowns are tied for the conference lead and are good enough for sixth nationally.

The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the nation's top player as voted on by a panel of head coaches, Maxwell Football Club members, broadcasters and sportswriters throughout the country.