It seems like this week is turning into honors week at Northwestern.

Monday quarterback Dan Persa was one of 10 quarterbacks named to the Manning Award's watch list.

And Thursday defensive lineman Corbin Bryant was named one of 10 finalists to the Awards and Recognition Association (ARA) sportsmanship award. The award is given to the Division I football player who best represents sportsmanship.

* On kickoffs and punt returns the question was asked this week if it is going to be Hunter Bates or freshman Venric Mark. The answer? Coach Pat Fitzgerald said he likes them both. Bates got dinged up early in the Michigan State game and Mark took his place, but when asked if any more personnel changes were coming, we got this little nugget from Fitz:

"Everything is fluid," he said. "A the end of the day the guys have to produce."