Courtesy of the Big East Conference
BIG EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Noel Devine • Sr. • RB • West Virginia • Fort Myers, Fla.
Devine had 174 all-purpose yards and registered his 17th career game with at least 100 rushing yards to lead West Virginia to a 24-21 overtime win at Marshall. Devine had 23 carries for 112 yards, including a fourth-quarter touchdown run that allowed the Mountaineers to overcome a 21-6 deficit. Devine, who moved into seventh place on the BIG EAST’s career rushing chart (3,604 yards), also had a career-high 10 receptions for 62 yards.
BIG EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Joe Lefeged • Sr. • SS • Rutgers • Germantown, Md.
Lefeged keyed a Rutgers defense that forced five first-half turnovers, allowing the Scarlet Knights to get a 19-14 win at Florida International. Lefeged had six tackles, a pass breakup and had a hand in three turnovers with two forced fumbles – both recovered by Rutgers – and a 29-yard interception return.
BIG EAST SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Joe Lefeged • Sr. • SS • Rutgers • Germantown, Md.
In addition to his contributions on defense against Florida International, Lefeged blocked two punts against the Golden Panthers. His second block of the night gave the Scarlet Knights possession on Florida International’s 24-yard line and set up the game-winning touchdown run on the following play. Lefeged becomes the first player in BIG EAST history to be named Defensive Player of the Week and Special Teams Player of the Week in the same week and the first since Syracuse’s Diamond Ferri to win two weekly honors in the same week. Ferri was named Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week Nov. 29, 2004.
WEEKLY HONOR ROLL
JK Schaffer, LB, Cincinnati — Had nine tackles, one tackle for loss and one pass breakup in a 40-7 win against Indiana State.
Jordan Todman, RB, Connecticut — Rushed for 151 yards and three touchdowns on 15 carries in a 62-3 win against Texas Southern.
Rodney Gnat, DT, Louisville — Had seven tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in a 23-13 win against Eastern Kentucky.
Ray Graham, RB, Pittsburgh — Rushed for 115 yards and two touchdowns in a 38-16 win against New Hampshire.
Najee Goode, LB, West Virginia — Had 10 tackles and two tackles for loss in a 24-21 overtime win at Marshall.