LSU manhandled Virginia Tech in a 48-7 victory

Master Coaches Award MCS Nike Game Balls
LSU's Gary Crowton named National
Offensive Coordinator of the Week

By MCS Staff

ATLANTA (September 11, 2007) – LSU proved that they are among the elite teams in the country following their 48-7 dominance over highly touted Virginia Tech.  After getting off to a slow start against Mississippi State in the season opener, the Tiger offense set out to prove they are a force to complement their star-studded defense.  Offensive coordinator Gary Crowton executed a masterful plan against the vaunted Hokie defense, as LSU gained nearly 600 yards of total offense.  Crowton’s squad started strong against Virginia Tech, methodically driving 87 yards to a touchdown over ten plays and never looked back.  Auburn legend Pat Dye said of LSU, “It looks as though they are in another class.  The SEC consists of LSU … then everybody else.”  For his team’s dominant performance, Gary Crowton is awarded the MCS Nike Game Ball (www.mcspoll.com) for the National Offensive Coordinator Player of the Week.

Each week during the 2007 college football season, the 17 Master Football Coaches will award an MCS Nike Game Ball to the respective schools of a National Offensive, Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week. The Master Coaches will also present a game ball to the offensive and defensive coordinator whose game plans made the biggest impact in their respective teams' victory.

In addition to Crowton, the Master Football Coaches will also award MCS Nike Game Balls to Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford, South Florida safety Nate Allen, South Carolina kicker/punter Ryan Succop and Washington defensive coordinator Kent Baer.

Offense
Sam Bradford, QB Oklahoma

Following a 79-10 rout of North Texas, which earned Oklahoma offensive coordinator Kevin Wilson MCS Nike Game Ball honors for the opening week, the Sooners dominated Miami (FL) in a convincing 51-13 victory.  Redshirt freshman quarterback Sam Bradford led the OU offense, tying a school record with 5 touchdown passes, three of which were caught by wide receiver Malcom Kelly.  Bradford completed 19 of 25 pass attempts for 205 yards in the winning effort.  The young quarterback, now with eight passing touchdowns has his team on track for a special season in Norman.

Defense
Nate Allen, S South Florida

South Florida proved that they belong with the nation’s elite teams after upsetting SEC powerhouse, Auburn, at Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday night.  The Bulls’ defense forced five turnovers in the 26-23 overtime victory.  The unit was led by Nate Allen, who created two turnovers, intercepting a pass in the first half and forcing a fumble late in the third quarter.  The sophomore free safety also recovered an Auburn fumble in the second half.  Allen added seven tackles in the game, six of which were unassisted.

Special Teams
Ryan Succop, K/P South Carolina

The South Carolina Gamecocks managed to upset the Georgia Bulldogs in front of 92,000 plus fans in Sanford Stadium on Saturday night.  Special teams were the story of the night, as only one touchdown was scored by either team.  Gamecock kicker Ryan Succop proved to be the difference, booting three field goals from 41, 35 and 34 yards respectively.  Succop provided double duty for South Carolina, averaging 40.7 yards on seven punts in the 16-12 victory.

Defensive Coordinator
Kent Baer, Washington