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| No. 3 California defeated No. 10 Oregon thanks to DeSean Jackson's superb play |
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Master Coaches Award
MCS Nike Game Balls
Cal's DeSean Jackson named National
Offensive Player of the Week |
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ATLANTA (October 2, 2007) - The California Golden Bears moved into the No. 3 spot in the Master Coaches Poll this week after beating No. 10 Oregon, 31-24 in Eugene. Their offense was led by wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who has re-entered the Heisman race after a superstar performance. Jackson had career highs in both receptions with 11 and receiving yards with 161.
He hauled in his first two offensive touchdowns of the season, none bigger than his second score. The junior standout caught a quick hitch pass from Nate Longshore, made the first defender miss and scampered 31 yards for the go ahead score in the fourth quarter. For his outstanding play, DeSean Jackson is awarded the “MCS Nike Game Ball” for the National Offensive Player of the Week.
This is the second MCS Nike Game Ball handed out to Jackson this season. DeSean was named National Special Teams Player of the Week following Cal’s win over Tennessee in the opening 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 Jackson, the Master Football Coaches will also award MCS Nike Game Balls to Kansas State Linebacker Ian Campbell, Illinois Kick Returner Arrelious Benn, along with Wisconsin Offensive Coordinator Paul Chryst and South Florida Defensive Coordinator Wally Burnham.
Defense
Ian Campbell, LB Kansas State
On the wildest day of college football in recent memory, Kansas State flexed its defensive muscle and stifled the Texas offense en route to a 41-21 blowout victory. The Wildcats pass rush was overwhelming, as they knocked the Longhorn quarterback out of the game in the first half. Ian Campbell set the defensive tone by intercepting the first of four McCoy picks. Campbell blitzed and snatched the ball out of the air at the line of scrimmage, only to find himself untouched in the end zone 41 yards later.
Special Teams
Arrelious Benn, KR Illinois
Ron Zook managed to achieve his first signature win at Illinois this weekend as his team knocked off then No. 16 Penn State, 27-20. The Fighting Illini were led by freshman Arrelious Benn and his two touchdowns. Benn roared out of the starting blocks against Penn State, returning Illinois’ opening kickoff 90 yards for the score. The play was Benn’s first career kickoff return and the first return touchdown for Illinois since 2004. He added another electrifying touchdown in the second quarter, breaking several tackles on the way to the end zone.
Offensive Coordinator
Paul Chryst, Wisconsin
Wisconsin has moved into the Top 5 of the Master Coaches Poll this week after defeating Michigan State 37-34. Executing offensive coordinator Paul Chryst’s gameplan, the Badger offense demonstrated a balanced attack and rode running back P.J. Hill to victory. “Wisconsin is a solid offensive football team,” said Hayden Fry, former Iowa coach. “Hill is a big, strong back that gives opposing defenses fits.” The sophomore running back gained 155 yards on the ground and pounded his way into the end zone twice.
Tyler Donovan had an efficient day, completing 17 of his 24 passing attempts for 247 yards and two more touchdowns. After Michigan State managed to tie the score 34-34 in the fourth quarter, the fifth-ranked Badgers put together a methodical drive that ended with the game-winning field goal.
Defensive Coordinator
Wally Burnham, South Florida
For the second straight season, No. 9 South Florida has managed to oust West Virginia from the ranks of the unbeaten and bump them out of the Top 5 in the Master Coaches Poll. Under the guidance of Wally Burnham, the South Florida defense was dominant, allowing just three points in the first half and knocking quarterback Pat White out of the game. The Mountaineer offense did not have much success with backup Jarrett Brown in the game either. They managed a field goal in the third quarter and added a late touchdown but never got in rhythm against the stingy Bulls’ defense. South Florida held Steve Slaton to just 55 yards and forced West Virginia into an uncharacteristic 6 turnovers in the game.
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