Week eight has concluded, and teams across the PAC-12 are starting to separate themselves from the pack. This past weekend saw the return of one of the conference’s best quarterbacks, a nail-biter in San Marcos, and a contender pull away late. With Oregon State on a bye, a spot opened up in the Freshman of the Week category, which has been dominated by Jesse Legree. Which PAC-12 players stood out this past weekend? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
Offensive Player of the Week
Hauss Hejny (Colorado State)
Hejny was electric in his return from injury, accounting for five of the Rams’ seven touchdowns. He completed 24 of 31 pass attempts for 333 yards and three touchdowns. He was sharp and efficient, bringing out the best in the Rams’ offense. He was also effective on the ground, carrying the ball 11 times for 85 yards and two more touchdowns. The Rams’ defense continues to struggle, but this offense is firing on all cylinders with Hejny under center. Will the Rams be able to rally and get back into bowl contention with Hejny back in control?
Defensive Player of the Week
Boen Phelps (Boise State)
The junior linebacker played a key role in Boise State’s 31–10 win over Washington State. Phelps recorded six tackles and came away with a key interception that helped the Broncos pull away from the Cougars in the fourth quarter. Phelps and the Boise State front seven also held the Cougars’ rushing attack in check, including freshman quarterback Owen Eshelman, who ran for more than 100 yards a week earlier. This week, the Cougars were held to just 1.6 yards per rushing attempt and 244 total yards.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Jaylen Jenkins (Texas State)
The senior running back’s performance on special teams proved to be the difference in Texas State’s 20–17 victory over Utah State. In a game in which the Bobcats’ offense struggled, Jenkins’ early kickoff return for a touchdown proved to be the difference-maker in San Marcos. Jenkins recorded four kickoff returns for 146 yards, but the highlight was a 100-yard return that gave the Bobcats their first points of the game.
Freshman of the Week
Stone Saunders (San Diego State)
While it wasn’t a perfect performance, it looks like the Aztecs may have found something in freshman quarterback Stone Saunders. Saunders was solid against the Rams, completing 23 of 33 pass attempts for 369 yards and two touchdowns. He did an excellent job of pushing the ball downfield and brought a new element to the Aztecs’ passing game that we haven’t seen in years. However, Saunders still needs to work on protecting the ball, as his two interceptions proved costly in the Aztecs’ loss.
Who were your top performers from this past weekend? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.