Pac-12 Football Players of the Week - Week 9
OFFENSE: CJ Verdell, R-So., RB, Oregon (Chula Vista, Calif.)
• Rushed for 257 yards on 23 carries with 3 TDs during Oregon's 37-35 win over Washington State.
• Also hauled in four catches for 56 yards and totaled 313 yards from scrimmage to become the first player in program history with 250 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards in the same game
• First FBS player to have 250 rushing yards and 50 receiving yards in the same game since Joe Mixon in 2016. His 257 rushing yards are the third-most by an FBS player this season and he's the second FBS player in 2019 with 250 yards and three TDs in a game.
• Had seven runs of 10-plus yards, highlighted by plays of 89, 35 and 28 yards. His 89-yard TD run in the first quarter was the fourth-longest run in program history.
• Named the Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week.
Also nominated: Joshua Kelley, UCLA: Zack Moss, UTAH; Laviska Shenault Jr., COLO; Michael Pittman Jr., USC; K.J. Costello, STAN.
DEFENSE: Paulson Adebo, Jr., CB, Stanford (Mansfield, Texas)
• Recorded two interceptions, his second career two INT game, in a 41-31 victory over Arizona. Both interceptions came in the fourth quarter, with the second INT of the game thwarting Arizona's final drive and sealing the Stanford victory.
• Now has four interceptions on the season and eight in his career.
• Has at least one interception in back-to-back games for the second time in his career and three interceptions in a two-game stretch for the second time in his career.
Also nominated: Terrell Burgess, Utah; Stephan Blaylock, UCLA; John Houston Jr., USC, K.J. Trujillo, COLO.
SPECIAL TEAMS: Camden Lewis, Fr., K, Oregon (Charlotte, N.C.)
• Made the game-winning 26-yard field goal as time expired to move Oregon to 5-0 in Pac-12 play for the first time since 2013 with a 37-35 win over Washington State.
• It marked the first go-ahead game-winning field for Oregon since 2005 against Washington State.
• Hit all three field goal attempts, including a season-long 40-yarder in the first quarter.
• First Oregon kicker to make three field goals in a game since Aidan Schneider (4-for-5) against Arizona State in 2016.
• Entered the game with two made field goals on the season and has now made his last five field goal attempts.
Also nominated: Ryan Sanborn, STAN; Ben Griffiths, USC; Alex Kinney.
OFFENSIVE LINE: Shane Lemieux, Sr., OG, Oregon (Yakima, Wash.)
• Made his 46th consecutive start at right guard and helped Oregon rush for over 300 yards during a 37-35 win over Washington State.
• Graded out as the top guard in the Pac-12 and fourth nationally for week 9 at 78.3 overall by Pro Football Focus. His 79.3 run-blocking grade was second-best among guards nationally.
• Tied for the team lead with six knockdowns over 79 snaps and did not allow a sack.
• Oregon's 306 yards rushing are the most by a Pac-12 team in conference play this season, while CJ Verdell's 257 rushing yards were the most by a Duck in Autzen Stadium and the third-most by an FBS player this season.
• Oregon totaled 500 yards of offense for the fourth time this season
• Earned a 92 percent assignment grade from the Oregon coaches.
• Named to the PFF National Team of the Week.
Also nominated: Drew Dalman, STAN; Tim Lynott Jr., COLO.
DEFENSIVE LINE: Leki Fotu, Sr., DT, Utah (West Valley City, Utah)
• Fotu was key in Utah's smothering defensive performance in the Ute' 35-0 win over California. Utah’s first shutout of a Pac-12 opponent since joining the Conference in 2011.
• Fotu finished the game with three tackles that included 1.5 tackles for a loss of 13 yards and a sack.
• The Utah defense held Cal to just four plays in Utah territory, including none after their first possession.
• Utah held California to 43 total plays on offense and 83 yards of total offense.
• Utah has held seven of its eight opponents in 2019 under 100 yards rushing, ranking first in the FBS and in the Pac-12.
Also nominated: Thomas Booker, STAN; Osa Odighizuwa, UCLA; Caleb Tremblay, USC.
FRESHMAN: Kedon Slovis, Fr., QB, USC (Scottsdale, Ariz.)
• Helped USC overcome a 10-point fourth quarter deficit at Colorado for a 35-31 win by throwing a pair of long touchdowns to WR Michael Pittman Jr. in the final period. The game-winner of 37 yards came with 2:15 to go to cap a 12-play, 89-yard drive.
• Overall, Slovis was 30-of-44 for 406 yards and 4 TDs (all career highs) with an interception, including going 9-of-13 for 148 yards with the 2 TDs in the fourth quarter.
Also nominated: Camden Lewis, ORE; Simi Fehoko, STAN; Kyle Philips, UCLA.