There may have been only three teams in action, but we had football and it was exciting. There were some excellent performances by players across the conference. Let’s take a quick look at who takes home the week zero accolades.
Offensive Player of the Week
Jai’Den Thomas (UNLV)
I’m still a little perplexed at how the best player on your team only gets 10 carries. Regardless of the limited carries, Thomas managed to have a huge day for the Rebels who were able to sneak out a tight victory over Idaho State. Thomas finished the game
with 10 carries for 147 yards and three touchdowns. It was a huge day for Thomas who seems poised for a breakout season.
Defensive Player of the Week
Kilinahe Mendiola-Jensen (Hawaii)
Mendiola-Jensen had the biggest play of the weekend, intercepting Stanford quarterback Ben Gulbranson. The interception allowed Hawaii to march down the field and tie the game. He also added four tackles and two passes defended to lead the Rainbow Warriors to a much needed victory over an ACC foe.
Special Teams Player of the Week
Kansei Matsuzawa (Hawaii)
He was the hero of the day for a Rainbow Warriors team that got its biggest win in years. Matsuzawa made all three of his field goal attempts. None was bigger than the game-winning kick as time expired. The Japanese kicker that learned his craft on YouTube just became a hero on the islands.
Newcomer of the Week
Anthony Colandrea (UNLV)
The Rebels have found their new quarterback in the Virginia transfer. Colandrea was effective with both his arm and his legs. He completed 15 of 21 passes for 195 yards and added 93 yards on 13 carries. The Rebels look like a team that should be exciting on the offensive side of the ball with Colandrea under center.
Who were your top performers from this past weekend? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.
