DENVER Nevada running back Luke Lippincott, Nevada cornerback Joe Garcia and Boise State place kicker Anthony Montgomery were named the Western Athletic Conference offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.
The awards are the fourth and fifth for Nevada players this season and Garcia's second award of the year as he previously won for his efforts in a win over Northwestern. This is the third straight honor for Nevada's defense as Ezra Butler won for his play against New Mexico State and J.J. Milan won last week for his efforts against Idaho. Lippincott is the first Nevada offensive player to win the award this season. Since Nevada joined the WAC in 2000, Nevada football players have won weekly awards 31 times.
Lippincott, a sophomore from Salinas, Calif. (Palma HS), came off the bench to rush for a career-high 144 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns in Nevada’s 42-0 win over Utah State. He scored the Wolf Pack’s second and third touchdowns of the game from five yards and one yard out, respectively. Lippincott averaged 5.76 yards per carry.
Garcia, a senior from Westminster, Calif. (Long Beach CC), made four tackles, including two for a loss of 13 yards, and helped Nevada to its first shutout since 1998 in the 42-0 win against Utah State. Garcia also intercepted a pass and returned it 11 yards and had a sack for a loss of 10 yards. Nevada limited the Aggies to just 207 yards of total offense.
Montgomery, a senior from Hanford, Calif. (Central Christian HS), made all three of his field goal attempts in Boise State’s 23-20 win at San Jose State. He made two field goals in the second quarter from 24 and 27 yards out before hitting the game-winner from 37 yards as time expired. Montgomery has now made 12 straight field goal attempts.
Others nominated on offense: sophomore running back Ian Johnson, Boise State; senior running back Dwayne Wright, Fresno State; sophomore wide receiver Davone Bess, Hawaii; senior wide receiver Bryan Carroll, Louisiana Tech; and sophomore quarterback Chase Holbrook, New Mexico State.
Also nominated on defense: junior safety Marty Tadman, Boise State; junior defensive end Tyler Clutts, Fresno State; senior defensive end Melila Purcell, Hawaii; and junior defensive back Shalamar Walker, Louisiana Tech.
Other special teams nominations: sophomore punter Chris Keagle, Louisiana Tech; and freshman kick returner Dwayne Sanders, Nevada.
