DENVER Hawaii wide receiver Jason Rivers, Nevada linebacker Ezra Butler and Fresno State punter Kyle Zimmerman were named the Western Athletic Conference offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.
Butler, a senior from Calabasas, Calif. (Calabasas HS), had a game-high 10 tackles (9 solo) in Nevada’s 49-10 win over Louisiana Tech that earned the Wolf Pack a trip to the New Mexico Bowl. Butler forced two fumbles and had two tackles for a loss of five yards in helping to hold the Tech offense to no touchdowns and just 55 rushing yards. This is the second time this season Butler has been honored by the WAC and the fifth time this season that a Nevada player has been honored as he won previously for his play in the Idaho game. Since Nevada joined the league in 2000, Wolf Pack players have been honored 37 times with weekly awards.
Rivers, a senior from Waipahu, Oahu (Saint Louis School), caught 14 passes for 167 yards and four touchdowns in Hawaii’s 35-28 win over Washington to help the Warriors finish the regular season with a perfect 12-0 record and a spot in the Allstate Sugar Bowl on January 1. After trailing 21-0 in the first quarter, Rivers scored three touchdowns in the second quarter to help Hawaii pull within 28-21 at the half. In the fourth quarter, he caught a 40-yard pass for the game-tying touchdown. Rivers tied his career-high for both receptions and touchdowns in a game.
Zimmerman, a senior from Visalia, Calif. (Golden West HS), punted four times in the wind and rain for an average of 47.0 yards in Fresno State’s 30-23 win at New Mexico State. One of his punts went for 60 yards and another was downed at the Aggies’ nine-yard line. Only one punt was returned for just four yards.
Others nominated on offense: sophomore running back Anthony Harding, Fresno State; and Nevada running back Luke Lippincott, Nevada.
Also nominated on defense: senior linebacker Markus Riley, Fresno State; and junior linebacker Solomon Elimimian, Hawaii.
Other special teams nominations: junior place kicker Brett Jaekle, Nevada.
