This week, the College Football Playoff celebrates this nation’s great teachers. Players and coaches from across The American thank the teachers who have not only impacted their lives, but who are also changing others’.
OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Adrian Killins Jr. • So. • RB • UCF • Daytona Beach, Fla.
Killins had 179 all-purpose yards and scored two highlight-reel touchdowns to lead UCF to a 40-13 win against previously unbeaten Memphis. He set an American Athletic Conference record with a 96-yard touchdown run in the second quarter to give the Knights a 16-7 lead and he scored on a 19-yard reception in the third quarter to give UCF a 30-7 cushion. Killins finished with 115 rushing yards and had a game-high five receptions for 64 yards as UCF improved to 3-0.
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Zach Abey • Jr. • QB • Navy • Pasadena, Md.
Abey rushed for 185 yards and three touchdowns and completed 3 of 4 passes for 90 yards to lead Navy to a 31-21 win at Tulsa, keeping the Midshipmen atop The American’s West Division standings. Abey was not stopped for a loss on 36 rushing attempts as he helped the Midshipmen overcome an early 14-0 deficit. Abey remains atop The American’s rushing chart at 164.0 yards per game.
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DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Justin Lawler • Sr. • DE • SMU • Pottsboro, Texas
Lawler tied the American Athletic Conference single-game record with four sacks to go with seven tackles, a forced fumble, a quarterback hurry and a blocked kick in the Mustangs’ 49-28 win against UConn. Lawler led a defense that held the Huskies to -8 rushing yards and three third-down conversions on 13 attempts.
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SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Matthew Wright • Jr. • K • UCF • Hollywood, Fla.
Wright made field goals of 28 and 35 yards and was perfect on four PATs to account for 10 points in the Knights’ 40-13 win against Memphis.
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HONOR ROLL:
Mike Hughes • Jr. • CB • UCF • New Bern, N.C.
Had eight tackles, two pass breakups and a 35-yard interception return in a 40-13 win against Memphis.
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Garrett Davis • Jr. • S • Houston • Red Oak, Texas
Had five tackles and two interceptions in a 20-13 win against Temple.
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Auggie Sanchez • Sr. • LB • USF • St. Petersburg, Fla.
Had a game-high 10 tackles and a 43-yard interception return for a touchdown in a 61-31 win against ECU.
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Marquez Valdes-Scantling • Sr. • WR • USF • St. Petersburg, Fla.
Had six receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown and a 75-yard rushing TD in a 61-31 win against ECU.
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Trey Quinn • Jr. • WR • SMU • Lake Charles, La.
Had 15 receptions for 116 yards and two touchdowns in a 49-28 win against UConn.