As we head into the home stretch of the regular season, we have some new names on the ACC Players of the Week for week nine list. There are some key games this coming weekend which should also garner some huge results.
Quarterback of the Week
Fernando Mendoza of Cal gets the nod for the first time this season. He threw for a career-high 364 yards on 27 of 36 passing in the Bears win over former Pac-12 rival Oregon State. Mendoza had two touchdown passes. He also had a touchdown reception on a trick play.
Running Back of the Week
Damien Martinez of Miami played a critical role in the win over Florida State. Quarterback Cam Ward had stats well below his average, so the Canes relied on the ground game more. Martinez had 15 rushes for 148 yards and two touchdowns.
Receiver of the Week
J.J. Jones of North Carolina had five catches for a career-high 129 yards. He also had touchdown receptions of 37 and 31 yards in the win over Virginia. It was the first multi-score game of Jones’ career.
Offensive Lineman of the Week
A rare nod to a Wake Forest player as center Luke Petitbon gets the acknowledgment here. Petitbon has played a big role in anchoring the offensive line as the Demon Deacons have won three of their last four games. Wake Forest averaged nearly five-and-a-half yards per play (418 total), in the win at Stanford last weekend.
Defensive Lineman of the Week
Kaimon Rucker of North Carolina had a big game in the Tar Hells win over Virginia. He had eight tackles, three-and-a-half for loss, three sacks, and the first interception of his career. The interception was the first by a Tar Heel in nine seasons. And he moved up to seventh in UNC history in sacks with a career total of 20.
Linebacker of the Week
Rasheem Biles helped played a key role in keeping the Panthers undefeated. Against Syracuse, he had a pick-six on the opening drive of the game. He also had a sack, (for 15 yards), and two quarterback hurries.
Defensive Back of the Week
SMU’s Isaac Nwokobia had a career-high 13 tackles in the Mustangs’ win at Duke. He also had a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry.
Specialist of the Week
The Cal Bears made a change at placekicker two weeks and it has brought results. Derek Morris was five for five on field goals in the win over Oregon State. He tied a Cal single-game record with field goals of 33, 46, 19, 25, and 38 yards.
Rookie of the Week
Louisville running back Isaac Brown had a game-high 85 yards rushing on 18 carries in the win over Boston College. He added two rushing touchdowns. He also caught three for 17 yards.
