Big East announces players of the week
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Courtesy of the Big East Conference
BIG EAST OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tony Pike • Sr. • QB • Cincinnati • Cincinnati, Ohio
Pike returned to the starting lineup for the first time since Oct. 15 and showed no signs of rust as he completed 32 of 46 passes for 399 yards and a school-record six touchdowns in the Bearcats’ 49-36 win against Illinois. Pike threw four touchdown passes as part of a 35-point first half that effectively put the game out of reach. Despite missing three games due to injury this season, Pike has thrown for 2,048 yards and 23 touchdowns against just three interceptions.
BIG EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Robert Sands • So. • FS • West Virginia • Opa Locka, Fla.
Sands was the catalyst on a West Virginia defense that limited ninth-ranked Pittsburgh to a season-low 16 points in the Mountaineers’ 19-16 win. Sands had seven tackles, three pass breakups and a pivotal fourth-quarter interception that allowed West Virginia to take a two-possession lead on the ensuing possession. Sands leads the BIG EAST with five interceptions and 13 passes defended this season.
BIG EAST SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Tyler Bitancurt • Fr. • K • West Virginia • Springfield, Va.
Bitancurt kicked four field goals, including the gamewinner from 43 yards as time expired, to give West Virginia a 19-16 win against ninth-ranked Pittsburgh. Bitancurt scored 13 of the Mountaineers’ 19 points, including three field goals in the second half. In addition to the gamewinner, Bitancurt was successful from 20, 43 and 39 yards.
WEEKLY HONOR ROLL
Mardy Gilyard, WR, Cincinnati — Had 260 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns in a 49-36 win against Illinois. Had seven catches for 102 yards and two TDs and scored on a 90-yard kickoff return.
Lawrence Wilson, LB, Connecticut — Had a game-high 17 tackles with one sack in a 56-31 win against Syracuse.
Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers — Had 18 carries for 148 yards and two touchdowns and one reception for 10 yards in a 34-14 win against Louisville.
Greg Paulus, QB, Syracuse — Was 24-of-32 for 296 yards and two touchdowns in a 56-31 loss at Connecticut. Set school records for completions (193) and completion percentage (67.7) in a season.
Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia — Had 17 carries for 134 yards and an 88-yard touchdown in a 19-16 win against Pittsburgh.
