Nov. 10, 2003
COLORADO SPRINGS - San Diego State sophomore linebacker Matt McCoy has been named the Mountain West Conference defensive player of the week for his efforts in the Aztecs' 7-0 win at UNLV on Saturday.
McCoy, a product of Tustin, helped "The Dark Side" defense limit the Rebels to just 175 yards of total offense. He was credited with eight tackles and he caused two fumbles. For the season, McCoy is second on the team and fourth in the Mountain West Conference with 97 tackles, just one behind Kirk Morrison. He is third in the conference with three forced fumbles and he has recovered a fumble.
UNLV had 12 possessions on Saturday and only twice managed to hold the ball for more than six plays. The shutout victory was the second for San Diego State this season with the first a 34-0 win at UTEP. San Diego State had not recorded two shutouts in the same season since 1975. The game also marked the first shutout of a conference opponent since Oct. 7, 2000, when SDSU knocked off Wyoming, 34-0.
McCoy is the third Aztec to be named player of the week by the Mountain West this season. Jeff Webb earned the honor after catching 10 passes for 253 yards against Brigham Young and Kirk Morrison was the defensive player of the week following his 14-tackle effort in the win over Wyoming.
San Diego State, winner of two straight and now 5-5 on the season, returns to action this weekend at Colorado State in a game that will be televised by Channel 4 San Diego and ESPN+Plus. Kickoff is 12:05 local time.
The Aztecs close the regular season on Nov. 22nd when they host the Air Force Academy in a 6:05 start.