Nov. 24, 2003
SAN DIEGO - San Diego State safety Marviel Underwood (San Leandro, Calif.) has been named the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the team's victory last Saturday over Air Force, the conference office announced Monday.
Underwood recorded a season-high 12 tackles, including 10 solo efforts, for his second game in double-figures this season. The junior capped SDSU's 24-3 win by running back his second interception of the season 74 yards for his first career touchdown in the final minutes of the game. A year ago, he also had an outstanding game against Air Force with a career-best 18 tackles, a tackle for loss and a pass break-up.
Last Saturday, the Aztec defense held the Falcons without a touchdown for the first time in 35 games, while Air Force's three points is its lowest point total in the 22-game series between the two schools. SDSU held the Falcons to just 286 yards of total offense, the seventh time this season the Aztecs have held an opponent under 300 yards. For the year, the SDSU defense allowed less than 300 yards in total offense (289.8) per game for the first time since 1976.
Underwood finished the 2003 campaign ranked third on the team in tackles with 68 and added three tackles for loss, four pass break-ups and two interceptions.
The California native is the fourth Aztec and the third defensive player to be honored by the Mountain West this season. Sophomore receiver Jeff Webb was named offensive player of the week after catching 10 passes for 253 yards against Brigham Young, while junior linebacker Kirk Morrison was the defensive player of the week following his 14-tackle performance in the win over Wyoming. Morrison's counterpart, sophomore Matt McCoy, garnered his first career weekly honor with eight tackles and two caused fumbles versus UNLV.
SDSU finished its 2003 campaign 6-6 overall and 3-4 in conference action.