Sept. 20, 2004
COLORADO SPRINGS - San Diego State junior linebacker Matt McCoy has been named the Mountain West Conference defensive player of the week for his efforts in the Aztecs' 24-21 loss at 17th-ranked Michigan on Saturday.
McCoy (Tustin, Calif.) had a career-best 18 tackles, including 17 solo tackles, against the Wolverines. McCoy's 18 tackles at Michigan were the most by an Aztec since Marviel Underwood recorded 18 in the 2002 win over Air Force. McCoy, a 2004 Butkus Award candidate, also had one tackle for a loss (three yards).
Through two games, McCoy leads SDSU with 25 tackles, including 23 solo stops. McCoy also leads the MWC in tackles in 2004 with 12.5 stops per game.
Last season, McCoy was named MWC player of the week for the week of Nov. 10, when he had eight tackles and forced two fumbles in a 7-0 Aztec victory over UNLV.
McCoy earned second-team all-MWC honors in 2003, after leading the conference in tackles (125) and tackles per game (10.4). McCoy reached double-figures in tackles six times a year ago, including 16 against league foes Colorado State and Air Force.
SDSU, winner of three straight home games, returns to Qualcomm Stadium when it plays host to Nevada at 6 p.m. Saturday.