CBSSports.com Players of the Week (Sept. 22): Don't leave Cooper open
Every Monday, we will highlight the best and brightest performances from the weekend with the CBSSports.com Players of the Week. The honors will run through the end of the regular season right up until the CBS Sports All-America Team in December. You can fill out a ballot and submit your All-America team now, and anytime during the season leading up to the official announcement.
Offensive Player of the Week: Alabama wide receiver Amari Cooper
The Amari Cooper-Vernon Hargreaves matchup was one of many reasons to tune in to Saturday's matchup, and those who did witnessed another chapter is what is shaping up to be a truly special junior season for the Crimson Tide wide receiver. Half of Cooper's ten receptions were against Florida's star cornerback, including an end zone fade for one of his three touchdown receptions. After just four games, Cooper has nearly suprassed last year's total for receptions and receiving yards has already started re-writing Alabama school records.
Defensive Player of the Week: ECU linebacker Zeek Bigger
Zeek Bigger had 17 tackles against North Carolina. (USATSI)
Lost in 70 points and 789 yards of offense (the most in school history) was an impressive performance by East Carolina's defense against North Carolina. The Tar Heels continued to pile on yards in garbage time, but the play of linebacker Zeek Bigger and a physical defensive front kept Larry Fedora's offense from ever getting into rhythm in the loss. Bigger had a career-high 17 tackles and returned an interception 46 yards for a touchdown in the win.
Specialist of the Week: Utah kicker Andy Phillips
Andy Phillips hit four field goals against Michigan. (USATSI)
Phillips joins Utah return specialist Kaelin Clay (who had a memorable return of his own against Michigan) as the second Ute to earn this award in 2014. A Lou Groza semifinalist in 2013, Phillips has been quiet so far this season but provided much-needed scoring for Utah in the 26-10 upset of Michigan in the Big House. Utah drives stalled frequently in scoring position, but Phillips delivered with field goals of 35, 38, 48 and 50 yards to give Utah a lead that would last through a lengthy delay and move the Utes to 3-0 on the season.
Freshman of the Week: Oklahoma running back Semaje Perine
Perine carried 34 times for 242 yards and four touchdowns. (USATSI)
With Keith Ford sidelined, Samaje "Tank" Perine lived up to his nickname with a dominant 242 yard, four touchdown performance in Oklahoma's 45-33 win on the road at West Virginia on Saturday night. The 243-pound freshman played the role of closer as OU's ground attack powered a 21-3 second have surge to put the Sooners ahead for good. Perine never slowed, maintaining a 7.1 yards per carry average over 34 touches, and his breakout is yet another reason for OU's status as the Big 12 frontrunner.
Previous CBSSports.com Players of the Week
Sept. 15: Shane Carden, Shaq Thompson, Cole Netten, Shaun Wilson
Sept. 8: Marcus Mariota, Leonard Williams, Trevor Moore, KD Cannon
Sept. 1: Todd Gurley, Eric Kendricks, Kaelin Clay, Marlon Mack
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