THIS IS A WEEKLY COLUMN WHERE WE GIVE OUT AWARDS TO THE BEST (AND WORST) PERFORMANCES OF THE WEEK IN THE BIG 12.
Week 4 was far and away the best weekend of the season for the Big 12. Big 12 teams went 4-0 against out-of-conference opponents (granted three of these wins were against high school teams), and Baylor beat Oklahoma State which means all is right in the world. With only six teams in action, the candidates for this week’s Golden Bench Awards were limited in number but certainly not in ability. Let’s see who brought home the hardware this weekend.
Eric Taylor Coach of the Week – Dana Holgorsen (West Virginia)
West Virginia might be legit, you guys. The Mountaineers faced their first real test of the season against BYU this weekend, and they passed with flying colors. WVU was able to keep their composure and withstand a late game surge by BYU to escape with a 35-32 win. In a season where the Big 12 has not fared particularly well in non-conference play, this W by Holgorsen and helps boost the conference’s street credit by just a little bit.
Mike Leach Offensive Player of the Week – Ishmael Zamora (WR-Baylor)
Zamora was on fire in his first game following a three-game suspension to start the season. He hauled in 8 receptions for 175 yards and two touchdowns. He also pulled the biggest power move of the season to date when he pointed at Oklahoma State’s Tre Flowers on his way into the endzone.
Zamora’s strong performance was much needed as KD Cannon, who had been Seth Russell’s go-to guy the first three weeks, had what I’ll graciously call an off day. If Baylor can get Zamora and Cannon both firing on all cylinders, they have the potential to be deadly this season.
Brian Bosworth Defensive Player of the Week – Rasul Douglas (CB-West Virginia)
Douglas blew the game open for West Virginia with a 54-yard pick-six in the closing minutes of the first half. Douglas’ score gave the Mountaineers a 21-10 lead. The Mountaineers’ secondary was everywhere Saturday as they intercepted BYU’s Taysom Hill three times. Look for more of the same from Douglas and company this weekend against a Kansas State offense that is not known for explosivity.
J.D. McCoy Freshman of the Week – Deshaunte Jones (WR-Iowa State)
Jones outscored San Jose State’s entire team by himself. The true freshman posted three catches for 78 yards and two touchdowns. Most importantly, Jones helped the Cyclones find their way into the win column for the first time this season. This win should serve as a good morale booster for ISU before they get obliterated on their home field by Baylor next weekend.
Kentucky Deluxe Bottom Shelf Performance of the Week – Tony Nicholson (PR-Baylor)
Nicholson made one of the worst special teams plays of all time in the first quarter against Oklahoma State. He began his masterpiece by electing to field a punt at the 4 yard-line with seven defenders bearing down on him instead of letting the ball roll into the end zone for a touchback. Nicholson then proceeded to run back to the 1 and fumble to give the Cowboys the ball at the 4. Deion Sanders is rolling over in his grave. Well done.
That wraps up this week’s awards. Stay tuned every Monday throughout the season to find out which Big 12 standouts brought home the coveted Golden Bench.