TUCSON, Ariz. – The University of Arizona football coaching staff on Sunday announced its weekly honors following Saturday’s 38-31 come-from-behind victory at Colorado. The win improved Arizona to 5-2 on the season and evened its conference mark to 2-2 in Pac-12 play.
Senior running back Jared Baker, in his first career start, totaled 247 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns to earn Offensive Player of the Week honors as he sparked the offense to its second-straight 600-yard performance. Baker, who gained 207 yards on the ground and 40 yards through the air, scored on a 79-yard run in the first quarter to highlight his 23 carries. In the fourth quarter, Baker added a 45-yard rushing score to tie the game, then hauled in a 25-yard reception for the go-ahead touchdown in the final period.
Senior defensive lineman Reggie Gilbert garnered the team’s Defensive Player of the Week award. Gilbert totaled four tackles, including one for loss, while he was instrumental in limiting the Buffaloes to 3.0 yards per carry on 43 total tries. Gilbert and the defense stepped up in the second half, forcing five consecutive punts after the Wildcats fell behind 24-17 early in the third quarter. The defensive effort bought time for the Wildcats’ offense to find its rhythm in the fourth quarter to secure the comeback
Scout Team Player of the Week honors went to freshman lineman Cody Creason (offense), freshman defensive back Samir Hinn (defense) and freshman safety Anthony Marsical (special teams).
The team’s Hard Edge Player of the Week was shared by junior receiver Nate Phillips and senior quarterback Jerrard Randall, while sophomore offensive lineman Jacob Alsadek was named the Student of the Week.
Arizona returns to Arizona Stadium to host the annual Homecoming game this Saturday, Oct. 24, with a visiting from the Washington State Cougars (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12). Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. (MST) with a live television broadcast on Pac-12 Networks.
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