12/1/03
Cedric Benson, Nathan Vasher Big 12 and UT Offensive, Defensive Players of the Week
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Cedric
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Nathan
Vasher |
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David
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AUSTIN, Texas -- University of Texas junior RB Cedric Benson (Midland, Texas) and senior CB Nathan Vasher (Texarkana, Texas) were named the Big 12 Conference's Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week, respectively, following Texas' 46-15 win at Texas A&M, the league office announced on Monday. Benson rushed for career highs of 283 yards (No. 4 on UT's single-game list) and four touchdowns in the contest. The 283 yards are the second-highest single-game total in NCAA Division I-A this season (291 - Brad Smith, Missouri), and the most ever surrendered by Texas A&M to an opposing running back. It marked his fifth-consecutive 100-yard rushing performance and increased his season total to six 100-yard rushing games (No. 8 on the UT single-season chart). Benson's effort was his third 200-yard game (T-No. 3 on the UT all-time list) of his career. The four rushing touchdowns give Benson 44 for his career, putting him alone in second place on UT's career list, moving past Earl Campbell (40). Benson upped his season rushing total to 1,277 yards (No. 7 on the UT all-time season list) and currently leads the nation in scoring at 11.64 points per game and ranks 13th in rushing (116.1 ypg).
The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Week honor marks the second time this season Benson has earned the award with the previous occasion following a 174-yard, three-touchdown effort versus No. 12 Nebraska on Nov. 1.
Vasher made history of his own by intercepting the 17th pass of his career, which ties him with Noble Doss for the UT career record. The mark was Texas' longest-standing record, dating back 62 years to 1941. The interception came in the end zone midway through the third quarter with the Aggies driving and attempting to cut into the Longhorns 28-15 lead. It was Vasher's sixth interception of the season (T-No. 6 on the UT all-time single-season chart). He also posted two tackles and his 23rd pass breakup of the season (No. 2 on the UT all-time single-season list) in the game.
For their efforts, both Benson and Vasher also earned team honors. Benson was named UT's Darrell K Royal Offensive Player of the Week for the third time this season, while Vasher was tabbed the Mike Campbell Defensive Player of the Week for the second time in 2003.
Sophomore PK David Pino (Wichita Falls, Texas) rounded out the team awards by converting the first field goal attempt (20 yards) of his career and all three of his extra point attempts to earn Frank Denius Special Teams Player of the Week honors. Pino was called to duty when starter Dusty Mangum was sidelined with a leg injury.
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