#1 Star: Jacoby Ellsbury, Boston Red Sox
Alma Mater: Oregon State
Stats (9/15 – 9/21): 6 Runs, 2 Home Runs, 8 RBIs, 2 SBs, .387 BA

The Boston Red Sox got another solid performance from another Pac-10 player this week in Jacoby Ellsbury. The Red Sox leadoff batter got hits in all seven games during the week which included four multi-hit games. Ellsbury also scored runs in four different games, and had at least one RBI in four games as well.

On September 20th, Ellsbury put together his best game of the week going 3 for 4 with two runs, a double, a HR, three RBIs and his 63rd SB of the year. The Boston Red Sox went 5 – 2 during this stretch, and with strong play from the top of the lineup they look to be a big force in the AL Playoff picture again this year.

#2 Star: Sabby Piscitelli, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Alma Mater: Oregon State
Stats (9/20): 9 Tackles, 1 Interception, 1 Fumble Recovery, 1 Pass Deflection

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have started the season 0 – 2, but one of the bright spots has been second year safety Sabby Piscitelli. In Tampa Bay’s week two loss to Buffalo, Piscitelli had nine tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection.

Piscitelli’s fumble recovery was recovered at his own 20 yd line where he ran for 72 yds to the Bills eight yard line. This resulted in one of the three scores for the Bucs, and if he can continue to make big plays like that the Bucs should be able to start putting some wins together. Piscitelli has 17 tackles over his first two games and looks to be a real threat this year in the Bucs secondary.

#3 Star: Steve Smith, New York Giants
Alma Mater: USC
Stats (9/20): 10 Receptions for 134 Yds, 1 Touchdown

In the home opener of Jerry Jones $1.15 billion stadium, with 105,121 fans in attendance, the New York Giants narrowly edged out the Dallas Cowboys in a game that saw eight lead changes. The Giants did it through the air with Eli Manning spreading the ball mainly to Steve Smith and Mario Manningham.

Smith caught 10 passes for 134 yds (13.4 avg) and 1 TD.  When the game was on the line and the Giants were down by 1, Eli Manning connected with Steve Smith three times, all for first downs. The Giants were able to finish off the amazing drive with a field goal and won the game 33 – 31.

Steve Smith has become one of Manning’s favorite targets, and is tied for the lead in receiving yards on the season with 214. He is evolving into a premier wide receiver in the NFL.

Honorable Mentions:

Washington State’s Erik Coleman (9 tackles)
Arizona State’s Andre Ethier (6 Runs, 3 HRs, 7 RBIs, .292 BA)
Cal’s DeSean Jackson (3 Rushes for 15 Yds, 4 Receptions for 101 Yds, 1 TD)
Oregon State’s Steven Jackson (17 Rushes for 104 Yds, 4 Receptions for 15 Yds)
Oregon State’s Chad Ochocinco (4 Receptions for 91 Yds, 1 TD)