Pac-10 Pros Three Stars of the Week: Steve Smith, Brandon Morrow, Aaron Rodgers
#1 Star: Steve Smith, New York Giants
Alma Mater: USC
Stats (10/4): 11 Receptions for 134 Yds, 2 Touchdowns
Over the last few years, it hasn’t been uncommon to see a wide receiver by the name of Steve Smith near the top of the league in productivity.
But this year it hasn’t been the Carolina Panthers veteran; it’s been Steve Smith of the New York Giants, who once again led the Giants to victory with his league-high 11 catches for 134 yards (12.2 yd avg) and two touchdowns.
Smith leads the league in receptions (34), yards (411), and touchdowns (4) on the year as well, and if Eli Manning can continue to hook up with him on a regular basis the Giants (4 – 0) will be extremely hard to beat this year.
#2 Star: Brandon Morrow, Seattle Mariners
Alma Mater: Cal
Stats (9/30): 8 IP, 1 Win, 1 Hit, 2 Walks, 0.00 ERA, 0.38 WHIP, 9 Ks
In a what has been a frustrating year for Brandon Morrow (injuries and switching to a starter), Brandon Morrow showed signs of how dominating he can be when healthy.
Against the Oakland A’s, Morrow started off by retiring the first 10 batters he faced, five by strikeout. After giving up his lone hit of the night, he went on to retire another 13 straight with four more strikeouts before walking two straight batters. He got out of the eighth inning untouched, finishing up an outstanding effort.
Hopefully Friday’s start was just a sign of things to come for Brandon Morrow and the Mariners.
#3 Star: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers
Alma Mater: Cal
Stats (10/5): 26/37, 384 Yds, 2 TDs, 1 INT, 2 Rushes for 16 Yds
In the highly anticipated showdown between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings, both quarterbacks lived up to expectations.
Under constant pressure the entire game (8 sacks), Rodgers was still able to have an amazing game through the air, throwing for more yards than any other QB in Week 4 with 384 on 26 – 37 passing. Rodgers also threw for two touchdowns and had one interception.
Although the Packers ended up losing the game, I believe that Aaron Rodgers gained a lot of respect from his teammates for his resilient performance, and that the Packers will be a tough team to play the remainder of the year.
Honorable Mentions:
UCLA’s Eric Byrnes (2 Runs, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs, 1 SB, .400 BA)
UCLA’s Brandon Chillar (10 Tackles)
Oregon State’s TJ Houshmandzadeh (8 Receptions for 103 Yards)
USC’s Clay Matthews (3 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Fumble Recovery for 42 yds and a TD)
Arizona’s Antonio Pierce (7 Tackles, 1 Forced Fumble)
Arizona State’s Terrell Suggs (6 Tackles, 1 Sack, 1 Forced Fumble, 1 Pass Deflection)
