Nevada running back leads NCAA in rushing and TDs; wins MWC honor

JAMM AQUINO / JAQUINO@STARADVERTISER.COM

Nevada's Stefphon Jefferson blew by Hawaii defender Mike Sellers during the first half action against the UH Warriors on Saturday.

Stefphon Jefferson, who tied an NCAA record with seven touchdowns in Nevada's 69-24 victory over Hawaii, was named Mountain West Conference co-offensive player of the week and Walter Camp National Offensive Player of the Week.

Jefferson shares the award with Wyoming quarterback Brett Smith who threw five touchdown passes in the Cowboys' 40-37 win over Idaho.

Jefferson picked up six touchdowns and 170 yards rushing and also caught a touchdown pass.

The seven-touchdown record is shared with Arnold "Showboat" Boykin, Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, Dec. 1, 1951; Marshall Faulk, San Diego State vs. Pacific, Sept. 14, 1991; and Rashaun Woods, Oklahoma State vs. SMU, Sept. 20, 2003.

Jefferson leads the nation in both rushing and scoring, averaging 174.8 yards and three touchdowns a game.

The junior running back from Visalia, Calif., tied an NCAA record with seven touchdowns in Nevada's 69-24 victory at Hawaii on Saturday to bring his season total to 12 through the first four games. He also broke the Mountain West Conference touchdown record in Nevada's first game in the league.

Jefferson is averaging 5.7 yards a carry (122 for 699).