Allen, Starks Earn ACC Honors
11/17/2003 7:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 17, 2003
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland football players Josh Allen and Randy Starks were named ACC Players of the Week at their respective positions for their efforts in last week's 27-17 win over Virginia. Allen shared the honor of Offensive Back of the Week with NC State's Philip Rivers while Starks was named Defensive Lineman of the Week.
Allen posted the 11th-best rushing day in ACC history and third-best in Maryland history as he ran for 257 yards on 38 carries in the Terps' 27-17 win over Virginia. The 5-11, 206-pound sophomore's yardage total was tops in the ACC and the fifth-best effort in Division I-A this season. The tailback's attempt and yardage totals were both career highs, while he also tied a career high with a pair of touchdowns. His 200-yard performance marked the 14th such feat in school history.
He shared the honor with Rivers who led the Wolfpack with 449 yards of total offense and five touchdowns in a double overtime loss at No. 11 Florida State. Rivers completed 28-of-38 passes for 422 yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions.
Starks posted his most impressive performance of the season in the Terrapins 27-17 win over Virginia, overcoming double teams to lead the Terp defense. The 6-4, 312-pound junior made eight tackles (five unassisted) while adding three tackles for loss (for minus 11 yards) and a sack (minus 8). The defensive tackle's tackle total was second-highest on the team while his tackles for loss and sacks were the only tackles of the game behind the line of scrimmage for the Terrapins. Starks moved into the Maryland career top ten with his fourth quarter sack as he now has 15.5 in his career.
Below is a summary of the other players who earned ACC honors this week:
OFFENSIVE LINE
Ray Willis (FSU) led the offensive line with a grade of 93 percent in the Seminoles' 50-44 double-overtime win over NC State. The 6-6, 314-pound junior totaled nine intimidation blocks and added two "cut blocks" and had two key blocks on touchdown runs.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Reuben Houston (Georgia Tech) made three key defensive plays in the Yellow Jackets' 41-24 win over North Carolina with an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack. The 6-0, 195-pound cornerback also had eight tackles and a pass breakup. With the Jackets clinging to a 20-17 lead in the fourth quarter and North Carolina on the move into Tech territory, the redshirt sophomore's fumble recovery at the Tech 14-yard line preserved the lead.
SPECIALIST
Georgia Tech's Jonathan Smith (Argyle, Ga.) recorded three touchdowns in less than seven minutes of the fourth quarter in the Yellow Jackets' victory over North Carolina (41-24), including a 73-yard punt return for a touchdown. The 5-11, 185-pound wideout became the first player in Tech history to have a touchdown pass, a touchdown reception and touchdown return in the same game.
ROOKIE
Georgia Tech's Reggie Ball (Stone Mountain, Ga.) threw a season-best three touchdown passes to lead the Yellow Jackets' to a 41-24 victory over North Carolina. The 5-11, 192-pound freshman completed 13 of 25 passes for 122 yards and three scores and rushed 12 times for 53 yards to total 175 yards of total offense.
