Novak Named ACC Specialist of the Week
11/3/2003 7:00:00 AM | Football
Nov. 3, 2003
COLLEGE PARK, Md. - University of Maryland placekicker Nick Novak was named Atlantic Coast Conference specialist of the week for his play in the Terrapins' 59-21 homecoming win over UNC. It was the third time this season that Novak has earned the honor.
The Charlottesville native tallied 15 points in last weekend's game. He was 3-of-3 on field goals (24, 20, 46) and 6-of-6 on extra points. Almost as impressively, the 6-0, 189-pounder also had nine of 11 kickoffs go for touchbacks.
Novak's 15 points gave him 293 points for his career, moving him into second on the Maryland career chart for points scored, passing RB Rick Badanjek (1982-85). Novak currently leads the ACC and is sixth nationally in field goals, averaging 2.0 per game.
Below are the league's other players of the week:
OFFENSIVE BACK
Philip Rivers (NC State) completed 29 of 34 passes, including his first 17 straight, for 410 passing yards with four touchdowns and no interceptions to lead NC State over Virginia 51-37.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Mark Moroz (Wake Forest) was in on 61 of the Demon Deacons' 67 offensive snaps in Wake's 45-17 win over Clemson. He graded out at a team-best 90 percent with no missed assignments.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Matt Zielinski (Duke) led the Blue Devils with nine total tackles in 23-6 loss to Tennessee. The 6-3, 290-pound senior had four tackles for loss and two quarterback sacks, in addition to adding two quarterback pressures.
DEFENSIVE BACK
Leroy Smith (FSU) made his second start of the season and had a 90-yard INT for a touchdown in the Seminoles' 37-0 win at Notre Dame. The corner back finished the game with two tackles (one solo), two pass break-ups and a third down stop.
ROOKIE
Jyles Tucker (Wake Forest) scored a defensive touchdown, stripping the ball out of Charlie Whitehurst's hands and returning it 12 yards for the TD - getting credit for the forced fumble and recovered fumble as well. In addition, Tucker finished the day with two solo tackles, a pass break-up and a quarterback pressure.
