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Nick Bartlett’s SuperWest Week 1 Players of the Week

Picks for Players of the Week for Offense, Defense, Special Teams, and Off & Def Freshmen
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Washington's Michael Penix Jr. had a strong Husky debut throwing for 345 yards and four touchdowns. | Joe Nicholson/USA TODAY Sports

Posted on September 6, 2022


  By Nick Bartlett, SuperWest Sports
We’re going to be handling our CFB Player of the Week selections a little differently this year with the responsibility for making the selections falling squarely on my shoulders.

I’ll do my best to be objective each week, basing my picks on comparative performances and stats, but if you think I’m missing something, or maybe some bias has slipped in, feel free to let me know on Twitter.

These first few weeks are always a mixed bag, with teams playing a wide range of opponents, from Top 10 teams to perennial cupcakes.

Comparisons will be more clear-cut once conference play begins.

Here are my Week One picks for SuperWest Players of the Week for Offense, Defense, and Special Teams, as well as Offensive and Defensive Freshmen.

Offensive Player of the Week: Michael Penix Jr., Washington
Washington QB Michael Penix Jr. vs Kent State | Dean Rutz/The Seattle Times

Michael Penix Jr. had a strong Husky debut throwing for 345 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Washington tallied 45 points led by his strong play.

He also rushed the ball four times for 27 yards.

Defensive Player of the Week: Daiyan Henley, Washington State
WSU linebacker Daiyan Henley vs Idaho. | Zach Wilkinson/The Lewiston Tribune

Daiyan Henley finished the opener against Idaho with eight tackles, one sack, and the game-winning interception with 12 seconds left.

Offensive Freshman of the Week, Taylen Green, Boise State
BSU’s Taylen Green vs Ore St | Boise State Athletics

Boise State was getting killed by Oregon State until then-backup quarterback Taylen Green entered the contest.

Green proceeded to throw and run for over 100 yards, almost pulling the Broncos back into the matchup.

Defensive Freshman of the Week: Nate Burrell, California
Nate Burrell | ESPN

Burrell’s team won the game, he made a tackle, and he didn’t make any major mistakes.

Special Teams: Carter Brown, Arizona State
ASU kicker Carter Brown vs NAU | Christian Petersen/Getty Images

Carter Brown was 4/4 on the day kicking field goals including a long of 44.

Honorable Mention

Offensive: Jacob Cowing, Arizona

Defense: Jerry Roberts, Arizona

Special Teams: DJ Taylor, ASU



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