Weekly Awards

John Beck (BYU), Evroy Thompson (New Mexico), and Matt Payne (BYU) net honors

BYU's John Beck tossed four TD passes in last week's win at Air Force.
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Oct. 25, 2004

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - John Beck (BYU), Evroy Thompson (New Mexico), and Matt Payne (BYU) were named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week. Beck claims Offensive Player of the Week, Thompson takes the Defensive honor, and Payne receives Special Teams recognition. Beck and Thompson earn the award for the first time in their respective careers, while Payne is recognized for the seventh time in his career and fourth time this season.

MWC Offensive Player of the Week
John Beck, BYU, Quarterback, Sophomore

Beck connected on 20-of-31 pass attempts for 319 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in a 41-24 victory over Air Force Saturday. After passing for just 83 yards in the first half, Beck led the Cougars to 38 second-half points, posting 236 yards passing and four touchdowns. Trailing 10-3 after the half, Beck connected with junior receiver Todd Watkins on a 70-yard strike on the second play of the third quarter to begin the second-half scoring. The game marked Beck's third 300-yard passing performance of the year.

MWC Defensive Player of the Week
Evroy Thompson, New Mexico, Defensive End, Junior
Thompson had a career-high seven tackles (four unassisted), including three tackles for loss and a nine-yard sack. He also caused a fumble in New Mexico's 19-9 victory over San Diego State. Thompson's effort helped limit the Aztecs to a minus-19 yards rushing and just 146 yards of total offense. SDSU came into the game averaging more than 400 yards a game.

MWC Special Teams Player of the Week
Matt Payne, BYU, Kicker/Punter, Senior

Payne extended his consecutive point-after streak, and set a BYU school record, with his 64th straight after making all five attempts in a 41-24 win at Air Force. In addition to his five PAT's, Payne connected on field goals from 23 and 53-yards. He is a perfect 4-for-4 from over 50 yards this season. Payne also executed a fake punt last in the game with BYU facing a fourth-and-three from the Air Force 45-yard line. After an audible, he ran for a first down on a 20-yard gain to keep the BYU drive alive. Five plays later, the Cougars scored to give the Cougars a 41-24 lead with 2:59 remaining in the game.