Colorado Springs, Colo.‹Kevin McDougal (Colorado State), Kautai Olevao (Utah) and Corey Nelson (Air Force) were named Mountain West Conference Players of the Week for their performances on the football field last weekend. McDougal earns MWC honors for the second time this season, while Olevao and Nelson earn their first MWC awards.
Kevin McDougal, Colorado State, QB, Senior (MWC Offensive Player of the Week)
Kevin McDougal rushed for 200 yards and a touchdown and threw for another as CSU ended a two-game losing streak to its arch-rival, defeating Air Force 41-21. McDougal raised his conference-leading rushing total to 1,051 yards and set up three touchdowns with runs of 66, 22 and 34 yards. The Rams (7-3, 4-2) play at UNLV (3-7, 1-5) this Saturday and can finish the season with a share of the league title if they are victorious. CSU will be awaiting the news on a potential bowl bid and could finish the season with five consecutive wins.
Kautai Olevao, Utah, LB, Junior (MWC Defensive Player of the Week)
Kautai Olevao had eight tackles, including six unassisted and two tackles for loss (18 yards) and one interception in the Utes' 20-17 win over BYU at Cougar Stadium to claim a share of the MWC title. Olevao was instrumental in holding BYU to just 20 yards rushing on the day and a season-low 17 points. Utah (8-3, 5-2) closed the regular season last Saturday and will wait another week for bowl selection announcements.
Corey Nelson, Air Force, OLB, Junior (MWC Special Teams Player of the Week)
Corey Nelson blocked two kicks, including a blocked punt which was returned for a touchdown. Nelson was the first Air Force player to block two kicks in a game since Tim Curry blocked two punts in a game in 1998. Air Force (6-4, 2-4) will close the season at New Mexico (3-7, 2-4) on Saturday.
