COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Dakota Cox and Jason Sanders were honored by the Mountain West as the league’s Defensive and Special Teams Player of the Week, announced league officials on Monday. The honor is the second of Cox’s career, and the first for Sanders.
It was nearly a sweep, but the Offensive Player of the Week went to Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen.
Cox had his best day since injuring his knee against Boise State in 2014, racking up 14 tackles, nine of which were solos. Of his 14 tackles, two were for losses and two were for no gain. He also added a forced fumble on a sack and a diving interception. Both of his forced turnovers came in the second half and led to 10 second half points.
The sack/fumble thwarted South Dakota’s opening second half drive and led to a UNM field goal. The interception came on the opening play of the fourth quarter, and UNM cashed in with a touchdown on it. Overall, Cox helped lead a defense that allowed just 158 yards over the final 11 drives of the game, keeping USD scoreless on 10 of those.
For Sanders, he was perfect on the night in tying a career-high with 12 points. He went 6-for-6 on extra points and 2-for-2 on field goals, hitting from 27 and 22 yards out. He also had eight touchbacks on nine kickoffs, with the only returned kick going for just 13 yards. Sanders’ 12 points equaled the 12 he scored last year against Mississippi Valley State, a game in which he went 9-for-9 on extra points.
Ironically, Cox’s only other Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week honor came two years ago after a career night against New Mexico State, which is UNM’s opponent this week.
Cox, Sanders Earn MW Player of Week Honors
