Apparently, the North Central Conference office prefers selecting co-offensive players of the week, rather than growing a pair and choosing one honoree.
After rushing for 260 yards and three touchdowns, USD running back Amos Allen was named the NCC Co-Offensive Player of the Week — sharing the award with Nebraska-Omaha QB Zach Miller.
Don’t get me wrong, I love the NCC. I’ll miss the conference when it’s gone. But for whatever reason, the people making these kinds of decisions can never seem to decide on one player. Is it because they’re afraid to upset people? (I’d say yes) Or because no player distanced themselves from everyone else?
Allen, the nation’s leading rusher and odds-on favorite to win the Harlon Hill Trophy, scored a 63-yard touchdown in USD’s 38-17 win over Augustana. He also added scoring runs of 23 and 22 yards. For the season, Allen has now rushed for 1,469 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Miller rushed for 124 yards and one touchdown, while passing for 218 yards and three touchdowns. All total, he amassed 342 yards of total offense and four touchdowns. Impressive.
But consider this: UNO’s opponent last Saturday (Western Washington) is last in the conference in total defense, rushing defense and total points allowed. Now, I’m not saying Augustana is some superior defense powerhouse, but the truth is, Allen’s output came against a somewhat tougher defense on the road.
And you could argue Zach Miller’s performance wasn’t even tops on his own team. UNO running back Nate Wurth rushed for 179 yards and three touchdowns. But Wurth scored two touchdowns in the fourth quarter when the game was still relatively close.
But back to real issue: The NCC should just pick one person and stick with it. For its offensive players of the week, the NCC has had co-honorees FOUR times out of NINE weeks. And on defense, it’s had co-honorees FOUR times out of NINE weeks.
It may sound like I’m being nit-picky with the NCC, but trust me, I’m not alone on this. Coaches have voiced similar complaints. But other than that, good work NCC.
- - Jeremy Hoeck
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