Oct. 22, 2007

After rushing for more than 300 yards for the second time this season, Tulane senior RB Matt Forte' was a unanimous selection as the Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week. The Defensive Player of the Week award was shared by Houston senior safety Rocky Schwartz and UCF freshman defensive end Bruce Miller who both made big plays to lead their teams to wins. Special Teams recognition went to Memphis sophomore K Matt Reagan, who hit three field goals and scored 12 points in the Tigers win at Rice.

Forté set Tulane and Conference USA records with 342 yards rushing while scoring four touchdowns on 38 carries in the Green Wave's 41-34 overtime victory over SMU. Forté had two nine-yard touchdown runs (including the game-winner in overtime), a five-yard scoring jaunt in the fourth quarter and a career-long 77-yard touchdown sprint in the second quarter. In addition to setting the Tulane and C-USA rushing record for the second time this season on Saturday, Forté also became just the third player in school history to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing barrier and now has 1,261 yards through seven games. He ranks first among NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision players in rushing yards and rushing yards per game (180.14). Forté moved into second place on the Tulane single-season rushing list and is on pace to shatter Mewelde Moore's school record of 1,421 (in 2001) by over 700 yards.

Schwartz was the early statement-maker, as the Cougars shut down the UAB offensive attack in allowing only 224 yards of total offense, including just 26 on the ground. With UAB poised to increase its early lead and positioned inside the red zone, Schwartz made his first of two interceptions, picking off a Sam Hunt pass in the end zone and returning it 34 yards to set up the Cougars first touchdown. Then, in the second quarter, Schwartz again picked off Hunt and returned the interception 21 yards to set up another UH touchdown. Schwartz also recorded three tackles in the game.

Miller posted a career-high nine tackles and two sacks as the UCF defense limited the Tulsa offense (ranked No. 2 in the country in total offense prior to the game) to a season-low 379 yards in a 44-23 victory. Miller added a forced fumble and a quarterback hurry as the UCF defense caused Tulsa to turn the ball over a season-high four times. Eight of Miller's nine tackles were solo efforts as he became the first Knight to register multiple sacks in a game this season.

Reagan converted three of his four field goal attempts and was 3-for-3 on PATs to add 12 points in the 38-35 win over Rice on the road. Reagan's missed FG was from 47 yards out, but he converted two kicks of 22 yards and one of 24 yards. His three FGs marked the second time in three games that Reagan has booted three or more field goals. His 12 points was a career high, as he continues to lead the Tigers in scoring with 38 points.