SPARTANBURG, S.C. - The Southern Conference named its football players of the week today for the games played on Saturday, October 2. Wofford's Eric Breitenstein was named the Offensive Player of the Week while Western Carolina's Adam Hearns earned Defensive Player of the Week honors. Western Carolina's Brandon Pechloff was selected as the Freshman of the Week, and Samford's Cameron Yaw was tabbed the Special Teams Player of the Week. The players of the week are selected by the league office.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Eric Breitenstein, Wofford, FB, Jr., Valle Crucis, N.C.
Breitenstein carried the ball 29 times for a career-high 230 yards and four touchdowns in Wofford's 38-17 victory over Furman. He became the first Wofford player to rush for over 200 yards since 1994 and his 230 yards was the eighth-highest single game rushing total in school history. Breitenstein's four touchdowns on the ground tied for the fifth highest single-game total at Wofford. He leads the nation in scoring (13.5 ppg) and ranks seventh in rushing (128.0 ypg).
Other Nominees: Terrell Dallas (The Citadel), Scott Riddle (Elon), Chris Evans (Samford) and Jacoby Mitchell (Western Carolina).
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Adam Hearns, Western Carolina, LB, Sr., Philadelphia, Pa.
Hearns led all players with a career-high 12 tackles in Western Carolina's 24-13 win at The Citadel. The senior was credited with eight solo stops and four assists and recorded one quarterback hurry. Hearns posted three tackles for loss that went for minus-9 yards. He took a direct snap on offense and ran five yards for a touchdown in the fourth quarter give the Catamounts a 24-13 cushion.
Other Nominees: Quintin Turner (The Citadel), Brandon Wiggins (Elon), Bryce Smith (Samford), and Ameet Pall (Wofford).
FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK: Brandon Pechloff, Western Carolina, QB, Fr., Glen Ellyn, Ill.
Pechloff made his first career start under center for the Catamounts and guided Western Carolina to a victory at The Citadel. He was 10-of-19 passing for 154 yards with two touchdowns. Pechloff tied his season-long with a 41-yard strike to tight end Andrew Rogers. He is the first true freshman quarterback to start a game for WCU since 1991.
Other Nominees: Kierre Brown (Elon), Fabian Truss (Samford) and James Zotto (Wofford).
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Cameron Yaw, Samford, PK, So., Trussville, Ala.
Yaw connected on both of his field goal attempts at Elon, including a career-long 48-yarder just before halftime. The sophomore added a 22-yard field goal in the third quarter and added an extra point against the Phoenix. Yaw kicked off five times for an average of 63.6 yards, including one touchback.
Other Nominees: Ryan Sellers (The Citadel), Christian Dennis (Elon), Blake Bostic (Western Carolina) and Christian Reed (Wofford).