Nov. 23, 2009

WALNUT CREEK, Calif.--Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and holder Nate Costa of Oregon and linebacker Mike Mohamed of California have been named Pac-10 Players of the Week in football.

Masoli and Costa played key roles in Oregon's wild 44-41 double-overtime road win at Arizona.  Masoli, a junior from San Francisco, Calif., accounted for six touchdowns as he completed 26 of 47 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns and rushed 61 yards and three additional scores.  Masoli threw a touchdown pass with six seconds remaining to send the game into overtime and ran for the winning score in the second overtime.  Masoli directed the Ducks to 459 yards in total offense (175 rushing, 284 passing). 

Costa, a junior from Hilmar, Calif., is Masoli's backup at quarterback and the Ducks' holder on kicks.  After the game-tying touchdown with six seconds remaining in regulation, Costa dug out a low snap and got the ball set on the PAT that sent the game into overtime and kept the Ducks on track for the Rose Bowl. 

Mohamed, a junior from Brawley, Calif., keyed California's defense in the Golden Bears` 34-28 Big Game victory at Stanford.  Mohamed had a team-high 10 tackles, six solo, including 0.5 tackle for loss, and intercepted a pass at the 3-yard line with less than two minutes remaining in the game to preserve the win for California.  It is the second Pac-10 player of the week honor for Mohamed this season.  

Also nominated for offensive player of the week honors were running backs Shane Vereen of California, Chane Moline of UCLA, Jacquizz Rodgers of Oregon State and Toby Gerhart of Stanford and wide receiver Juron Criner of Arizona.  Also nominated on defense were tackle Brian Price of UCLA, linebackers David Pa'aluhi of Oregon State and Eddie Pleasant of Oregon and safety Delano Howell of Stanford.