WVU Briefs

Slaton, Lorello win Big East awards

MORGANTOWN — West Virginia University’s Steve Slaton and Mike Lorello earned two of the three weekly Big East awards Monday.

Slaton, the sensational true freshman tailback, is the conference’s offensive player of the week and Lorello, outstanding senior safety, the defensive player of the week.

Both were standouts in the Mountaineers’ 46-44 triple-overtime upset of favored Louisville here last Saturday.

Corey Barnes of Rutgers was selected the special teams player of the week.

Slaton set a school record and tied a Big East mark by scoring six touchdowns. His 36 points also tied a league record.

He rushed for 188 yards and five scores and also caught a 24-yard touchdown pass to spark WVU’s rally from a 24-7 fourth-quarter deficit.

Lorello logged a season-high 11 tackles, including six solo stops and one tackle for loss, in that tremendous triumph. He also broke up three passes and came up with an interception.

In Rutgers’ 31-9 win at Syracuse, Barnes scored two touchdowns, one on a blocked punt that he returned 16 yards. On defense, he returned a fumble 26 yards for a TD.

Meanwhile, WVU coaches named these weekly team award winners:

Slaton, offensive champion; Lorello, defensive champion; and holder Tim Lindsey, special teams champion.

Aaron Meckstroth received the hammer award.

Scout team champions included Matt Ameri (offense), Quintin Andrews (defense), and Scott Macerelli (special teams).



WVU’s Magee earns coaching award

MORGANTOWN – Calvin Magee, West Virginia’s football offensive coordinator, received a national honor Monday.

He was selected by Master Coaches Survey as recipient of a “MCS Game Ball” for his role in the Mountaineers’ 46-44 triple-overtime win against favored Louisville.

Mark Banker of Oregon State was chosen defensive coordinator of the week.

MCS also honors three players each week. In addition, it ranks teams and lists WVU as No. 25.