BeaverBlitz.com - Elite 8 from the Utah Victory

October 23, 2012

Angie Machado
BeaverBlitz.com Publisher

Untitled Document

It is time once again for the BeaverBlitz.com ELITE 8. We review the film and recognize our eight top performers for the week. Listed in alphabetical order, here is this week's list from the Utah victory.

	SCOTT CRICHTON The Beaver defense seems extra motivated when they play in front of the home crowd inside Reser Stadium. Scott Crichton once again showed why he's one of the best in the conference with nine tackles, one and a half tackles for loss and a fumble recovery against the Utes. He is averaging 2.09 TFL/game which leads the PAC 12 and is tied for second in the nation.
	MICHAEL DOCTOR Michael Doctor had a huge day against Utah with a team leading 10 tackles, including one for loss and an interception that set up the Beavers first score. The junior is currently tied leading the team in tackles this season with 37. His transformation has been big this season and he has settled into his starting role.
	RUDOLF FIFITA Fifita may not garner the accolades of some of the other players on defense, but he has been instrumental on many big plays throughout the year. While Wynn and Crichton are the starters, Fifita comes in and plays substantial minutes in reserve and when the Beavers go to their nickel package. He had a big sack against Utah and forced a fumble.
	RYAN MURPHY There may not be a bigger hitter on the team than Ryan Murphy. His hit on the punt returner late in the game could almost be felt. The entire game he played inspired and his presence was especially felt on special teams all night. He continues to improve game by game...and guess what Beaver Nation, he's only a sophomore.
	RASHAAD REYNOLDS Rashaad has quietly become one of the top corners in the conference. For the fourth time this season (we're only six games in...) he earned a share of the Giant Killer Award as the unit's top defender according to BeaverBlitz. Seven tackles and three break-ups will do that. He currently ranks third in the nation for pass break-ups.
	CODY VAZ Why the play calling went completely vanilla, Vaz managed the game well and did what he could with the plays that were called. Utah's defense was very physical and he didn't have as much time as he did against BYU, but he still led the team on the fourth quarter drive to seal the game for the Beavers and he didn't throw any interceptions.
	STORM WOODS Three touchdowns. Sure his rushing yards weren't off the charts, but he scored all three of the Beavers scores which is enough to land him on this week's Ellite 8 list. He was also able to shine in front of mentors James and Jacquizz Rodgers who were on hand for the Homecoming festivities.
	DYLAN WYNN Eight tackles and a fumble recovery for Wynn, who now has six fumble recoveries for his short career. What did Dylan say to the media on Saturday night? That he should have been able to scoop it up and return it for a score. Wynn is a fan favorite. He never stops and his intensity is contagious. He had a big game against Utah's physical line and helped to lead the Beavs to their sixth straight victory.