Staley Named MWC Player of the Week

COLORADO SPRINGS -- BYU junior running back Luke Staley was named the Mountain West Offensive Player of the Week after pacing BYU (9-0, 5-0) to a 56-34 victory over Colorado State on Thursday.

Staley finished the game with five touchdowns carries, marking the second time this season the 6-foot-1, 225-pound speedster has equaled the BYU single-game touchdown scoring record.

His performance also marks his 12th career multiple-scoring game of his career. Staley has tallied at least one touchdown in 20-of-27 career games. On the season, Staley has scored a single-season school record 22 touchdowns, and on Thursday surpassed the BYU career touchdown record with his 42nd career TD. Staley also became BYU's all-time leading scorer (non-kicker), having chalked up 252 career points. Staley is averaging a nation's leading 16.5 points per game.

Staley, a native of Tualatin, Ore., racked up 196 yards rushing on 22 carries against the Rams, averaging an astounding 8.9 yards per touch. Staley surpassed the 1,000-yard rushing mark on Thursday, marking only the seventh 1,000 yard rushing performance in a single season at BYU. Staley has amassed 1,092 yards on the season, averaging a nation's best 9.1 yards per carry.

This is the second time this season Staley has earned Player-of-the-Week honors and the fifth time a BYU player has been recognized by the league this season.

Game Highlights:

• 5 rushing touchdowns

• 196 yards rushing on 22 carries

• Averaged 8.9 yards per carry

• Scored 30 of BYU's 56 points (.546)