DENVER -----San Jose State defensive back Bené Benwikere, Louisiana Tech running back Kenneth Dixon and New Mexico State punter Cayle Chapman-Brown were named the Western Athletic Conference offensive, defensive and special teams players of the week, respectively.

Benwikere, a junior from Los Angeles, Calif. (Serra HS), made six tackles (5 solo), including two for a loss, in the Spartans' 47-7 win at New Mexico State.  Benwikere also intercepted a pass and returned a fumble 37 yards for a touchdown, the second straight game that he has scored a defensive touchdown.  He has picked off a pass in three of his last four games.

For Benwikere, it is the second time since October 20 that he is the WAC Defensive Player of the Week.

Dixon, a freshman from Strong, Ark. (Strong HS), rushed for 144 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries and added two catches for 14 yards and a fifth touchdown in Louisiana Tech's 62-55 win at Texas State.  Dixon set new WAC and NCAA season records for most touchdowns scored by a freshman with 25, most rushing touchdowns by a freshman with 24, and most points scored by a freshman with 150.  The previous records were held by San Diego State's Marshall Faulk (1991).

Chapman-Brown, a junior from Sydney, Australia (Snow College), punted seven times for 356 yards, a 50.9-yard average in the game against San Jose State.  He had two punts downed inside the 20-yard line and had a long of 61 yards.

Others nominated on offense: junior quarterback David Fales, San Jose State; and junior running back Evans Okotcha, UTSA.

Also nominated on defense: sophomore linebacker Mike Schrang, Louisiana Tech; and senior linebacker Brandon Reeves, UTSA.

Other special teams nominations included: senior placekicker Matt Nelson, Louisiana Tech.

-WAC-