Stewart, Arellano earn weekly honors

PROVO, Utah – BYU quarterback Christian Stewart, Navy defensive lineman Will Anthony and BYU punter Scott Arellano have been named FBS Independent Players of the Week for the week ending on Saturday, Nov. 29. Stewart is recognized on offense, Anthony is honored on defense, and Arellano is citied on special teams. It is Arellano’s sixth career honor, while Stewart and Anthony are first-time honorees.

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

BYU QB Christian Stewart

A senior from Orem, Utah, Stewart completed 23 of 38 passes for career highs of 433 yards and five touchdowns in BYU’s 42-35 win at California. Since taking over during the fifth game of the season for injured starter Taysom Hill, Stewart has thrown for 22 touchdowns—the highest single-season tally since Max Hall’s 33 passing scores in 2009. Stewart has recorded 300-plus passing yards in four of his seven starts and has thrown for multiple touchdowns in six starts. Stewart will now lead BYU into the Miami Beach Bowl—the Cougars’ 10th consecutive bowl appearance. 

Stewart also received College Sports Madness Independent Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Cal.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Navy DL Will Anthony

A junior from Jacksonville, Florida, Anthony set career highs with 12 tackles, seven solo takedowns and 2.5 tackles for loss, and recorded his first career unassisted sack in Navy's 42-40 victory at South Alabama. With the win, Navy became bowl eligible for the 11th time in the last 12 years and will play in the San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

BYU P Scott Arellano

A senior from Santa Ynez, California, Arellano averaged 47.2 yards per punt on four kicks, with two punts of 50-plus yards and three placed inside the 20-yard line in BYU’s 42-35 win at California. On the year Arellano has 21 punts of 50 or more yards and 26 of his 60 kicks have been downed inside the 20, for a 43.3% inside-the-20 placement rate. Named a Ray Guy Award semifinalist, Arellano ranks ninth in FBS punt average at 44.78 yards.

Arellano also earned CFPA Honorable Mention Punter of the Week honors for his performance against Cal.

The FBS Independent Players of the Week are selected by members of a nationwide media panel, which includes equal representation from each of the independent institutions’ coverage markets.