McFadden Named the USA Today Player of the Week

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas tailback Darren McFadden has been named the USA Today Player of the Week it was announced by the national publication. McFadden rushed for 145 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries in the Razorbacks’ 27-10 upset of No. 2 Auburn last weekend.

The Little Rock, Ark., native scored his fourth rushing touchdown of the season when he raced 63 yards for a score in the second quarter. It was the first rushing touchdown and the longest rushing play allowed by the Auburn defense this season. It was McFadden’s third 100-yard rushing game of the season and the eighth such outing in 16 career games moving him into a tie for 11th on the school record list.

McFadden recorded nine runs of four yards or more and six runs of six yards or more against the Tigers. He leads the Southeastern Conference and ranks 12th in the nation with an average of 110.8 yards per game.

“Darren had an outstanding game against Auburn,” Arkansas head coach Houston Nutt said. “He has worked extremely hard to get back on the field since his injury. Our offensive line did a great job providing running room for both Darren and Felix Jones. It was a great team effort.”

Each week during the season, readers select their pick for USA Today’s Player of the Week. A fan vote comprises one-third of the award with votes also going to USA Today college football editor Erick Smith and Gannett columnist Mike Lopresti.

McFadden won the award with the support of fan balloting and a vote from Smith. Other nominees for the award this week included Clemson defensive end Gaines Adams, New Hampshire wide receiver David Ball, California receiver DeSean Jackson and Texas cornerback Aaron Ross.

In addition, McFadden and the Razorbacks are featured in Wednesday’s edition of USA Today.