Hoffman, Van Noy earn player of the week honors

Sophomore linebacker Kyle Van Noy and sophomore wide receiver Cody Hoffman were named FBS Independent players of the week Monday for their efforts against UCF.

The awards — in their inaugural season — is split between Army, Navy, Notre Dame and BYU players for their game-changing performances on offense, defense and special teams.

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Van Noy recorded eight tackles and his first sack of the season in Saturday’s win against UCF. He was also credited with a quarterback hurry and a pass deflection. Van Noy’s deflection resulted in an interception by BYU cornerback Joe Sampson, snuffing out a promising drive by UCF late in the game.

This is Van Noy’s second time being named player of the week. He was also awarded this honor after scoring a fourth quarter defensive touchdown against Ole Miss during Week 1.

Hoffman was given the award for his game-tying kickoff return for a touchdown late in the third quarter Saturday, and his total of 129 yards on kickoff returns.

On the play, Hoffman turned on his proverbial jets and was virtually untouched as he ran in the kickoff from 93 yards. It was the first Cougar special teams’ touchdown since wide receiver McKay Jacobson returned a punt for a touchdown versus Wyoming in 2006.