Andre Porter scored the touchdown UNLV’s offense could not get Saturday. On Monday, he was named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Week.
Kal-El Togafau also earned the conference’s Freshman of the Week award after recording six tackles, including one for a loss, in the Rebels’ 13-7 win over North Dakota State.
Porter intercepted Nathan Hayes in the first quarter and returned the ball 23 yards, putting the Bison behind for the first time this season. It remained UNLV’s only touchdown. Both UNLV red-zone possessions ended with field goals.
Porter helped protect the lead, too. His fourth-quarter sack forced a fumble on a possession that ended with an NDSU punt. The Bison did not score after halftime.
The Liberty High School graduate is the third Rebel to win the defensive award this season, following Tre Fulton and Cam Santee. His father, Donnell Porter, played defense at UNLV in the early 1990s.
For Togafau, Monday’s recognition follows the freshman award he earned after the September win at Hawai‘i. Against NDSU, the six plays on which he participated in a tackle produced seven net yards, according to UNLV.
The Rebels allowed 300 yards Saturday, but NDSU’s possessions repeatedly ended without points. UNLV intercepted three passes and stopped both fourth-down attempts, holding the Bison to seven points and handing them their first loss.
UNLV takes its three-game winning streak to Air Force on Saturday. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Pacific on CBS Sports Network.
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