Nov. 4, 2002

LAS VEGAS - UNLV quarterback Jason Thomas has been named the Mountain West Conference Offensive Player of the Week after posting career-high numbers en route to leading his team to a wild 49-48 overtime victory over Wyoming, the league announced Monday.

Thomas, a 6-4, 230-pound senior out of Dominguez High School in Compton, Calif., completed 20 of 25 pass attempts for 329 yards and no interceptions. He ran for a career-high three touchdowns in the first quarter alone and then threw two touchdown passes after halftime, including the game-winning 25-yarder to Steven Costa in overtime, marking the first OT victory in school history. Thomas set career highs for completions, completion percentage, passing yards and total offense vs. the Cowboys. As a team, UNLV's 644 offensive yards marked the second most in school history.

Thomas, who also won the honor on Oct. 2, 2000, joins Rebel linebacker Tyrone Tucker and strong safety Jamaal Brimmer in winning a player-of-the-week award this fall. UNLV and BYU are the only two schools to have had at least one player honored in all three categories (offense, defense and special teams) during the first three years of the league.

Colorado State defensive back Benny Mastropaolo (game-high 14 tackles in a win over Air Force) was named this week's defensive honoree while BYU kicker Matt Payne (58-yard average, including a 76-yard effort, and two field goals in a win over San Diego State) was tabbed for special teams.

Needing to win two of its last three to become bowl eligible, UNLV (4-5) travels to Utah (2-6) this Saturday at 4 p.m. PST. The game will not be televised in Las Vegas.