Sept. 15, 2003

LAS VEGAS - UNLV's 23-5 upset victory at No. 14 Wisconsin produced not only one of the biggest wins in school history but also two league honorees.

Junior safety Jamaal Brimmer was named the Mountain West Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his remarkable effort in Madison. The preseason second team All-American totaled 11 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and a fumble return for a 55-yard touchdown. In fact, Brimmer actually outscored the entire Badger squad himself 6-5. The 2002 MWC Defensive Player of the Year also earned a player of the week award on Oct. 21, 2002, after a similarly dominating performance in a 24-3 win at BYU.

Joining Brimmer as a two-time career winner is UNLV junior punter Gary Cook who was named the MWC Special Teams Player of the Week Monday. Playing in rainy conditions, Cook punted eight times for a 44.1-yard average. Only two of his punts were returned and he booted three 50 yards or longer. Cook's first such win came Oct. 7, 2001. Cook currently ranks 15th in the nation with a 44-yard average.

BYU junior running back Reynaldo Brathwaite (169 yards on 19 carries in win over New Mexico) was named the MWC Offensive Player of the Week.

This marks the second time in only three weeks that UNLV picked up two of the three MWC awards. After the Rebels opened the season with a victory over Toledo, LB John Andrews and TE Greg Estandia (for his work on special teams) were selected by the league.