Compaq recognizes best football plays

All of the winning plays are now available to view at the NCAA's Website, www.ncaafootball.net, which receives thousands of hits each day.

A select panel of judges picked these two top plays from numerous entries submitted by sports information directors at colleges and universities across the country.

Compaq recognizes the two schools for the top offensive and defensive plays in college football this week.

This is the only program of its kind that assembles, judges and ranks the best plays in college football at all levels of competition.

The two institutions honored, Oregon and California, both members of the Pac-10 Conference, will each receive $1,000 worth of computer equipment from Compaq ComputerCorporation.

The "Compaq Defensive Play of the Week" belongs to Cal's Deltha O'Neal, a tailback-turned-cornerback.

O'Neal picked off Washington State quarterback Steve Birnbaum's pass and returned it 76 yards for a score, increasing the Bears' lead to 17-7 with 8:40 left in the third quarter.

Cal's defense scored twice in the game and the Bears eventually triumphed 24-14.

The Ducks earned "Compaq Offensive Play of the Week" recognition for a reception and run by Oregon's split end Damon Griffin.

After running a quick slant pattern, Griffin momentarily juggled a pass from quarterback Akili Smith at the 25-yard line, then tipped it away from Stanford defensive back Brian Taylor and gained control at the 20.

Griffin broke from the grasp of two other Cardinal players en route to a touchdown. It highlighted a five-catch, 118-yard day for Griffin, who helped lead Oregon to a 63-28 victory and its first 4-0 start since 1988.

The judges also awarded honors in a variety of categories to several other teams:

Best Run: Illinois State quarterback Kevin Glenn took the snap from center Steve Farmer, who quickly handed the ball to Aveion Cason up through his legs from behind.

As the completely fooled defense shifted right, center Steve Farmer, who quickly handed the ball to Aveion Cason up through his legs from behind.

As the completely fooled defense shifted right, Cason, a running back, emerged out of his crouch and ran down the left sideline for a 47-yard touchdown against Southern Illinois.

Coach Todd Berry dubs the play the "Sucker" and he has run it in each of his three seasons at Illinois State. Twice it has gone for touchdowns.

The play tied the score at 35 and the Redbirds won, 41-38, in overtime, snapping an 11-game Gateway Conference losing streak.

Best Pass Reception: Kansas State senior Michael Bishop connected with receiver Aaron Lockett, who streaked down the sideline for a 97-yard touchdown against Northeast Louisiana. It was the longest pass play in K-State history.

Best Punt Return: Colgate's Jesse Boyd fielded a 40-yard Harvard punt at the 10-yard line and sprinted to the Harvard 38, where he then lateraled to teammate Brandon Tinson, who covered the final 38 yards for a touchdown.

Best Interception: Central Michigan safety Brian Leigeb returned a deflected pass from Kent State quarterback Jose Davis 93 yards for a touchdown.

Best Hit: Arizona's Chris McAlister knocked out two San Diego State defenders with one crushing block, helping teammate Dennis Northcutt on a 51-yard punt return around the left side of the field.

Most Unusual Play: North Dakota quarterback Sean Greenwaldt rolled out to elude the rush of a Morningside defender (who was called offsides on the play) and heaved the ball underhand to receiver Luke Schleusner, who made the catch for a 19-yard gain.

Most Inspirational: Cal defensive end Mawuko Tugbenyoh stripped Washington State running back DeJuan Gilmore and lumbered 10 yards for a Bear touchdown, the game's first score.

Special Recognition: Against Bowling Green, Central Florida quarterback Daunte Culpepper passed to former backup QB Tyson Hinshaw, now a wide receiver, behind the line of scrimmage. Hinshaw then threw back to a sprinting Culpepper, who took the pass 21 yards to the Bowling Green 3-yard line.

"College Football Plays of the Week" is co-sponsored by Compaq Computer Corporation and the College Sports Information Directors of America. Compaq is a corporate sponsor of both the NCAA and CoSIDA.

Its "Plays of the Week" program will include weekly highlights of football and men's and women's basketball.

10-02-98