Justin Herbert Named Pac-12 Player of Week

Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert has been named the Pac-12 Player of the Week. His 489-yard, four-TD performance against Arizona State earned him the honor.

“I think the best part was the win,” said Herbert. “Our coaches made a great plan for us coming into this game. Our linemen executed it really well and so did the running backs. That made my job a lot easier.”

Not only did the Eugene native lead the Ducks to victory, but he did so in style. Herbert tied Bill Musgrave’s single-game passing record (489) that has been held in high esteem since 1989.

“I didn’t know that. And, I don’t know as much about Bill Musgrave as I need to know," Herbert said bashfully.

Hebert threw for six TD’s against Cal, five of them came in the second half. Then, he accumulates over 500 total yards of offense in a win against ASU. Following back-to-back record-tying performances, what’s next?

Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images

“I’m just glad that we got the win,” Herbert said in his soft-spoken manner. “It meant a lot to our team and a lot to the coaches. That is what we are focusing on.”

The true freshman was the second Duck true freshman this season to be awarded the Pac-12 Player of the Week. Week 1, Oregon linebacker Troy Dye was honored after his 11-tackle game against UC Davis.

“I think a lot of it was timing with the receivers,” said Herbert. “I hadn’t practiced with the No. 1 guys as much as I would’ve like too. Working with them and practicing timing. And, working with the linemen so I can know what they are doing in protection.”

For the season, Herbert has impressively thrown 12 TD’s with just two interceptions thus far. He has completed 77 of his 121 attempts for 996 yards since his first appearance in the second half against Washington State in Pullman.

The most important aspect of his game is securing W’s in the Pac-12 standings. Following Oregon’s first win in conference play, Herbert and company are seeking to shake up the Pac-12 against their next foe.

“We took a lot of the momentum from Cal,” the Eugene local said. “Did our best opening up against Arizona State. It worked out well.”

A trip to Southern Cal could be the test the Duck signal-caller is seeking right now. We anxiously await for his next encore.

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