Eastern’s Strey Wins Sky Honor

Eastern Washington linebacker Derek Strey, who had 18 tackles - including 15 solo stops - in the Eagles’ 13-10 loss to Northern Arizona, is this week’s Big Sky Conference defensive player of the week.

Strey helped hold the Lumberjacks to 13 points and 422 yards in total offense, well under their I-AA Division-leading averages of 46.0 points and 533.9 yards. Strey had a tackle for a loss for 2 yards and broke up three pass plays.

Eastern Washington is ranked 24th in this week’s Division I-AA poll, down from No. 20 last week.

Cal State Northridge quarterback Aaron Flowers (431 yards passing in a 42-40 victory over Idaho State) is the offensive player of the week.

Montana State place kicker Geoff Groshelle (13 points without missing a kick in a 37-20 win over Cal Poly SLO) is the special team’s player of the week.

Derrick Rodgers (six tackles, five sacks in Arizona State’s 35-7 win over Cal) was named the Pac-10 defensive player of the week. Oregon tailback Saladin McCullough (223 yards rushing, five TDs in 49-31 victory over Arizona) and Stanford kick returner Damon Dunn (93-yard kickoff return for TD in 24-20 win over USC) were honored for offense and special teams play.

Pokey Allen returns

Cancer-stricken Pokey Allen returned to his job as head coach at Boise State on Monday with hopes of reviving a team which is 1-9.

“We’re going to get it done and I hope we can get it done real quick,” Allen told a Bronco Athletic Association booster luncheon.

Later in the day, he planned to meet with the team for the first time since Aug. 6. On that date, it was announced Allen’s cancer had returned, and he went on medical leave to receive treatment with assistant Tom Mason taking over on an interim basis.

Suspended players won’t return

Boston College has decided the 13 players suspended in a gambling probe will not return this season.

Their suspensions, which began in last Saturday’s loss to Notre Dame, will last at least for the remaining two games, against Temple and Miami.

Illinois coach Tepper fired

Lou Tepper, his team on a four-game losing streak and coming off a 48-0 loss to Ohio State, has been fired by Illinois. Tepper will coach the Illini’s last two games.

“I would hope the fans will support their (players’) efforts the rest of the season and during the transition to the new staff,” Tepper said in a statement.

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