Blanks and Young Receive UAA Honors

(ROCHESTER, N.Y.) – For the sixth time this season the Carnegie Mellon University football team claimed at least two of the University Athletic Association (UAA) weekly awards. Senior running back Patrick Blanks (Cincinnati, Ohio/Moeller) was recognized by the UAA as Offensive Athlete of the Week while freshman place kicker Connor Young (Long Valley, N.J./West Morris Central) earned Special Teams Athlete of the Week. The honors come following their performances in the Tartans 31-14 victory over UAA foe University of Chicago.

Blanks turned in a stellar performance in the win averaging 5.9 yards per carry while totaling 159 yards and three touchdowns.  His three scores marked the fifth time in his career he has rushed for three touchdowns in a contest and third time this season.  The senior also moved into 6th-place on the school's all-time rushing list, as he now has 2,064 yards for his career. Blanks currently leads the UAA in rushing and will look to secure his second straight season in doing so this coming Saturday at Case Western Reserve University.

Young turned in a career performance, as he was perfect on the day making all four of his extra point attempts.  With the score tied at 14-14, the freshman topped his previous career-long field goal of 42 yards by booting a 45-yarder that split the uprights putting the Tartans on top for good.  

This marks the third time this season Blanks has received an UAA weekly honor and sixth for his career while Young receives his first collegiate honor.

The Tartans are back on the gridiron Saturday, November 10, as they conclude their regular season schedule with a trip to Cleveland, Ohio, to play Case Western Reserve in the 27th Annual Academic Bowl.  Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m.