University of Memphis Athletics
Clinton McDonald Garners C-USA Honors
Sep 29, 2008 | Football
Sept. 29, 2008
MEMPHIS, TENN. - University of Memphis senior defensive lineman Clinton McDonald was named the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Week as announced by the league office Monday afternoon.
McDonald, who is listed on the Lombardi Award watch list this season, tied a Memphis single game record with four sacks for a loss of 32 yards in the 29-17 win over Arkansas State on Saturday. He is the third Tiger to record four sacks; and the first since 1994. McDonald played a part in five of the team's six sacks in the game, with three solo and two assisted stops. He had a hand in four sacks in the second half to help hold the Red Wolves scoreless in the final two quarters. His four sacks against ASU also ranks tied for the highest single game total in NCAA FBS this season.
A native of Jacksonville, Ark., McDonald tied for the team lead with a season-high nine tackles and one quarterback hurry, while seven of his nine tackles were for no yardage or a loss of yards against the Red Wolves. He helped the defense limit ASU to 352 total offensive yards, marking ASU's first game this season below 400 total yards.
McDonald currently leads Conference USA in sacks with a total of five, and is ranked sixth nationally in that category. He leads the Tigers in tackles for loss with 5.5 for minus 38 yards and has recorded 25 total tackles in the first five games. He has also logged two quarterback hurries and one forced fumble this year.
McDonald is the 18th Tiger defender named a C-USA player of the week since the league started making such a distinction in 1995. The last Tiger defender selected for honors was linebacker Jake Kasser last season (Nov. 19).
The Tigers will return to action this Thursday when they face UAB in Birmingham in a matchup that has been dubbed the Battle for the Bones. A 100-pound bronze rack of ribs is up for grabs to the winning team, and there is a BBQ contest for fans surrounding the contest. Kickoff is slated for 7 p.m., and the game will be carried live by CBS College Sports Network.
