Jenkins, Smith, Bell win conference awards

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Ortege Jenkins UA quarterback

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat Keith Smith UA quarterback

Smith and Jenkins combined for 19 of 33 for 257 yards and two touchdowns in the Wildcats' thrilling last-second victory at Washington. They also rushed seven times for 34 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown, by Jenkins, happened with four seconds remaining and gave No. 10 Arizona a 31-28 victory over the then-No. 20 Huskies.

Bell did his part in the Arizona victory by collecting 21 tackles, 11 unassisted and a blocked field goal. Bell also received the honor for his performance against Iowa Sept. 19.

Simmons, a sophomore for the Trojans, blocked a fourth quarter punt by Arizona State, which a teammate returned for a game-winning touchdown as USC won 35-24. Earlier this year, Simmons earned the defensive award.

Also nominated for awards were tailback J.R. Redmond of ASU, quarterback Terrance Bryant of Oregon State and receiver R. Jay Soward of USC on offense. For defense, lineman Ennis Davis of USC, Inoke Breckterfield of OSU and UCLA linebacker Ryan Neece received nominations. The special teams honorable mention awards went to kick returner Tim Alexander of OSU, DuVal Hicks of UCLA and Springston.

University of Washington kicker Nick Lentz quit the Husky football team, citing that head coach Jim Lambright failed to follow through on a scholarship commitment.

Lentz, who plans to attend Washington this quarter and then transfer, was replaced by redshirt freshman Jim Skurski in Saturday's 31-28 loss to Arizona.

Skurski missed field goals from 19 and 23 yards. He also had an extra point blocked by Arizona redshirt freshman quarterback Peter Hansen.

After the game Lambright said, "We have a kicking game that needs a kicker. We'll find whoever that's going to be next week. It will not be something that's left to question. We will not have another one blocked."

Lentz was a walk-on last year as a freshmen and made 7 of 10 field goal attempts and 30 extra points.

Pac-10 Heisman Watch

Cade McNown, UCLA: Did not play one of his best games Saturday, but it was good enough for UCLA to drub Washington State, 49-17. McNown did run for one score and pass for another as he went 14 of 27 for 205 yards. With the 205 yards, he extended his school record of 18 straight games with more than 200 yards passing. For the season, McNown has completed 51 of 89 passes for 859 yards and five touchdowns. The Bruins are also ranked third in the nation and are 3-0. He ranks second in the Pac-10 in total offense and 10th nationally. Saturday he and the Bruins face a test that may determine who goes to the Rose Bowl or possibly the Fiesta Bowl as they travel into Arizona Stadium to take on the 5-0 Wildcats.

Akili Smith, Oregon: He received some well-earned time off this past weekend as the Ducks had a bye. This week, Smith will try again to impress the voters as he brings his underdog Heisman train to Washington State to take on a beaten and battered Cougar team.

Chris McAlister, Arizona: He got some bad news last Saturday as he was forced to stay in Tucson while the Wildcats won in Seattle. He was suspended by the NCAA because of an interpretation of rules related to benefits. McAlister will be back in action against UCLA Saturday as he will have to be the guy that stops Cade McNown and the Bruin passing attack.

Daily Wildcat projected leader: Cade McNown

Dan Rosen can be reached via e-mail at Dan.Rosen@wildcat.arizona.edu.