Oct. 24, 2005

USC wide receiver/quarterback/tailback Syvelle Newton was named the Southeastern Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Gamecocks’ 35-28 win over Vanderbilt on Saturday, the conference office announced Monday.

Newton, a six-foot, 217-pounder from Wallace, S.C., accounted for 126 total offensive yards and three touchdowns in Carolina’s win over the Commodores. He rushed for 80 yards on 15 carries and a TD and completed 3-of-4 passes for 46 yards and two scores. He also caught an eight-yard pass reception.

Newton’s two touchdown passes came in the third quarter and brought the Gamecocks back from a 14-7 deficit to a 21-14 lead. His 10-yard rushing touchdown came in the fourth quarter and put the Gamecocks on top, 28-14. On the play, he tore his left Achilles’ tendon and was lost for the remainder of the season.

Newton becomes the fourth Gamecock to be honored by the SEC this season. Previously, wide receiver/cornerback Carlos Thomas earned the Freshman of the Week award for his efforts against Georgia, wide receiver Sidney Rice was named the Freshman of the Week for his performance against Kentucky and safety Ko Simpson earned Defensive Player of the Week accolades, also following the win over Kentucky.

The Gamecocks (4-3, 2-3 SEC) will put their two-game winning streak on the line when they travel to Knoxville on Saturday to face the Tennessee Volunteers (3-3, 2-3). Game time is set for 7;45 p.m. ET and the game will be televised on ESPN2.