University of Pittsburgh Athletics
DOM DECICCO NAMED BIG EAST DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
10/26/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 26, 2009
PITTSBURGH--Pitt junior strong safety Dom DeCicco has been named the Big East Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Panthers' 41-14 victory over USF this past Saturday.
DeCicco (Jefferson Hills, Pa./Thomas Jefferson), who had significant run support responsibilities against the Bulls, compiled a team-high 10 tackles (nine solo) to lead an impressive Pitt defensive effort.
USF managed only 212 yards of total offense. The Bulls entered the game averaging 407.3 yards and 33.7 points per game.
DeCicco is playing at an all-star level for the nationally ranked Panthers. The 6-foot-3, 230-pound defensive back leads Pitt in tackles (62) and interceptions (tied with two). Among all Big East defenders, he ranks seventh with 7.8 tackles per game.
In his second year as a starter in the Pitt secondary, DeCicco has helped the Panthers' defense gain national top 30 rankings in three different categories this week. Pitt ranks 21st nationally in rushing defense (102.13 yards/game), 24th in scoring defense (18.0 points/game) and 26th in total defense (314.13 yards/game).
The victory pushed Pitt to 7-1 overall and 4-0 in the Big East. The 7-1 start marks Pitt's best record after eight games since 1982.
The Panthers continue to climb in the national polls, earning a No. 16 ranking by The Associated Press and No. 17 in the USA Today coaches poll. In the latest Bowl Championship Series standings, Pitt is rated No. 15.
Following an open date this week, Pitt will return to action Nov. 7 when it hosts Syracuse at noon at Heinz Field. The game will be a national ESPNU telecast.
For ticket information, call (800) 643-PITT or log on to www.PittsburghPanthers.com.
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