Virginia Tech running back Branden Ore ran for 203 yards to earn this week's USA TODAY's Player of the Week honor. Ore also scored two touchdowns on his 37 carries as the Hokies cruised to a 24-7 upset of No. 11 Clemson. Ore won the award with the support of the fall balloting and college football editor Erick Smith. Gannett News Service columnist Mike Lopresti sided with Southern California wide receiver Steve Smith.
Each week during the season, readers can select their pick for USA TODAY's Player of the Week. Choices will be made available on Sunday night. The fan vote, open through noon ET on Tuesday, will comprise one-third of the award with one vote also going to college football editor Erick Smith and Gannett columnist Mike Lopresti. USA TODAY will name its winner Tuesday.
THIS WEEK'S WINNER:
Branden Ore— The Virginia Tech running back scored two touchdowns and rushed for 203 yards in the Hokies' 24-7 defeat of then-No. 11 Clemson on Thursday night. His two second-half scores distanced Virginia Tech from the Tigers, and helped end the team's two-game ACC losing streak.
