Leonard Williams Named Pac-12 Player of the Week

Leonard Williams earned his first career Pac-12 Player of the Week award when he was named the conference's Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.

The USC Trojans upset Stanford in Palo Alto thanks to a resilient defense that allowed the Cardinal to drive the ball inside the 30-yard-line nine times, but allowed only 10 points. The USC defense stepped up when it was needed most coming up with big stop after big stop, including forcing a Kevin Hogan fumble in the last minute to secure the victory.

The defensive effort started up front with the big man, Leonard Williams. Williams missed most of the week of practice with a high-ankle sprain and there were rumors, as late as Saturday morning, that he may not play. In addition, Greg Townsend Jr., Williams' primary backup, missed the game after coming down with chicken pox before the trip.

Despite the injury and depth issues, Williams suited up and was dominant. He anchored the defensive line, helping hold Stanford to a 3.4 rushing average.

Leonard Williams had 11 tackles -- tying Anthony Sarao for the game high. He also collected USC's first sack of the season on Stanford's final drive, pulling down Hogan to set up the final third-and-6 play that Hogan fumbled on.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota was named Offensive Player of the Week while USC kicker Andre Heidari was named the conference's Special Teams Player of the Week after his pair of field goals to help the Trojans to the victory.