Bowling Green, Ky. - A pair of Hilltoppers were honored Monday morning when the Sun Belt Conference announced its Players of the Week. Sophomore quarterback Kawaun Jakes was named the league's Offensive Player of the Week, while junior kicker Casey Tinius was the Special Teams honoree.
Jakes became the first WKU player to earn Offensive Player-of-the-Week honors, as the program is now in its second season in the league. The St. Augustine, Fla., native put together one of his best career games, helping the Hilltoppers to their first win in 26 contests with a 54-21 victory at Louisiana-Lafayette. Jakes completed 18 of 22 pass for a season-high 262 yards and one touchdown. He also picked up 28 rushing yards and scored two rushing TDs. Jakes' 262 passing yards and 290 yards of total offense were the most for him since his first career start when he passed for 276 yards and posted 320 offensive yards at Navy. He led the Hilltoppers to scores on nine straight offense possessions as WKU scored its most points since early in the 2007 season. He also averaged 14.6 yards per completion.
Tinius won the special teams award for the second time in his career. He also won after kicking four field goals last season at ULM. The Bowling Green, Ky., product accounted for 12 points in the Hilltoppers' victory over Louisiana-Lafayette, including hitting a pair of field goals. His 47-yard kick as time expired in the first half equaled a career long. He also made a 47-yard field goal last season at Florida Atlantic. It was also Tinius' first made field goal over 40 yards this season.
The Hilltoppers look to build on last week's win this Saturday (Oct. 30) when they host North Texas in the 2010 Homecoming game. Kickoff with the Mean Green is slated for 2 p.m. (CDT) at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium. 
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