Grutza Named BIG EAST Player of the Week

Oct. 30, 2006

CINCINNATI, Ohio - University of Cincinnati sophomore quarterback Dustin Grutza earned BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Week recognition for his performance in Cincinnati's 17-3 win over Syracuse on Saturday afternoon.

Grutza completed 13-of-18 passes (72.2 percent) for 205 yards and a touchdown in leading the Bearcats to their fourth win in their last five games. He completed a 37-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Stewart in the fourth quarter to ensure the victory for the Bearcats.

On the year, the Maysville, Ky. native has completed 117-of-190 passes (61.6 percent) for 1,423 yards. He has fired eight touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Grutza has started all 20 games of his career since sitting out the 2004 season as a redshirt.

This is the second Offensive Player of the Week honor of Grutza's career. His first came a year ago as a freshman.

UC (5-4, 2-2 BIG EAST) enjoys an open week this Saturday. After taking an opportunity to recuperate, the Bearcats return to action on Nov. 11 when they travel to No. 3 West Virginia.