Fifth-year senior outside linebacker Trent Murphy was the recipient of this week’s Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week award, his second of the season.
Against Oregon State on Saturday, Murphy recorded a total of 3.5 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks, logged eight tackles, forced two quarterback hurries, and even blocked an extra point on special teams. On the season, Murphy ranks third out of all Football Bowl Subdivision players with 9.5 sacks.
Stanford’s defense held the nation’s leading passer, junior quarterback Sean Mannion, to only 271 yards and a touchdown, as he was manhandled by the Card’s defensive front. Murphy’s efforts led the way on defense as the Cardinal clinched the 20-12 victory over the Beavers with a late goal-line stand.