HOUSTON – Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver opened his sophomore season on the right path in Houston’s win at Arizona Saturday, and for his efforts was named The American Athletic Conference’s Defensive Player of the Week on Monday.
Oliver started on the right foot, picking up his 24th career tackle for loss on Houston’s first defensive play of the game. The tackle was his first of 11 on the night, as the Houston native would add another half tackle for loss later in the game and force his fourth career fumble, a fumble that was recovered by Houston cornerback Alexander Myres.
Entering Saturday’s game, the Arizona offense had topped 500 rushing yards in each of its last two games and with the help of Oliver, the Houston defense held the Wildcats to only 152 rushing yards.
Oliver currently leads all defensive linemen nationally with an average of 11 tackles per game.