BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur has been named Southeastern Conference co-Offensive Player of the Week and wide receiver C.J. Bolar has been tabbed SEC Freshman of the Week, the league office announced Monday.
The honors followed the Commodores’ 38-13 victory against in-state rival Tennessee on Saturday. The win marked the first time since 1926 that Vanderbilt had won three straight in the series and was the fifth victory in the last seven matchups.
“I’m pleased the conference has recognized the performances of two Commodores from the victory over Tennessee,” head coach Derek Mason said. “Kyle was simply spectacular, arguably the best I’ve ever seen him perform. And C.J. continues to show development as a dynamic young receiver. He’s getting better with each game. I’m very happy for both of these young men.”
This marks the first time two Commodores have been recognized by the league in the same week since offensive tackle Wesley Johnson and defensive end Caleb Azubike were honored after a 34-17 Vanderbilt victory at Florida on Nov. 9, 2013.
Shurmur, from Philadelphia, Pa., broke his own Vanderbilt single-game completion percentage record by completing 31 of 35 passes (88.6 percent) for a season-high 367 yards and three touchdowns. Shurmur completed his first 15 passes, including a 17-yard touchdown to tight end Jared Pinkney, to help the Commodores to a 17-0 halftime advantage. Shurmur’s 31 completions also marked a career high.
Shurmur becomes the first Vanderbilt quarterback to notch three victories over Tennessee since Oliver Kuhn in the 1920s. In four career starts against UT, Shurmur is 87-of-134 (64.9%) for 1,275 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Shurmur also has ended his final regular season in sensational fashion. In his last four games, all coming against SEC opponents, he completed 73.2% of his passes (90 of 123) for 999 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Bolar, from Purvis, Miss., posted a single-game career high with 93 receiving yards on six catches. Five of Bolar’s six receptions, including a team-long 41-yard catch, resulted in Commodore first downs. His 31 receptions this year are tied for the fifth-most ever by a Commodore freshman.
With the accolades, four Commodores have garnered SEC weekly honors this season including senior Justin Skule (Offensive Lineman of the Week, Oct. 29) and sophomore Dayo Odeyingbo (Defensive Lineman of the Week, Nov. 19).
Shurmur, Bolar recognized by SEC
