SYRACUSE -- Following career performances against Rhode Island last weekend, junior free safety Phillip Thomas was named the BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Week and senior quarterback Ryan Nassib was named to the conference's Weekly Honor Roll. Thomas intercepted two passes against the Rams while Nassib tied the school record with 29 completions en route to 318 passing yards and three touchdowns.
Thomas (Miami, Fla.) became the second player in as many seasons to intercept two passes in a game on Saturday against the Rams (Doug Hogue vs. West Virginia in 2010). Thomas is tied for third in the country and second in the BIG EAST with 1.00 interceptions per game and leads an Orange defense that is tied for 11th in the nation with three interceptions. He also added four solo tackles and a pass breakup against Rhode Island, and is tied for 24th in the country with 1.50 tackles for loss per game and leads the conference in passes defended (1.50).
Nassib (West Chester, Pa.) earns BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll recognition for the second week in a row after finishing 29-of-37 for 318 yards. He threw three touchdown passes for the third consecutive game, and ranks fifth on Syracuse's career touchdown passing record list with 28. His passing efficiency rating of 166.87 ranks 26th nationally and he is tied for 18th in the country in points responsible for (40).
In the second half of games this season, Nassib has completed 27-of-32 passes, including an 8-of-8 performance in the fourth quarter and overtime against Wake Forest, and was 5-of-5 on the game-winning drive against Rhode Island.
Courtesy: SU Athletics
