Tyler Boyd named ACC Specialist of the Week
12/1/2014 12:00:00 AM | Football
PITTSBURGH—Pitt sophomore receiver Tyler Boyd has been named the Atlantic Coast Conference Specialist of the Week for his performance in the Panthers' 35-23 victory at Miami this past weekend.
Boyd compiled 262 all-purpose yards against the Hurricanes. He totaled 190 yards on six kick returns (31.7 avg.) to give the Panthers excellent field position throughout the night. As a receiver, he had five catches for 72 yards and a 12-yard touchdown.
Perhaps his biggest play came in the third quarter after Miami cut Pitt's lead to 21-20. Boyd took the ensuing kickoff and raced 53 yards to the Miami 43. His return set up a quick five-play touchdown drive (which also included a key 17-yard reception by Boyd) that put the Panthers up, 28-20.
On his touchdown reception, Boyd used every bit of his 6-foot-2 frame to stretch across the goal line to give Pitt a 14-3 advantage in the opening period
This is the second consecutive game Boyd (Clairton, Pa./Clairton) has received one of the ACC's weekly awards. He was named the ACC Receiver of the Week for his Nov. 22 Syracuse performance (126 receiving yards and a TD on seven catches). Boyd has four weekly ACC awards for his career (two in 2013).
Boyd is the first player in ACC history to compile 1,000 receiving yards in both his freshman and sophomore seasons. He concluded the regular season with 69 catches for 1,149 yards (16.7 avg.) and eight touchdowns. Boyd had 1,174 yards as a freshman in 2013, joining Larry Fitzgerald as the only Pitt players to achieve two 1,000-yard receiving seasons.
Boyd leads the ACC in punt returns with a 10.8 average (15 returns for 162 yards). He began returning kickoffs midway through the season and is averaging 28.7 yards per return (13 for 373), which would lead the league if he had enough attempts.
With their victory over Miami this past weekend, the Panthers are bowl eligible for the seventh consecutive year. Pitt will learn its bowl destination on Sunday, Dec. 7.
—PITT—
