Utah Utes football: Christopher, Blechen earn MWC honors

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Utah sophomore wide receiver DeVonte Christopher and freshman strong safety Brian Blechen are the Mountain West Conference Players of the Week for games through Sept. 4.

Christopher earned the offensive player of the week award, while Blechen garnered the defensive player award and Stephenson received special teams recognition.

Christopher caught eight passes for 155 yards, including a 61-yard touchdown, to lead No. 24 Utah to a 27-24 overtime victory over No. 15 Pittsburgh. His 61-yard TD reception put the Utes ahead 24-13 with 7:59 left in regulation. Blechen recorded five tackles and had a critical interception on the first play of overtime for the Utes. After Pittsburgh forced overtime, Blechen intercepted a Panther pass on the first play of overtime to set the stage for Joe Phillips' game-winning field goal.