Tops’ Carneiro named CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week

Published 12:14 pm Monday, November 11, 2024

By the Daily News

Western Kentucky kicker Lucas Carneiro has been named the Conference USA Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference announced Monday.

Carneiro had another perfect day in WKU’s 41-28 win over New Mexico State on Saturday at Aggie Memorial Stadium, going 2-for-2 on field goals and 5-for-5 on PATs as the Hilltoppers improved to 5-0 in CUSA play and 7-2 overall. Carneiro’s field goals were from 42 yards and 53 yards. The 42-yard make came as time expired in the first half to give WKU a 24-7 lead, and the 53-yard make came in the fourth quarter to help the Hilltoppers close out the win.

Email newsletter signup

With the two made field goals, the redshirt sophomore extended his streak of made field goals to 11, which is tied for the program record. His 53-yard field goal was tied for the fourth-longest made field goal in program history, and it was his third make from 50-plus yards on three tries this season. Carneiro is now 11-for-12 on field goals and 34-for-34 on PATs.

It is the second CUSA Special Teams Player of the Week award for Carneiro this fall, who was also voted the CUSA Preseason Special Teams Player of the Year prior to the start of the season. He also received the weekly recognition on Oct. 14.

It is the sixth weekly award for WKU this season. In addition to Carneiro’s two Special Teams Player of the Week nods, punter Cole Maynard was named Special Teams Player of the Week on Sept. 23, defensive back Devonte’ Mathews was named Defensive Player of the Week on Sept. 23, and quarterback Caden Veltkamp was named Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 16 and Oct. 21.

WKU will return home to face Louisiana Tech on Saturday for its homecoming game. Kickoff at Houchens-Smith Stadium is set for 11 a.m. and the game will be televised on CBSSN.

About Jeff Nations

Sports Editor, Bowling Green Daily News

email author More by Jeff