McCown, a Jacksonville, Texas, native, threw for a career-high 197 yards in the Mustangs' 27-2 win over Rice on Homecoming Weekend. He also completed a career-high 18 passes in 25 attempts with two touchdowns and no interceptions. McCown was also SMU's leading rusher.

Senior linebacker Jason Simonton and senior defensive end Luke Johnson were also nominated by SMU as defensive and special teams players of the week respectively.

Simonton recorded 16 total tackles (eight solo) against Rice's WAC-leading ground attack. He also contributed one sack and made two tackles for a loss of five yards as SMU became the first team to hold the Owls' offense scoreless this season. The Mustangs held Rice, who was averaging 356.5 yards per game against WAC opponents, to just 240 yards rushing on the day.

Johnson made five tackles on defense but helped put the game away with his first career punt block in the fourth quarter that Roy Coats returned 14 yards for a touchdown - giving the Mustangs a 27-2 lead after the extra point. It was Coats' first career touchdown.