Sept. 8, 2003

VILLANOVA, PA. - Villanova sophomore quarterback Joe Casamento was named the National Offensive Player of the Week on Monday by the Sports Network. The announcement comes hours after he was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Offensive Player of the Week for the second consecutive week.

Casamento is being honored for his performance in the Wildcats' upset victory over Temple on Saturday. With the 23-20 overtime win at Lincoln Financial Field, Villanova became the first I-AA school to defeat teams from a BCS Conference in consecutive seasons since the formation of the Bowl Championship Series in 1998. Last year the 'Cats defeated Rutgers, 37-19.

Against the Owls, in just his second collegiate start, Casamento completed 28-of-37 passes for a career best 347 yards and two touchdowns. His scores included a two yard toss to Phil DiGiacamo and a five yard strike to Noble Champen.

For the season, Casamento (Fabius, N.Y./Christian Brothers Academy) has completed 52-of-67 passes for 599 yards and five touchdowns. The Wildcats are off to a 2-0 start, and begin the conference portion of their schedule this week against New Hampshire.