Accolades pour in for UH’s Oliver

Another day, another postseason honor (or two) for Ed Oliver.

The University of Houston freshman defensive tackle was named first-team All-American by USA Today on Thursday, a day after receiving the same honor from the Sporting News.

Only hours later, Oliver earned the same accolade from Sports Illustrated. He was the lone freshman on Thursday’s two teams.

Oliver, who starred in high school at Westfield, had a breakout first year for the Cougars, ranking among the nation’s leaders with 19½ tackles for loss to go with five sacks and nine pass breakups.

He was selected the American Athletic Conference’s Rookie of the Year.

A&M’s Kirk joins Hurts on All-SEC

Led by freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts from Channelview, who was picked as the offensive player of the year as well as the newcomer of the year, Alabama swept the awards on the Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference team.

Alabama end Jonathan Allen took the honor for the top defensive player. Nick Saban was coach of the year after guiding the Crimson Tide (13-0) to a 54-16 victory over Florida for the SEC title and third straight appearance in the College Football Playoff.

The lone Texas A&M player on the first team was sophomore Christian Kirk, who was listed twice as a receiver and all-purpose player.

Odds and ends

Oklahoma’s Dede Westbrook has become only the second Big 12 receiver chosen by the conference coaches as the offensive player of the year. Kansas State end Jordan Willis was tabbed as the league’s top defensive player. OU’s Bob Stoops was named the coach of the year for the second year in a row after the Sooners won their 10th Big 12 title. …

Alabama coach Nick Saban expects quarterbacks Cooper Bateman and David Cornwell to remain with the team through the playoffs. Both quarterbacks are expected to transfer in search of playing time after this season. Bateman has already graduated so he would be able to play as a graduate transfer. Cornwell is a redshirt sophomore. …

Louisiana Tech quarterback Ryan Higgins has been named the Conference USA MVP by the league’s coaches. …

Mississippi co-offensive coordinator Dan Werner has been fired after five seasons with coach Hugh Freeze.