Illinois State linebacker Tim Beshel has been named the Sports Network's I-AA Defensive Player of the Week in recognition of his play in the Redbirds' win at Western Illinois last Saturday. He also garnered the Rawlings Gateway Football Conference of the Week honor.
Beshel, a junior from Libertyville, Ill., scored the game-winning points when he returned a fumble 49 yards for a touchdown with 3:27 remaining in the game. The play broke an 18-18 deadlock and resulted in a 25-18 ISU victory.
In addition to his touchdown, Beshel registered nine sacks. Four of his his nine tackles were behind the line of scrimmage, including a pair of sacks for -12 yards.
Illinois States defense recorded 11 sacks in the game and held Western Illinois to just 73 rushing yards, 133 less than the Leathernecks averaged over their first nine games.
The win extended Illinois States winning streak to four games, while the fourth-ranked Leathernecks saw their string end at eight.
The Gateways offensive player of the week was Youngstown State quarterback Jeff Ryan, while the special teams nod went to Northern Iowas David Gunn. The leagues offensive lineman of the week will be announced Tuesday.
The Redbirds host Eastern Illinois in a non-conference clash Saturday at 1 p.m.
