ST. LOUIS – For the second time this season, Illinois State senior offensive tackle Jake Pope has been named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week following the Redbirds' 46-32 road win at Murray State last Saturday.
Pope joins quarterback Cole Payton of North Dakota State (Offense), linebacker Malachi McNeal of North Dakota (Defense), wide receiver B.J. Fleming of North Dakota (Newcomer) and placekicker Will Leyland of South Dakota (Special Teams) as this week's conference players of the week.
The Redbird offense did everything it wanted to on Saturday night at Murray State, as Illinois State scored a season-high 46 points and racked up 510 yards of total offense as five different players scored touchdowns. That performance was thanks to a strong showing on the offensive line led by Pope, who graded out at 91 percent for the Redbirds in their 46-32 win over the Racers. Pope helped the Redbirds rush for 172 yards on the ground and aided quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse in throwing a career-high four touchdowns in the victory.
No. 9 ranked Illinois State (4-2, 1-1 MVFC) will host No. 25 Youngstown State (3-3, 0-2 MVFC) on Saturday in the annual Homecoming contest, with kickoff is set for 2 p.m. on Jay and Lori Bergman Field at Hancock Stadium.
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