• OVC Football Players of the Week – September 30 (PDF)
OFFENSIVE
Zerrick Cooper, QB • 6-4, 225, So. • Jonesboro, Ga. • Jacksonville State
Cooper accounted for five touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing) as Jacksonville State topped Austin Peay 48-32 to win its 34th-straight OVC contest. The Clemson transfer completed 18-of-31 passes for 268 yards and carried the ball six times for 27 yards in the victory. He became the first Gamecocks to account for five touchdowns in a game since Eli Jenkins in 2015. Both of his rushing scores came in the second quarter as JSU pulled ahead after trailing 9-0. He passed for 20 and 31-yard touchdowns in the third quarter and added a 29-yard strike early in the fourth quarter. Cooper ranks eighth nationally in points responsible for/game (18.5), 12th in passing efficiency (160.7), 17th in passing yards/completion (14.54), 21st in passing touchdowns (9) and 30th in total offense (273.3 yards/game).
Others Nominated: Jeremiah Oatsvall, Austin Peay; Isaiah Johnson, Eastern Illinois; Drew Anderson, Murray State; Demry Croft, Tennessee State; Bailey Fisher, Tennessee Tech; Dresser Winn, UT Martin.
DEFENSIVE
Quincy Williams, LB • 5-10, 239, Sr. • Birmingham, Ala. • Murray State
Williams had a game-high 11 tackles and intercepted a pass in the fourth quarter that he returned 82 yards for a touchdown, which proved to be the game-winner as Murray State topped UT Martin 45-38. The pick-six was the longest by a Racer since 2004 (Lucas Holt, 88 yards) and the fifth-longest interception return in the FCS this season. Eight of Williams' 11 tackles were solo, 2.0 were for loss and he also added a pass break-up. Williams currently ranks 13th nationally in solo tackles (6.3/game) and 27th in total tackles (9.5/game).
Others Nominated: Malik Davis, Austin Peay; Levi Watson, Eastern Illinois; Marlon Bridges, Jacksonville State; Dajour Nesbeth, Tennessee State; Josh Poplar, Tennessee Tech.
SPECIALIST
Nick Bruno, K/P • 6-1, 185, Sr. • Daytona Beach, Fla. • Eastern Illinois
Bruno was a perfect 7-of-7 on PATs, connected on a 22-yard field goal and punted twice as Eastern Illinois won 52-38 at Tennessee Tech. The field goal came in the third quarter and moved the senior into a tie for second place on the EIU career field goals made list. Bruno, who finished the night with 10 points, also moved into third place on the EIU career extra points made list. Bruno averaged 39.5 yards on his two punts, with a long of 42 yards and downing one of his attempts inside the TTU 20-yard line.
Others Nominated: Devin Stuart, Austin Peay; Jason Pierce, Jacksonville State; Nick Madonia, Tennessee Tech.
NEWCOMER
Zerrick Cooper, QB • 6-4, 225, So. • Jonesboro, Ga. • Jacksonville State
Cooper accounted for five touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing) as Jacksonville State topped Austin Peay 48-32 to win its 34th-straight OVC contest. The Clemson transfer completed 18-of-31 passes for 268 yards and carried the ball six times for 27 yards in the victory. He became the first Gamecocks to account for five touchdowns in a game since Eli Jenkins in 2015. Both of his rushing scores came in the second quarter as JSU pulled ahead after trailing 9-0. He passed for 20 and 31-yard touchdowns in the third quarter and added a 29-yard strike early in the fourth quarter. Cooper ranks eighth nationally in points responsible for/game (18.5), 12th in passing efficiency (160.7), 17th in passing yards/completion (14.54), 21st in passing touchdowns (9) and 30th in total offense (273.3 yards/game).
Others Nominated: Harry Woodbery, Eastern Illinois; Drew Anderson, Murray State; Demry Croft, Tennessee State; Bailey Fisher, Tennessee Tech; Terry Williams, UT Martin.