• OVC Football Players of the Week – October 3 (PDF)
OFFENSIVE
Geremy Hickbottom, QB • 6-4, 210, Sr. • Mobile, Ala. • Tennessee State
Hickbottom accounted for 367 yards of total offense and three touchdowns as Tennessee State topped Austin Peay 24-22, marking its first win in Clarksville since 2016. The transfer from Grambling completed 18-of-34 passes for 301 yards and two touchdowns (63 and 45 yards) and took a quarterback keeper 48 yards for a third quarter touchdown that put TSU on top for good. He finished the game with 66 rushing yards on 10 carries. It marked the first 300-yard passing game for a TSU quarterback since October 12, 2019. Hickbottom ranks fourth nationally in passing yards per completion (15.22), 18th in passing efficiency (149.4), 26th in passing yards (1,020) and 29th in passing touchdowns (7).
Others Nominated: Aaron Foulkes, Eastern Illinois; Damonta Witherspoon, Murray State; David Gist, Tennessee Tech.
DEFENSIVE
Russell Dandy, DB • 6-0, 175, R-Jr. • Hinesville, Ga. • Eastern Illinois
Dandy, a transfer from Butte College, had seven solo tackles (including a tackle for loss) and two interceptions while also forcing and recovering a fumble in EIU's game at Murray State. The redshirt junior accounted for all three Eastern Illinois takeaways on the day. One of his interceptions came in the end zone to end a MSU scoring attempt. Dandy is one of two OVC players (and one of 36 nationally) with multiple interceptions in a game this season.
Others Nominated: Quinaz Turner, Murray State; Jahsun Bryant, Tennessee Tech; Jalon Baker, Tennessee Tech.
SPECIALIST
Aaron Baum, K • 6-2, 250, R-Jr. • Orlando, Fla. • Murray State
Baum scored 10 points, making 3-of-3 field goals and 1-of-1 PATs as Murray State topped Eastern Illinois 22-6. The redshirt junior connected from 46, 41 and 46 yards in the victory. On the season Baum is perfect (4-of-4) from 40-49 yards and ranks 34th nationally in field goals made per game (1.0).
Others Nominated: Maddux Trujillo, Austin Peay; Logen Neidhardt, Eastern Illinois.
NEWCOMER
Russell Dandy, DB • 6-0, 175, R-Jr. • Hinesville, Ga. • Eastern Illinois
Dandy, a transfer from Butte College, had seven solo tackles (including a tackle for loss) and two interceptions while also forcing and recovering a fumble in EIU's game at Murray State. The redshirt junior accounted for all three Eastern Illinois takeaways on the day. One of his interceptions came in the end zone to end a MSU scoring attempt. Dandy is one of two OVC players (and one of 36 nationally) with multiple interceptions in a game this season.
Others Nominated: Lawaun Powell, Murray State; Bryce Norman, Southeast Missouri; Geremy Hickbottom, Tennessee State; Jalon Baker, Tennessee Tech.