Football John McElwain

Football Players of the Week Announced - Week 12

Offensive Player of the Week
 
Zac Thomas, Appalachian State (So., QB, Trussville, Ala.)
Appalachian State sophomore quarterback Zac Thomas accounted for four touchdowns, including three through the air with no interceptions, in a 45-17 win over Georgia State. Playing in his second straight game after returning from injury, he completed 20 of 24 passes for 282 yards and added 27 rushing yards and a score on the ground. His touchdown/interception ratio for the season is now 16-4, including a 5-0 mark over the last two games.
 
Defensive Player of the Week
 
Justin Clifton, Arkansas State (Sr., DB, Tupelo, Miss.)
Arkansas State senior defensive back Justin Clifton recorded a season-high two interceptions, including one he returned 43 yards for a touchdown, and a pass break-up to help lead Arkansas State to a 31-14 victory over ULM and into a tie atop the Sun Belt Conference West Division standings. Part of a defense that limited the Warhawks to 276 yards total offense and just 17 points, Clifton recorded his pick-six on ULM’s first possession of the second half to give the Red Wolves a 24-7 lead. His second interception came on ULM’s last possession of the game on a 1st-and-10 play from the A-State 26-yard line, securing the victory as the Red Wolves were then able to run out the rest of the clock. Clifton’s two interceptions tied his career high and matched the most by a Sun Belt Conference player this season. His three total passes defended gave him 30 for his career, which ties the fifth most ever by a Sun Belt player.
 
Special Teams Player of the Week
 
Tyler Sumpter, Troy (So., K/P, Hoover, Ala.)
Troy sophomore Tyler Sumpter, who serves as both placekicker and punter for the Trojans, continues to dominate in all areas of special teams with four more field goals and a 40.7 punting average in Troy's win over Texas State.  Sumpter was perfect on all four of his field goal attempts, including a pair of 40-plus yard kicks with a long of 47.  The four field goals tied a Troy school record and now gives him a Troy Division I record 10 field goals over the last three games.  Among his nine punts, he placed three inside the 20 and had a long of 55 yards.