ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Indiana State wide receiver
Phazione McClurge and defensive back
Hunter Lunsford received Missouri Valley Football Conference weekly honors as announced by the conference office on Sunday evening.
McClurge received the Newcomer of the Week award, while Lunsford took home Special Teams Player of the Week accolades following the duo's performances in the 23-21 win over Eastern Kentucky yesterday afternoon.
McClurge received Newcomer of the Week honors for the first time in his Sycamores' career thanks to his six-catch, two-touchdown performance in the win over Eastern Kentucky. The Chicago, Ill. native scored both of Indiana State's offensive touchdowns in the game against the Colonels. His 10-yard reception in the second quarter put Indiana State ahead 14-7 as he hauled in the pass in the right corner while fighting off the EKU defensive back.
His second touchdown was a play that Indiana State fans will remember for a while as the Cornell transfer went up at the goal line and hauled in the 24-yard touchdown catch from
Kurtis Wilderman as time expired to complete the comeback. McClurge finished with six catches for 75 yards in the win.
McClurge - Game-Winning Touchdown
Lunsford highlighted the Sycamores special teams on Saturday afternoon as he scored the unit's first touchdown since the 2019 season. Following a muffed snap, the ball sprung loose near the Eastern Kentucky goal line midway through the first quarter. The Elk Grove, Calif. native pounced on the loose ball and fell into the end zone for the five-yard touchdown to give Indiana State the early 7-0 lead. He added two tackles in the Indiana State win.
Lunsford Scoop and Score
McClurge and Lunsford join teammate
Michael Thomas among the Sycamores to receive MVFC weekly honors in the 2021 season. Thomas earned Defensive Player of the Week recognition following his 10-tackle, two-interception game in the opener against Eastern Illinois.
The Sycamores open Missouri Valley Football Conference play this weekend against preseason favorite South Dakota State on Saturday, September 25, at Memorial Stadium. Kickoff between the Sycamores and the Jackrabbits is set for 1 p.m. with the game set to be carried live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
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