VALLEY-FOOTBALL.org – Indiana State quarterback Elijah Owens was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference's Newcomer of the Week as announced by the conference office following the Sycamores' 31-27 win over Murray State.
 
Owens accounted for 264 yards of total offense and two touchdowns in the Sycamores' win over the Racers as Indiana State picked up its first MVFC win of the 2024 season.
 
Owens completed 25 of 34 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown, adding 46 yards and a TD on the ground. The Sycamores scored the game-winning touchdown with 11 seconds left, and Owens directed the drive with passes or runs on seven of the nine plays.
 
The Jacksonville, Ill. native opened the day connecting with Kai Rios on an 18-yard touchdown pass on Indiana State's opening drive of the game, the first opening drive score for the Sycamores this season. Two drives later, Owens found the end zone with a two-yard touchdown carry giving Indiana State the 21-7 first-half lead.
 
After Murray State rallied back to take a 27-24 lead with 1:57 remaining, Owens helmed the nine-play, 75-yard game-winning drive. Owens native completed a pair of short passes to Rashad Rochelle, before moving the chains himself with 22 rushing yards on the drive to set up Rocco Ciocca's game-winning touchdown plunge. Owens targeted and completed passes to nine different receivers in the win.
 
Owens picks up his second Newcomer of the Week nod this season after previously earning the award on September 9 following his performance at Eastern Illinois. Garret Ollendieck has added a Defensive Player of the Week nod this year on September 16 following his performance against Dayton.
 
Indiana State Football MVFC Players of the Week – 2024 Recognition
September 9 – Elijah Owens (Newcomer)
September 16 – Garret Ollendieck (Defensive)
October 14 – Elijah Owens (Newcomer)
 
Up Next
Indiana State continues Missouri Valley Football play next weekend on the road as the Sycamores travel to Robert W. Plaster Stadium in Springfield, Mo. to take on Missouri State. Kickoff between the Sycamores and the Bears is set for 3 p.m. ET with the game set to be carried live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
 
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