ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Indiana State running back Plez Lawrence (Offensive) and placekicker Sebastian Lopez (Special Teams) earned the opening week Missouri Valley Football Conference weekly accolades as announced by the conference office on Monday afternoon.
 
Lawrence earned Indiana State's first MVFC Offensive Player of the Week nod since Dominique Dafney received the recognition back on November 24, 2019, following a five-touchdown game against Missouri State. Lopez earned the Sycamores' first MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week nod since Jake Andjelic achieved the feat on October 9, 2023, following his performance against Northern Iowa.
 
Lawrence receives the second conference weekly recognition in his collegiate career. He was previously honored as the League's Newcomer of the Week back in the 2023 season following a standout game against Murray State (Sept. 30, 2023).
 
The Kokomo, Ind. native scored three second-half touchdowns in helping Indiana State take the season-opening win over McKendree on Thursday night. Lawrence scored two touchdowns (17-yard rushing, 75-yard receiving) in a decisive third quarter 21-0 swing against the Bearcats to give Indiana State a 34-12 lead. He added his final touchdown in the closing minute of the game with a four-yard rushing score to secure the 41-24 win.
 
The redshirt junior running back finished with a career-high 225 total offensive yards (133 rushing, 92 receiving). His three touchdowns were the most by an Indiana State player since he recorded three scores back in 2023 against Murray State.
 
Lopez earns his first MVFC weekly nod after converted the first two field goals of his Indiana State career on Thursday night against McKendree.
 
The redshirt sophomore placekicker connected from both 40 and 28 yards in the first half to stake Indiana State to an early 13-3 lead. He added six touchbacks on nine kickoff attempts and was a perfect 5-for-5 in PATs.
 
Up Next
The Indiana State football team is back in action on Saturday, September 6, as the Sycamores host Eastern Illinois. Kickoff at Memorial Stadium is set for 1 p.m. ET and will be carried live on ESPN+ and 105.5 The Legend.
 
2025 Indiana State Single Game, Season Tickets On Sale Now
Season ticket membership renewals and new season ticket memberships remain on sale online for the upcoming 2025 season. Season tickets for the six ISU home football games will start at $60 for adults and $30 for youth. Faculty, staff, seniors, and members of the I-Club can purchase tickets for $55.
 
Additionally, anyone who renews or buys a reserved seat in Section F will have the option to rent a seat chairback for the season. Chairback rentals are available for $20. Access to Touchdown Corner is available with Varsity Club status starting at just $125. Contact the Sycamore Athletic Fund at 812-237-6134 for more information.
 
Single game tickets went on sale in mid-July starting at $15 for adults, $5 for kids, and group rates of $5 for 15+ attendees. Single game rates are higher for the 2025 Homecoming Game against South Dakota on October 11 with prices rising to $18 for adults, $8 for kids, and a group rate of $8.
 
Indiana State will employ mobile ticketing as the default option for all home games during the 2024 football season, enabling contactless entry into athletics venues. Offering greater convenience and safety, fans can access their ticket online and transfer to family and friends. Fans will also have the option to get their tickets printed for an additional $5 charge.
 
For more information on season tickets, fans can contact Assistant Manager of Athletic Ticketing Grant Manning by phone at 812-237-8972 or via email at Grant.Manning@indstate.edu. Fans can also call 877-ISU-TIXS or email ISU-Tickets@indstate.edu. Fans have the opportunity to also buy or renew season tickets online by clicking HERE.
 
Follow the Sycamores
For the latest information on Sycamore Football, visit GoSycamores.com. You can also find the team on social media, including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube. Fans can also receive updates on Sycamore Athletics by downloading the March On App from both the App Store and the Google Play Store.