OVC Players of the Week
OFFENSIVE
Zion Webb, QB • 6-0, 200, R-Jr. • Phenix City, Ala. • Jacksonville State
Webb completed 21-of-33 passes for 280 yards and a career-high three touchdowns and rushed for 18 yards as Jacksonville State won its fifth-straight game, 38-16 at Tennessee Tech. He had a 29-yard touchdown pass right before halftime, added a 54-yard pass early in the fourth quarter and capped the game with a 19-yard score with 3:57 to play.
Others Nominated: Damonta Witherspoon, Murray State; Cam Wyche, Tennessee State; Rodney Williams, UT Martin.
DEFENSIVE
Marcis Floyd, CB • 6-0, 188, R-So. • Louisville, Ky. • Murray State
Floyd had six tackles and a pair of interceptions, one he returned for a 22-yard touchdown, as Murray State knocked off No. 16 Southeast Missouri 24-21. It marked the first win over a ranked opponent for the Racers since 2018, the first road win over a ranked opponent since 2017 and first win at SEMO since 2011. With the game tied at seven in the first quarter, he picked off Andrew Bunch and returned it 22 yards for a score. His final interception of the game came at the MSU 38-yard line as time expired to seal the victory.
Others Nominated: Jason Johnson, Eastern Illinois; Marshall Clark, Jacksonville State; Bryson Donnell, Southeast Missouri; James Green, Tennessee State; John Ford, UT Martin.
SPECIALIST
Antonio Zita, K • 5-9, 170, Jr. • Fayetteville, Tenn. • Tennessee State
Zita was a perfect 3-for-3 on field goals, connecting from 36, 41 and 47 yards in Tennessee State's 38-16 loss to No. 10 Jacksonville State. The junior also added an extra point to finish with the 10th double-digit scoring performance of his career. His 47-yard field goal in the third quarter was into a strong wind. For the season Zita is 5-for-6 on field goals, which is tops in Conference play.
Others Nominated: Matt Judd, Eastern Illinois; Alen Karajic, Jacksonville State; Dresser Winn, UT Martin.
NEWCOMER
Damonta Witherspoon, RB • 5-10, 206, Fr. • East St. Louis, Mo. • Murray State
Witherspoon carried the ball 22 times for 108 yards as Murray State knocked off No. 16 Southeast Missouri, the first win over a ranked opponent since 2018, the first road win over a ranked opponent since 2017 and first win at SEMO since 2011. Witherspoon averaged 4.9 yards/game and had a long run of 35 yards which came in the first quarter and setup a MSU touchdown two plays later.
Others Nominated: Matt Judd, Eastern Illinois; Nicario Harper, Jacksonville State; Devon Starling, Tennessee State; Chrishun, UT Martin.