Middle Tennesee State University Athletics
Mathers named TSWA Offensive Player of Week
9/20/2016 5:27:00 PM | Football
Senior tailback scored 4 TDs in win
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee senior tailback I'Tavius Mathers was named the Tennessee Sports Writers Offensive Player of the Week today, on the heels of being named C-USA Offensive Player of the Week Monday.
Mathers, a Murfreesboro native, played a major role in Middle Tennessee's 41-21 win against Bowling Green last Saturday with a dominating performance that included four total touchdowns (three rushing and one receiving).
Mathers became just the second Blue Raider football player ever to amass 100-plus yards rushing and receiving in the same game. He also became the first player in Division I football to accomplish the feat this season.
The versatile back rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries, including a career-best 53-yarder. Mathers also reeled in four catches for 103 yards, including a screen pass that he turned into a 78-yard touchdown reception to start the second half. Mathers' touchdown catch from quarterback Brent Stockstill provided Middle Tennessee with a two-touchdown lead as they rolled to the road victory.
Mathers also gave the Blue Raiders the lead before halftime with a rushing touchdown. His 260 all-purpose yards marked the ninth most in a game at Middle Tennessee.
Mathers is the second recipient of the award this season. Stockstill was named Offensive Player of the Week, Sept. 9. The recipient is selected from all players among all divisions of college football in Tennessee each week. The TSWA awards an offensive and defensive player weekly during the football season.
Middle Tennessee will open C-USA play against Louisiana Tech Saturday. Kickoff is 6 p.m.
Mathers, a Murfreesboro native, played a major role in Middle Tennessee's 41-21 win against Bowling Green last Saturday with a dominating performance that included four total touchdowns (three rushing and one receiving).
Mathers became just the second Blue Raider football player ever to amass 100-plus yards rushing and receiving in the same game. He also became the first player in Division I football to accomplish the feat this season.
The versatile back rushed for 157 yards and three touchdowns on 27 carries, including a career-best 53-yarder. Mathers also reeled in four catches for 103 yards, including a screen pass that he turned into a 78-yard touchdown reception to start the second half. Mathers' touchdown catch from quarterback Brent Stockstill provided Middle Tennessee with a two-touchdown lead as they rolled to the road victory.
Mathers also gave the Blue Raiders the lead before halftime with a rushing touchdown. His 260 all-purpose yards marked the ninth most in a game at Middle Tennessee.
Mathers is the second recipient of the award this season. Stockstill was named Offensive Player of the Week, Sept. 9. The recipient is selected from all players among all divisions of college football in Tennessee each week. The TSWA awards an offensive and defensive player weekly during the football season.
Middle Tennessee will open C-USA play against Louisiana Tech Saturday. Kickoff is 6 p.m.
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