This week's Missouri Valley Football Conference players of the week include QB Cole Payton of North Dakota State; LB Malachi McNeal of North Dakota; WR B.J. Fleming of North Dakota; PK Will Leyland of South Dakota; and RT Jake Pope of Illinois State.
 
Offensive Player of the Week
QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State
6-3, 233, Sr., Omaha, Neb.
Payton accounted for 291 yards of total offense and three touchdowns in North Dakota State’s 45-17 win over eighth-ranked Southern Illinois. He picked up eight first downs on 13 of 16 passing for 243 yards and one TD, and he rushed eight times for 48 yards and two scores including a 41-yard scramble in the third quarter to extend NDSU’s lead to 31-10. Payton connected with Bryce Lance for 48 yards and a 9-yard TD on back-to-back plays late in the second quarter to take a 17-10 lead before halftime, and his 50-yard strike to tight end Reis Kessel on third-and-7 extended the opening drive of the second half as NDSU built a 24-10 lead.
 
Defensive Player of the Week
LB Malachi McNeal, North Dakota
6-1, 230, Sr., Waukegan, Ill.
McNeal led North Dakota’s defense in the 35-17 victory over Youngstown State and he accounted for 10 tackles (nine solo), a sack and one pass breakup. McNeal and the UND defense limited Beau Brungard to 71 yards rushing on 19 attempts. His sack helped the Hawks get the ball back early in the second quarter and led to a North Dakota score five plays later, which brought the score to 28-7.
 
Newcomer of the Week
WR B.J. Fleming, North Dakota
6-0, 180, Jr., Aledo, Texas
A transfer from NAU, Fleming led North Dakota’s receivers in the 35-17 win against Youngstown State. Fleming hauled in five grabs for 84 yards and a pair of scores in the opening half, scoring the first touchdown of the game on a nine-yard reception and then extended the lead to 28-7 midway through the second stanza with a diving 14-yard grab.
 
Special Teams Player of the Week
PK Will Leyland, South Dakota
5-11, 215, Sr., Souderton, Pa.
Leyland tied a South Dakota single-game record for most field goals made with his four as the Coyotes down Indiana State 19-14 on the road. His longest field goal of the day was a 42-yarder in the fourth quarter, plus a pair of 32-yarder. His field goals proved to be the difference in the contest. Leyland moved into sole possession of seventh all-time at South Dakota in career field goals made, having made 31 in his career.
 
Offensive Lineman of the Week
RT Jake Pope, Illinois State
6-7, 300, Sr., Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
The Redbird offense did everything it wanted to on Saturday night at Murray State, as the Redbirds scored a season-high 46 points and 510 yards of total offense. That performance was thanks to a strong showing on the offensive line, led by senior right tackle Jake Pope who graded out at 91 percent for the Redbirds in their 46-32 win over the Racers. Pope helped the Redbirds rushed for 172 yards on the ground and aided quarterback Tommy Rittenhouse in throwing a career-high four touchdowns in the victory.