This week's Missouri Valley Football Conference players of the week include QB Austyn Modrzewski of South Dakota, LB Chase Van Tol of South Dakota State, P Hayden Futch of Illinois State, and LT Quinten Christensen of South Dakota State.

Offensive Player of the Week
QB Austyn Modrzewski, South Dakota, 6-5, 215, Fr., Littleton, Colo. (Mountain Vista HS)
In his first career start and snaps at quarterback, Modrzewski shattered South Dakota FCS era starting quarterback records with his passing yards (304) and passing touchdowns (six), becoming the fifth Yote QB to win their debut as starter in the FCS era. On the day, the freshman accounted for 385 yards of the 594 total yards the Coyote offense put up, accounting for seven total touchdowns. He was 16-for-20 through their air, completing 80% of his passes in his debut and the 26th USC FCS era 300-yard passing game. Additionally, he led the team with his 81 rushing yards on the ground, including a 68-yard TD run in the first half.  His six passing touchdowns, in his debut, also tied an all-time South Dakota single-season record for touchdown passes in a single game – being done for the first time since 2005.

Defensive Player of the Week
LB Chase Van Tol, South Dakota State, 6-1, 210, Jr., Tea, S.D. (Tea HS)
Van Tol made the most of his limited snap count in the South Dakota State’s 70-7 season-opening victory over Stetson on Aug. 29, highlighted by recovering a pair of first-half fumbles. He also recorded two solo tackles, including a tackle for loss, and broke up a pass as the Jackrabbits built a 42-0 lead at halftime.

Special Teams Player of the Week
P Hayden Futch, Illinois State, 6-1, 205, Sr., Valdosta, Ga. (Berrien HS)
Futch was not needed much in the 76-0 season opening win over St. Francis, but when he did kick, he made it count. The senior only punted twice in the game, but he averaged 66 yards per punt against the Fighting Saints. His first punt of the night was a 62-yarder, which fell one yard short of a career-high. However, on his next attempt, he set a new career high with a 70-yard punt that was downed inside the opponent five-yard line.

Newcomer of the Week
QB Austyn Modrzewski, South Dakota, 6-5, 215, Fr., Littleton, Colo. (Mountain Vista HS)
In his first career start and snaps at quarterback, Modrzewski shattered South Dakota FCS era starting quarterback records with his passing yards (304) and passing touchdowns (six), becoming the fifth Yote QB to win their debut as starter in the FCS era. On the day, the freshman accounted for 385 yards of the 594 total yards the Coyote offense put up, accounting for seven total touchdowns. He was 16-for-20 through their air, completing 80% of his passes in his debut and the 26th USC FCS era 300-yard passing game. Additionally, he led the team with his 81 rushing yards on the ground, including a 68-yard TD run in the first half.  His six passing touchdowns, in his debut, also tied an all-time South Dakota single-season record for touchdown passes in a single game – being done for the first time since 2005.

Offensive Lineman of the Week
LT Quinten Christensen, South Dakota State, 6-5, 310, Sr., Wessington Springs, S.D. (Wessington Springs HS)
Christensen graded at 95 percent with 8.5 knockdowns in 37 offensive plays for a South Dakota State offense that rolled up 42 points and 315 yards of total offense in the first half alone in a 70-7 season-opening, 70-7 home victory over Stetson on Aug. 29. Christensen did not allow any pressures or sacks as SDSU went on to average 11.2 yards per offensive play in the game.