Spelman earns MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors

Posted on October 26, 2015

ISU center Mark Spelman prepares to snap the ball. (Photo courtesy GoRedbirds.com)

By ISU Sports Information

NORMAL – The Illinois State offense set several season-bests in a win against No. 20 Western Illinois on Saturday, and center Mark Spelman was a big part of that success against the Leathernecks. For his efforts, Spelman was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week on Monday by the league office.

The Brookfield, Wisconsin, native graded out at 95 percent and was credited with six knockdowns while not allowing a sack against the Leathernecks in 48-28 victory for the Redbirds against their in-state rivals. The Redbirds amassed 517 yards of total offense against WIU, and were extremely effective in the running game.

ISU averaged 7.0 yards per carry and totaled 306 rushing yards, as Marshaun Coprich and Tre Roberson each scored twice on the ground and Anthony Warrum added a fifth rushing touchdown with a fumble recovery in end zone late in the contest. The totals for rushing yards, rushing yards per carry and rushing touchdowns scored were all single-game season bests for the Redbird offense.

Spelman and the No. 3 ranked Redbirds (6-1, 4-0 MVFC) will host No. 21 Indiana State (4-3, 2-2 MVFC) Saturday at Hancock Stadium for a Halloween contest. Kickoff is slated for Noon CT, and the game will be broadcast live on CSN Chicago and streamed live on ESPN3.

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