Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) – Quarterback Antonio Heffner of Tennessee State, defensive end James Develin and kick returner Scotty McGee of James Madison have been named The Sports Network’s FCS national players of the week.
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Antonio Heffner, Tennessee State, 6-2, 207, Senior, Quarterback, Memphis, TN.
Heffner led Tennessee State to a crucial Ohio Valley Conference victory over Eastern Kentucky, completing 20-of-28 passes for 312 yards and three touchdowns in the No. 25 Tigers 34-20 victory over EKU in the conference opener for both teams. It was only the third win in 22 games for TSU against the Colonels.
Heffner, who also carried the ball nine times for 47 yards (360 yards total yards of offense for the game), threw two of his touchdowns in the second half including a 3-yarder to Ronald Evans early in the fourth quarter to put the Tigers up by two scores. His first touchdown came on a 62-yard strike to Brandon Belvin in the first half. Heffner’s play has Tennessee State off to its best start (4-0) in seven years.
TEAM NOTE
Tennessee State moved up to the #23 spot, from #25, in The Sports Network’s FCS poll for the week of September 22, 2008.
The Tigers also broke into the FCS Coaches Poll at the #25 spot after their 34-20 win over Eastern Kentucky on September 20th.
TSU will face MEAC power Florida A&M Saturday, September 27th in the Bank of America Atlanta Football Classic in the Georgia Dome. The game is scheduled to be televised nationally on the Versus network. Kickoff is set for 3:00p CT.
