MAC Football Co-Offensive Players of the Week
Dru DeShields, Kent State, Quarterback
R-Junior, Beloit, Ohio (West Branch)
Kent State quarterback Dru DeShields had a masterclass performance in a 35–20 rivalry win over Akron to keep the Wagon Wheel home. DeShields accounted for 100% of the Golden Flashes’ touchdowns, amassing 322 yards of total offense and committing zero turnovers. Through the air, he completed 18 of 33 passes for 294 yards and four touchdowns, averaging an explosive 16.3 yards per completion with scoring strikes to Wayne Harris (1, 55, and 19 yards) and Hunter Hopperton (2 yards). On the ground, DeShields added 28 rushing yards on eight carries, putting the game away late in the fourth quarter with a one-yard touchdown run. This marks the second time in his career that DeShields has scored five touchdowns against Akron.
Messiah Burch, Buffalo, Running Back
Senior. Staten Island, NY (Monsignor Farrell)
Messiah Burch rushed for a career-high 184 yards and three touchdowns in Buffalo's 31-24 win over Bowling Green. The senior running back scored on touchdown runs of 11, 2 and 73 yards. HIs 73-yard touchdown came in the fourth quarter to extend the Buffalo lead to 10-points and ice the game for the Bulls. It was Burch's fifth straight 100-yard rushing game – becoming the first UB running back since All-American Jaret Patterson in 2019 to rush for 100 yards in five straight games.
MAC Football Defensive Player of the Week
Michael Molnar, Ohio, Linebacker
Redshirt Senior, Mason, Ohio (Mason)
Linebacker Michael Molnar had a career day in the win against Eastern Michigan, leading the Bobcats to their fourth straight conference victory, their first 4-0 start in MAC play since 1997, and their nation-leading 17th straight win at home. Molnar recorded a career-best 18 tackles, the most tackles in a game this season by a MAC player. Molnar tallied four tackles for loss, the second-most in a game and the most in the conference, including one sack for 12 yards.
MAC Football Special Teams Player of the Week
Darren James-Hamilton, Ohio, Safety/Kick Returner/Punt Returner
Redshirt Sophomore, Charlotte, N.C. (Mallard Creek)
Darren James-Hamilton propelled the Bobcats to their fourth straight MAC victory, their first time opening 4-0 in MAC play since 1997, and 17th consecutive home win with a 24-20 victory over Eastern Michigan. Trailing by three with 3:33 remaining in the fourth quarter, Ohio turned to James-Hamilton, who returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for the go-ahead touchdown, the MAC’s longest return of this season. It was his second kickoff return touchdown of the year, the most in the conference. In addition to the kick return, James-Hamilton returned two points for 24 yards and had one interception.
