North Dakota State’s football program celebrated a sweep of weekly Mountain West honors as four of its players were singled out for their performances in the opening‑week victory over Jacksonville State, a 33‑7 contest that showcased both offensive firepower and defensive discipline.
Quarterback Nathan Hayes, making his first career start, delivered a crisp 14‑of‑? passing effort for 160 yards and two touchdowns, a display that earned him the Offensive Player of the Week award and highlighted the Bison’s evolving aerial attack.
On the defensive side, junior linebacker Donovan Woolen posted ten tackles, seven of them solo, and helped keep Jacksonville State’s once‑formidable rushing attack to just 85 yards, securing the Defensive Player of the Week nod.
A Fresh Wave of Talent
Special teams also shone, with senior placekicker Drew Klein converting all seven of his attempts, including four field goals that stretched beyond 40 yards, drawing Special Teams Player of the Week recognition.
Freshman defensive end Blake Schiltz made an immediate impact, recording a sack and recovering a fumble that pushed the Bison’s lead to 20 points in the third quarter, earning Freshman of the Week honors.
The quartet’s accolades mark the first Mountain West weekly awards of their respective careers, underscoring the program’s depth and the coaching staff’s ability to develop talent quickly.
North Dakota State’s defense, which limited the Gamecocks to a mere 170 total yards, also demonstrated that last season’s top‑five national rushing offense was effectively neutralized, setting a tone for the weeks ahead.