NEW ORLEANS - Georgia Southern kicker
Alex Raynor has been named the Sun Belt Conference Special Teams Player of the Week, as announced Monday by the conference. It marks the first honor for the redshirt junior this season.
SUN BELT PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Offensive Player of the Week - Todd Centeio, James Madison
Todd Centeio led JMU to a statement win against #23 Coastal Carolina, 47-7, to cap off an 8-3 year in its inaugural season in the Sun Belt and the FBS. Centeio accounted for five total touchdowns, as he was 17-of-32 for 287 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for 25 and a score. It was his third five-TD performance of the season, and he surpassed 300 total yards for the sixth time in 2022. In the win, JMU reeled off 44 straight points in a 29+ minute span to earn its first home win ever against an AP Top 25 ranked team.
Defensive Player of the Week - Reddy Steward, Troy
When Troy needed a big play, Reddy Steward made one, actually two, as Troy defeated Arkansas State to win the SBC West Division and earn the right to host the SBC Championship Game ... Leading by one, Steward intercepted a pass and returned it 67 yards for a touchdown to stretch the Trojans' fourth quarter lead, and he put the game on ice with his second interception of the quarter, this one with 4:25 to play in the game ... He also broke up an Arkansas State pass in the end zone
Special Teams Player of the Week - Alex Raynor, Georgia Southern
Alex Raynor continued to be one of the top kickers in the conference with his performance in the Eagles' 51-48, double overtime win over rival App State to help GS gain bowl eligibility. Raynor made all his kicks when they counted, including six PATs and a 35-yard field goal for nine points. He also had a 3-yard rush on a fake field goal that gained a first down, leading to a touchdown to give the Eagles the lead back in the third quarter. On the season, Raynor has made 16 of 18 field goals and is tied for the league lead with 96 points scored.
Georgia Southern (6-6) await their postseason destination after beating App State Saturday night to gain bowl eligibility.
