 |
| Jones |
Jones earned his first-ever award by being named the GSC's Offensive Player of the Week after hauling in a team-high nine catches for 210 yards and four touchdowns, all career highs. Jones' receiving totals were the most of any player in the conference this season and his four touchdown receptions were the most by a GSC receiver since the 2009 season.
Andersen was named the conference's Special Teams Player of the Week for the second straight time after he carried the Blazers in placekicking and punting. Andersen averaged 47.3 yards per punt, headlined by a 52-yard punt that pinned the Statesmen inside their own 20. Andersen also connected on eight extra points and a 49-yard field goal, which put the Blazers ahead 10-7 early in the first quarter.
 |
| Andersen |
The first of Jones' touchdown catches came on the Blazers' opening possession when he hauled in a 74-yard pass from quarterback Cayden Cochran to give VSU an early 7-0 lead. The duo reconnected in the second quarter for two touchdowns of 14 and 20 yards.
After VSU blew an 18-point third quarter lead, Jones hauled in a 33-yard touchdown pass from Cochran to put the Blazers back in front 45-41.
A strong case for Offensive Player of the Week could have been made for Cochran. The redshirt junior quarterback finished with 412 yards and a career-high five passing touchdowns. He also ran for 30 yards and a 1-yard rushing touchdown on VSU's first possession of the second half.
Due to Jones' performance, Cochran was not nominated for the award.
Of course, all eyes will be on the Blazers Thursday night when they visit the Shorter Hawks in the GSC Game of the Week. The game will be carried live on CSS.
– Follow me on Twitter at @Ed_Hooper.
