TECH FOOTBALL COACHES NAME MVPS FROM WEST ALABAMA GAME

        RUSSELLVILLE, Arkansas – The Arkansas Tech football coaching staff has selected its Most Valuable Players from Thursday’s 26-24 win over West Alabama to open Gulf South Conference play.

The Offensive MVP honors went to senior receiver Tracey Stiger (Russellville, Ark.) and senior right tackle Jeremy Ashcraft (Marshall, Texas). Stiger earns his second Offensive MVP honor of the season after grading out at 80 percent in the win over the Tigers. Stiger was named the Offensive MVP following the Northeastern State game. Against the Tigers, Stiger caught nine passes for 69 yards, including gaining 65 yards after the catch. The nine receptions moved him into a tie for second place on the school’s all-time receptions list with former Wonder Boy Lance Strother (122) and the 69 yards receiving moved Stiger to 10th on the school’s career receiving yards chart (1,263 yards). In addition, he has now caught a pass in 21 consecutive games. Ashcraft earns Offensive MVP honors after grading out at 81 percent and recording six knockdown blocks, according to Tech Head Football Coach Steve Mullins.

On defense, the coaches awarded MVP honors to senior defensive end Greg Hansbrough (Las Vegas, Nev.). Hansbrough, who is a transfer from Missouri Western, recorded seven total tackles, three tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one quarterback pressure and caused a fumble. Hansbrough and his defensive teammates held UWA to 313 yard of total offense, which was 203 yards less than they were averaging on the season.        

The coaches awarded co-MVP honors on special teams to senior punters Michael Podobnik (Frankfort, Ill.) and Nick McCaskill (Camden, Ark.). It was the second time this season that Podobnik and McCaskill have shared special teams honors as they were honored following the Northeastern State game. Podobnik punted one time for 52 yards and connected a 25-yard field goal with 30 seconds left in the game to seal Tech’s victory, while McCaskill punted two times for 77 yards and averaged 38.5 yards per punt. For the game, McCaskill downed one of his punts inside the 20-yard line.

Tech, who is 2-1 on the season and 1-0 in the GSC, will return to action on Saturday, Sept. 27, when they travel to Monticello, Ark., to face Arkansas-Monticello. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. at Convoy-Leslie-Cotton Boll Stadium on the UAM campus.     

-- Tech Athletics --