APSU Sports Information: APSU Football
Nashville, TN – Jake Ryan, who recorded his first career 300-yard passing day in rallying Austin Peay State University from a 21-point deficit to defeat Tennessee State, Saturday night, has been named Ohio Valley Conference co-Offensive Player of the Week.
Meanwhile, placekicker Stephen Stansell, who nailed three field goals in the Govs’ 37-34 win against TSU, including the 35-yard game winner with 10.1 seconds left, has been selected OVC Specialist of the Week.
Ryan, who shared the offensive award with Southeast Missouri quarteback Matt Scheible, completed 21-of-41 passes for 314 yards and two scores against the Tigers. The junior from Knoxville played a key role in leading APSU back from a 28-7 second-quarter deficit. Included in his totals was a 72-yard strike to Darryl Clack to open the third quarter and bring the Govs within seven points.
After the Governors recovered a TSU fumble with 2:21 to play in the game, Ryan completed a key 17-yard pass to Devin Stark that set up Stansell’s game-winner in the closing seconds.
Meanwhile, Stansell snapped an early-season slump Saturday night by booting a trio of field goals. The Athens, TN, native had entered the game with three straight field goal misses after opening the season with a successful kick against Cincinnati.
However, the junior regained his confidence early in the game, booting a pair of first-quarter field goals, one from 43 yard and the other from 23. The last field goal came at the conclusion of a seven-play, 29-yard drive and won the game for the Governors. He now has connected on seven straight field goals, covering two seasons, against Tennessee State. In fact, this is the second straight year he has earned league Specialist of the Week honors for his play against the Tigers.
Stansell and Ryan have helped the Governors to a 2-0 OVC start for the first time since 1977.
