Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Nic Baker named FedEx Player of the Week, PJ Jules earns Valley honors
09/18/2023 | 10:00:00 | Football
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Quarterback Nic Baker was named the FedEx Ground FCS National Offensive Player of the Week, and safety PJ Jules earned Missouri Valley Football Conference player-of-the-week honors on Monday, as Southern Illinois swept the league's offensive and defensive awards after beating No. 13 SEMO on Saturday.
Baker, who led SIU to a 26-25 comeback win against the Redhawks, is SIU's first national player-of-the-week since Mark Iannotti in 2015. With the Salukis trailing, 15-0, at halftime, Baker passed for 408 yards in the second half on Saturday — a school record for a half. On the day, he completed 35-of-51 passes for 462 yards and three touchdowns. Three times in the fourth quarter, he converted fourth-down plays, none bigger than the nine-yard touchdown pass to Izaiah Hartrup that won the game with 11 seconds left. He had league single-game bests for passing yards and total offense. Baker won the MVFC's weekly award for the eighth time in his career, including Week 1 recognition versus Austin Peay.
Jules had a career-high 15 tackles, including a half-tackle for loss. He also had three more pass breakups, which gives him six in the last two games and moves him up to No. 5 all-time at SIU. The Salukis held SEMO to 86 yards rushing, the third-straight game the defense has held an opponent under 100 yards. Southern ranks No. 5 in the nation in rushing defense (62.7) in the FCS. Jules' 15 tackles match the best by a league player in a game this year and his six PBUs leads the MVFC. Jules also won Valley player-of-the week honors in Week 2 for his 12-tackle performance in the win at Northern Illinois.
Baker, who led SIU to a 26-25 comeback win against the Redhawks, is SIU's first national player-of-the-week since Mark Iannotti in 2015. With the Salukis trailing, 15-0, at halftime, Baker passed for 408 yards in the second half on Saturday — a school record for a half. On the day, he completed 35-of-51 passes for 462 yards and three touchdowns. Three times in the fourth quarter, he converted fourth-down plays, none bigger than the nine-yard touchdown pass to Izaiah Hartrup that won the game with 11 seconds left. He had league single-game bests for passing yards and total offense. Baker won the MVFC's weekly award for the eighth time in his career, including Week 1 recognition versus Austin Peay.
Jules had a career-high 15 tackles, including a half-tackle for loss. He also had three more pass breakups, which gives him six in the last two games and moves him up to No. 5 all-time at SIU. The Salukis held SEMO to 86 yards rushing, the third-straight game the defense has held an opponent under 100 yards. Southern ranks No. 5 in the nation in rushing defense (62.7) in the FCS. Jules' 15 tackles match the best by a league player in a game this year and his six PBUs leads the MVFC. Jules also won Valley player-of-the week honors in Week 2 for his 12-tackle performance in the win at Northern Illinois.
Players Mentioned
Friday, June 12
Wednesday, June 10
Thursday, June 04
Monday, May 25