The Redbirds’ decisive 38-3 victory over Division I-AA No. 13 Northern Iowa led to a sweep of Gateway Conference player-of-the-week honors: Laurent Robinson on offense, Brent Hawkins on defense and Ryan Hoffman on special teams.
Robinson, a junior wide receiver, gained 243 yards on 10 receptions, including touchdown catches of 46, 9 and 25 yards. Hawkins, a senior defensive end, had five sacks among his nine tackles. Hoffman, a senior punter, averaged 44.8 yards per kick and had one downed on the 1-yard line.
Redbirds sophomore quarterback Luke Drone completed 22 of 28 passes for 321 yards and four touchdowns against Northern Iowa.
After two straight victories over nationally ranked opponents, the Redbirds (5-3, 2-2) turn their attention to Western Illinois. The Leathernecks lead the series 46-37-3 and won last year’s game 40-31.
