ST. LOUIS — South Dakota State linebacker Isaiah Stalbird was named Monday as Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Jackrabbits' Hobo Day victory over Northern Iowa on Oct. 14.
A senior from Kearney, Nebraska, Stalbird registered a team-high nine tackles (eight solo) with two tackles for loss and a sack to lead a Jackrabbit defense that did not allow a touchdown in a 41-6 triumph. Stalbird, who became the first SDSU player to earn the award this season, also forced a fumble in the first quarter that led to a Jackrabbit touchdown for a 14-0 lead.
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As a unit, SDSU forced five first-half turnovers (three fumbles, two interceptions) and recorded a season-high four sacks in improving to 6-0 overall and 3-0 in league play.
The top-ranked and defending Football Championship Subdivision national champion Jackrabbits return to action Saturday at No. 12 Southern Illinois. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. at Saluki Stadium in Carbondale, Illinois.