Lindenwood senior Spencer Redd scored both touchdowns in the Lions’ 23-0 win over Tennessee Tech last week. (Photo: Terrance Williams)

DeMarcus Dixon
Staff Writer

The Big South-OVC Football Association announced its weekly player of the week awards and two Lindenwood players were honored.

Defensive lineman Kobe McClendon and wide receiver/kick returner Spencer Redd were each recognized, with McClendon receiving the league’s Defensive Player of the Week award and Redd earning the Special Teams Player of the Week honor.

McClendon was a force on the defensive side of the ball this past Saturday. The native St. Louisan and St. Mary’s High product was in the Tennessee Tech backfield all day, compiling seven tackles, four of them being for loss. He also totaled three quarterback sacks, a quarterback hurry, and also forced and recovered a fumble in the third quarter.

McClendon now has 5.5 sacks on the year, which leads the entire Big South-OVC, and helped the Lion defense put up the program’s first shutout since 2005.

Redd was the big star on offense and special teams for the Lions on Saturday. The Springfield, Ill., native began the game with an explosive 99-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that brought the entire full house crowd to its feet.

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Then later, when it became apparent the game was going to be a defensive battle, Redd broke free for a 52-yard touchdown catch that help the Lions put the game away.

“Spencer’s one of our big playmakers and he’s one of our great leaders,” Lindenwood head coach Jed Stugart said. “I’m never surprised when he makes a play for us. He’s unreal on those kick returns. Just a special talent.”

The victory helped the Lions snap a two-game losing streak and evened the team’s record at 3-3. Lindenwood will get a chance to keep rolling when it travels to South Carolina this weekend, for another Big South-OVC matchup against Charleston Southern.

Week 7 full Big South-OVC Players of the Week List

OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Pierce Holley, QB • 6-2, 215, Grad. • Arvada, Colo. • Eastern Illinois
Holley completed 29-of-48 passes for a season-high 359 yards and four touchdowns as Eastern Illinois dropped a one-point decision to No. 18 UT Martin in overtime. Holley tossed a 13-yard touchdown late in the first quarter to open the scoring and added a 10-yarder with two seconds left before halftime to give EIU a 14-7 advantage. His second touchdown of the day to Justin Bowick tied the game at 21 with 4:06 to play in regulation. Holley then connected with Justin Thomas on a 21-yard score in overtime before the Panthers missed the two-point conversion. Holley ranks seventh in completions per game (24.17), eighth in passing yards (1,541) and 15th in passing yards per game (256.8).

Others Nominated: Jayden Brown, Gardner-Webb; Jordan Gant, Tennessee State.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Kobe McClendon, DL • 6-3, 252, R-So. • St. Louis, Mo. • Lindenwood
McClendon was a beast on defense as Lindenwood toppled Tennessee Tech 23-0, marking the program’s first shutout since the 2005 season. The sophomore made seven tackles (5 solo), added 3.0 sacks and 4.0 tackles for loss. He also forced and recovered a fumble and had a quarterback hurry. Overall Lindenwood held TTU to just 214 yards of total offense. McClendon is averaging 0.92 sack per game, which is tied for 16th nationally.

Others Nominated: Russell Dandy, Eastern Illinois; Brice Bass, Garder-Webb; Dee Pierce; Jeremiah Josephs, Tennessee State; Daniel Rickert, Tennessee Tech; Daylan Dotson, UT Martin.

SPECIAL TEAMS CO-PLAYERS OF THE WEEK
Spencer Redd, WR/KR • 5-10, 184, Grad. • Springfield, Ill. • Lindenwood
Redd took the opening kickoff against Tennessee Tech and returned it 99 yards for a touchdown as the Lions would not look back in a 23-0 victory. It is one of five kick returns of 99 or 100 yards in the FCS this season. The wide receiver also caught a 52-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.

James Lowery, K • 5-10, 210, R-Jr. • Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. • Tennessee State
Lowery was perfect on kicking, nailing two field goals and three PATs as Tennessee State won 27-20 at Kennesaw State. The junior opened the scoring with a career-long 51 yard field goal and added a 41-yard field goal in the second quarter. He has now made five-straight attempts, all from 40-plus yards. Lowery was 3-of-3 on PATs and had six total kickoffs, two of which went for touchbacks. Lowery, who hit from 50 yards out earlier this season, is one of two FCS kickers with two or more 50-yard field goals this season.

Others Nominated: Aidan Laros, UT Martin.

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
Max Dowling, TE • 6-6, 240, R-Fr. • Buffalo, N.Y. • UT Martin
Dowling had two touchdown catches, including what proved to be the game-winning score, as No. 18 UT Martin toppled No. 25 Eastern Illinois 28-27 in overtime. His first career score came on a nine-yard reception in the third quarter that evened the game at 14. Then on the opening drive of overtime, he caught a pass, went seven yards and lunged by the pylon to score. He became the first UT Martin player to dial up multiple touchdowns in over a calendar year (last accomplished by teammate DJ Nelson on Oct. 1, 2022). The touchdown catches were his only receptions on the day.

Others Nominated: Jacob Horvath, Eastern Illinois; Nemo Squire, Gardner-Webb; Eriq George, Tennessee State.

BigSouth-OVCFootball.com contributed to this story.

2023 Lindenwood Lions Football Schedule

Sat., October 14 — at Charleston Southern* — 3 pm

Sat., October 28 — at Tennessee State* — 2 pm

Sat., November 4 — vs. Eastern Illinois* — 2 pm

Sat., November 11 — vs. Bryant* — 1 pm

* – denotes Big South-Ohio Valley Conference game

All Lindenwood home games will be played at Harlen C. Hunter Stadium