By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- Hayden Olsen had a game on Saturday against North Carolina Central and the Ohio Valley Conference weekly voters took notice, making him an overwhelming favorite for this week's OVC Specialist of the Week.
The freshman from Buford, Ga., kicked a pair of 46-yard field goals to seal the deal against the home Eagles, while also going 3-for-3 on PATs for nine total points in the contest, tying his career-high in scoring.
The players are nominated by and then voted on by the conference's sports information contacts.
Even with rainy conditions, Olsen was also solid on kickoff duties, kicking off six times for 348 yards, averaging 58.0 yards per kick with a touchback.
For the season, Olsen is 2-for-3 on field goals and 11-for-11 on PATs. In his career, he is 9-for-15 on field goals with a career-long 52-yard kick, while standing as a perfect 28-for-28 on field goal tries.
Southeast Missouri running back Geno Hess (116 rushing yards, three TDs) and UT Martin quarterback Keon Howard (269 yards total offense, one passing TD, one rushing TD) split the offensive player of the week honor, while SEMO linebacker Brandon Mincey (six tackles, 2.0 TFL, 1 FF, 1 INT) was named the defensive player of the week. UT Martin freshman running back Zak Wallace (67 yards, three TDs) was named the newcomer of the week.
The Golden Eagles return to action on Saturday as they take on Tennessee State in Nashville at Nissan Stadium. Kickoff is slated for a 2 p.m. start.
Photo | Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information