EIU's Dowdell Named Player of Week

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- After spearheading a strong defensive performance in Eastern Illinois 24-7 win over No. 18 Eastern Kentucky on Saturday, senior defensive end Artavious Dowdell was named the Ohio Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Sunday.

Dowdell was key as the defense limited EKU to only 81 yards rushing as the Panthers knocked off their first ranked opponent since 2009.  Dowdell recorded seven tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack and a quarterback hurry.  His performance was part of a defensive unit that overall had 12 tackles for loss, five sacks and five quarterback hurries.

Dowdell now has 4.5 sacks for the season as he leads the OVC in that category.

EIU moved into a tie for first place in the OVC standings at 4-1.  They play at Tennessee Tech on Saturday with a 1:30 p.m. kickoff in Cookeville.