BURNSVILLE, Minn. – After a record-setting performance in Sioux Falls' 35-14 win over Southwest Minnesota State, redshirt-freshman quarterback Tate Schafer has been named the NSIC Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

Schafer delivered one of the most complete outings of his young career, accounting for 454 total yards of offense and five touchdowns to power the Cougars past the Mustangs. He completed 21 of 34 passes for 384 yards and three touchdowns, while also adding 70 rushing yards and two scores on the ground.

The Sioux Falls, S.D. native connected with Adonis Hutchinson on a pair of touchdown strikes, including an 85-yard bomb in the third quarter that marked the Cougars' longest play from scrimmage this season. Schafer also found Christian Janis for a 43-yard touchdown just before halftime to help USF build a 21-6 lead at the break.

Behind Schafer's leadership, the Cougars' offense totaled 618 yards of offense and controlled the ball for nearly 40 minutes of game time—their highest yardage total of the year.

The honor marks Schafer's first career NSIC weekly award and the first Offensive Player of the Week selection for USF this season.

The Cougars (4-3, 3-3 NSIC) enter their bye week before returning to action on October 25 at Minot State.

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