From staff, wire reports
Youngstown State University quarterback Kurt Hess might have had the game of his career Saturday night against Northern Iowa. And because of his performance, the league is tapping him for its weekly honors.
On Sunday, the Missouri Valley Football Conference named Hess its Offensive Player of the Week.
Hess is the second Penguin to receive the honor this season. In the first week, wide receiver Andre Stubbs was given the award after his performance against Pitt.
Against the Panthers on Saturday night, Hess completed 20-of-28 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the Penguins' come-from-behind victory over UNI. It was YSU's first win over the Panthers since 2000.
Hess had two first-half touchdown passes and added two in the second half, including the game-winner with 1:50 left. In the first half, he had touchdown throws of 25 and 38 yards. In the second half, he threw a 43-yard pass and found Christian Bryan for a 26-yard score on a third-and-3 play with 1:50 remaining.
All four of Hess' touchdowns were thrown to different receivers. In all, the junior used nine different receivers during the game.
Hess was 6-of-7 in the fourth quarter for 77 yards and a perfect 3-of-3 for 49 yards on the final drive of the game.
It was the 14th time in his career that Hess has thrown for more than 200 yards in a game. Saturday's statistics come up 16 yards short of his career high, which came last season in the season finale to Missouri State.
With the victory, the Penguins are 4-0 to start the season for the first time since 2000. YSU has the week off and will use the extra week to prepare for North Dakota State. The Penguins travel to Fargo on Oct. 6.
