Eastern Michigan Athletics
Murphy Earns MAC Defensive Player of the Week Honor
9/30/2024 11:00:00 AM | Football
Linebacker had an outstanding performance in his return to Kent State, including an interception
CLEVELAND, Ohio (EMUEagles.com) -- For the fifth consecutive week, a member of the Eastern Michigan University football team has garnered recognition from the Mid-American Conference with Luke Murphy being selected as the MAC Defensive Player of the Week, Sept. 30, following his strong performance in the Eagles' 52-33 MAC-opening road victory, Sept. 28, at Kent State University. Murphy, a graduate of KSU, was instrumental in helping the Eagles to their first win in a MAC opener in eight years.
Murphy (Massillon, Ohio/Massillon Washington/Kent State) had an unforgettable performance in the win as he played a pivotal role in his return against his former club. The linebacker showcased his defensive prowess by leading the Eagles with eight tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. His two takeaways were game-changing, as both led to touchdowns, allowing Eastern to pull away in a hard-fought contest.
Murphy's efforts were part of a dominant defensive showing for the Eagles, who forced four turnovers on the day -- three fumble recoveries and one interception. This marks the second consecutive game where Eastern Michigan has recovered multiple fumbles, a feat not accomplished since 2020. His timely fumble recovery and interception energized the defense and helped propel the Eagles to their highest point total against Kent State in series history. Additionally, the team now ranks second nationally with six fumble recoveries, just two behind the University of Oklahoma for the national lead.
Since the start of the season, the Eagles have collected five weekly awards from the MAC, including two defensive and three special teams. James Djonkam (Springfield, Va./West Springfield/Independence CC/Arizona State) earned a share of the MAC Defensive Player of the Week accolade, Sept. 2, for the first award of the year for Eastern before Jesús Gómez (Puebla, Mexico/Prepa Tec Puebla) earned the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week accolade in three consecutive weeks, including Sept. 9, Sept. 16, and Sept. 23.
Murphy and the Eagles head into their bye week with a 4-1 record for the first time since 2016 and will return to action Saturday, Oct. 12, when the defending MAC Champion RedHawks of Miami University pay a visit to Rynearson Stadium. The game time and television designation will be announced this week, but fans can always listen to the game live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and The Varsity Network app with Tom Helmer, Rob Rubick, and Greg Steiner calling the action. Additionally, fans are in for a halftime treat as the EMU Marching Band, the Pride of the Peninsula, will perform live with the world renowned The Temptations.
2024 MAC Players of the WeekMurphy (Massillon, Ohio/Massillon Washington/Kent State) had an unforgettable performance in the win as he played a pivotal role in his return against his former club. The linebacker showcased his defensive prowess by leading the Eagles with eight tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. His two takeaways were game-changing, as both led to touchdowns, allowing Eastern to pull away in a hard-fought contest.
Murphy's efforts were part of a dominant defensive showing for the Eagles, who forced four turnovers on the day -- three fumble recoveries and one interception. This marks the second consecutive game where Eastern Michigan has recovered multiple fumbles, a feat not accomplished since 2020. His timely fumble recovery and interception energized the defense and helped propel the Eagles to their highest point total against Kent State in series history. Additionally, the team now ranks second nationally with six fumble recoveries, just two behind the University of Oklahoma for the national lead.
Since the start of the season, the Eagles have collected five weekly awards from the MAC, including two defensive and three special teams. James Djonkam (Springfield, Va./West Springfield/Independence CC/Arizona State) earned a share of the MAC Defensive Player of the Week accolade, Sept. 2, for the first award of the year for Eastern before Jesús Gómez (Puebla, Mexico/Prepa Tec Puebla) earned the MAC Special Teams Player of the Week accolade in three consecutive weeks, including Sept. 9, Sept. 16, and Sept. 23.
Murphy and the Eagles head into their bye week with a 4-1 record for the first time since 2016 and will return to action Saturday, Oct. 12, when the defending MAC Champion RedHawks of Miami University pay a visit to Rynearson Stadium. The game time and television designation will be announced this week, but fans can always listen to the game live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and The Varsity Network app with Tom Helmer, Rob Rubick, and Greg Steiner calling the action. Additionally, fans are in for a halftime treat as the EMU Marching Band, the Pride of the Peninsula, will perform live with the world renowned The Temptations.
Week 5 (Sept. 30)
Offense: Harold Fannin Jr. (TE) • Bowling Green & Parker Navarro (QB) • Ohio
Defense: Luke Murphy (LB) • Eastern Michigan
Special Teams: Tristan Mattson (PK) • Central Michigan & Dom Dzioban (PK) • Miami
EMU's 2024 MAC Player of the Week Honorees
Sept. 2: James Djonkam (LB) • Defense (co)
Sept. 9: Jesús Gómez (K) • Special Teams (co)
Sept. 16: Jesús Gómez (K) • Special Teams (co)
Sept. 23: Jesús Gómez (K) • Special Teams
Sept. 30: Luke Murphy (LB) • Defense
Players Mentioned
LB
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