ST. LOUIS – Missouri State defensive back Montrae Braswell (So., Avon Park, Fla.) has been named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts in the Bears win over No. 21-ranked South Dakota this week.
Braswell, a transfer from Central Michigan, was everywhere this week, starting with his 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first quarter. Eight minutes later, Braswell gave the Bears the lead with a 36-yard “pick six” interception return for a score to give MSU its first lead of the game.
In the second half, Braswell’s defensive prowess continued with a two more pivotal plays on South Dakota’s final two possessions. His third-down pass break-up as the Coyotes were driving for a potential go-ahead score held USD to a field goal attempt, which the Bears blocked and turned into the game-winning field goal of their own minutes later. On South Dakota’s final possession, Braswell’s third-down tackle with less than five minutes to go forced a USD punt, and the Bears never gave the ball back, ultimately running out the clock for their second MVFC road win of the season.
Braswell finished with 6 total tackles, all solo stops, with a pair of passes defended and two touchdowns to guide the Bears to their first win over a ranked opponent since 2018.
Joining Braswell on this week of Valley award winners were: QB Tommy Schuster of North Dakota (Offense); QB Cam Miller of North Dakota State (Newcomer); and PK Cole Frahm of South Dakota State (Special Teams).
Braswell is the second MSU player in three weeks to earn MVFC Defensive Player of the Week honors, joining teammate Kevin Ellis who earned this distinction two weeks ago after the Bears win at Western Illinois.
Missouri State (2-1 in the MVFC) will wrap up its two-game road swing this Saturday at Northern Iowa for a 4 p.m. kickoff in Cedar Falls. The team’s next home date is March 27 against Southern Illinois.
