BRIEFS: SEMO'S PATTON CLAIMS OVC NEWCOMER HONOR

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. -- Southeast Missouri State University freshman running back Marcus Patton has been named the Ohio Valley Conference newcomer of the week for his performance during Saturday's 34-14 win over Tennessee-Martin.

Patton rushed for a career-high 81 yards on 15 carries and he scored two touchdowns, including a dazzling 14-yarder in which he carried several tacklers into the end zone. Patton also caught two passes for 27 yards.

Running back Travis Rogers of Tennessee Tech and safety Bobby Sippio of Western Kentucky were named offensive and defensive players of the week.

Rogers rushed for 176 yards and a touchdown as Tennessee Tech beat Murray State 36-21.

Sippio forced a fumble, intercepted a pass and had five tackles as Western Kentucky beat Eastern Illinois 34-12 to clinch the OVC title.

Joseph Jefferson of Western Kentucky won special teams player of the week. He returned the first punt of the game against Eastern Illinois for 88 yards and a touchdown.