Southeast Missouri State QB Vandeven attracts OVC football honor after dazzling debut

Jackson graduate and Southeast Missouri State freshman quarterback Dante Vandeven was named the Ohio Valley Conference newcomer of the week following his collegiate debut against nationally-ranked Indiana State on Saturday.

Vandeven entered during the third quarter of a tied game against the No. 23/25 Sycamores and led the offense on three touchdown drives in the fourth quarter in the Redhawks' 29-28 loss.

Southeast trailed 21-7 entering the fourth quarter, but the Redhawks scored on an 18-yard run by Tremane McCullough with 9 minutes, 29 seconds remaining and on a 1-yard run by Lewis Washington with 2:24 left.

Vandeven completed a two-point conversion pass to Darrius Darden-Box after Washington's TD to give the Redhawks a 22-21 lead.

ISU regained a 29-22 lead with 41 seconds remaining before Vandeven led the Redhawks on a six-play, 57-yard drive that ended with a 26-yard touchdown pass to Paul McRoberts as time expired.

Southeast went for the win with a two-point conversion pass to McRoberts, but it was incomplete.

Vandeven completed 12 of 17 passes for 115 yards. He was intercepted on a pass to the end zone on his second drive. He rushed for 28 yards on four carries.