Joplin MAC East Offensive Player of the Week

Shaun Joplin was named the MAC East Offensive player of the week for his performance in the Big Game at Buffalo last Friday.

He is well deserving.  Joplin had 6 grabs for a career high 149 yards, with all but 10 of those yards coming in the 2nd Half.  He was truly a difference maker for the Falcons in the game's decisive moments.  He made great individual plays.  So congrats, Shaun.  ENJOY!  But not too much.  #beatniu

Here is what the MAC said in their release:

Senior wide receiver Shaun Joplin (Sylvania, Ohio) caught six passes for a career-high 149 yards and a touchdown as the Falcons clinched a spot in the MAC Championship game for the first time since 2003 with a 24-7 win over Buffalo. Joplin, who had just one catch for 10 yards in the first half, exploded with five catches for 139 yards in the second half. On the first drive of the second half, Joplin would catch a pass for 31 yards down to the Buffalo 19-yard line. On the next drive, quarterback Matt Johnson found Joplin in the corner of the end zone. Joplin was able to get his feet down in-bounds to secure the 23-yard touchdown reception, giving the Falcons the lead for good. In the fourth quarter, with the Falcons leading just 17-7, Johnson found Joplin on consecutive plays to set the Falcons up for a score. The second catch, which Joplin out-jumped a receiver and then juked a defender, would go for 62 yards down to the Buffalo seven-yard line. On the next play, the Falcons would score to ice the game.