Springfield Standard

Missouri State University quarterback Jacob Clark has been named the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week, following a national fan vote. The announcement was made Wednesday by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, which sponsors the award.

The Manning Award recognizes college football quarterbacks and is unique in that it considers performances in bowl games as part of its selection process. It was established to honor Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning for their contributions to college football. Since 2011, 578 quarterbacks from 136 schools have received recognition as "Stars of the Week," with 74 players honored during the 2024 season.

Clark was chosen from a group of eight finalists that included Steve Angeli (Syracuse), Aidan Chiles (Michigan State), Cale Hellums (Army), John Mateer (Oklahoma), Beau Pribula (Missouri), Sawyer Roberts (Baylor), and Blake Shapen (Mississippi State).

In Missouri State's recent game against Marshall, Clark achieved his ninth career 300-yard passing game and surpassed 5,000 career passing yards. His performance helped Missouri State overcome a second-half deficit to secure its first win as an FBS program. Clark completed 21 of 31 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns, added 30 rushing yards for a total of 389 yards of offense, and caught a pass for the first time in his career. He completed all five pass attempts on the team's decisive fourth-quarter drive, including a key third-down conversion to Ramone Green Jr., leading to a touchdown pass to Jeron Askren.

Clark also received recognition from ESPN’s "College Football Final" with a helmet sticker after Saturday's win and earned honorable mention in the Earl Campbell Tyler Rose Player of the Week selections.

Coach Ryan Beard's team will play SMU at Plaster Stadium this Saturday at 2:30 p.m., marking Missouri State’s first home game as an FBS program. Tickets are available through MissouriStateBears.com/tickets or at the Missouri State Athletics Box Office by phone at (417) 836-7678 during regular hours. A $21 bleacher ticket flash sale is being offered online only. Season tickets remain available for most seating sections.