Robert W. Plaster Stadium | Missouri State University Bears Football
Robert W. Plaster Stadium | Missouri State University Bears Football
Missouri State University quarterback Deuce Bailey has been named Conference USA Freshman of the Week, according to an announcement from the league on Monday.
Bailey, a freshman from Bowling Green, Kentucky, made his first start in place of the injured Jacob Clark. He led the Bears to a 22-20 victory over Middle Tennessee last Wednesday. In that game, Bailey directed a 10-play, game-winning drive late in the fourth quarter. He also led four consecutive scoring drives during the second and third quarters, helping Missouri State secure leads at halftime and entering the final quarter.
Bailey completed 16 of 31 passes for 278 yards with no interceptions and one touchdown pass. He also rushed for a five-yard touchdown, which was his first career rushing score. His passing total ranks as the seventh-highest by a Missouri State quarterback against an FBS opponent in school history over 47 such games. Bailey became only the third freshman quarterback for Missouri State in the past 31 years—and the first since 2016—to win in his debut start.
Other players recognized by Conference USA this week include Cam Cook (Jax State) for offense, Tylon Dunlap (Kennesaw State) for defense, Garrison Rippa (Jax State) for special teams, and J.T. Pennington (Kennesaw State) for offensive line.
Missouri State holds a record of 3-3 and will not play this week. The team is scheduled to return to action on Wednesday, October 22 at New Mexico State with kickoff set for 8 p.m. Central on CBS Sports Network.
The Bears are set to play their next home game at Robert W. Plaster Stadium on Wednesday, October 29 against FIU. The matchup will feature Ag Day events, a halftime drone show, $2 hot dogs and ticket promotions throughout the week. The game is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m., also airing on CBS Sports Network.