Youngstown State junior quarterback Kurt Hess was recognized as the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the Penguins’ 42-35 win over UNI on Saturday.

Hess completed 20-of-28 passes for 290 yards and four touchdowns in the Penguins’ come-from-behind win over the Panthers. It was YSU’s first win over UNI since 2000.

“I think last year I wouldn’t have made some of the plays I did Saturday”, said Hess.  “I would have probably forced something.  I have developed a lot of trust in my teammates and know where they are going to be in almost any situation and it is paying off this season.”

Hess had two first-half touchdown passes and added two in the second half, including the game-winner with 1:50 left. In the first half, he had scoring throws of 25 and 38 yards. In the second half, he threw a 43-yarder and found Christian Bryan on a 26-yard score on third-and-three play with 1:50 remaining.

Hess was 6-of-7 in the fourth quarter for 77 yards and a perfect 3-of-3 for 49 yards on the final drive of the game.

South Dakota State’s T.J. Lally was named the defensive player and the newcomer of the week. UNI kickoff returner/running back Carlos Anderson was tabbed the special teams player of the week.

The Penguins (4-0, 1-0) have a bye this week before an Oct. 6 trip to No. 1 ranked North Dakota State.