Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Ethan Wirth named MVFC Offensive Lineman of the Week
09/07/2015 | 12:00:00 | Football
ST. LOUIS - Southern Illinois offensive lineman Ethan Wirth was named Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week, the league announced Monday afternoon. The honor was the second weekly conference honor earned by the senior right tackle.
Wirth, a preseason honorable mention All-MVFC pick, anchored an offensive line that paved the way for 649 total yards and 248 rushing yards in SIU's season opener at Indiana. The Salukis averaged 8.4 yards per play in the 48-47 loss to the Hoosiers. He was the top graded offensive lineman on the day at 86 percent, while the offense piled up the most points and yards ever against an FBS opponent.
SIU's O-line allowed only one sack all day, which is tied for the MVFC lead after the first week of games. Since the start of Wirth's sophomore year, Southern Illinois' offensive line has given up five fewer sacks than any other unit in the conference. Wirth has been the fixture on the line in that time, and he is slated to make his 30th career start on Saturday when SIU travels to SEMO for a 6 p.m. game.
Wirth helped pave the way for quarterback Mark Iannotti's day. Iannotti rushed for 106 yards and threw for 411 more and piled up five total touchdowns, earning National co-Offensive Player of the Week honors. The weekly Offensive Lineman of the Week honor from the MVFC is the second of Wirth's career. He also earned the distinction after SIU ran for 209 yards and passed for 200 more in a win over Southeast Missouri in 2013.
