Another MIAC Weekly Award For Neal
MOORHEAD, Minn. (9/30/13)—Concordia junior quarterback Griffin Neal was named the MIAC Offensive Player of the Week for helping the Cobbers beat No.21-ranked St. John's on Saturday. It is the second time this season he has earned the weekly award.
Neal was one of the main offensive catalysts in Concordia's 24-14 at St. John 's. The victory marked the first time since 1980-81 that the Cobbers have beaten the Johnnies in back-to-back seasons.
Neal competed 65.2% of his passes and combined for 269 passing and rushing yards against St. John's. He also threw for a pair of touchdowns as Concordia remained unbeaten on the season.
Neal had a game-high 83 rushing yards on 13 carries and was able to turn several pressure situations, and sack opportunities, into positive yardage. He has now rushed for over 80 yards in both conference games this year and leads the team in rushing with 227 yards.
Neal was also successful through the air. He was 15-for-23 for 186 yards and threw for touchdown scores in the first and second quarters. Neal's first scoring strike to Jon Baune gave the Cobbers a quick 7-0 lead and his TD pass to Brandon Zylstra at the end of the second quarter allowed CC to take a 21-7 lead into halftime. Neal has now thrown for 816 yards on the season and has completed 63.6% of his passes.
Concordia is now 4-0 in all games and 2-0 in MIAC play. The Cobbers jumped into the D3football.com top 25 for the first time all season on Sunday. CC is now ranked 23rd in the latest DIII national poll marking the second straight year they have achieved a spot in the national rankings.
The Cobbers have a two-week break before returning to action. CC will host No.5-ranked Bethel on Saturday, Oct. 12 at 1 p.m. The game is a part of the annual Homecoming weekend celebration.