ST. LOUIS -- South Dakota State University kicker Justin Syrovatka and linebacker T.J. Lally have been named players of the week by the Missouri Valley Football Conference for their efforts in the Jackrabbits' 16-12 come-from-behind victory at Southern Illinois on Nov. 3.

A sophomore from Sioux Falls, Syrovatka received MVFC Special Teams Player of the Week after going 3-for-3 on field goals, connecting from 28, 41 and 33 yards. He also handled the kickoff duties for the first time this season, leading a special teams unit that allowed the Salukis an average of only 13.2 yards on six return attempts.

Lally, a redshirt freshman from Chicago, earned MVFC Newcomer of the Week recognition for the second consecutive week and fourth time this season after tying for the team lead with 10 tackles, notching three tackles for loss with two sacks, and forcing a fumble. Lally's forced fumble early in the fourth quarter set up a field goal that pulled the Jackrabbits to within 10-9.

In addition, Lally was named National FCS Defensive Player of the Week by CollegeSportsMadness.com.

South Dakota State, 7-2 overall and 5-1 in MVFC, will travel to top-ranked North Dakota State Saturday in a game that will decide sole possession of first place in the league standings. Kickoff is slated for 2:30 p.m. at the Fargodome in Fargo, N.D.