LAFAYETTE — After a dominant rushing performance at Ohio on Saturday, junior running back Elijah Mitchell was tabbed as the Sun Belt’s Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced on Monday morning.
Mitchell, who last earned Player of the Week honors on Oct. 8, 2018, carried the ball 17 times for 143 yards and scored three touchdowns in the Ragin’ Cajuns’ 45-25 victory over the Bobcats.
His performance marked the fourth time in his career that the junior back has scored three touchdowns in a single game and the sixth time he has had multiple touchdowns. It was also the sixth time that he has rushed for over 100 yards in a game.
The Erath, Louisiana, native’s three scores also upped his season total to seven, tying him for third nationally for rushing touchdowns. Mitchell has scored at least once on the ground in every game this year.
Mitchell’s dominance has played a key role in the success of Louisiana’s rushing attack, which currently ranks first in the nation in total yards (1,295) and touchdowns (18). The squad is also No. 2 in FBS for yards per carry (7.53) and third in total rushing yards per contest (323.8).
Mitchell and the Ragin’ Cajuns continues their road swing on Sept. 28 when they travel to Statesboro for a matchup with Georgia Southern. Kickoff is slated for 5 p.m. (CST) on ESPN+.
Follow the Ragin' Cajuns on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (@RaginCajunsFB) to stay up-to-date on Louisiana Football.