Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois University's senior quarterback, Michael Lindauer, has been named the Missouri Valley Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week. This recognition follows his impressive performance in a game against Murray State, where Southern Illinois won 62-0.

Lindauer's first and only career start saw him set a school record by passing for seven touchdowns. His journey to this achievement is notable, as he had retired from playing football last spring without having attempted a collegiate pass. Originally from Evansville, Lindauer spent five seasons with Cincinnati and Southern Illinois but was sidelined by injuries. He transitioned to coaching as a graduate assistant at SIU before being called back to play due to injuries within the team's quarterback lineup.

The Salukis faced a challenging season with multiple quarterbacks injured, prompting Lindauer's return in Week 8 after losing their top two quarterbacks. Initially serving as backup to freshman Jake Curry, Lindauer stepped up when Curry suffered a hamstring injury in Week 10.

During Senior Day, Lindauer helped propel the Saluki offense late in the first quarter with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Bradley Clark, establishing an early lead of 13-0. The second quarter showcased Lindauer's skills further as he threw four more touchdown passes: two to Nah'shawn Hezekiah and two others to Keontez Lewis.

In the third quarter, another touchdown pass went to Clark from 23 yards out, followed by a record-breaking one-yarder to Jay Jones. Lindauer completed the game with 20-of-33 passes for 283 yards and no interceptions.

His performance broke the previous school record of six touchdown passes held by Mark Iannotti (2014) and Sherard Poteete (1999).