Eastern Michigan University linebacker Luke Murphy has earned Mid-American Conference (MAC) Defensive Player of the Week honors for his standout performance in the Eagles' 52-33 road win over Kent State on Sept. 28. This recognition marks the fifth consecutive week an EMU player has been awarded a MAC weekly honor, reflecting the Eagles’ strong start to the 2024 season.
Murphy, who hails from Massillon, Ohio, returned to Kent State, where he previously played and delivered a game-changing defensive effort. Leading the Eagles with eight tackles, an interception, and a fumble recovery, Murphy's two takeaways were instrumental in securing the victory. Both turnovers led directly to touchdowns, helping EMU break open a tightly contested MAC opener.
Murphy’s performance helped Eastern Michigan achieve its first win in a MAC opener in eight years. His interception and fumble recovery were part of a dominant defensive showing by the Eagles, who forced four turnovers in total—three fumble recoveries and one interception. This marked the second straight game in which EMU recovered multiple fumbles, a feat the team had not accomplished since 2020. The defense's ability to capitalize on turnovers was crucial in EMU’s highest-scoring performance against Kent State in series history.
With six fumble recoveries this season, Eastern Michigan now ranks second nationally, trailing only the University of Oklahoma. Murphy’s impact has been felt not only on the field, but also in Eastern Michigan's recognition from the MAC this season. The Eagles have won five weekly awards, including two defensive honors and three special teams awards.
Murphy joins teammate James Djonkam, who shared MAC Defensive Player of the Week honors on Sept. 2, and kicker Jesús Gómez, named MAC Special Teams Player of the Week three consecutive weeks earlier this month.
Eastern Michigan heads into a bye week with a 4-1 record for the first time since 2016. The team will return to action on Oct. 12 when they take on defending MAC champions Miami University at Rynearson Stadium. Fans can watch the game live on WEMU (89.1 FM) and The Varsity Network app. At the same time, the halftime show will feature an exceptional performance from the EMU Marching Band, accompanied by the legendary Temptations.
MAC Player of the Week - Week 5 (Sept. 30)
- Offense: Harold Fannin Jr. (Bowling Green) & Parker Navarro (Ohio)
- Defense: Luke Murphy (Eastern Michigan)
- Special Teams: Tristan Mattson (Central Michigan) & Dom Dzioban (Miami)
Eastern Michigan 2024 MAC Weekly Award Recipients
- Sept. 2: James Djonkam (Defense, co-winner)
- Sept. 9: Jesús Gómez (Special Teams, co-winner)
- Sept. 16: Jesús Gómez (Special Teams, co-winner)
- Sept. 23: Jesús Gómez (Special Teams)
- Sept. 30: Luke Murphy (Defense)
