ST. LOUIS — Walk-on offensive lineman Chase Arends was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s Offensive lineman of the Week after stepping into the starting lineup and anchoring a strong performance up front.

Three starting linemen were unavailable for Week 2 because of COVID protocols and contact tracing. With Arends at center, the Panthers picked up 191 yards rushing and didn’t allow a quarterback sack.

UNI scored every time it entered the red zone.

It was the first career start for Arends, his first Player of the Week honor and the first Player of the Week honor of the season for UNI.

The third-ranked Panthers are back in action Saturday against No. 15 Illinois State at the UNI-Dome.