SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Quarterback Tyson Kooima (Sr., Hull, Iowa/Western Christian) made his first start of the 2021 season this past week against No. 20-Dordt throwing for a career-high six touchdowns and going a perfect 13-for-13 through the air to down the Defenders 63-28, earning him Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC) Offensive Player of the Week honors and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) announced Kooima as the national Offensive Player of the Week
Kooima led the offense on eight total possessions on the afternoon, as he led the Raiders to eight touchdowns on the day. Only throwing 13 times on the game, Kooima made good on every single throw, completing all 13 of them for 283 yards. His longest strike was an 83-yard touchdown connection to Konner McQuillan (Jr., Leavenworth, Kan./Lansing), converting on a third-down & 14.
On the day, the Northwestern offense scored nine touchdowns on nine offensive possessions, while throwing for a perfect 15-for-15 with seven touchdown tosses.
So far this season, in his appearances in three games, Kooima has a QB rating of 348.15 with an astounding 83.87% completion percentage. He is 26-31 for 567 yards and 11 touchdowns, with his longest touchdown pass being the 83-yard connection against Dordt this last week.
Kooima is the fifth Raider to earn Player of the Week honors this season, including the third to be named Offensive Player of the Week. The last Offensive Player of the Week was Cade Moser (Sr., Rock Valley, Iowa/Rock Valley Community) back on September 20, while Blake Fryar (Jr., Waukee, Iowa/Van Meter) earned opening week honors on August 30.
Kooima is primed to lead the No. 2-ranked Raiders up against No. 3-Morningside this weekend at Korver Field at De Valois Stadium with a GPAC conference title on the line. Kickoff is slated for 1:00 p.m.
