Williamsburg, KY – After helping lead the Patriots to their largest come-from-behind win in over two decades, UC runningback Martize Smith has been named the MSC Offensive Player of the Week, conference officials announced Monday. 

Smith totaled a season-high 185 yards, averaging 6.9 yards per carry and two scores in the Patriots win.  Trailing 28-7 midway through the second quarter, Cumberlands turned to Smith who tallied runs of 15 and two yards to move the ball into Bears territory.  Two plays later the Decatur, GA native capped of the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run to cut the deficit to 14 points.  It was Smith's second rushing score of the season.

With UC trailing by 24-points at halftime, Smith took control of the game in the second half accounting for 154 yards on the ground and even added a touchdown.  The sophomore set the tone early accounting for 21 yards on Cumberlands first possession of the half which led to a score.  On the next Patriot possession, Smith opened the drive with a 24-yard run for his first of six runs on the drive.  He capped off that drive with a 3-yard rushing score to bring UC with 11 at 38-27.

Smith continue to gas the Bears defense on the next several possession as the Patriots climbed backed to take a 41-38 lead.  After the defense made a fourth-down stop with 5:21 left in the game, UC turned to Smith once again as he tallied 68 yards on eight carries to help UC run out the clock and secure the win.

His performance was not only a season-best but it also put him in an elite club as he became the tenth Patriots to rush for 2,000 over their career.  Smith is currently ninth on the all-time list with 2,094 career yards.

Cumberlands is 6-2 on the season after consecutive wins over Campbellsville and Pikeville. 

The Patriots will return to the field Saturday, November 6^th, when they travel to Georgetown to face the 20^th-ranked Tigers.  Kick-off is set for 1:30 p.m. with live video available here and live stats available here.

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