Bowling Green, KY – Two days after helping the Patriots knock off 11^th-ranked Georgetown, defensive back Malik Thornton and returner Jahmal Hutsell were named Mid-South Conference Players of the Week conference officials announce Monday.  Thornton was named the MSC Defensive Player of the Week, while Hutsell earned Special Teams Player of the Week.

Thornton had an incredible game tallying his first career multi-interception game, two tackles, and two pass break-up in win. Late in the third quarter with Georgetown driving, Thornton intercepted a pass and returned it 24-yards to the Tigers 40-yard line.  That interception yielded a field goal for the Patriots to extend their lead to 17-10.  Three possessions later, with the Tigers in Patriots territory Thornton jumped the route for his first career multi-interception game.  The Eatonton, GA native returned this one 75 yards untouched to the end zone for the touchdown putting UC in front 24-10.  That scored was ultimately the game-winning score as the Patriots held on for the 24-23 win.  

It was Cumberlands' first interception return for a touchdown since September 2, 2021 when Damon Byrnes-Mitchell did it against Kentucky Christian.  It also marks the Patriots first multi-interception game since September 25, 2021 when Ke'Shawn Catlett had a pair of interceptions in the win over Southeastern. 

Hutsell had a critical play in the game tallying two kickoff returns for a total of 102 yards.  In the third quarter after Georgetown taken a 10-7 advantage Hutsell went to work.  On the ensuing kickoff the Cincinnati, OH native caught it at the 12-yard line and cut towards the middle of the field found a hole.  Hutsell raced towards the corner of endzone and went just inside the pylon for the 88-yards touchdown to put UC back in front 14-10.  This was the Patriots first kickoff return for a touchdown since October 3, 2015 when Wendall Williams returned a 75-yard kickoff return for a score against Bethel. 

The win was Cumberlands first win against the Tigers since 2019 and their first win over a NAIA Top-15 team since November 23, 2019 when they defeated seventh-ranked Keiser. 

After a bye week, the Patriots will return home to host Campbellsville on Saturday November 5th.  Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. with live video available here.  Prior to the game, UC will be honoring its 2022 senior class.

For the latest and most up-to-date information on University of the Cumberlands Athletics. Please visit www.cumberlandspatriots.com. Follow us on Twitter- @UC_Patriots and @UCPatsGameday, Instagram- @UCPatriots, TikTok- @ucpatriots, Youtube- Cumberlands Patriots, and Facebook by searching University of the Cumberlands Athletics.