CARBONDALE, Ill. – Southern Illinois quarterback Nic Baker was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference offensive player of the week on Monday, after leading the Salukis to a 49-23 win in their season opener versus Austin Peay.

Baker completed 16-of-23 passes for 219 yards, three TDs and no interceptions in three quarters of work, as SIU built a 35-0 lead before pulling its starters. Baker added five carries for 16 yards and became the school’s career record holder in completions with 574. He surpassed Saluki Hall of Fame quarterback Joel Sambursky.

A senior QB from Rochester, Illinois, Baker has played in 32 games since making his debut in 2018 and has won conference player of the week honors seven times in his career. He won it three times in 2022.