ST. LOUIS, Mo. – North Dakota linebacker Malachi McNeal earned the title of Missouri Valley Football Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday afternoon, the league offices announced.

McNeal paced North Dakota's defense in the 35-17 victory against RV/No. 20 Youngstown State and piled up 10 tackles, including nine solo stops. His fourth career game in double figures sparked a defense that limited YSU quarterback Beau Brungard to just 71 yards on the ground, which was 60 yards below his pre-game average. Brungard's 71 yards rushing was an FCS season-low, with the only other squad holding him to under 100 yards this season being Michigan State.

In the second stanza, McNeal sacked Brungard and helped set up the Fighting Hawk offense for a touchdown, which brought the score to 28-7 at the time. He also contributed a pass breakup in the victory.

Earlier on Monday morning, McNeal was recognized nationally and named the Stats Perform FCS National Defensive Player of the Week.

McNeal and the Fighting Hawks will visit No. 12/12 Southern Illinois this Saturday. Kickoff between the Hawks and Salukis is set for 2 p.m. (CT). The game will be streamed on ESPN+ and carried on the Fighting Hawks Radio Network.