Freshman quarterback Cody Kirby of the Missouri State football Bears has been selected as the Gateway Football Conference Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Saturday’s Missouri State come-from-behind 42-38 win over Central Arkansas at Plaster Field.

    A freshman from Rogers, Ark., Kirby scored the winning touchdown in the contest on a two-yard run with 21 seconds to play in the fourth quarter as the MSU Bears overcame a 38-35 UCA lead. It was the third time in the game Missouri State had come from behind. It was also Kirby’s third rushing touchdown of the contest as he gained 40 yards on nine carries on the ground. He also passed for two touchdowns, hitting 22-of-38 through the air for 247 yards. Kirby was in his fourth college game and was making his first start at quarterback.

    The win boosted Missouri State to 3-1 for the season. The Bears open Gateway play Saturday at defending league champion Youngstown State at 5:00 p.m. (CDT).