CLEVELAND – Ball State football defensive end Anthony Winbush was named the Mid-American Conference West Defensive Player of the Week following his career game in Saturday’s season opener at Illinois.

Winbush, a native of Indianapolis, posted personal highs in sacks (3.0) and tackles (seven) in the 24-21 defeat at Illinois. Two of his sacks came on back-to-back plays in the third quarter that forced Illinois out of field goal range. The senior was part of a Ball State defense that held Illinois to 216 yards of total offense, almost 100 yards below its 2016 average. Winbush’s three sacks were the most by any player in the nation this past weekend.

Eastern Michigan running back Ian Eriksen (Offensive) and Western Michigan kick returner Darius Phillips (Special Teams) were the other MAC West Player of the Week honorees.

Next up for Ball State is the Cardinals’ home opener on Saturday, Sept. 9 against UAB. Saturday’s game is City of Muncie Day as well as Military and Public Safety Appreciation Day. Special ticket offers are available for Muncie residents and all military and public safety personnel. For more information on tickets, please call 888-BSU-TICKET.