October 13, 1997
GREENVILLE -- Furman University tailback Ernest Crosby and linebacker Jay Thier have been named Southern Conference Offensive and Defensive Players-of-the-Week, respectively, for their performances in the Paladins's 24-22 win over Appalachian State on Saturday.
Crosby, a junior from Greenville, rushed 20 times for a season high 128 yards and two touchdowns against the Mountaineers. Crosby's two scores came on runs covering four and 53 yards, and he also added an important two-point conversion run in the second half to personally account for 14 of the Paladins' 24 points. In two starts against Appalalchian State the last two seasons, Crosby has rushed for 283 yards and four touchdowns, and twice has been named Southern Conference Player-of-the-Week.
Thier, a senior from Columbia, tallied 15 tackles, an interception, and a critical blocked extra point attempt in headlining Furman's defensive effort. Thier's blocked PAT attempt followed an Appalachian State score in the fourth quarter that cut the Paladins' lead to 24-16. The Mountaineers later scored to make it 24-22, but the Paladins held on the ensuing two-point attempt to avoid the tie and possible overtime.
In addition to his strong work on defense, Thier also registered six plays as a blocking back on offense and delievered key blocks on a touchdown and a two-point conversion.
Furman, now 3-2 on the year and 2-1 in Southern Conference play, takes on arch-rival The Citadel this Saturday in Charleston. Kickoff is set for 2:00 p.m.