Western Illinois University Athletics

Sophomore safety Myles Spearman earned his second straight start and helped Western Illinois to a 24-7 victory over Dayton in the opening round of the FCS Playoffs. For his efforts he's the Hampton Inn Scholar-Athlete of the Week.

Spearman recorded his second career interception, both in consecutive weeks and both in the endzone, and made two tackles for the Leatherneck defense. Western allowed just 25 total yards in the second half and it scored 24 unanswered points.

On the year, he has 29 tackles (20 solos), two interceptions and three pass break-ups. He owns a 3.268 overall GPA majoring in Biology.

Western travels to Illinois State this Saturday (Dec. 5) for the second round of the FCS Playoffs. Kickoff is scheduled for 1 p.m. and can be seen on ESPN3.