Freshman Lonnie Phelps was named Mid-American Conference East Division Defensive Player of the Week following his efforts last Friday at Ball State.
 
Phelps was part of a dominant special team's effort in the first half as the RedHawks blocked a pair of punts. Phelps blocked the game's first punt that gave the RedHawks a first-and-goal. One play later Brett Gabbert found Jack Sorenson for a 10-yard touchdown.
 
On Ball State's ensuing punt, Emmanuel Rugamba got around the edge for Miami's second punt block of the afternoon. Phelps would pick up the block and return it for a 32-yard touchdown. The punt block touchdown was Miami's first since 2010.
 
The RedHawks face Central Michigan this Saturday at noon for the 2019 MAC Championship at Ford Field in Detroit, Mich.