Case Cookus threw for 380 yards on 26-of-45 passing while adding three touchdowns and no interceptions in NAU's convincing 37-16 win over then-No. 7/11 Illinois State on Oct. 7. Illinois State entered the contest boasting the nation's No. 2 ranked defensive unit. Cookus also hauled in the first touchdown reception of his career on a 23-yard pass from freshman Chance Brewington in the win over the Redbirds. As a result, Cookus was named the STATS FCS National Offensive Player of the Week, Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week and earned honorable mention status from College Football Performance.