Kent State senior safety Nate Holley was named the Mid-American Conference (MAC) East Division Defensive Player of the Week following his stellar play against Penn State on Saturday.

Holley — a team game captain for Saturday’s game — was a force through the whole game, collecting 17 total tackles (which was the top tackle total for either teams) one tackle for loss, and a key stop on a two-point conversion. Holley now has 332 tackles in his Kent State career.

“I think collectively we came together as a unit,” Holley said of the team defense on Saturday. “We can see what we need to fix, and take things more seriously.”

Holley was a catalyst on both defense and special teams, helping the Flashes’ defense hold Penn State to 161 total yards in the first half. The Flashes also forced four three-and-outs and one turnover on downs, which led to the team keeping it competitive up until the fourth quarter.

Holley was named an All-MAC player last season (his second time winning that award). He is also a two-time member of the Academic All-Mac Team.

Henry Palattela is a sports reporter, contact him at [email protected].