ALFRED, NY — Alfred University junior fullback Chuck Beckwith (Victor, NY/Victor) has been named Empire 8 Conference Offensive Player of the Week following his breakout performance in helping lead his team to victory over nationally-ranked Buffalo State over the weekend.

Beckwith rushed for a career single-game best 177 yards and three touchdowns on just eight carries as the Saxons opened Empire 8 play with a 40-17 win over then-24^th-ranked Buff State on Saturday. He had touchdown runs of 31, 52 and 80 yards ­– all in the second half – as AU rallied from a 10-7 halftime deficit.

Beckwith led a rushing attack that produced 401 yards on the ground against the Bengals, who were coming off a 7-6 win over then-top ranked Wisconsin-Whitewater.

The Saxons (2-1, 1-0 E8) are idle this weekend and return to action on Saturday, Oct. 6, at 1 p.m. against visiting Ithaca on Homecoming.