Michigan Tech quarterback Alex Bueno throws a pass during a game against Bemidji State Thursday at Kearly Stadium in Houghton. (David Archambeau/For the Gazette)

HOUGHTON — Michigan Tech Huskies redshirt sophomore quarterback Alex Bueno has been named Week Zero GLIAC Offensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

“That first drive, he never, ever looked like the moment was too big for him, which was awesome to see,” said Huskies coach Dan Mettlach. “That is the type of guy he is.”

In his first career quarterback start, Bueno led the Huskies to their first nationally-ranked win since the season opener in 2019, besting No. 16 Bemidji State, 37-17, in the season opener at Kearly Stadium on Thursday night.

The Rochester Hills, Michigan, native led the team in rushing for a game-leading 102 yards and a touchdown in 16 carries while also completing 62.5 percent of his passes (15-for-24) for 188 yards and two touchdowns through the air.

“The plays that he’s capable of making with his feet is different than what we’ve had around here in a long time,” Mettlach said. “At the same time, managing the game, when to throw uncovered, when to hand it off, when to pull it, he’s going to need more reps and get better at that kind of stuff. But he got us out of a ton of trouble.

“It wasn’t just the big plays. There were a couple third downs that he converted with patience in the backfield, just letting things develop, and understanding where the sticks are at. But, I thought for his first start, played really well. I can’t say enough good things about him with what he did.”

While most of what Bueno did was very impressive, Mettlach admits there is still a lot of room for the quarterback to grow.

“We have to get some stuff figured out moving forward, and he’s going to have to be better with some of the other stuff, but ran for 100 yards,” said Mettlach. “He was efficient throwing the football, and I thought that he was a voice in the huddle on the sideline from that leadership role that was just constant, which was great to see, because he is not a very vocal kid.

“So, for that to show up, and to get that presence from your ‘Q’ (quarterback) is obviously incredible.”

Up next

Bueno and the rest of the Huskies will travel to Rapid City, South Dakota, to face RMAC affiliate South Dakota Mines on Thursday, slated for an 8 p.m. (EST) kickoff.