Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Nathaniel Watson Named Bednarik Award Player of the Week
October 24, 2023 | Football
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State football's Nathaniel Watson was named the Bednarik Award Player of the Week following a dominant performance at Arkansas.
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Watson becomes just the second Bulldog in program history to earn this honor, joining Montez Sweat, who was named the Bednarik Award Player of the Week on Oct. 9, 2018.
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The Maplesville, Ala. native was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for the first time in his career.
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Watson was all over the field in State's 7-3 road victory over Arkansas. In the contest, Watson recorded a season-high 14 tackles, nine assisted and five solo, to go along with two sacks. His double-digit tackle performance was also his 14th career game with double-digit tackles.
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In Saturday's victory, Watson tied for the most tackles and sacks by an SEC player in week eight while also being the only SEC defender to lead his team in both statistical categories. Watson, who earned his 300th career tackle on Saturday, has found success getting to the quarterback lately and has now recorded at least a half sack in five consecutive games.
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Watson has had a great 2023 season and is at, or near, the top of multiple statistical categories. Through eight weeks, Watson ranks second in the SEC in total tackles (71) and sacks (7.5) and sixth in tackles for loss (8.5) while leading the league in fumbles recovered (2). Across the FBS, his 7.5 sacks are tied for 4th, while his 71 tackles are tied for 12th. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks third in the SEC in tackle grade (90.0) and is tied for 10th in total pressures (20).
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Watson and the Bulldogs will be on the road again this weekend when they make the trip to Auburn, Ala., to take on the Tigers. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
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For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
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– HailState.com –
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Watson becomes just the second Bulldog in program history to earn this honor, joining Montez Sweat, who was named the Bednarik Award Player of the Week on Oct. 9, 2018.
Â
The Maplesville, Ala. native was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week on Monday for the first time in his career.
Â
Watson was all over the field in State's 7-3 road victory over Arkansas. In the contest, Watson recorded a season-high 14 tackles, nine assisted and five solo, to go along with two sacks. His double-digit tackle performance was also his 14th career game with double-digit tackles.
Â
In Saturday's victory, Watson tied for the most tackles and sacks by an SEC player in week eight while also being the only SEC defender to lead his team in both statistical categories. Watson, who earned his 300th career tackle on Saturday, has found success getting to the quarterback lately and has now recorded at least a half sack in five consecutive games.
Â
Watson has had a great 2023 season and is at, or near, the top of multiple statistical categories. Through eight weeks, Watson ranks second in the SEC in total tackles (71) and sacks (7.5) and sixth in tackles for loss (8.5) while leading the league in fumbles recovered (2). Across the FBS, his 7.5 sacks are tied for 4th, while his 71 tackles are tied for 12th. According to Pro Football Focus, he ranks third in the SEC in tackle grade (90.0) and is tied for 10th in total pressures (20).
Â
Watson and the Bulldogs will be on the road again this weekend when they make the trip to Auburn, Ala., to take on the Tigers. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
Â
For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU football on Twitter, like them on Facebook and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateFB."
Â
– HailState.com –
Players Mentioned
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