Mitchell & Reese IV Earn SEC Weekly Honors

STARKVILLE — Mississippi State linebacker Nic Mitchell was named the Co-SEC Defensive Player of the Week. At the same time, Albert Reese IV earned Co-SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors after the Bulldogs upset No. 12 Arizona State on Saturday.

In Saturday's primetime matchup, Mitchell made his presence felt, earning a share of the team lead in tackles with nine. His most crucial tackle, though, came late in the fourth quarter with less than two minutes remaining, when he kept Arizona State running back Kanye Udoh out of the end zone on 3rd-and-goal from the 1-yard line to force a field goal. That play set up State's final drive, capped by a 58-yard touchdown to take the lead with 30 seconds left.

Reese earned his weekly honors after earning the start at right tackle and playing 66 snaps. Against Arizona State, Reese earned PFF grades of 80.4 on offense and 82.3 in pass blocking. He did not allow a sack or commit a penalty. His protection gave quarterback Blake Shapen time to throw for 279 yards and three touchdowns of 45-plus yards each. His efforts also landed him on the Pro Football Focus National Offensive Team of the Week for week 2, as well as the SEC Offensive Team of the Week.

Mitchell and Reese's efforts helped Mississippi State earn its first home non-conference win over an AP Top 15 team since defeating No. 13 Texas in 1991.

This was Mitchell and Reese IV's first career player of the week honors and the second and third honors for a State player this season after Will Whitson was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week in week one.

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Mississippi State University Athletics

Mitchell & Reese IV Earn SEC Weekly Honors

Players Mentioned

Nic Mitchell

Albert Reese IV

Blake Shapen

Will Whitson

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