MSU’s Smith Named SEC Lineman of the Week for Second Straight Week

STARKVILLE, Miss. (WCBI/MSU Athletics) – Mississippi State senior Preston Smith was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Lineman of the Week for the second-consecutive week, league officials announced Monday.

(HailState.com)
Preston Smith

Smith earned the honor after returning an interception 21 yards for his first career touchdown this past Saturday in State’s 47-34 victory vs. UAB at home. The Stone Mountain, Ga., native also tallied five tackles, one tackle for loss and one quarterback hurry against the Blazers.

Despite being a 6-foot-6, 270-pound lineman, Smith is tied for the FBS lead in 2014 with two interceptions. With Smith leading the way, Mississippi State’s defense ranks first in the SEC in tackles for loss and third-down conversion defense, while also placing fourth nationally in red-zone defense.

Smith returns to action this Saturday as the 2-0 Bulldogs travel to Mobile, Ala., to take on South Alabama inside Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The 3 p.m. kickoff will be televised live on ESPN News.

MSU’s SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week
2005 – Willie Evans (Sept. 17)
2008 – Jessie Bowman (Sept. 15)
2009 – Pernell McPhee (Sept. 21, Nov. 28)
2011 – Fletcher Cox (Oct. 10, Oct. 17, Oct. 31, Nov. 28)
2014 – Preston Smith (Sept. 1, Sept. 8)