Two Ole Miss defensive football players have been recognized for their excellence on the field in the Rebels’ dominant 27-3 win at South Carolina.
Coming in as the Southeastern Conference’s most recent defensive player of the week is linebacker Suntarine Perkins. The Raleigh native got the starting role in edge rusher Princely Umanmielen’s absence and was effective all Saturday afternoon with his explosive speed. Perkins had 12 tackles (six solo), two crucial tackles for loss, and one sack in the contest.
🏈 SEC Defensive Player of the Week: WK 6
🔵 Suntarine Perkins@OleMissFB x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/HIeUBrIItr
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 7, 2024
Joining the sophomore sensation in being honored by the conference is junior defensive tackle Walter Nolen. The Texas A&M transfer was a force to be reckoned with, plaguing both the Gamecocks’ offensive line and quarterback LaNorris Sellers. Nolen was honored as the SEC’s defensive linemen of the week after notching five tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and one fumble recovery.
🏈 SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week: WK 6
🔵 Walter Nolen@OleMissFB x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/O3kXU95f1L
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 7, 2024
Overall, Pete Golding’s defense was superb on Saturday, mounting 10 tackles for loss, five pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and an interception while also forcing three turnovers on downs in a must-win game in enemy territory. The three points South Carolina scored marked the fewest the Rebels had allowed an SEC opponent to post since 2015 when Ole Miss beat Texas A&M 23-3.
Ole Miss now leads the nation in sacks with 24. Lane Kiffin’s team will look to continue defensive dominance in another road matchup at LSU this upcoming Saturday at 6:30 p.m. CT. The game will be broadcast on ABC and participating SuperTalk Mississippi stations.
