A winning effort on the gridiron by both Mississippi State and No. 17 Ole Miss over the weekend resulted in both programs being represented in the latest weekly honors by the SEC.
Representing the Bulldogs as conference players of the week are offensive lineman Albert Reese and linebacker Nic Mitchell after strong showings in the maroon and white’s thrilling win over then-No. 12 Arizona State. For Ole Miss, placekicker Lucas Carneiro earned recognition after aiding in the Rebels’ 30-23 victory at Kentucky.
#SECFB Players of the Week: Sept. 8
OFFENSIVE
John Mateer, @OU_FootballDEFENSIVE
Nick Rinaldi, @VandyFootball
Nic Mitchel, @HailStateFBSPECIAL TEAMS
Lucas Carneiro, @OleMissFB
Vicari Swain, @GamecockFBOFFENSIVE LINE
Albert Reese, @HailStateFB
Dominick Giudice,… pic.twitter.com/JXv1batuzO— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 8, 2025
Though Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen was sacked three times on Saturday, he also had a strong passing outing, largely due to Reese’s efforts in keeping him protected on the right side. A relatively clean pocket allowed the Bulldogs to amass 279 passing yards and three touchdowns, one of which sealed the game and launched field-storming festivities.
Reese’s showing earned him Offensive Line Player of the Week honors. Coming in at Defensive Player of the Week is Mitchell, who logged nine total tackles in the nail-biter.
Ole Miss became the first SEC team to earn a conference win of the 2025 season after coming back from a 10-point deficit to take down the Wildcats on the road. Carneiro, who connected on three of four field goal attempts and was perfect on his three extra-point attempts, played an integral role in the win, landing him as the SEC’s top specialist of the week.
Mississippi State (2-0) will continue its campaign on Saturday with Alcorn State traveling to Starkville. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. CT with ESPN+ televising the matchup. Ole Miss (2-0, 1-0 SEC) will continue conference play on Saturday with Arkansas rolling into Oxford. The game will kick off at 6 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN.
As always, participating SuperTalk Mississippi stations will broadcast all Bulldog and Rebel football games.
