Two Tennessee defenders honored by the SEC

Tennessee linebacker Arion Carter and defensive end Tyre West have been honored by the SEC for their performances in the Vols 41-34 overtime win at Mississippi State.

Carter was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Week for his 17 tackle performance that also saw him end the game with a PBU in the end zone on 4th down keeping the Bulldogs from tying the game and sending it into a second over time. 

Carter did all while not being 100% as he battles a toe injury. 

The Smyrna native leads the SEC and is tied for second among Power Four players with 49 total tackles this year. He has 15 more stops than the next closest SEC player

West has been terrific in two SEC games. He turned the entire game around in the fourth quarter in Starkville. Following a successful fake punt, Mississippi State had all the momentum as they looked to take a two possession lead. But thrust right back onto the field, Tim Banks’ defense responded to the sudden change thanks to West, who blindsided Bulldog quarterback Blake Shapen forcing the sack and fumble that Joshua Josephs picked up and returned 41 yards for a touchdown.

On the day West had two sacks and in two SEC games he has 3 sacks. Tennessee currently leads the nation in sacks with 20. 

“Tyree’s just, you talk about a young guy from day one until now, how he’s grown. He’s a man and he’s a competitor,” head coach Josh Heupel said. “Understanding our defense, playing with relentless effort and playing with great technique too. He’s played on the edge, played some inside. Just done a great job. Great job here and you talked about him playing his best football. There’s no doubt that the last few weeks he’s been playing his best football.”

Tennessee is off this week and will return to action in Neyland Stadium on Saturday, October 11th when they host Arkansas in a 4:15pm ET on the SEC Network.