AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn's Smoke Monday and Nick Brahms earned SEC weekly honors for their play in the Tigers' 30-17 win vs. Tennessee, the Southeastern Conference announced Monday.
Monday, a junior safety, returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown, made four tackles, recorded a pass breakup and a quarterback hurry to be named SEC Defensive Player of the Week.
"The game-changing play that changed the whole dynamic of the game," said Auburn coach Gus Malzahn, who awarded Monday the Tigers' helmet sticker for defense.Pick six: Smoke Monday returned an interception 100 yards vs. Tennessee
Brahms anchored an O-line that lost both starting tackles and starting running back Tank Bigsby to injury but still produced five scoring drives, including drives of 13, 15 and 12 plays. Auburn passed for 220 yards and rushed for 165.
The junior center was named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. Brahms earned an 85 percent grade from offensive lne coach Jack Bicknell Jr. and logged a season-high nine extra-effort plays.
"He played with great physicality," said Malzahn, who awarded Brahms the Tigers' helmet sticker for offense.
No. 22 Auburn (5-2) plays at No. 1 Alabama (7-0) Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS and the Auburn Sports Network.Anchorman: Nick Brahms (No. 52) blocks for D.J. Williams
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer