BATON ROUGE — For the second time in three weeks, LSU defensive end Marcus Spears has been recognized by the Southeastern Conference as the league’s defensive lineman of the week following his performance in the Tiger win over Arkansas.
In addition to Spears’ honor, LSU placekicker/punter Chris Jackson was named the SEC Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts in the win over the Razorbacks. Jackson, a native of New Orleans, was a perfect 3-of-3 on field goals, including a career-long of 53-yards to go with a 46-yarder and a 27-yarder.
Jackson also averaged 40.0 yards on two punts for the Tigers. Jackson currently is tied for first in the SEC in field goals made over 40 yards with six, which includes two over 50 yards. Jackson’s 53-yard field goal ranks as the third-longest in LSU history.
Spears led a Tiger defense that limited Arkansas to only 14 points and just 247 yards of offense with nine tackles and two sacks. His two sacks totaled 27-yards in losses. He also broke up a pass and added three quarterback hurries in the Tiger victory.
The two sacks against Arkansas ran Spears’ sack total to nine in 2004, which ranks as the fourth-highest total in school history. Spears has 19 sacks during his LSU career, which is fifth in school history.
Spears also keyed a Tiger defense that shutout the Razorbacks in the second half, mark the fourth time in the last six games that LSU has held an opponent scoreless in the second half.
This week’s award for Spears comes after being named the SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week following his play in LSU’s 26-10 win over Alabama on Nov. 13.
Other SEC awards handed out by the league on Monday include Tennessee quarterback Rick Clausen as offensive player of the week, Georgia defensive end David Pollack as the defensive player of the week and Ole Miss center Chris Spencer as the offensive lineman of the week.