LSU sophomore cornerback Tyrann Mathieu was named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Monday on the heels of his versatile performance in the Tigers’ 40-27 victory against Oregon on Saturday.
Mathieu notched LSU’s first touchdown of the game during the second quarter when he jarred the ball loose from Oregon punt returner Kenjon Barner and returned it three yards for a touchdown.
Through just 14 career games, Mathieu has now forced six fumbles, the second-most in school history.
Mathieu posted a team-high 10 tackles against Oregon, breaking up two passes and recording a tackle for a loss in just the second start of his career.
He played all 82 defensive snaps, anchoring the defensive effort that limited the high-powered Oregon offense to 335 total yards, including just 95 rushing. 2010 Heisman finalist LaMichael James was held to 54 yards on 18 carries.
Mathieu inherited the No. 7 jersey this season from former teammate Patrick Peterson, who also starred on special teams and at cornerback for the Tigers last year.