KNOXVILLE — University of Tennessee senior linebacker Daniel Bituli was named Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week following the Volunteers’ 17-13 comeback victory over Kentucky Saturday at Kroger Field in Lexington.
Bituli had a season-high 19 tackles and helped the Big Orange shut out the Wildcats over the final 30 minutes of the crucial SEC showdown.
He was awarded the honor Monday after he made the key fourth-and-goal stop that sealed the victory for the Vols (5-5 overall, 3-3 in the SEC).
Bituli’s 19-tackle performance is tied for fifth highest by a Power 5 player this season. He had 10 solo tackles and was credited for half a tackle for loss against the Wildcats (4-5, 2-4).
Bituli was also named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after UT beat South Carolina 41-21 on Oct. 28.
Against the Gamecocks, he had a blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown. He also had 15 tackles, including one TFL as the Vols also shut out South Carolina in the second half.