AUBURN, Ala. – For the second time this season, Auburn's Gunner Britton has been named Southeastern Conference Offensive Lineman of the Week while fellow O-lineman Connor Lew earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors, the SEC announced Monday.
In Auburn's 27-13 win over Mississippi State Saturday, Britton and Lew helped the Tigers total 416 yards of total offense, including 186 yards rushing on 36 attempts, an average of 5.2 yards per carry.
"All the glory to God. He's the one who gives me the strength and courage to do what I do," said Britton, a 6-6, 312-pound senior transfer from Western Kentucky who has started all eight games at left guard this season while also logging snaps at both tackle positions. "I couldn't do it without my teammates. I take this as an offensive line of the week instead of an offensive lineman."
Britton, who was also honored as the SEC's top lineman in Auburn's season-opening victory vs. Massachusetts, shared this week's award with Tennessee's John Campbell Jr.
After taking over at center early vs. Ole Miss, Lew made his first career start Saturday, helping hold Mississippi State without a sack.
"It was so surreal," Lew said. "You dream of this moment growing up. To run out the tunnel as an SEC football player, you know you're going out there to start. It was an awesome experience and to cap it off with a win was awesome."
"There were some explosive runs today." said Jarquez Hunter, who rushed for 144 yards and averaged 8.5 yards per carry. "Connor did good with his first start, and he progressed as the game went on."
"It's big for him," Britton said of Lew's conference newcomer recognition. "He's someone who could be a keystone of this program for a while."
Auburn (4-4, 1-4) plays at Vanderbilt Saturday at 3 p.m. CT on SEC Network.
'An awesome experience': Freshman Connor Lew made his first start vs. Mississippi State
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer