Fairley named SEC Defensive Player of Week

Auburn junior defensive tackle Nick Fairley has been named the Southeastern Conference Defensive Player of the Week, the league office announced Monday.

Fairley keyed Auburn's defensive effort in a 17-14 victory at Mississippi State last Thursday in the conference opener for both teams.

He collected five tackles, including 2.5 for losses and 1.5 quarterback sacks, intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and had three quarterback hurries. He also helped the Tigers hold Mississippi State to just 246 yards of total offense.

Fairley became the first Auburn player to collect an interception and fumble recovery in the same game since Sen'Derrick Marks against New Mexico State in 2007, and the first Tiger to do it in a conference game since Karibi Dede in 2005 at Georgia.

Fairley is now tied for the team lead in both tackles for loss (4.0) and quarterback sacks (3.0), and ranks tied for second in the SEC in sacks and tied for third in tackles for loss.

The honor marks the second time in as many weeks that an Auburn player has been recognized as SEC Player of the Week, after quarterback Cameron Newton was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week following Auburn's season-opening victory over Arkansas State.

Auburn returns to action this Saturday when the Tigers host Clemson at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The game will kick off at 6 p.m. CT and be televised by ESPN and ESPN 3D.

The Clemson game has been designated as the TRUE BLUE game for 2010. All fans are encouraged to wear Auburn blue for the nationally televised game.

A limited number of Auburn football seven-pack season ticket packages have been made available for just $405. The package includes home games against Clemson, South Carolina, Louisiana-Monroe, Arkansas, LSU, Chattanooga, and Georgia. The seven-pack special is available on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be purchased online at aubtix.com, via phone at 1-800-AUB-1957 or in person at the Auburn Ticket Office at the new Auburn Arena.