Hugh Kellenberger

The Clarion-Ledger

OXFORD -- Ole Miss cornerback Cliff Coleman has been named the Southeastern Conference's top defensive player for week 2.

Coleman, a senior, intercepted a pass to start the third quarter and returned it 39 yards for a touchdown during a 41-3 win against Vanderbilt.

It was Coleman's first career interception and touchdown, and the first pick-six for Ole Miss since the 2011 season opener (Charles Sawyer against BYU). Ole Miss allowed just three points, the fewest by any opponent since Tulane in 2012 (0) and the fewest by an SEC foe since Mississippi State in 2008 (0). Vanderbilt's 60 passing yards was the lowest opponent total since Louisiana-Monroe in 2008 (59).

"I'm very happy Cliff (Coleman) got to experience that," coach Hugh Freeze said. "He's a young man who when I first got here there was no way he was going to make it with us, and he's really turned into one of my favorite kids that I enjoy coaching, so I'm happy to see him have success on the field, also."