The award is the first such award for the redshirt senior
Prior to the Boston College football game against the University of Maine Black Bears, head coach Steve Addazio told the Boston Herald that Mehdi Abdesman had been solid in practice leading up to the season, going as far as to say that he had "looked dominant."
This dominance led to a strong day for the redshirt-senior against the Black Bears, as Abdesman registered 1.5 sacks and 2.5 tackles for a loss during the game. The dominance of Abdesman, as well as the rest of the Boston College defense, led the ACC to name Abdesman Defensive Lineman of the Week for the conference.