41-38
45-41
63-48
10 teams totaled more than 400 yards of offense, seven teams scored more than 40, nine scored more than 30. Two games had more than 1,000 yards of total offense, and another came close at 945.
Watch out, the SEC learned how to play on offense.
The Mike Leach effect is on full display in the conference… oh wait, Mississippi State lost 24-2 against Kentucky, the first time in over 200 games that a team coached by Leach has been held without an offensive score.
Since the SEC is now apparently the Big 12 on steroids, it seems fitting that an SEC player leads our three stars of the week. At least he comes from a familiar place.
1) Najee Harris, RB, Alabama
23 Att, 206 Yds, 5 TD
The Crimson Tide have always been known for their strong rushing offense, and they needed every bit of the performance they got from Najee Harris in a 63-48 victory over Ole Miss. Every time Alabama needed a big play, Harris seemed to deliver; averaging nine yards a carry en route to 206 yards and five scores. He will have his work cut out for him next week against a Georgia defense that held Tennessee to -1 rushing yard in week six.
2) Connor Bazelak, QB, Mizzou
29/34, 406 Yds, 4 TD
LSU’s defense didn’t look great against the Mississippi State air raid, but they didn’t have All-American DB Derek Stingley Jr. They can’t use that excuse against Missouri, as Bazelak only threw five incompletions to go with four touchdowns in a 45-41 upset win for the Tigers against the Tigers. Missouri had yet to score more than 20 points in a game this year before facing LSU, and Bazelak had a huge part in that, especially considering four of his top six wide receivers didn’t play in this game. He’ll look for another strong performance next week against Vanderbilt.
3) Sam Ehlinger, QB, Texas
30/53, 287 Yds, 2 TD, 2 INT; 23 Att, 112 Yds, 4 TD
It may seem strange to put Ehlinger up here after a 53-45 4OT loss, especially after he threw a game ending pick, but he did everything he could to try and lead Texas to a win. He had a hand in every Longhorn touchdown, and his ability to scramble and keep plays alive was crucial to their 14- point fourth quarter comeback. In the highest scoring game in Red River Rivalry history, Texas couldn’t get out of their own way, an unfortunate end to a mostly great performance from Ehlinger.
Honorable Mentions
Spencer Rattler, QB, Oklahoma: 23/35, 209 Yds, 3 TD, INT; 14 Att, 51 Yds, TD
Gunnar Watson, QB, Troy: 33/46, 338 Yds, 4 TD
Feleipe Franks, QB, Arkansas: 22/30, 318 Yds, 4 TD
Mac Jones, QB, Alabama: 28/32, 417 Yds, 2 TD
Phil Jurkovec, QB, Boston College: 19/35, 358 Yds, 4 TD(1 Rush)
Isaiah Spiller, RB, Texas A&M: 27 Att, 174 Yds, 2 TD
Michael Carter, RB, UNC: 17 Att, 214 Yds, 2 TD
Travis Etienne, RB, Clemson: 17 Att, 149 Yds, 2 TD; 8 Rec, 72 Yds
Kyren Williams, RB, Notre Dame: 19 Att, 185 Yds, 2 TD
Terrance Marshall Jr, WR, LSU: 11 Rec, 235 Yds, 3 TD
Jaelon Darden, WR, North Texas: 13 Rec, 244 Yds, 3 TD
DeVonta Smith, WR, Alabama: 13 Rec, 164 Yds, TD, Rush TD
Kenny Yeboah, TE, Ole Miss: 7 Rec, 181 Yds, 2 TD
Kentucky and South Carolina: The only SEC teams to actually play solid defense