SEC: Corey Peters
2009 overall record: 7-6
2009 conference record: 3-5
Returning starters
Offense: 5; Defense: 7; Kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Mike Hartline, RB Derrick Locke, WR Randall Cobb, WR Chris Matthews, OG Stuart Hines, DE DeQuin Evans, LB Danny Trevathan, FS Winston Guy
Key losses
FB John Conner, OT Zipp Duncan, DT Corey Peters, LB Micah Johnson, LB Sam Maxwell, CB Trevard Lindley
2009 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Derrick Locke* (907 yards)
Passing: Mike Hartline* (802 yards)
Receiving: Randall Cobb* (447 yards)
Tackles: Micah Johnson (105)
Sacks: DeQuin Evans* (6)
Interceptions: Sam Maxwell (6)
Spring answers
1. No Joking matter: Everybody knew Joker Phillips’ day was coming. He was named the Wildcats’ coach-in-waiting back in 2008. But with Rich Brooks retiring following last season, it’s now Phillips’ time to see what he can do with a program that’s made four consecutive bowl appearances. A sharp recruiter, Phillips understands the importance of continuing to upgrade the talent, which was obvious the last few years as Kentucky won seven or more games four years in a row.
2. Hartline states his case: He’s never been the most popular guy among the fans, but you’ve got to hand it to senior Mike Hartline. He doesn’t discourage easily and bounced back from a knee injury that ended his season a year ago to have a solid spring. His experience and understanding of the offense gave him the edge this spring over Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski, and Hartline has made it clear that he’s preparing as if he’ll also be the guy come fall. A big senior season by Hartline would go a long way toward sending the Wildcats to a fifth straight bowl game.
3. New faces on defense: Much of the progress Kentucky made under Brooks can be traced to the caliber of defensive players he was able to bring into the program and the depth the Wildcats built on defense. Some key guys are gone on that side of the ball, but some newer faces such as linebackers Danny Trevathan and Qua Huzzie and tackle Mister Cobble made big steps this spring. Trevathan will be one of the leaders of this defense. Senior end DeQuin Evans, in his second year in the program, returns as one of the top pass-rushers in the league.
Fall questions
1. Padding the passing game: The No. 1 objective this spring was to improve the passing game. After Hartline went down last season, the Wildcats weren’t able to generate much of anything through the air and had to rely way too much on Randall Cobb in the Wildcat formation. Ideally, Phillips would like to ease some of the load on Cobb, which should make him even more effective as a receiver. The other key is Chris Matthews, who now in his second season after coming over from junior college has the size and speed at receiver to be a major headache for opposing defenses.
2. Getting it done on ‘D’: Even though the Wildcats feel good about the way they’ve recruited on defense the last couple of years, you don’t lose the likes of Corey Peters, Micah Johnson, Sam Maxwell and Trevard Lindley and not have some type of drop-off, especially early. There may be some growing pains for this defense as new guys settle into starting roles. How long those growing pains last could prove crucial because the middle part of the schedule is grueling, starting with the trip to Florida on Sept. 25
3. Molding the offensive line: The only starter returning on the Wildcats’ offensive line is guard Stuart Hines, and he’s a good one. Some of the guys who will step in have at least played some in the past, and a few have started. But this is a group that will need to establish some continuity pretty quickly. Protecting the passer will be key, particularly if the Wildcats are serious about being a better passing team. That means tackles Brad Durham and Billy Joe Murphy better hit the ground running.
2009 conference record: 3-5
Returning starters
Offense: 5; Defense: 7; Kicker/punter: 1
Top returners
QB Mike Hartline, RB Derrick Locke, WR Randall Cobb, WR Chris Matthews, OG Stuart Hines, DE DeQuin Evans, LB Danny Trevathan, FS Winston Guy
Key losses
FB John Conner, OT Zipp Duncan, DT Corey Peters, LB Micah Johnson, LB Sam Maxwell, CB Trevard Lindley
2009 statistical leaders (* returners)
Rushing: Derrick Locke* (907 yards)
Passing: Mike Hartline* (802 yards)
Receiving: Randall Cobb* (447 yards)
Tackles: Micah Johnson (105)
Sacks: DeQuin Evans* (6)
Interceptions: Sam Maxwell (6)
Spring answers
1. No Joking matter: Everybody knew Joker Phillips’ day was coming. He was named the Wildcats’ coach-in-waiting back in 2008. But with Rich Brooks retiring following last season, it’s now Phillips’ time to see what he can do with a program that’s made four consecutive bowl appearances. A sharp recruiter, Phillips understands the importance of continuing to upgrade the talent, which was obvious the last few years as Kentucky won seven or more games four years in a row.
2. Hartline states his case: He’s never been the most popular guy among the fans, but you’ve got to hand it to senior Mike Hartline. He doesn’t discourage easily and bounced back from a knee injury that ended his season a year ago to have a solid spring. His experience and understanding of the offense gave him the edge this spring over Morgan Newton and Ryan Mossakowski, and Hartline has made it clear that he’s preparing as if he’ll also be the guy come fall. A big senior season by Hartline would go a long way toward sending the Wildcats to a fifth straight bowl game.
3. New faces on defense: Much of the progress Kentucky made under Brooks can be traced to the caliber of defensive players he was able to bring into the program and the depth the Wildcats built on defense. Some key guys are gone on that side of the ball, but some newer faces such as linebackers Danny Trevathan and Qua Huzzie and tackle Mister Cobble made big steps this spring. Trevathan will be one of the leaders of this defense. Senior end DeQuin Evans, in his second year in the program, returns as one of the top pass-rushers in the league.
Fall questions
1. Padding the passing game: The No. 1 objective this spring was to improve the passing game. After Hartline went down last season, the Wildcats weren’t able to generate much of anything through the air and had to rely way too much on Randall Cobb in the Wildcat formation. Ideally, Phillips would like to ease some of the load on Cobb, which should make him even more effective as a receiver. The other key is Chris Matthews, who now in his second season after coming over from junior college has the size and speed at receiver to be a major headache for opposing defenses.
2. Getting it done on ‘D’: Even though the Wildcats feel good about the way they’ve recruited on defense the last couple of years, you don’t lose the likes of Corey Peters, Micah Johnson, Sam Maxwell and Trevard Lindley and not have some type of drop-off, especially early. There may be some growing pains for this defense as new guys settle into starting roles. How long those growing pains last could prove crucial because the middle part of the schedule is grueling, starting with the trip to Florida on Sept. 25
3. Molding the offensive line: The only starter returning on the Wildcats’ offensive line is guard Stuart Hines, and he’s a good one. Some of the guys who will step in have at least played some in the past, and a few have started. But this is a group that will need to establish some continuity pretty quickly. Protecting the passer will be key, particularly if the Wildcats are serious about being a better passing team. That means tackles Brad Durham and Billy Joe Murphy better hit the ground running.
Auburn's Adams certainly top 30 material
February, 25, 2010
2/25/10
3:30
PM ET
By
Chris Low | ESPN.com
I’m still waiting on some of your lists counting down the top 30 players from this past season in the SEC.
While I haven’t received any complete lists, I have received plenty of feedback from you and some second-guessing. I’m sure you find that hard to believe.
Nah, seriously, there were several good points raised, and just like the preseason list I did, there were some players I probably should have included. Then again, I could have listed 50 players, and there still would have been some debate about those players who didn't make it.
Welcome to SEC football.
The one who sticks out is Auburn receiver Darvin Adams, clearly one of the breakthrough players of the year last season in the SEC. I didn’t forget about him. He was one of about three or four guys that I was trying to decide among for those last couple of spots.
And in retrospect, he probably deserved to be in there somewhere when you look at his numbers. He was second in the league to LSU’s Brandon LaFell with 10 touchdown catches and just missed 1,000 yards receiving (997).
So, I completely understand the heat I’m catching from the Plains about that one. But ultimately, I went with Alabama’s Julio Jones, even though Jones’ numbers were down this past season. Once he got a little healthier, he was much closer to his old self the second half of the season and was one of the best blocking receivers in the SEC.
Some of the other names that have been tossed out there by fans that weren’t on the list were Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus, Vanderbilt running back/return specialist Warren Norman, LSU safety Chad Jones, Georgia defensive end Justin Houston, Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton and Florida defensive end Jermaine Cunningham.
I could see an argument for most of those players. But over and above Adams, the two guys I had the hardest time leaving off the list were Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis and Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters.
I realize neither player is a household name, but they both had terrific seasons.
I also had some Alabama fans disagree with the order of the top two. Several thought I had it transposed and that Rolando McClain should have been No. 1 and Mark Ingram No. 2. Indeed, that was a hard call, and I did go back and forth.
But my Heisman Trophy vote went to Ingram, and I wasn’t going to deviate from that.
Once again, let’s see some of your top 30 lists (name and where you live), and I’ll run some of them in the SEC blog.
While I haven’t received any complete lists, I have received plenty of feedback from you and some second-guessing. I’m sure you find that hard to believe.
Nah, seriously, there were several good points raised, and just like the preseason list I did, there were some players I probably should have included. Then again, I could have listed 50 players, and there still would have been some debate about those players who didn't make it.
Welcome to SEC football.
The one who sticks out is Auburn receiver Darvin Adams, clearly one of the breakthrough players of the year last season in the SEC. I didn’t forget about him. He was one of about three or four guys that I was trying to decide among for those last couple of spots.
And in retrospect, he probably deserved to be in there somewhere when you look at his numbers. He was second in the league to LSU’s Brandon LaFell with 10 touchdown catches and just missed 1,000 yards receiving (997).
So, I completely understand the heat I’m catching from the Plains about that one. But ultimately, I went with Alabama’s Julio Jones, even though Jones’ numbers were down this past season. Once he got a little healthier, he was much closer to his old self the second half of the season and was one of the best blocking receivers in the SEC.
Some of the other names that have been tossed out there by fans that weren’t on the list were Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy, Alabama defensive end Marcell Dareus, Vanderbilt running back/return specialist Warren Norman, LSU safety Chad Jones, Georgia defensive end Justin Houston, Tennessee quarterback Jonathan Crompton and Florida defensive end Jermaine Cunningham.
I could see an argument for most of those players. But over and above Adams, the two guys I had the hardest time leaving off the list were Vanderbilt cornerback Myron Lewis and Kentucky defensive tackle Corey Peters.
I realize neither player is a household name, but they both had terrific seasons.
I also had some Alabama fans disagree with the order of the top two. Several thought I had it transposed and that Rolando McClain should have been No. 1 and Mark Ingram No. 2. Indeed, that was a hard call, and I did go back and forth.
But my Heisman Trophy vote went to Ingram, and I wasn’t going to deviate from that.
Once again, let’s see some of your top 30 lists (name and where you live), and I’ll run some of them in the SEC blog.
If you don’t have all your Christmas shopping done, you better hurry. We’re a week away.
So before I hit the mall (yikes!), let’s empty out the SEC mailbag:
Jamie in Louisville, Ky., writes: Who in the SEC faces the toughest task in the bowl game, and who has the easiest task?
Chris Low: I think Tennessee is in for a real fight in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Virginia Tech is stout defensively (14th nationally in total defense), has a super freshman running back in Ryan Williams (fifth nationally with 1,538 rushing yards) and is always a load on special teams. The Hokies won their last four games and didn’t give up more than 13 points along the way. Plus, they really want to beat an SEC team after losing their last four games to SEC foes. The other thing that’s a concern for the Vols is that they weren’t the same defense the final month of the season. As for who has the easiest task, I’ll go with Georgia over Texas A&M in the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl. I know the Bulldogs had their struggles on defense this season, but the Aggies gave up an average of 49 points in their six losses. Georgia might win this game something like 52-35.
Robert in Mobile, Ala., writes: Does Alabama and Mark Ingram have anything to worry about with the Heisman jinx? It seems like nobody ever plays well in the bowl game after winning the Heisman. Do you think that will affect the national championship game?
Chris Low: It’s a fact that the last four Heisman Trophy winners and five of the last six have lost in their bowl games, but four of those guys were quarterbacks. Ingram could have a so-so game, and I still think Alabama is balanced enough offensively to win. The Crimson Tide’s performance in the SEC championship game was an offensive clinic, and their line is playing at an extremely high level right now. All that said, I’ll try to ask coach Saban about his take on the Heisman jinx when I’m in Tuscaloosa next week. Then again, maybe I won’t.
Will in Little Rock, Ark., writes: In your blog about SEC bowl records, Alabama has a 3-3 record in bowl games this decade, winning in 01, 05 and 07 and losing in 04, 06 and 08. They didn’t play in 00, 02 and 03. So it’s not a 3-4 record. Thank you.
Chris Low: To clear up any confusion, I counted any game that was played from 2000 on as part of this decade. Alabama lost 35-34 to Michigan in overtime in the 2000 Orange Bowl, which is where the extra loss comes from. I realize that game came at the tail end of the 1999 season, but it was played on Jan. 1, 2000, which is the reason it was included. The same goes for Florida’s 37-34 loss to Michigan State (and Plaxico Burress) in the 2000 Citrus Bowl or Tennessee’s 31-21 loss to Nebraska in the 2000 Fiesta Bowl.
Stan in North Augusta, S.C., writes: Hi Chris. Now that Coach Wolford has left South Carolina for the Youngstown State job, who do you think are the leading candidates for the offensive line job at South Carolina?
Chris Low: For starters, I don’t think coach Spurrier is real thrilled to be in the market for an offensive line coach for the second year in a row. I also don’t think he’s real thrilled with Wolford being one-and-done at South Carolina. The offensive line is the one aspect of that team you still wonder about. But if the Gamecocks can be a little more consistent up front and protect Stephen Garcia better next season, I think they have a chance to have their best season under Spurrier. The pieces seem to be in place everywhere else. The guy I would go get (and the guy Spurrier tried to hire last year) is Vanderbilt assistant head coach/offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell, who’s a heck of a coach and a Pageland, S.C., native. Caldwell may be hard to pry away, though. He’s been with Bobby Johnson for a long time. Another guy to keep an eye on is Syracuse offensive line coach Greg Adkins, who was at Tennessee under Phillip Fulmer. Spurrier may take his time with this hire. He knows how important it is.
John in Lexington, Ky., writes: Why have you left Corey Peters off all of your All-SEC lists?
Chris Low: I wouldn’t take that as an indictment of Peters, who had his best season at Kentucky for sure. It’s just that there are so many quality defensive linemen in this league, and I felt Arkansas’ Malcolm Sheppard and Tennessee’s Dan Williams were a little better this season as interior linemen. If you noticed, I also didn’t have Alabama’s Terrence Cody or Florida’s Carlos Dunlap on my first team. Both guys are great players, but they didn’t necessarily have great seasons.
So before I hit the mall (yikes!), let’s empty out the SEC mailbag:
Jamie in Louisville, Ky., writes: Who in the SEC faces the toughest task in the bowl game, and who has the easiest task?
Chris Low: I think Tennessee is in for a real fight in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Virginia Tech is stout defensively (14th nationally in total defense), has a super freshman running back in Ryan Williams (fifth nationally with 1,538 rushing yards) and is always a load on special teams. The Hokies won their last four games and didn’t give up more than 13 points along the way. Plus, they really want to beat an SEC team after losing their last four games to SEC foes. The other thing that’s a concern for the Vols is that they weren’t the same defense the final month of the season. As for who has the easiest task, I’ll go with Georgia over Texas A&M in the Advocare V100 Independence Bowl. I know the Bulldogs had their struggles on defense this season, but the Aggies gave up an average of 49 points in their six losses. Georgia might win this game something like 52-35.
Robert in Mobile, Ala., writes: Does Alabama and Mark Ingram have anything to worry about with the Heisman jinx? It seems like nobody ever plays well in the bowl game after winning the Heisman. Do you think that will affect the national championship game?
Chris Low: It’s a fact that the last four Heisman Trophy winners and five of the last six have lost in their bowl games, but four of those guys were quarterbacks. Ingram could have a so-so game, and I still think Alabama is balanced enough offensively to win. The Crimson Tide’s performance in the SEC championship game was an offensive clinic, and their line is playing at an extremely high level right now. All that said, I’ll try to ask coach Saban about his take on the Heisman jinx when I’m in Tuscaloosa next week. Then again, maybe I won’t.
Will in Little Rock, Ark., writes: In your blog about SEC bowl records, Alabama has a 3-3 record in bowl games this decade, winning in 01, 05 and 07 and losing in 04, 06 and 08. They didn’t play in 00, 02 and 03. So it’s not a 3-4 record. Thank you.
Chris Low: To clear up any confusion, I counted any game that was played from 2000 on as part of this decade. Alabama lost 35-34 to Michigan in overtime in the 2000 Orange Bowl, which is where the extra loss comes from. I realize that game came at the tail end of the 1999 season, but it was played on Jan. 1, 2000, which is the reason it was included. The same goes for Florida’s 37-34 loss to Michigan State (and Plaxico Burress) in the 2000 Citrus Bowl or Tennessee’s 31-21 loss to Nebraska in the 2000 Fiesta Bowl.
Stan in North Augusta, S.C., writes: Hi Chris. Now that Coach Wolford has left South Carolina for the Youngstown State job, who do you think are the leading candidates for the offensive line job at South Carolina?
Chris Low: For starters, I don’t think coach Spurrier is real thrilled to be in the market for an offensive line coach for the second year in a row. I also don’t think he’s real thrilled with Wolford being one-and-done at South Carolina. The offensive line is the one aspect of that team you still wonder about. But if the Gamecocks can be a little more consistent up front and protect Stephen Garcia better next season, I think they have a chance to have their best season under Spurrier. The pieces seem to be in place everywhere else. The guy I would go get (and the guy Spurrier tried to hire last year) is Vanderbilt assistant head coach/offensive line coach Robbie Caldwell, who’s a heck of a coach and a Pageland, S.C., native. Caldwell may be hard to pry away, though. He’s been with Bobby Johnson for a long time. Another guy to keep an eye on is Syracuse offensive line coach Greg Adkins, who was at Tennessee under Phillip Fulmer. Spurrier may take his time with this hire. He knows how important it is.
John in Lexington, Ky., writes: Why have you left Corey Peters off all of your All-SEC lists?
Chris Low: I wouldn’t take that as an indictment of Peters, who had his best season at Kentucky for sure. It’s just that there are so many quality defensive linemen in this league, and I felt Arkansas’ Malcolm Sheppard and Tennessee’s Dan Williams were a little better this season as interior linemen. If you noticed, I also didn’t have Alabama’s Terrence Cody or Florida’s Carlos Dunlap on my first team. Both guys are great players, but they didn’t necessarily have great seasons.
Only five teams in the SEC will be making at least their fourth straight trip to a bowl game this season, and Kentucky (7-5, 3-5) is one of them. The other four are Alabama, Florida, Georgia and LSU. Some pretty good company there for the Wildcats, huh?
It was another solid season for Rich Brooks & Co., but could have been a whole lot better if Kentucky could have punched the ball in for a touchdown at the end of regulation against Tennessee. The Wildcats couldn’t and were beaten in overtime by the Vols -- again.
Kentucky has lost 25 consecutive games to Tennessee, the longest active losing streak in the country involving teams that play every year.
Still, there was plenty of cheery news in the Bluegrass this season, notably historic wins over Auburn and Georgia. It was the first time in 43 years that the Wildcats had won at Auburn and the first time in 32 years that they had won at Georgia.
Throwing the football was a struggle at the end of the season after true freshman Morgan Newton took over for the injured Mike Hartline at quarterback. The Wildcats had to deal with several injuries throughout the season to key players. In addition to Hartline, star cornerback Trevard Lindley missed four games with an ankle sprain.
Offensive MVP: Randall Cobb, QB/WR. He was easily the most versatile player in the league, scoring touchdowns running, receiving and returning a punt. Cobb’s 15 touchdowns came with him playing quarterback in the Wildcat formation, and he also lined up at receiver as well as returning kickoffs and punts. He had more than 300 yards in all four categories.
Defensive MVP: Sam Maxwell, LB. Defensive tackle Corey Peters had a terrific senior season, but Maxwell gets the nod based on his versatility. He was second on the team with 80 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, while leading the team with six interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Turning point: The Wildcats looked like they were in trouble heading into that Auburn game on Oct. 17. They’d lost three in a row, and a fourth straight bowl appearance looked like it might be slipping away. But Cobb came up big, and Kentucky’s defense held Auburn scoreless in the second half for a 21-14 win that changed the complexion of the Wildcats’ season.
What’s next: The immediate goal is to win a fourth straight bowl game, this time against Clemson in the Music City Bowl. That would also be a first for Kentucky. On down the road, the Wildcats have a lot of key players to replace on defense next season, and they also have to get their quarterback situation settled. Brooks has deflected any talk about this possibly being his final season. If it is, he can walk away knowing he’s done an outstanding job in getting this program back to respectability.
It was another solid season for Rich Brooks & Co., but could have been a whole lot better if Kentucky could have punched the ball in for a touchdown at the end of regulation against Tennessee. The Wildcats couldn’t and were beaten in overtime by the Vols -- again.
Kentucky has lost 25 consecutive games to Tennessee, the longest active losing streak in the country involving teams that play every year.
Still, there was plenty of cheery news in the Bluegrass this season, notably historic wins over Auburn and Georgia. It was the first time in 43 years that the Wildcats had won at Auburn and the first time in 32 years that they had won at Georgia.
Throwing the football was a struggle at the end of the season after true freshman Morgan Newton took over for the injured Mike Hartline at quarterback. The Wildcats had to deal with several injuries throughout the season to key players. In addition to Hartline, star cornerback Trevard Lindley missed four games with an ankle sprain.
Offensive MVP: Randall Cobb, QB/WR. He was easily the most versatile player in the league, scoring touchdowns running, receiving and returning a punt. Cobb’s 15 touchdowns came with him playing quarterback in the Wildcat formation, and he also lined up at receiver as well as returning kickoffs and punts. He had more than 300 yards in all four categories.
Defensive MVP: Sam Maxwell, LB. Defensive tackle Corey Peters had a terrific senior season, but Maxwell gets the nod based on his versatility. He was second on the team with 80 tackles, including 5.5 for loss, while leading the team with six interceptions and two forced fumbles.
Turning point: The Wildcats looked like they were in trouble heading into that Auburn game on Oct. 17. They’d lost three in a row, and a fourth straight bowl appearance looked like it might be slipping away. But Cobb came up big, and Kentucky’s defense held Auburn scoreless in the second half for a 21-14 win that changed the complexion of the Wildcats’ season.
What’s next: The immediate goal is to win a fourth straight bowl game, this time against Clemson in the Music City Bowl. That would also be a first for Kentucky. On down the road, the Wildcats have a lot of key players to replace on defense next season, and they also have to get their quarterback situation settled. Brooks has deflected any talk about this possibly being his final season. If it is, he can walk away knowing he’s done an outstanding job in getting this program back to respectability.
The SEC league office has released its top performers for Week 11:
OFFENSE
Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss: Set school records with 282 rushing yards and 324 all-purpose yards and scored four touchdowns in Ole Miss’ 42-17 win over Tennessee. His 282 rushing yards ranks as the 11th highest total in SEC history and the 7th highest in an SEC intraconference game.
DEFENSE
Joe Haden, CB, Florida: Led Florida with 11 total tackles (10 solos), including a quarterback sack, interception, two forced fumbles and a pass deflection in the Gators’ 24-14 win at South Carolina. The interception, his third of the season, came in the fourth quarter and sealed the win for the Gators.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Demond Washington, DB, Auburn: Accounted for a school-record 202 kickoff return yards and 229 total return yards for Auburn in a 31-24 loss at Georgia. Following a Georgia touchdown early in the fourth quarter, Washington returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to tie the score at 24-24.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Mike Johnson, G, Alabama: Led the Alabama offensive line with the top grade following a 31-3 win over Mississippi State. Johnson did not allow a sack, pressure or get called for any penalties against the Bulldogs.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Corey Peters, T, Kentucky: Collected five total tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and a quarterback pressure in Kentucky’s 24-13 win at Vanderbilt. Both tackles for loss helped lead to Vanderbilt punts and his quarterback pressure led to an incomplete pass.
FRESHMAN
Washaun Ealey, RB, Georgia: Led Georgia in rushing with 98 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown in the Bulldogs’ 31-24 win over Auburn. Ealey’s 1-yard touchdown run came early in the third quarter and gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the game, 17-14.
OFFENSE
Dexter McCluster, RB, Ole Miss: Set school records with 282 rushing yards and 324 all-purpose yards and scored four touchdowns in Ole Miss’ 42-17 win over Tennessee. His 282 rushing yards ranks as the 11th highest total in SEC history and the 7th highest in an SEC intraconference game.
DEFENSE
Joe Haden, CB, Florida: Led Florida with 11 total tackles (10 solos), including a quarterback sack, interception, two forced fumbles and a pass deflection in the Gators’ 24-14 win at South Carolina. The interception, his third of the season, came in the fourth quarter and sealed the win for the Gators.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Demond Washington, DB, Auburn: Accounted for a school-record 202 kickoff return yards and 229 total return yards for Auburn in a 31-24 loss at Georgia. Following a Georgia touchdown early in the fourth quarter, Washington returned the ensuing kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown to tie the score at 24-24.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
Mike Johnson, G, Alabama: Led the Alabama offensive line with the top grade following a 31-3 win over Mississippi State. Johnson did not allow a sack, pressure or get called for any penalties against the Bulldogs.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Corey Peters, T, Kentucky: Collected five total tackles, including 1.5 for loss, and a quarterback pressure in Kentucky’s 24-13 win at Vanderbilt. Both tackles for loss helped lead to Vanderbilt punts and his quarterback pressure led to an incomplete pass.
FRESHMAN
Washaun Ealey, RB, Georgia: Led Georgia in rushing with 98 yards on 18 carries and a touchdown in the Bulldogs’ 31-24 win over Auburn. Ealey’s 1-yard touchdown run came early in the third quarter and gave the Bulldogs their first lead of the game, 17-14.
Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low
The league office has announced its top performers for Week 6 in the SEC:
OFFENSE
Jonathan Crompton, QB, Tennessee: Had the best game of his career in the 45-19 win over Georgia with a career-high 310 yards passing to go along with four touchdown passes and just one interception. Three of his touchdown passes came in the second quarter as the Vols took control of the game.
DEFENSE
Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida: Collected a team-high 11 tackles in Florida's 13-3 win over LSU, which included a career-best three sacks and a fumble recovery. Florida held LSU to 162 total yards.
SPECIAL TEAMS
Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas: Had three kickoff returns for 145 yards in Arkansas' 44-23 win over Auburn. Johnson's longest return was for 70 yards. He now has three kickoff returns this season of 50 yards or longer.
OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
William Vlachos, C, Alabama: Did not allow a sack and wasn't called for any penalties in Alabama's 22-3 win over Ole Miss. Helped clear the way for Alabama's 200 yards rushing in the game.
DEFENSIVE LINEMAN
Corey Peters, DT, Kentucky: Had a career-high 3.5 tackles for loss, including 2.5 sacks, in Kentucky's 28-26 loss to South Carolina. Also had a quarterback hurry that forced an incomplete pass.
FRESHMAN
Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina: Hauled in three touchdown catches in South Carolina's 28-26 victory over Kentucky and finished with seven catches for 138 yards. One of his touchdown catches was a one-handed grab in the end zone.
Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Chris Low
Low joined ESPN.com in 2007 after 10 years with The (Nashville) Tennessean covering the University of Tennessee and SEC. The Rock Hill, S.C., native lives with his wife in Knoxville and has three sons.
Edward Aschoff
Aschoff joined ESPN.com in 2011 after spending four years covering the University of Florida for The Gainesville Sun. He grew up in Oxford, Miss., before attending UF, graduating with a B.S. in journalism.
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