ESPN College Football

2011 record: 6-7
2011 conference record: 2-6
Returning starters: Offense: 9; defense: 7; kicker/punter: 3

Top returners:
WR Chris Boyd, WR Jordan Matthews, QB Jordan Rodgers, RB Zac Stacy, OG Ryan Seymour, C Wesley Johnson, LB Archibald Barnes, Chase Garnham, DT Rob Lohr, CB Trey Wilson

Key losses:
TE Brandon Barden, OT Kyle Fischer, DE Tim Fugger, LB Chris Marve, CB Casey Hayward, S Sean Richardson

2011 statistical leaders (*returners)

Rushing: Zac Stacy* (1,193 yards)
Passing: Jordan Rodgers* (1,524 yards)
Receiving: Jordan Matthews* (778 yards)
Tackles: Chris Marve (91)
Sacks: Tim Fugger (8)
Interceptions: Casey Hayward (7)

Spring answers

1. Finding more leaders: Vanderbilt coach James Franklin wanted to leave spring with more leaders than started with. By his accounts, a few veterans stepped up with guys like Marve, Fugger, Hayward and Fischer gone. Franklin said that if the Commodores were going to build off of last season's success, some veterans had to step up and take hold of the team. Guys like Jordan Rodgers, Chase Garnham, Walker May, Trey Wilson and Zac Stacy really expanded their roles as leaders and will be leaned on even more this fall.

2. Marve's replacement: Finding someone to take over for Marve in the locker room was one thing, but filling his position on the field is another. Exiting the spring, Franklin thinks he found the perfect player for the job in Garnham. He moved from the outside to the middle and really excelled at Marve's old position. Garnham was one of the Vanderbilt's most consistent defensive players this spring and the coaches expect to perform this fall.

3. More playmakers: The Commodores return much of their offense this season, but it sounds like the coaches found a few more players. People know about Stacy and receivers Jordan Matthews and Chris Boyd, but a few other players caught the coaches' eyes like redshirt freshmen Josh Grady and Kris Kentera, who were former quarterbacks. Grady showed his versatility by playing all over the field at receiver, running back and as a wildcat quarterback. It looks like Kentera earned some playing time at H-back this fall, helping to take pressure off Matthews and Boyd.

Fall questions

1. Offensive line: Spring practices have not addressed any of the issues the Commodores have on the offensive line. Ryan Seymour and Chase White began spring by rehabbing injuries, leaving Vandy with just nine healthy bodies up front. As spring went on, Franklin said there were times when his team sometimes had just seven linemen to work with. It was bad enough that Vandy rarely went through practices with a full offensive line taking reps. Six true freshmen linemen will enroll at Vandy this fall, but there's no question this unit is the biggest worry for the Commodores.

2. Quarterback consistency: While Rogers made improvements to his game, he still showed the inconsistency that frustrated Franklin last season. There's no question he has the athletic ability to be a solid starter in this league, but he sometimes fails to stand tall in the pocket and deliver solid throws when things collapse around him. That kind of play really hurt Vandy's offense last season. He was pushed by 2009 Mountain West Conference Freshman of the Year Austyn Carta-Samuels during the spring and the battle is expected to continue through fall camp.

3. Warren Norman's health: After missing all of the 2011 season with a knee injury, Norman returned to the practice field this spring. Though he was non-contact, he showed some improvement in his mobility. It's still unclear how healthy Norman will be and if really complement Stacy in the running game. Rising sophomore Jerron Seymour is the one other returning running back that registered carries last season.

Chris Low talks to Vanderbilt offensive tackle Wesley Johnson.

The first batch of big uglies are on the ranking slab Monday. No offense can operate without offensive linemen and the SEC has its share of talented big men.

Here's a look at our preseason rankings when it came to offensive lines. Let's just say we overestimated when it came to a couple of groups.

Here's what we though of after the 2011 season:

1. Alabama: The Crimson Tide line pushed around its opponents all year long. Alabama was first in the SEC in rushing (and had the Doak Walker winner in Trent Richardson) and averaged 5.5 yards per carry. Alabama was equipped with Outland Trophy winner Barrett Jones, who played just about every position up front and the top SEC in William Vlachos. Alabama got tremendous play out of D.J. Fluker and got a pleasant surprise out of Alfred McCullough. Alabama ranked first in the league by allowing just 17 sacks.

2. LSU: The Tigers' offense went as its running game went. And for 13 games the running game was great. The offensive line should take a lot of credit for that. With two Associated Press All-SEC members -- Will Blackwell and Chris Faulk -- LSU averaged 200.9 rushing yards against conference foes. Alex Hurst should also become a more familiar name in 2012. LSU allowed just 18 sacks and totaled only 234 negative rushing yards.

3: South Carolina: South Carolina put only one player on the All-SEC list, in Rokevious Watkins, but the Gamecocks' line had a pretty good season. Even after losing top running back Marcus Lattimore midway through the season, South Carolina finished the season third in the SEC in total rushing and rushing against conference opponents. South Carolina had to deal with Kyle Nunn's absence for most of the year as well, but found a budding star in A.J. Cann. Pass protection dipped, as South Carolina allowed 30 sacks.

4. Georgia: Before the season, the offensive line seemed to be held together by tape, but this line stayed together nicely through 14 games. The Bulldogs were fifth in the conference in rushing against SEC foes and had two All-SEC performers in Cordy Glenn, who might be a first-round draft pick, and center Ben Jones. Where Georgia's line came up short was in pass protection, as the Bulldogs were 11th in the league allowing 33 sacks.

5. Vanderbilt: The Commodores didn't put anyone on the All-SEC teams, but there's no question that this was the most improved line in 2011. Wesley Johnson proved to be one of the most underrated linemen in the league and the Commodores' offense was much more explosive than past years. Vandy was sixth in the league in rushing and had the league's No. 3 rusher in Zac Stacy. The Commodores gave up 18 sacks in SEC games.

6. Arkansas: The Razorbacks were dealing with a young line, but saw improvements as the season went on. Without Knile Davis in the lineup, the running backs were pretty inconsistent individually, but the Hogs averaged 134.3 yards in conference games. In each of Arkansas' two losses, the Razorbacks averaged just 32 rushing yards. Alvin Bailey was a second-team All-SEC member and should be star in 2012. Arkansas allowed 28 sacks, but also allowed quarterback Tyler Wilson take some punishing hits throughout the year.

7. Auburn: The Tigers could run the ball for most of the year. Auburn was fourth in the league in rushing and averaged 4.1 yards per carry against SEC play. Michael Dyer finished the year second in the league with 1,242 yards. Brandon Mosley was the only returning starter, but the Tigers got solid play out of freshman center Reese Dismukes and saw the reemergence of A.J. Greene after injury cut his 2010 season short. However, Auburn's passing game and pass protection struggled. The Tigers gave up 32 sacks in 2011 and were overwhelmed by more athletic defensive lines.

8. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs had to deal with a rash of injuries along their offensive line in 2011. Tobias Smith went out early and the Bulldogs watched as Quentin Saulsberry and James Carmon deal with injuries toward the beginning of the season. The Bulldogs were able to deliver a 1,000-yard running back in Vick Ballard, but ranked ninth in the league in rushing against SEC teams. Mississippi State gave up just under two sacks a game.

9. Tennessee: This was supposed to be a strong point for the Vols last fall, but Tennessee struggled all year to run the ball. The Vols ranked 116th nationally in rushing and averaged just 63.5 yards per game in SEC play. While Tennessee never generated much of a running game last season, its pass protection was one of the best in the league. The Vols gave up just 18 sacks on the season, despite playing three different quarterbacks.

10. Florida: The Gators experienced another year of sub par line play in 2011. With a relatively young group up front, Florida really struggled to provide much comfort in the pocket for its quarterbacks and rarely outplayed opposing SEC defensive lines. Florida's line was also flagged a bunch last fall. Florida gave up just 23 sacks, but 21 came in SEC play and Florida averaged just 3.8 yards per carry and scored nine rushing touchdowns against SEC defenses.

11. Kentucky: Before the season, we thought the Wildcats would be much higher on this list, especially considering the fact that they returned four starters. However, injuries ruined Kentucky up front. Larry Warford was Kentucky's best lineman, but for the first part of the season, the Wildcats failed to play its five original starters because of injuries. Kentucky gave up 21 sacks through the first five games and gave up a league-high 35 sacks on the year. The Wildcats also ranked 11th in the league in rushing.

12. Ole Miss: Here's another line that returned so much but did so little last fall. We look pretty silly now after ranking Ole Miss' line second in our preseason rankings because the Rebels' line didn't do much protecting all year. Ole Miss' line didn't have the injury issues that Kentucky had and was still 10th in the SEC in rushing and scored just four rushing touchdowns in league play. The Rebels also gave up 31 sacks on the season, with a league-high 26 coming against SEC defenses.

Even as we turn our attention to the 2012 football season, there's always time to check back with the past from time to time.

The SEC released its last set of notes from the 2011 season this week, so we thought we'd take a look at some of the interesting facts and figures from the previous season.

For starters, how about a look at the SEC players of the week?

Week 1 (Games of Sept. 1-3): Offense - Vick Ballard, RB, Mississippi State; Defense - Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU; Special Teams - Joe Adams, WR/RS, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Rokevious Watkins, OT, South Carolina; Co-Defensive Lineman - Jaye Howard, DT, Florida; Luke McDermott, DT, Kentucky; Co-Freshman - Trey Depriest, LB, Alabama; Tre Mason, RB/RS, Auburn.

Week 2 (Games of Sept. 10): Offense - Tyler Bray, QB, Tennessee; Defense - Mark Barron, S, Alabama; Special Teams - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Offensive Lineman - Alvin Bailey, OG, Arkansas; Defensive Lineman - Rob Lohr, DT, Vanderbilt; Co-Freshman - Josh Clemons, RB, Kentucky; Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 3 (Games of Sept. 15-17): Co-Offense - Chris Rainey, RB, Florida; Marcus Lattimore, RB, South Carolina; Defense -Trey Wilson, DB, Vanderbilt; Special Teams - Caleb Sturgis, PK, Florida; Offensive Lineman - Wesley Johnson, C, Vanderbilt; Defensive Lineman - Bennie Logan, DT, LSU; Freshman- Odell Beckham, WR, LSU.

Week 4 (Games of Sept. 24): Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Defense -Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Special Teams - Brad Wing, P, LSU; Offensive Lineman - Barrett Jones, OT, Alabama; Defensive Lineman - Jaye Howard, DT, Florida; Freshman- Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 5 (Games of Oct. 1): Co-Offense - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas; Jarius Wright, WR, Arkansas; Defense - Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina; Special Teams - Steven Clark, P, Auburn; Offensive Lineman - William Vlachos, C, Alabama; Defensive Lineman - Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; Freshman - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia..

Week 6 (Games of Oct. 8): Offense - Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina; Defense - Mike Gilliard, ILB, Georgia; Special Teams - Blair Walsh, PK, Georgia; Offensive Lineman - Will Blackwell, OG, LSU; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Freshman - Tevin Mitchel, CB, Arkansas.

Week 7 (Games of Oct. 15): Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Co-Defense - Corey Lemonier, DE, Auburn; D.J. Swearinger, FS, South Carolina; Special Teams - Steven Clark, P, Auburn; Offensive Lineman - Chris Faulk, OT, LSU; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Co-Freshman - Bruce Ellington, WR, South Carolina; Ray Drew, OLB, Georgia.

Week 8 (Games of Oct. 22): Offense - Dennis Johnson, RB, Arkansas; Defense - Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama; Special Teams - Brad Wing, P, LSU; Offensive Lineman - Ryan Seymour, OG, Vanderbilt; Defensive Lineman - Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU; Freshman - A.J. Johnson, LB, Tennessee.

Week 9 (Games of Oct. 29): Offense - Michael Dyer, RB, Auburn; Co-Defense - Jerry Franklin, LB, Arkansas; Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia; Special Teams - Zach Hocker, K, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Cordy Glenn, OT, Georgia; Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Freshman - Brandon Wilds, RB, South Carolina.

Week 10 (Games of Nov. 5): Offense - Jeff Demps, RB, Florida; Defense - Eric Reid, S, LSU; Special Teams - Dennis Johnson, RS/RB, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Ben Jones, C, Georgia; Co-Defensive Lineman - Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas; Sam Montgomery, DE, LSU; Freshman - Maxwell Smith, QB, Kentucky.

Week 11 (Games of Nov. 12): Offense - Zac Stacy, RB, Vanderbilt; Defense - Dont’a Hightower, LB, Alabama; Special Teams - Joe Adams, WR/RS, Arkansas; Offensive Lineman - Ben Jones, C, Georgia; Defensive Lineman - Travian Robertson, DT, South Carolina; Freshman - Isaiah Crowell, RB, Georgia.

Week 12 (Games of Nov. 19): Offense - Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas; Co-Defense - Ron Brooks, DB, LSU; Danny Trevathan, LB, Kentucky; Special Teams - Blair Walsh, PK, Georgia; Offensive Lineman - Will Blackwell, OG, LSU; Co-Defensive Lineman - Malik Jackson, DT, Tennessee; Abry Jones, DE, Georgia; Freshman - Curt Maggitt, LB, Tennessee.

Week 13 (Games of Nov. 25-26): Co-Offense - Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama; Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina; Defense - Tyrann Mathieu, DB, LSU; Special Teams - Ryan Tydlacka, P, Kentucky; Co-Offensive Lineman - Kyle Fischer, OT, Vanderbilt; William Vlachos, C, Alabama; Co-Defensive Lineman - Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State; Garrison Smith, DE, Georgia; Freshman - Kenny Hilliard, RB, LSU.

SEC Championship Game MVP: Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU

BCS (Yes, the SEC has won six straight)

• Since 2006, more than half of the slots in the BCS National Championship Game have been taken by SEC teams (7 of 12). The Big Ten and the Big 12 have two each and the Pac-12 has one.

• An SEC team has led or tied for the lead at the end of 20 of the last 24 quarters of BCS National Championship Game play.
• Since 2006, an SEC team has been ranked first in the weekly BCS standings in 26 of the 48 weeks, with four different teams holding the top spot. Florida was first for seven weeks, Alabama for six weeks, Auburn for three and LSU for 10 weeks, including all eight polls of this season.
• The SEC has had more teams ranked in the BCS standings for the most times than any other conference since 2006. The league has had 11 of its 12 teams ranked at one time or another since 2006 for a total of 238 times. The SEC breakdown: LSU (45), Alabama (35), Florida (33), Auburn (29), Georgia (23), Arkansas (23), South Carolina (21), Tennessee (14), Mississippi State (8), Kentucky (4) and Ole Miss (3).
• Since 2006, the SEC has posted a 9-3 record in BCS bowl games, more wins and a higher winning percentage (.750) than any other conference. The win total equals that of the next two highest conferences.

Bowls

• Since 2006, the SEC has accrued more bowl wins (36) and appearances (55) than any other conference. The conference’s .655 bowl winning percentage is third behind the Big East (23-10, .697) and Mountain West (20-9, .690) during that time.
• In January bowl games, the SEC is 22-10 (.688) against nonconference competition. Since 2008, the league is 16-6 (.727) against nonconference opponents in January bowls.
• In seven 2011-12 bowl games against nonconference teams, SEC defenses held opponents to less than its scoring average in five of those games. One of the two other games were in overtime (Michigan State-Georgia) and the other was Auburn holding Virginia to 24 points, when the Cavaliers season average was 23.2 points per game.

Random

• Over the last five seasons, Alabama owns the SEC's best winning percentage with a 50-12 record (.806). LSU has the most wins with 53, while Vanderbilt owns the league's lowest winning percentage (.355). LSU owns the best winning percentage over the last 10 years (.795) with a 105-27.
• SEC teams were 20-28 on the road against SEC opponents last season. Kentucky, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Vanderbilt failed to win on the road against conference opponents.
• LSU led the SEC with a touchdown efficiency on drives of 34.8. Alabama led in scoring efficiency (46.8). Ole Miss was last in scoring efficiency (20.1) and Kentucky was last in touchdown efficiency (13.2).
• LSU led the SEC with 129 fourth-quarter points and a fourth-quarter scoring margin of plus-95. Ole Miss was last with 41 points and a scoring margin of -36.
• Arkansas led the SEC in yards per scoring drive (61.9).

We're continuing to look at the future, as we take a glance at some of the big uglies returning in 2012.

The guys who get things started on offense and protect all those fragile quarterbacks deserve a little credit, don't ya think?

The SEC might be saying goodbye to a pretty good crop of offensive linemen, but next season won't lack much talent up front, either.

But who is the best one returning in 2012?

First, you have arguably the most versatile lineman in the country in Alabama's Barrett Jones, who found a way to play just about every position on the offensive line during Alabama's national championship run in 2011. Jones, who decided to return for his senior season, won the Outland Trophy last year as the nation's top interior lineman.

Jones is great, but one of his teammates might challenge him for the moniker of the SEC's top lineman. That lineman is tackle D.J. Fluker, who started 12 games at right tackle last season. At 6-6, 335 pounds, Fluker makes it hard for defensive linemen to get by him. Without Fluker anchoring the right side of the line, Alabama's offense wouldn't have had the success it did in 2011.

What about fellow SEC Western Division standout Alvin Bailey? Arkansas' young lineman really improved as the season went on. He was named to the All-SEC second team after a solid sophomore season with the Razorbacks and showed that he's one of the more athletic lineman around.

You also have Kentucky guard Larry Warford. The veteran has had a stellar career and was an All-SEC second team member in 2011. Kentucky's offense struggled mightily last season, but any team would love to have Warford blocking for it.

You also have youngster Chaz Green at Florida. The rising sophomore tackle was arguably Florida's most consistent lineman in 2011. While Florida's line struggled, Green made strides throughout the year and was named the No. 9 freshman overall by ESPN NFL draft analyst Todd McShay.

With Alabama's William Vlachos and Georgia's Ben Jones departing, LSU center P.J. Lonergan will likely enter the year as the SEC's top center. He was banged up at times in 2011, but his teammates agreed that LSU's line is much better when he's in and healthy.

Then there's his teammate, rising junior Chris Faulk, who ranked third on the team with 73.5 knockdowns in 2011. He was a second team All-SEC member. He started 12 games at left tackle for the Tigers this season.

South Carolina guard A.J. Cann had a great freshman season for the Gamecocks and should become a bigger name among SEC offensive linemen during the offseason and next season.

And you also can't forget Vanderbilt's Wesley Johnson. He isn't the biggest lineman out there, but he certainly held his own on the Commodores' line in his second season. Johnson is another one of those youngsters who should really make some noise in 2012.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that as we point toward Week 7 in the SEC. Thanks to ESPN's Stats & Information group for its help:

• It's been a struggle for several of the SEC's quarterbacks this season. In fact, there are 10 FBS automatic qualifying schools that have more interceptions than touchdown passes this season, and five of them are from the SEC -- Auburn, Florida, Kentucky, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt.
• This is the first time since a 14-week stretch during the 1958 and 1959 seasons that LSU has been ranked No. 1 in the AP poll for three consecutive weeks.
• Is it any coincidence that LSU and Alabama are among the leaders nationally in taking care of the football? LSU leads the nation with three turnovers lost, and Alabama is tied for 21st nationally with seven turnovers lost.
• Alabama junior running back Trent Richardson has fumbled just once in 451 career touches and hasn't lost a fumble in 38 straight games. The last time he lost a fumble came against Ole Miss in 2009.
• LSU hasn't turned the ball over in its last three games, a span of 38 offensive possessions.
• Tennessee has a better all-time record against LSU than any other SEC school. The Vols are 20-8-3 all-time in the series.
• Alabama has allowed only 42 points this season, the fewest among FBS schools. That is the fewest they’ve allowed through the first six games of any season since 1992 when they gave up 36 points. The Crimson Tide finished 13-0 that season and won the national championship. That 1992 defense remains one of the most revered defenses in Alabama school history. This season, Alabama’s defense ranks in the top four nationally in total defense (3^rd), rushing defense (1^st) and pass defense (4^th).
• Alabama and LSU are two of four teams this season to be ranked in the top 10 nationally in rushing, pass efficiency, total and scoring defense. The other two are Michigan State and UCF.
• Alabama has outscored its opponents in the fourth quarter by a 52-8 margin. The Crimson Tide average 7.06 yards per play in the final quarter and are limiting opponents to an average of 2.89 yards per play.
• Alabama's defense has allowed only four rushes of more than 10 yards this season, which leads the country. Florida State and Louisville are tied for second, each giving up 11 runs that went for more than 10 yards.
• Going back to last season, Ole Miss has lost eight straight SEC games. That's tied with Arizona for the longest active conference losing streak among FBS automatic qualifying schools.
• South Carolina is playing its first of three straight SEC road games -- at Mississippi State, at Tennessee at No. 10-ranked Arkansas. Since the 1992 expansion in the SEC, this is only the 10th time that a team has played three consecutive true road games, all against intra-conference foes. Of the previous nine teams to do it, only Florida in 1995 and Georgia in 2005 managed to win all three. Both of those teams went on to win the SEC championship.
• Mississippi State's three wins this season have come against teams with a combined 3-14 record -- Memphis, Louisiana Tech and UAB.
• Florida hasn’t won at Auburn since 1999, and the past four meetings between these two schools have been decided in the final minute. Auburn won 20-17 in 2007 on Wes Byrum's 43-yard field goal as time expired. Auburn won 27-17 in 2006 when Patrick Lee returned a fumble for a touchdown on the game's final play. Florida held on to win 30-23 in 2002 when Auburn was stopped on fourth down in overtime, and Auburn won 23-20 in 2001 on Damon Duval's 44-yard field goal with 10 seconds remaining.
• Florida has given up 464 rushing yards in its two losses to LSU and Alabama the last two weeks. Auburn comes into this game ranked third in the SEC in rushing and ran for a season-high 291 yards last week in a 38-14 loss at Arkansas.
• The Gainesville Sun is reporting that true freshman Jacoby Brissett will make his second straight start at quarterback for Florida in Saturday's game at Auburn. Last week, Brissett became the first true freshman quarterback in Florida history to take his first snap as the starter.
• Under Gene Chizik, Auburn is 9-0 in games decided by four points or less, including 5-0 in SEC games.
• Georgia is riding a four-game winning streak after defeating Tennessee 20-12 last week and has outscored the opposition 130-35 during that streak. The Bulldogs have held their opponents to just two offensive touchdowns in the past four games.
• Vanderbilt revamped its offensive front for the Alabama game last week, switching the entire left side of the line. After starting four games at center, Wesley Johnson moved back to left tackle, the position he started at all 12 games of the 2010 season. Ryan Seymour moved from left tackle to left guard, giving the Commodores a more physical presence inside. The ability to move Johnson and Seymour came as Logan Stewart returned to full health. Stewart, who started at center as he did in 2010, is fully recovered from a preseason illness.

The SEC league office has announced its top performers for Week 3:

CO-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Chris Rainey, running back, Florida

Rainey accounted for a season-high 233 all-purpose yards – 108 rushing, 104 receiving, 21 on punt returns – in Florida’s 33-23 win over Tennessee.

He is just the second player in the country to tally a 100-yard rushing and receiving performance (Orwin Smith, Georgia Tech) this season.

Rainey became just the second Gator in program history to go over 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game (Percy Harvin, 2007 vs. Vanderbilt).

Marcus Lattimore, running back, South Carolina

Lattimore rushed for a career-high 246 yards on 37 carries in the Gamecocks’ 24-21 win against Navy.

It was the fourth-best single-game rushing performance in school history, just 32 yards shy of the record. He also tied his career high with three touchdowns.

It was his second career 200-yard rushing game and his seventh career 100-yard rushing effort (third this season in as many games).

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Trey Wilson, defensive back, Vanderbilt

Wilson intercepted two Ole Miss passes, returning one for a 52-yard touchdown, in the Commodores’ 30-7 win over the Rebels.

It was Wilson’s second interception return for a touchdown this season (previous against Elon).

Wilson’s performance also included breaking up three other passes in the game.

Vanderbilt held Ole Miss to 234 total offensive yards, including just 85 on the ground. Ole Miss had 93 of its 149 passing yards in the fourth quarter.

Wilson leads the SEC in interceptions (second nationally) and is tied for third in the SEC in passes defensed with four.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Caleb Sturgis, Placekicker, Florida

Sturgis scored a career-high 15 points with four field goals and three point-after touchdowns, in Florida’s 33-23 win over Tennessee.

He went a perfect 4-for-4 in field goals with a long of 46. He also collected field goals of 42, 30 and 28 yards.

The four field goals were a career-best and he is currently 9-for-9 in attempts this season. The percentage and 3.00 field goals per game this season are tops in the nation.

He has made 12 consecutive field goals (dating back to last season), while Florida kickers have made 14 in a row.

Sturgis averaged 65.4 yards per kickoff with three touchbacks and has seven touchbacks on the season.



OFFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK

Wesley Johnson, center, Vanderbilt

Johnson anchored a Commodore attack that produced 281 rushing yards and 387 total yards, in Vanderbilt’s 30-7 win against Ole Miss.

The 281 rushing yards was Vanderbilt’s highest output against an SEC opponent in 17 seasons, dating back to Oct. 15, 1994 against Georgia.

Johnson started every game last season at left offensive tackle, earning Freshman All-SEC honors, and moved to center this season.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN OF THE WEEK

Bennie Logan, defensive tackle, LSU

Logan registered five tackles, including 3.5 tackles for losses, in LSU’s 19-6 win over Mississippi State. Included in the tackles for loss is a half-sack for minus 5 yards.

Led an LSU defensive front that held Mississippi State to just 52 rushing yards, 269 yards below their season average.

The Bulldogs entered the game rated first in the SEC in total offense and rushing yards. The Tigers limited the Bulldogs to only 193 total yards, nearly 400 yards below their season average

For the game, the Tigers registered 15 tackles for losses and five sacks.

This season, Logan is tied for seventh in the SEC in tackles for loss with 3.5.

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

Odell Beckham, receiver, LSU

Beckham led LSU with eight catches for 61 yards in Tigers’ 19-6 win over Mississippi State.

The eight catches were the most by an LSU true freshman since Michael Clayton caught eight balls in 2002 Sugar Bowl.

Four of his 8 receptions resulted in first downs for the Tigers, who had 21 in the game.

A true freshman, Beckham has started two of LSU’s first three games and he leads the team with 15 receptions.

OTHER OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES FROM WEEK 3

RB Trent Richardson (Alabama) -- Rushed for a career-high 167 yards and three touchdowns on just 11 carries (15.2 ypc) against North Texas.

LB Courtney Upshaw (Alabama) -- Totaled four solo tackles in shutout of North Texas, including 3.0 tackles for loss and led the team with three QB hurries.

RB Ronnie Wingo, Jr. (Arkansas) -- Rushed for 109 yards on 20 carries and two touchdowns and had three catches for 20 yards and another score against Troy.

LB Jerry Franklin (Arkansas) -- Led Razorbacks with nine total tackles with 0.5 for loss (-1) and a pass deflection against Troy.

RB Michael Dyer (Auburn) -- Rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries against Clemson.

P Steven Clark (Auburn) -- Four of six punts placed inside-the-20 with a net average of 41.3 yards per attempt against Clemson.

LB Jon Bostic (Florida) -- Tied career-high with eight total tackles and a sack (minus 7 yards) against Tennessee.

SE Malcolm Mitchell (Georgia) -- Had career-high six catches for 43 yards and a touchdown against Coastal Carolina.

PK Blair Walsh (Georgia) -- Had kick of 56 yards (longest in SEC this season) and connected on all eight PAT tries against Coastal Carolina.

QB Morgan Newton (Kentucky) -- Completed 27-of-41 passes for 255 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions against Louisville.

LB Danny Trevathan (Kentucky) -- Led Wildcats with 12 total tackles including a sack (-6 yards) and a forced fumble against Louisville.

QB Jarrett Lee (LSU) -- Completed 21-of-27 passes for 213 yards with a touchdown and intercption against Mississippi State.

LB Mike Marry (Ole Miss) -- Led Rebels with 11 total tackles with two for losses (-13 yards), including a sack (-10 yards) against Vanderbilt.

P Tyler Campbell (Ole Miss) -- Averaged 44.5 yards on six attempts, with three of those inside-the-20 yard line, against Vanderbilt.

SS Charles Mitchell (Mississippi) -- Led Mississippi State with 16 total tackles (seven solos) against LSU.

PK Derek DePasquale (Mississippi State) -- Hit both field goal attempts, including a 42-yarder, against LSU.

SPUR Antonio Allen (South Carolina) -- Led Gamecocks with 10 total tackles (eight solos) with a forced fumble and interception against Navy.

QB Tyler Bray (Tennessee) -- Completed 26-of-48 passes for 288 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions against Florida.

LB A.J. Johnson (Tennessee) -- Totaled seven tackles (all solos) with a forced and recovered fumble against Florida.

RB Zac Stacy (Vanderbilt) -- Rushed for a career-high 169 yards (10th highest rushing total in school history) on 11 carries against Ole Miss.

The big uglies up front on the offensive side are our focus today. There are some quality veterans out there, but teams all across the league are looking to replace some quality linemen in the trenches.

Here's how we see the league stacking up:

1. Alabama: Four of Alabama’s five linemen from a year ago return, making this one of the team’s strongest units. The returners have combined for more than 70 starts at Alabama. Barrett Jones is the star of the show. The junior has been the Tide’s starting right guard each of the past two seasons, but took reps at left tackle and could be asked to move. William Vlachos is back at center and could be the best at his position in the league. Fellow starters D.J. Fluker and Chance Warmack are back and took reps at left tackle this spring.

2. Ole Miss: The Rebels’ offense isn’t getting much respect this offseason, but its offensive line returns All-SEC candidates in tackles Bradley Sowell and Bobby Massie. Seven of Ole Miss’ linemen started two or more games each on the offensive line in 2010. Last season, the Rebels were first in the league in sacks allowed, giving up just 14. Alex Washington should stay at left guard after starting eight games there and A.J. Hawkins will likely get the nod at center after playing eight games there as well. Arkansas transfer Matt Hall will compete for time at center.

3. LSU: Joseph Barksdale might be gone, but the Tigers have a very talented group of linemen returning. Tackle Alex Hurst seems primed to be a star in the league and senior Josh Dworaczky is arguably the Tigers’ top lineman with 25 career starts. Patrick Lonergan is solid at center, while T-Bob Hebert is valuable at both center and guard. Sophomore Chris Faulk has the tough assignment of replacing Barksdale, but made quite the impression on his coaches this spring.

4. Kentucky: The Wildcats return four starters on their line. Right guard Larry Warford headlines the group after gaining second-team All-SEC honors a year ago. Kentucky also returns two-year starter Stuart Hines at left guard and Matt Smith at center, who was solid in his first year there. Left tackle Chandler Burden missed spring practice, but is expected back by fall practice. Finding a suitable right tackle is the next step for Kentucky.

5. Tennessee: This group could be one of the most impressive units for the Volunteers this season. It’s deeper and more experienced in Derek Dooley’s second year and he was very pleased with its performance this spring. Junior Dallas Thomas is solid at left tackle, and sophomore Ja’Wuan James really came on strong in his first year and is one of the top linemen in the SEC. James Stone also returns at center. The surprise of the group was true freshman Marcus Jackson, who held down the left guard spot for most of the spring.

6. Mississippi State: The Bulldogs must replace All-American left tackle Derek Sherrod, but most of the line is somewhat on point. Center Quentin Saulsberry will anchor the line and is versatile enough to play just about every position on the line. Left guard Gabe Jackson and right tackle Addison Lawrence return and the Bulldogs will have junior Tobias Smith lining up at right guard. Blaine Clausell and James Carmon, who moved from defensive tackle, will compete at left tackle.

7. Georgia: This was supposed to be one of the strongest offensive line units in the league, but the Bulldogs lost tackle Trinton Sturdivant to a season-ending knee injury this spring and fellow tackle A.J. Harmon transferred. Georgia’s most-reliable options are Cordy Glenn, who moved from guard to left tackle and Ben Jones at center. Kenarious Gates is at left guard, but he’s athletic enough to play tackle if needed. Former defensive lineman Justin Anderson will start off at right tackle. Right guard is the next area of business and the depth all around is a problem.

8. South Carolina: The Gamecocks have questions here, but there is talent across the line. Rokevious Watkins is one of the most talented guards in the league and he’ll be assisted by returning starter at center T.J. Johnson. Senior Kyle Nunn has made strides at left tackle and redshirt freshman A.J. Cann took over duties at left guard this spring. Still, the younger linemen will be counted on to contribute this fall.

9. Arkansas: The Razorbacks must replace three starters on the offensive line. Center Travis Swanson and left guard Alvin Bailey are the only returning starters. Just a sophomore, Bailey impressed his coaches last season and will be one of the top linemen in the league this fall. After that, the Hogs will have to turn to youth for help. True freshman Brey Cook could be thrust into the starting role at right tackle, while sophomore Anthony Oden could get the job at left tackle.

10. Florida: Florida’s offensive line struggled throughout the 2010 season -- and that was with a senior-laden group. This fall, the Gators will start over with a ton of inexperience. Right guard Jon Halapio and right tackle Xavier Nixon are the only returning starters. Halapio struggled at times last season and Nixon battled injuries. Florida’s line spent most of the spring in the infirmary, so little is known about the overall talent. Freshman Chaz Green left spring as the starter at left tackle, Jonotthan Harrison will battle former Notre Dame lineman Dan Wenger at center. He transferred in after spring, but has health concerns.

11. Auburn: The Tigers will go from having one of the top offensive line groups in the country to having a major work in progress in 2011. Senior Brandon Mosley is the lone returning starter, and while he was solid on Auburn’s line last season, he came from junior college as a defensive end/tight end. The good news is that tackle A.J. Greene should be fine this fall after sustaining a season-ending leg injury last year. The rest of Auburn’s linemen are very young and inexperienced. Don’t expect many redshirts from this group.

12. Vanderbilt: The Commodores might return all five starters, but this unit had trouble keeping things together last year. The offense needs this group to improve mightily. Wesley Johnson is Vanderbilt’s best option, despite only being a sophomore at left tackle. There will be size on the right side, with 300-plus pounders Kyle Fischer and Ryan Seymour over there. Simply put, this unit has the experience, but it requires a lot of improvement.

The SEC league office has announced its top performers from Week 3:

OFFENSE

Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett: His 40-yard touchdown pass to Greg Childs in the final seconds lifted the Hogs to a 31-24 win on the road at Georgia. Mallett finished 21-of-33 for 380 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.

DEFENSE

Auburn linebacker Josh Bynes: A big part of an Auburn defensive effort that held Clemson to 147 yards after halftime, Bynes finished with 11 total tackles, including two for loss. He also had a pass deflection.

SPECIAL TEAMS

LSU place-kicker Josh Jasper: His five field goals in the 29-7 win against Mississippi State set an LSU single-game record. Jasper connected from 51, 44, 37, 32 and 21 yards. He's now made his past seven field-goal attempts without a miss.

OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

Vanderbilt tackle Wesley Johnson: The first-year starting left tackle contributed six knockdown blocks and played every snap. Johnson had key blocks on Warren Norman's 80-yard touchdown run and Zac Stacy's 35-yard touchdown run.

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN

LSU tackle Drake Nevis: For the second straight week, Nevis is the recipient of this award. He had a career-high nine tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and also intercepted a pass that led to an LSU touchdown.

FRESHMAN

Florida linebacker Jelani Jenkins: He matched his career high with six total tackles, including his first career sack in the 31-17 win against Tennessee. For the season, Jenkins has 15 total tackles, ranking him third among all SEC freshmen.

A few SEC links to munch on:

• Florida's Urban Meyer returns rested and ready to lead the Gators, writes Pete Thamel of The New York Times.
• Alabama senior linebacker Chavis Williams waits his turn and gets his start Saturday for the Crimson Tide.
• Georgia is still waiting for answers from the NCAA on star receiver A.J. Green's status for the opener.
• Southern Miss, set to receive a $900,000 payday, is amped up to get a shot at South Carolina.
• Auburn defensive coordinator Ted Roof has a little different view of defensive back T'Sharvan Bell these days.
• Redshirt freshman Wesley Johnson steps in as Vanderbilt's starting left tackle and fulfills a dream.
• Kentucky's defense is confident that it will hold up just fine against a spread offense.
• Rod Walker of The Jackson Clarion-Ledger finds a similar case to Jeremiah Masoli's.
• LSU offensive tackle Joe Barksdale is becoming a vocal leader for the Tigers.