Published September 28, 2012 - 11:59am
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Here are five players to keep an eye on this weekend in the SEC:
1. AJ McCarron, QB, Alabama: Ole Miss’ pass defense has been not good so far this season. While the Rebels’ run defense hasn’t been that good either, McCarron should have a field day on the backend of their defense. They currently are 13th in the SEC in pass defense, allowing 248 yards per game. McCarron is not a guy who will light it up with crooked stats each and every game, but he is second in the SEC with 10 passing touchdowns. He should be able to take advantage of the inexperienced secondary of Ole Miss.
2. Tyler Wilson, QB, Arkansas: The Aggies are nearly in the top five of every defensive category across the board, and that is true for their pass defense as well. However, three teams they have faced so far – Florida, SMU and S. Carolina St. – have not tried to stretch the defense and apply pressure to the secondary. Tyler Wilson will do just that, and with little to no running game for the Hogs, I fully expect Wilson to drop back and throw it 35 to 40 times.
3. Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M: I’m going with the freshman as a player to watch out for this weekend. Arkansas’ front seven is okay, but the backend is just putrid. I think Arkansas tries to limit what Johnny Manziel does with his legs, and Mike Evans could have a big game against a battered Arkansas secondary. This kid is a stud.
4. Cordarrelle Patterson, WR, Tennessee: We know what Justin Hunter can do at wide receiver, and Tennessee alone can’t win with just Hunter making plays. If Tennessee’s going to win this game, Patterson has to have a big game receiving, running and returning kicks. He’s Tennessee’s X-Factor on offense, and he hasn’t had enough touches in the last three games. He’s a weapon.
5. Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia: Keep an eye on Jones this weekend against the Tennessee offensive line. Florida had much success getting to the quarterback late in the game off the edge. Jones has a chance to have a monster game doing what he does best – speed rushing the edge.
