Published September 10, 2012 - 9:15am
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Now that week two is over, let’s take a look at some studly performances on Saturday, shall we? I know more than three showed out, but here are three players who were great for their teams this weekend:
1. Jarvis Jones, Georgia: Jones very well could be the best defensive player in the country leading the best defense in the country. When Georgia returns all four starters on defense, I’m not sure they won’t be the best defense in the country. Jones is a game-altering linebacker and the top ‘backer in the country. He made eight tackles, one sack, forced a fumble and took an interception back to the one yard-line. Jones’ fourth quarter sack and forced fumble on Missouri QB James Franklin was a thing of beauty and sealed the game late for the Bulldogs. The Georgia staff said after the game that Jones has a nagging injury and wasn’t even sure if he would play. How’s that for showing up in a big game?
2. Justin Hunter, Tennessee: Hunter was boss against Georgia State Saturday night, catching eight passes for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Yeah, Georgia State isn’t Florida or Alabama, but Hunter is returning from an ACL injury last season. I’d say he’s healthy and 100 percent, wouldn’t you? He took a back seat to Cordarrelle Patterson against NC State, but Hunter’s continued confidence in his knee is downright scary for opposing teams’ defenses. Hunter is a sure-fire first-round NFL Draft pick next spring.
3. Tyler Russell, Mississippi State: Russell looked like the fourth or fifth best quarterback in the SEC on Saturday in Dan Mullen’s hybrid version of the spread. Mullen has had some good passing quarterbacks before, namely Alex Smith, Chris Leak and Tim Tebow. And Russell looked more like Utah’s Alex Smith on Saturday carving up Auburn’s defense. Russell finished 20 of 29 for 222 yards and three touchdowns. He has just enough speed to be a threat in the running game on a read-option, and the wherewithal to get outside the pocket and make accurate passes on the move. Russell was a stud on Saturday, no doubt.
Who else delivered studly performances?
Another studly performance has to be Dylan Thompson, the backup quarterback for the Gamecocks. In his first start ever, he throws for over 300 yards to nearly ever member of the receiving corp.
Mizzou fan here. Props to Jarvis Jones and the Dawgs. While that was about the ugliest 1st half I’ve ever seen for both offenses, GA’s defense is going to be even more of a force to be reckoned with when they’re at full strength. Hopefully the Tigers will calm down now that the opening jitters are past us.
Jarvis Jones is filthy. I like what I saw out of Tyler Russell as well.
How about we discuss week 3 “Duds”? Here’s my list:
1. Arkansas
2. James Franklin Vanderbilt version
3. James Franklin Mizzou version
4. Arkansas
5. Arkansas
Hello? How about Auburn?
Auburn and Arkansas will be neck-and-neck in 2012 for the biggest train wreck.
Update on Jarvis Jones’s stats during the game:” Jones had two sacks, two forced fumble, an interception, nine tackles and five pressures in Georgia’s 41-20 win.
Originally the stat sheet credited Jones with just one sack and one forced fumble. But on review, a play ruled intentional grounding on Missouri was also credited as a sack to Jones. He also was awarded a forced fumble for another play.”
Read more here: http://www.ledger-enquirer.com/2012/09/10/2196581/jarvis-jones-adds-to-his-trophy.html#storylink=rss#storylink=cpy