Each week, SDS will break down 10 SEC running backs using our own power index system, a numeral rating developed using all rush-related statistics. Ballcarriers will be graded based on the previous game’s performance from rushing yards to third-down conversions and placed in order from average to elite. Fumbles can cripple a rating.

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10. Tra Carson, Texas A&M, 83.8 (7 carries, 30 yards, 3 TD) — Texas A&M teammate Trey Williams had more yards and a better yards-per-carry average against South Carolina, but three rushing touchdowns (SEC’s Week 1 leader) can’t be ignored. Carson’s a power back at 6-foot, 230 pounds and proved it against the Gamecocks in the red zone.

9. Corey Grant, Auburn 85.5 (10 carries, 87 yards, TD) — One of two Auburn backs in this week’s Ratings Index Top 10, this senior speedster burned Arkansas for 87 yards on just 10 totes, a light workload in a weather-delayed outing. It appears Cameron Artis-Payne is the Tigers’ top choice at the moment, but that could change if Grant sees more attempts.

8. Nick Chubb, Georgia, 86.7 (4 carries, 70 yards, TD) — Facing a gassed defense in the second half, this true freshman exploded for a 47-yard touchdown run on one of his carries and broke a tackle after losing his helmet on another. You’ll be hearing his name a lot this season in loaded backfield.

7. Kenny Hilliard, LSU, 86.9 (18 carries, 110 yards, TD) — Clearly the most game-ready of LSU’s three running backs, Hilliard picked up 110 tough yards against a formidable Wisconsin front seven. It was Hilliard’s fourth 100-yard game of his career and first since Sept. 15, 2011. He has presumably leaped past Terrence Magee on the depth chart and Leonard Fournette still has a long way to go.

6. Derrick Henry, Alabama, 92.5 (17 carries, 113 yards, TD) — This freak of a sophomore had six fewer carries than T.J. Yeldon but nearly equaled his total production. Henry’s 19-yard touchdown scamper midway through the third quarter gave his team a commanding 27-17 lead.

5. Russell Hansbrough, Mizzou, 93.2 (20 carries, 126 yards, TD) — Hanbrough averaged 6.0 yards per carry as a sophomore and bested that in his first start in 2014 with a consistent outing against South Dakota State. Hansbrough looks the part as Henry Josey’s successor and is on his way to a 1,000-yard season if he stays healthy.

4. Braylon Heard, Kentucky, 98.1 (2 carries, 116 yards, 2 TD) — It’s a shame this Nebraska transfer had to leave early with an injured ankle because he was on pace to shatter several records. Heard showcased his speed on both of his offensive touches against UT Martin, racing to the end zone as the fastest player on the field.

3.  T.J. Yeldon, Alabama, 94.0 (23 carries, 126 yards, 2 TD) — No fumbles! Yeldon’s first game of his junior season was a typical performance for a player on pace to break the Crimson Tide’s all-time career rushing record. An efficient 5.48 yards per carry and two scores put him just ahead of Derrick Henry, the guy everyone was raving about preseason.

2. Cameron Artis-Payne, Auburn 94.9 (26 carries, 177 yards, TD) — Tre Mason’s replacement led all SEC backs not named Todd Gurley in yards per carry — 6.81 — with a minimum of 15 attempts. He proved to be a workhorse in Gus Malzahn’s multifaceted offense and got to the second level often.

1. Todd Gurley, Georgia, 99.5 (15 carries, 198 yards, 3 TD; 100-yard kickoff return TD) — If Gurley had hit the 200-yard barrier, I’d have no problem giving him a perfect score. But there’s always room for improvement, right? In all seriousness, Gurley’s effort against Clemson was a Heisman-caliber performance and one that could be the featured highlight if he keeps it up this season.