In a close race, Heisman finalist Amari Cooper has edged out Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott for the SEC’s Most Valuable Player award this season as voted on by eight members of our SDS editorial staff.

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By a vote of 5 to 3, Cooper’s statistically-dominant season was enough to override Prescott’s journey to No. 1 as the Bulldogs’ offensive star during Mississippi State’s most impressive regular season ever.

Prescott and Cooper are first team All-SEC selections and are up for several national awards this week. Each will be recognized during Thursday’s live Home Depot College Football Awards Show on ESPN from Lake Buena Vista, Fla.

Amari Cooper vs. Dak Prescott by the numbers (FBS rank)

  • Cooper: 115 receptions (1); 1,656 yards (1); 14 receiving TD (tied for 2nd)
  • Prescott: 3,970 total yards (6th); 38 total TD (tied for 5th)