There had never been a Saturday of SEC football like the one we saw in Week 8. We had 8 conference matchups and saw 3 battles between top 17 teams. After carrying their squads to big wins, 2 of the SEC’s best dual-threat quarterbacks have been recognized for their efforts.
On Monday, the SEC revealed its Week 8 Players of the Week. Vanderbilt signal-caller Diego Pavia and Georgia passer Gunnar Stockton stole the show on offense while a pair of Alabama defenders — Yhonzae Pierre and Zabien Brown — captured the defensive honors.
Pavia posted 246 total yards and 3 total touchdowns in the Commodores’ 31-24 victory against LSU. He averaged 7.3 yards per pass attempt and 5.1 yards per carry versus the Tigers’ dynamic defense. Prior to that game, Vanderbilt hadn’t beaten LSU since 1990.
After Pavia guided Vandy to victory, Stockton lit up undefeated Ole Miss in Georgia’s 43-35 comeback win over the Rebels. He completed a sparkling 83.8% of his passes (26/31) for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns. He added another 59 yards and a touchdown with his legs to help the Bulldogs avoid a second home loss.
On the defensive side, both Pierre and Brown made game-changing plays for the Crimson Tide in their 37-20 triumph over Tennessee. Pierre had 3 sacks and Brown had a 99-yard pick-six that gave Alabama a 23-7 halftime lead.
Texas kicker Mason Shipley earned special teams player of the week honors. He nailed all 3 of his field goal attempts, including a 53-yard try, to help the Longhorns skate by Kentucky in overtime (16-13). You can catch all of these award-winning players during the SEC’s Week 9 slate.
