There were plenty of dominant offensive performances from SEC players in Week 13. Arch Manning threw for 389 yards and 4 touchdowns versus Arkansas. LaNorris Sellers recorded 356 total yards and 4 total scores against Coastal Carolina. But the biggest showing of the week came from Diego Pavia. And today, he was recognized for it.
Pavia posted 532 total yards — 484 passing, 48 rushing — and 6 touchdowns (5 passing, 1 rushing) in Vanderbilt’s 45-17 trouncing of Kentucky on Saturday. His spectacular day earned him the SEC’s Offensive Player of the Week award for Week 13.
Pavia has Vanderbilt (9-2, 5-2 SEC) on the fringes of the College Football Playoff bracket. His efforts have given the Commodores their fifth-ever 9-win regular season. If he can orchestrate an upset of Tennessee in Week 14, he’ll have delivered the first 10-win campaign in Vanderbilt history.
Oklahoma defensive lineman Taylor Wein and Pavia’s teammate, Martel Hight, shared the conference’s Defensive Player of the Week honors. Wein recorded 2.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks in the Sooners’ 17-6 victory over Missouri. Hight hauled in 2 interceptions as the supporting actor to Pavia in Vandy’s win.
Auburn quarterback Deuce Knight earned the SEC’s Freshman of the Week award. Knight, in his first career start, completed 75% of his passes (15/20) for 239 yards and 2 touchdowns versus Mercer. He was even better as a runner, racking up 162 yards and 4 scores on just 9 rushing attempts. His dual-threat abilities have Auburn’s fanbase licking its chops ahead of Saturday night’s Iron Bowl showdown with Alabama. The Tigers’ chance to spoil the Crimson Tide’s season comes at 7:30 p.m. E.T. on ABC.
