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Grading the overrated, underrated, properly rated around SEC
By Keith Farner
Published:
As we enter Week 4, some teams and coaches are getting exposed, while others are watching stars emerge. Who would expect a 5-foot-8 receiver to be at or near the top of the SEC in receiving? How many different ways can Alabama’s star players hurt an opponent?
Those questions and Kentucky’s long list of backup running backs are addressed in this week’s version of players and units that are overrated, underrated and properly rated.
Overrated
Vanderbilt defense: Perimeter runs were especially troublesome at Georgia Tech, but giving up 511 yards means all areas left a lot to be desired. The triple-action attack included 11 players who had at least one carry, but all told Georgia Tech racked up 289 rushing yards and three TDs on 46 carries. All against one of the SEC’s best defensive minds, Derek Mason.
Gus Malzahn play-calling: No matter if it was Sean White or John Franklin III, the Auburn coach’s offense was stagnant against Texas A&M and he’s accepted the blame. White started 6-for-6, but struggled before Franklin entered as White then went 12-for-21 for 64 yards. The sixth consecutive SEC home loss combined with uncertainty at quarterback has made the fan base restless.
Underrated
Benjamin Snell Jr.: Despite its rough start, the Kentucky backfield showed that it has some depth behind Stanley “Boom” Williams and even Jojo Kemp. Snell had 17 carries for 136 yards and four touchdowns against New Mexico State. The four TDs tied a school record and might have reminded some of Sihiem King’s performance from the spring game.
Isaiah McKenzie: The pint-sized Georgia received matched his number of catches (10) from last year, including the dramatic ending to beat Missouri. Though he entered the game with just eight catches, he finished with 122 yards to bring his season total to 305, which is second in the SEC. He’s also tied for the conference lead with four TDs. Is he more than a special teams returner?
Trayveon Williams: So much for those red-zone touchdown problems. The Texas A&M running back keyed the victory at Auburn with an 89-yard TD run in the fourth quarter. Between eight carries and three catches, Williams (No. 5, below) had 157 all-purpose yards.
Properly rated
Eddie Jackson: One of the best safeties in America showed he’s pretty good on special teams, too. Against Ole Miss, Jackson returned the first punt of his career 85 yards for a late first-half touchdown that brought the Crimson Tide within 24-17. He was the third player to attempt a punt return for Alabama, and it’s clear that he won’t be replaced anytime soon. With an Alabama record three career touchdowns off of interceptions, it’s safe to say Jackson knows how to run with blockers in tow.
Arden Key: The LSU defensive end is quickly becoming a star in the league as he had two sacks last week to bring his conference-leading total to five. He was a key in the win over Mississippi State with a forced fumble and quarterback hurry. His second sack forced a fumble that helped seal the victory.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
