ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE
- QB Blake Sims: With his 58-yard strike to DeAndrew White in the first half, Sims set a new school record for passing yards in a single season. The fifth-year senior finished 23-of-27 for 262 yards and two scores. His completion percentage of 85.2 percent beat Jason Campbell’s previous SEC Championship Game record of 77.1.
- RB Derrick Henry: The bruising sophomore managed a career-high 141 yards rushing and scored two of the Crimson Tide’s four rushing touchdowns. Against a tired defense, Henry owned in the second half.
- WR Amari Cooper: The Tigers held the best receiver on the planet in check on yards after the catch, but Lane Kiffin’s ability to get Cooper a mesmerizing 12 catches (on 15 targets) was an impressive feat.
- WR DeAndrew White: With coverage shadowed in Cooper’s direction, White made the most of his opportunities with four catches for 101 yards and a touchdowns.
- S Landon Collins: His secondary unit gave up a couple big plays, but Alabama’s top defensive player forced a fumble and recovered the football on the same play in the fourth quarter. Henry finished off the Crimson Tide’s ensuing possession with a touchdown burst to seal it.
MIZZOU TIGERS
- WR Jimmie Hunt: Mizzou’s second-leading wideout recorded a career-best 169 yards receiving, putting the Tigers in premium field position twice inside the red zone with lengthy sideline grabs.
- K Andrew Baggett: The oft-shaky junior connected on both of his field goal attempts including a 33-yarder late in the fourth quarter to bring the Tigers within eight at 21-13.
- DL Charles Harris: With 12 minutes left in the second quarter, Harris replaced star pass rusher Shane Ray following a targeting call resulting in an ejection. He responded well, but Alabama’s quick passing game all but neutralized Mizzou’s pass rush.
