SEC Kickoff: Players to watch in SEC Championship Game

By now, you’re well aware of what game is being played this Saturday. But for those of you logging on here for the first time, I’ll explain.

The No. 16 Missouri Tigers face the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game Saturday at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Ga. The conference title is at stake, among several other factors. For Alabama, a win secures its spot atop the College Football Playoff rankings. For Missouri, a victory should boost its ranking and improve its bowl stock.

Here’s a look at the players to watch for both teams entering Saturday’s game.

MISSOURI

Offense

RB Russell Hansbrough- Hansbrough led the Tigers with 949 yards and nine touchdowns on 177 rushing attempts. But the junior running back was carted off the field after suffering an ankle injury in last week’s win over Arkansas. Head coach Gary Pinkel expects Hansbrough to play in Saturday’s game and he should make an impact against a tough Alabama rush defense.

Defense

DE Shane Ray- Ray led the SEC in sacks (12.0) and tackles for loss (20.5). The junior is the heart of a Missouri defense that ranked No. 16 overall. Ray will play a major role in pressuring Alabama quarterback Blake Sims and will make a dramatic impact in Saturday’s game.

ALABAMA

Offense

WR Amari Cooper- Cooper led the SEC in every receiving category and finish second nationally in yards, touchdowns and yards per game. The junior finished the regular season with 103 catches, 1,573 yards, 14 touchdowns and 131.1 yards per game. Cooper has played a major role in the Tide’s offense all season and should continue his success in the season’s biggest game.

Defense

S Landon Collins- Collins was a do-everything safety for Alabama in 2014. The junior led the team in interceptions (4) and finished second in tackles (83). Collins should play a major role in forcing Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk to make mistakes. The safety will play a major role in pass coverage and stopping running plays.

Jason Hall

A former freelance journalist from Nashville, Jason covers Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky