Who will end the 2017 season as the SEC’s best running back?

Every week, SDS will update a top-10 ranking, based on criteria like statistical production, quality of opponents, cumulative performance and “wow” factor.

Here’s how the top 10 shakes out after an exciting Week 1 slate of games:

10. Chase Hayden, Arkansas

Most people expected Thursday’s season opener to be a coming out party for sophomore RB Devwah Whaley, but instead Hayden — a freshman — stole the show.

Averaging 8.6 yards per carry, Hayden tore through the Florida A&M defense in the Razorbacks’ easy 49-7 victory in Little Rock.

This week: 14 carries, 120 yards, 1 touchdown

9. Nick Chubb, Georgia

Though Appalachian State gave Tennessee a tough game to start the 2016 season, the same couldn’t be said about its effort against the Bulldogs on Saturday.

Chubb and backfield mate Sony Michel each ripped through the Mountaineers’ defense, with Chubb putting up the slightly better numbers, running for 96 yards and finding the end zone twice.

Now, Georgia fans will have to wait and see whether the talented senior can build off his hot start next week at Notre Dame.

This week: 15 carries, 96 yards, 2 touchdowns

8. Damien Harris, Alabama

Harris only got 10 touches thanks to Alabama’s loaded backfield, but he did more with his limited work than any of the other backs.

His explosiveness was sorely needed for a Crimson Tide offense that struggled against Florida State’s stout defense for most of the night, even though the scoreboard indicated an easy 24-7 Alabama win.

This week: 9 carries, 73 yards, 1 touchdown; 1 catch, 11 yards

7. Kerryon Johnson, Auburn

Though Saturday was billed as the debut of new QB Jarrett Stidham, it was the Auburn running game that stole the show against Georgia Southern.

Even without the suspended Kamryn Pettway, the Tigers ran for a total of 351 yards, 136 of which were picked up by Johnson.

This week: 16 carries, 136 yards, 1 touchdown

6. Kam Martin, Auburn

As good as Johnson was (see above), Martin was slightly better, also recording 136 rushing yards and a touchdown, but doing it with two fewer carries.

He also added one reception for 10 yards in the Tigers’ easy 41-7 home victory.

This week: 14 carries, 136 yards, 1 touchdown; 1 catch, 10 yards

5. Keith Ford, Texas A&M

Ford was the SEC leader in touchdown runs until Monday night, piling up three against the overmatched UCLA defense Sunday night.

Though his team eventually blew a huge lead in a 45-44 loss, Ford showed why he and backfield mate Trayveon Williams are one of the best running-back combos in the SEC, if not the country.

There might not be a better short-yardage and goal-line back in the nation than the Aggies’ talented senior.

This week: 18 carries, 114 yards, 3 touchdowns

4. Derrius Guice, LSU

Though there was some question as to whether last year’s SEC rushing champion would play Saturday night, Guice took the field, and did so in style.

As the Tigers shut out BYU, Guice touched the ball early and often, running for 122 yards and a pair of touchdowns in LSU’s easy 27-0 win in New Orleans.

This week: 27 carries, 122 yards, 2 touchdowns; 1 catch, 4 yards

3. Damarea Crockett, Mizzou

Yes, Crockett’s numbers came against an FCS foe in Missouri State, but he still made the most of his 18 carries, running for an impressive 202 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers’ 72-43 win.

His 11.2 yards-per-carry average is impressive no matter who it was against, and there’s no reason to think Crockett can’t put up a big year as long as he stays healthy and avoids suspensions.

This week: 18 carries, 202 yards, 2 touchdowns

2. John Kelly, Tennessee

No Alvin Kamara? No Jalen Hurd? No problem for the Volunteers.

Kelly stepped into the spotlight in a huge way against Georgia Tech on Monday night, scoring four of his team’s six touchdowns and making the most of his 24 touches.

If he can continue to put up numbers like this, the Vols will have no choice but to put the ball in his hands even more in the coming weeks.

This week: 19 carries, 128 yards, 4 touchdowns; 5 catches, 35 yards

1. Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M

Yes, the Aggies fell apart in the second half against UCLA, but Williams was outstanding, running for 203 yards and two scores.

The Bruins couldn’t stop the Texas A&M running backs for most of the game, and Williams seems to have taken a big step forward after a breakout freshman campaign.

Bonus points to Williams for doing his damage against a Power 5 opponent.

This week: 22 carries, 203 yards, 2 touchdowns