Week 2 saw our stat predictions get a little better (nailed Drew Lock and A.J. Brown’s TD totals, off by just 7 years on Nick Brossette’s 137 rush yards), but still cannot get the rushing touchdowns correct (my picks last week – Brossette, Nick Fitzgerald and Tim Jordan – combined for 0 TDs).

Here’s hoping our Week 3 predictions on stats leaders gets us a little closer to 100%.

Most Passing Yards
1. Drew Lock, Missouri (at Purdue)

Prediction: 350 yards

Why? Yes, it’s true, Lock was held to a season-low 133 passing yards in last year’s 35-3 loss at home to Purdue. But this is not the same Boilermaker defense. This season’s version just allowed 347 passing yards by Eastern Michigan last week. Think the Tigers aren’t aware of that?

2. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M (vs. Louisiana Monroe)

Prediction: 325 yards

Why? This pick might seem like a knee-jerk reaction to his impressive numbers last week against one of the nation’s best defenses in Clemson (430 passing yards). It might also have something to do with the fact that the Warhawks rank 127th in the FBS in pass defense, allowing 371.5 YPG through the air.

3. Tua Tagovailoa, Alabama (at Ole Miss)

Prediction: 275 yards

Why? Tagovailoa continues to look better each week, and Saturday he is faces a Rebels defense that just allowed 388 passing yards to Southern Illinois last week. Tagovailoa will have fun carving up the Ole Miss secondary and finish with a career high for passing yards.

Most Passing Touchdowns
1. Drew Lock, Missouri (at Purdue)

Prediction: 4

Why? Over the past three seasons, Lock is averaging nearly four touchdown passes a game versus nonconference opponents (40 in 11 games). Again, after such a poor performance against Purdue last season, the thought here is that Lock will be looking to redeem himself.

2. Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State (vs. Louisiana)

Prediction: 3

Why? Although he was way off in completion percentage (just 41%), Fitzgerald did have a pair of TD passes at Kansas State. This week he is facing a Ragin’ Cajun team that ranked near the bottom last season in the Sun Belt in pass defense (256 YPG, 9th). Plus, Louisiana has not played since beating FCS opponent Grambling in Week 1.

3. Kellen Mond, Texas A&M (vs. Louisiana Monroe)

Prediction: 3

Why? Mond’s opponent Saturday, Louisiana Monroe, allowed 32 TD passes last season. Only two teams in the entire FBS – Connecticut and Texas Tech – allowed more. So for this season, ULM ranks 112th in the FBS in pass TD allowed (6 in two games).

Most Rushing Yards
1. Benny Snell, Kentucky (vs. Murray State)

Prediction: 150

Why? Even though we predicted Snell would be the SEC’s top ground gainer last week, we didn’t give him nearly enough credit, as he ran for 175 yards in the win over Florida (predicted 135 for Snell). We’re going to continue to expect big numbers each week from Snell, especially with an FCS opponent coming to Lexington.

2. Tim Jordan, Tennessee (vs. UTEP)

Prediction: 140

Why? Jordan had a solid game in the Vols’ season opener vs. West Virginia, rushing for 118 yards and a TD. The last week against East Tennessee State, Jordan wasn’t used as often (65 yards on 15 carries). This week’s opponent – UTEP – probably falls in between. UTEP allowed 414 yards on the ground to UNLV last week.

3. Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M (vs. Louisiana Monroe)

Prediction: 140

Why? Clemson shut down Williams last week (31 yards on 17 carries), but he’ll bounce back today with a performance closer to his output in the Aggies’ season opener (240 yards, 3 TD vs Northwestern State).

Rushing TDs

1. Kylin Hill, Mississippi State (vs. Louisiana)

Prediction: 2

Why? Hill ran wild on Kansas State last week (211 yds, 2 TD), but don’t forget he gained 50 yards on just 9 carries in the Bulldogs’ season opener against Stephen F. Austin. Again, UL Lafayette hasn’t played since Week 1, and last season it allowed 39 rushing TDs, the second-most by any FBS team.

2. Benny Snell, Kentucky (vs. Murray State)

Prediction: 2

Why? Dating to last season, Snell has had a multi-TD game in five of his past eight games. The best way for the Wildcats to avoid an emotional letdown following their win over Florida is to make sure their best player gets the ball often. That player, obviously, is Snell.

3. Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M (vs. Louisiana Monroe)

Prediction: 2

Why? Over the past two seasons, Williams has scored 8 rushing touchdowns in 6 games against nonconference opponents. Louisiana Monroe has been solid against the run, allowing just 2.3 yards per carry. But last season in two games against Power 5 opponents, the Warhawks allowed 622 yards on the ground and 8 touchdowns.

Receiving Yards

1. Emanuel Hall, Missouri (at Purdue)

Prediction: 150

Why? Hall has become Drew Lock’s favorite target and he has produced so far, ranking second in the FBS in receiving yards (171 YPG). Last season against Purdue, Hall was held without a catch. I’m expecting Saturday’s numbers to be closer to his performance this season rather than last season against the Boilermakers.

2. DeVonta Smith, Alabama (at Ole Miss)

Prediction: 110

Why? Smith appears to be on the verge of breaking out and becoming one of the SEC’s to receivers. This appears to be a good spot for Smith to record his first career 100-yard receiving game, as the Rebels rank 126th in pass defense (355 YPG).

3. A.J. Brown, Ole Miss (vs. Alabama)

Prediction: 100

Why? Alabama’s defense (85th in FBS in pass defense – 235 YPG) hasn’t kicked into high gear … yet. So if the Rebels are going to stay close in this one, they will need a good game from Brown. Last year, Brown had just one catch for six yards against Alabama. He may not dominate like he’s used to doing, but Brown could still get to the 100-yard mark.

Receiving Touchdowns

1. Jerry Jeudy, Alabama (at Ole Miss)

Prediction: 2

Why? DeVonta Smith might be ready to break out, but Jeudy has been Alabama’s most productive receiver. Jeudy has just 8 catches in two games, but 4 have gone for touchdowns. If Ole Miss doesn’t improve on defense, it could be a third consecutive two-TD game for Jeudy.

2. D.K. Metcalf, Ole Miss (vs. Alabama)

Prediction: 2

Why? Metcalf was one of my favorite receivers in the SEC entering the season and so far, he hasn’t disappointed, with 11 catches for 174 yards and 2 TDs. While not expecting a victory, I do think Ole Miss can score against Alabama. Metcalf has 4 TD catches in 5 career games vs. ranked opponents, so he does play well against top competition.

3. Emanuel Hall, Missouri (at Purdue)

Prediction: 2

Why? Last season, two of Hall’s three multi-touchdown games came on the road, including a two-TD effort against No. 2 Georgia. Last season, Purdue allowed the second-most passing TDs in the Big Ten (21).