Jahmyr Gibbs’ 4th-quarter explosion on Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville was rewarded and recognized on Monday afternoon when the Alabama running back was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.
Gibbs had 18 carries for 206 yards to help Bama hold off Arkansas 49-26 and springboard the Crimson Tide back to the No. 1 ranking. But Gibbs’ dynamic talents were on full display in the 4th quarter, when the Georgia Tech transfer scored on a 72-yard touchdown run and a 76-yarder to put the pesky Hogs away.
Meanwhile, Mississippi State cornerback Emmanuel Forbes was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week after making 2 interceptions, including a 33-yard pick-6 that salted away the Bulldogs’ 42-24 upset victory over previously No. 17 Texas A&M. Forbes added 1 pass deflection in the massive performance.
Georgia kicker Jack Podlesny was named co-Special Teams Player of the Week after nailing all 4 of his field-goal attempts and making both of his extra-point tries to help the Bulldogs escape with a victory at Missouri. The Tigers nearly upset the then-top-ranked Bulldogs behind the performance of Podlesny’s counterpart, Missouri kicker Harrison Mevis, who was also named co-Special Teams Player of the Week after making all 5 of his field-goal attempts, including a 56-yarder, and his only extra-point try.
Ole Miss running back Quinshon Judkins was named co-Freshman of the Week after rumbling for 106 yards on 15 carries and 1 touchdown in the Rebels’ 22-19 victory over Kentucky. Speaking of the Wildcats, Kentucky wideout Barion Brown was named co-Freshman of the Week after catching 2 passes for 81 yards, including a 51-yard grab. Brown also had 3 kick returns for 164 yards, including an 85-yard return.
Rebels freshman Micah Pettus was named Offensive Lineman of the Week after helping Ole Miss pile up 186 yards rushing in the win.
And LSU junior defensive end BJ Ojulari was named Defensive Lineman of the Week after registering 2 sacks and 4 tackles, all solo, in the Tigers’ 21-17 comeback victory over Auburn.
#SECFB ?????? ?? ??? ????
ᴏꜰꜰᴇɴꜱɪᴠᴇJahmyr Gibbs • @AlabamaFTBL
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— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) October 3, 2022
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
