Predicting SEC top performers for week seven
Midway through the season, premier players are under more pressure than ever to step up and lead their teams. Who will stand out in the SEC this week?
KNOXVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 17, 2016 - wide receiver Josh Malone #3 of the Tennessee Volunteers touchdown during the game between the Ohio Bobcats and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Craig Bisacre/Tennessee Athletics
Heading into week seven of SEC play, the stakes are getting higher as bowl season begin to draw near. What seemed to be so far away is now just right around the corner, and as the pressure begins to build, so does the need for players to distinguish themselves. Here are just a few of the players that will use that pressure to their advantage during this week’s games.
Chad Kelly, Ole Miss QB
Coming into the week with 13 touchdowns and 1, 596 yards, Kelly has an opportunity to prove what he is capable of against the Arkansas. The Razorbacks have not yet been able to prove their defense is up to stopping a strong throwing arm, and that’s exactly what Kelly is. The quarterback is passing for nearly 320 yards a game and Arkansas is the 53rd passing defense in the nation, exactly the type of team that Kelly excels against.
Nick Chubb, Georgia RB
Nick Chubb and the Georgia Bulldogs have an opportunity to find success this week against Vanderbilt. Georgia, having lost two of their last three games, need to focus on exploiting any and all of the Commodores’ weaknesses, and their Achilles’ heel appears to be stopping the run. Coming into the week with 546 yards and five touchdowns on only 100 carries, Chubb has the chance to prove the Bulldogs are still a threat in the SEC.
Josh Malone, Tennessee WR
In this week’s matchup with the undefeated Crimson Tide and their deadly front seven, Tennessee’s struggling offensive line and quarterback Josh Dobbs are going to be facing a lot of big, strong and fast problems. Josh Malone may just be the answer. The Tennessee rushing attack has yet to find its identity and the pass game is the only way the Vols will be able to make any strides come Saturday. Malone — a sturdy six-foot-three, 200 pound receiver — has already accumulated five receiving touchdowns on 17 receptions this season. The receiver could be the tonic the Vols need to alleviate that toxic Alabama defense.
Edited by Dalton King
Featured image by Craig Bisacre, courtesy of Tennessee Athletics
