Top SEC Performers from week nine

Kentucky’s Killer B’s

Kentucky’s running back duo of Stanley “Boom” Williams and Benjamin Snell Jr. proved to be lethal yet again in Columbia on Saturday afternoon. Against Missouri, Snell led the Wildcats with 192 yards and a pair of scores on 28 carries. With two rushing touchdowns, Snell now holds the school record for most rushing touchdowns by a true freshman with eight, surpassing Randall Cobb’s record.

The other half of the Killer B tandem also had a stellar performance, as Williams rushed 19 times for 182 yards and two scores, with one of them being a receiving touchdown. It was the first time in Wildcat history that the team feature two rushers of at least 180 yards in a single game.

Jordan Scarlett, Florida running back

Florida usually relied on three running backs to get the job done. However, with Mark Thompson being suspended and Jordan Cronkrite not playing due to personal reasons. With the Gators down to one running back, sophomore Jordan Scarlett delivered in the best way possible. In Florida’s 24-10 win over Georgia, Scarlett rushed for 93 yards and a touchdown.

Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State quarterback

Mississippi State’s Nick Fitzgerald had a career day against Samford on Saturday. In the Bulldogs’ 56-41 win, Fitzgerald went 20-pf-35 for 417 yards and five touchdowns. On the ground, Fitzgerald gained another 119 yards and scored twice, bringing his total offensive output to 536 total yards and seven touchdowns. The seven touchdowns tied Dak Prescott for the most scored in a single game in Mississippi State history. The sophomore also became the first Bulldog to throw for 400 yards and rush for 100 yards in the same game.

Kamryn Pettway, Auburn running back

Bruising running back Kamryn Pettway had yet another big night for the Tigers on Saturday, as No. 15 Auburn defeated Ole Miss, 40-29. Pettway rushed for a career high 236 yards and a touchdown on 30 carries.

Chad Kelly, Ole Miss quarterback

Although it was in a 40-29 loss to Auburn, Ole Miss quarterback Chad Kelly had a big night on Saturday. The senior quarterback was 36-of-59 for 465 yards and three touchdowns. Kelly’s 465 yards broke Ole Miss’single-game passing yards record, which was previously held by the legendary Archie Manning, who had 436 yards in a game.

Derek Barnett, Tennessee defensive end

Tennessee’s chances at winning the SEC East and making it to Atlanta took a fatal shot on Saturday, but defensive end Derek Barnett continued to play at an All-American level. Barnett registered three sacks, three tackles for a loss and two quarterback hurries in the Vols’ ugly 24-21 loss to South Carolina.

Jake Bentley, South Carolina quarterback

Freshman quarterback Jake Bentley should be a senior in high school, but instead he’s upsetting the SEC East favorites on Saturday night’s for South Carolina. Bentley’s numbers weren’t eye popping against Tennessee, but the young quarterback sure was efficient. The freshman was extremely poised, going 15-of-20 for 167 yards and two touchdowns in the Gamecock win. It appears Will Muschamp and South Carolina has found themselves a quarterback to lead the program for years to come.

Christian Kirk, Texas A&M wide receiver

Texas A&M sophomore wide receiver Christian Kirk showed once again on Saturday night that he is one of the most electric players in the country with the football in his hands. In the Aggies 52-10 win over New Mexico State, Kirk returned two punts for a touchdown from 70 and 73 yards out, becoming the first A&M player to return two punts for a touchdown in single game. Kirk’s four career punt return touchdowns are now a Texas A&M school record. The talented sophomore also added five catches for 36 yards and a touchdown.

Edited by David Bradford

Featured image by Hayley Pennesi, courtesy of Tennessee Athletics