Best and Worst SEC Football Performances: Week 4
By Ryan Summers
Sep 26, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Ronnie Harrison (15) celebrates with defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) after an interception by Harrison against the Louisiana Monroe Warhawks at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Warhawks 34-0. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Christian Kirk, WR, Texas A&M
– Eight receptions for 173 yards and Texas A&M’s two passing touchdowns can all be credited to this 5-11, 200-pound freshman from Scottsdale, Arizona.
Christian Kirk burst onto the scene in week 4 and averaged 21.6 yards per catch against Arkansas. The game needed overtime to find a winner and the winner was Kirk. Christian Kirk sealed the game for the Aggies in overtime when he caught a 20 yard strike from quarterback Kyle Allen to clinch the victory.
Allen had a pretty solid day against the Razorbacks as well, throwing for 358 yards and two touchdowns (both caught by Kirk.)
Arkansas finally played at least decent in week 3 after two non-conference losses. Following the third loss in a row,however, coach Bret Bielema is definitely on the hot seat if he wasn’t already. Entering this week’s contest with Tennessee, Bielema will be coaching for more than just one W.
Will Grier, QB, Florida
– After sophomore quarterback Treon Harris was suspended on Wednesday, the critics were in out in full force analyzing the hope of the Gators against Tennessee on Saturday. A year ago, Harris was the Gators’ saving grace in a 10-9 victory over the Volunteers. This year, amid a quarterback battle in the swamp and with Harris out, it was Will Grier’s turn to show what he can do and really run the offense.
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Will Grier (7) runs with the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Grier was 23-of-42 for 283 yards and two touchdowns. Grier also threw an interception in the game. But he stepped up when it mattered most and really produced in key moments of the game.
On fourth downs, Grier was 5-for-5 for 123 yards with a touchdown and helped the Gators clinch a fourth quarter comeback to beat Tennessee 28-27.
That is clutch. I don’t think there is a QB battle in Gainesville anymore. Next week against Ole Miss will be Grier’s biggest test of the season and we will see if he again rises to the occasion or falls into the pattern of Florida quarterbacks that seemingly let everyone, including their own mothers, down (what’s up Jeff Driskel).
Alabama’s defense
– The Crimson Tide absolutely dismantled their week 4 opponent UL Monroe. The Tide’s defense held Louisiana-Monroe to 92 yards of total offense on Saturday. Seriously…92 yards. That’d be impressive against a high school team.
That defensive performance propelled Alabama to a 34-0 shutout of their non-conference opponent. How good was the defense really? Well consider the fact that UL Monroe didn’t get a first down until they faked a punt 24 minutes into the game. That trick play came on a 4th and 3 already down 14 points.
The Tide’s defensive performance won them this game, as nothing special happened on the offensive side of the ball, but will be tested again in week 5 like they were against Ole Miss when they take on the red hot Georgia Bulldogs. The Bulldogs also demolished a non-conference opponent in week 4 in a tune-up match before the powerhouse showdown in Athens.
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