SEC Football: Game Balls, Top Performers for Week Three

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Sep 17, 2016; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats quarterback Stephen Johnson (15) drops back to pass the ball against the New Mexico State Aggies in the first quarter at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense: Stephen Johnson, QB, Kentucky

This may seem like an unusual pick, especially since it was from one of the lower-tier games this week. However, Johnson’s performance was a revelation for the Wildcats. He completed 17 of his 22 passes for 310 yards and three touchdowns. And, perhaps most importantly, he threw no interceptions. Johnson, along with Boom Williams, led the Wildcats to their first win of the season.

Johnson is a junior college transfer in his first season with the Cats. While he came in because of an injury to Drew Barker, Johnson may have just stolen Barker’s job. Barker has been atrocious this season, particularly against Florida. Johnson, unlike Barker, is also a threat running the football. This could give opposing defensive coordinators a headache.

Honorable Mentions:

Jalen Hurts, QB, Alabama

Speaking of dual-threat quarterbacks, Alabama has found one in the form of true freshman sensation Jalen Hurts. Hurts had a big game against Ole Miss this week, and led the Tide to a hard-fought victory. Hurts completed 19 of his 31 passes for 158 yards with no interceptions

Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Trayveon Williams (5) runs for an 89-yard touchdown against the Auburn Tigers during the fourth quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Aggies beat the Tigers 29-16. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

. He also rushed for an additional 146, bringing his total yards for the day to 304.

Hurts has the potential to be an elite college quarterback, but he isn’t there yet. He still lacks proper timing on his deep balls and his accuracy is suspect at times. He missed a wide-open tight end in the end zone on Bama’s first drive of the game. He also fumbled the ball twice, once without even being touched. Nevertheless, he should only get better moving forward.

Trayveon Williams, RB, Texas A&M

Meanwhile, in Auburn, another true freshman was having a big night. Trayveon Williams showed that he may be the most explosive back the Aggies have. He broke free and outran everyone for an 89 yard touchdown scamper late in the game to help put the game away. He had 127 rushing yards on the day and added 30 receiving yards.

Williams is young, but he may already be the most talented running back in a deep Aggie backfield. I expect the Aggies will continue to use a committee approach this season. However, Williams may one day end up being the bell-cow. He certainly has the talent to do it if called upon.

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