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SEC Football: Game Balls, Top Performers for Week Three

By Justin Melton

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
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 /
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Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

Defense: Arden Key, DE, LSU

Arden Key showed that he is one of the premier pass-rushers in the conference this week. He got two sacks, as well as a quarterback hurry, five total tackles, and a forced fumble. Key led a stingy LSU defense against Mississippi State, and the Tigers dominated much of the game, particularly on the ground. If he can keep up that level of play he will give a lot of quarterbacks nightmares this season.

Key is perhaps the most underrated pass-rusher in the conference. Everybody talks about Myles Garrett, Jonathan Allen, Tim Williams, etc. And all of those guys should be talked about, because they’re great players. However, Key belongs in that discussion just as much as anyone. He has a lot of talent, and his production is really starting to show it.

Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Jonathan Allen (93) at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Hilltoppers 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions:

Jonathan Allen, DE, Alabama

Speaking of Jonathan Allen, he also had a great game this week. The big man wasn’t quite quick enough to get to Chad Kelly, though he harassed him all game. He did have four tackles, and most importantly a fumble recovery. Tim Williams hit Kelly and the ball popped right to Allen, who caught it in the air and rumbled 75 yards for a game-sealing touchdown.

Allen is an elite defensive end. He has always been a top-tier pass rusher, but now he is also stout in the run game. His decision to return to Alabama for his senior season was huge for the Tide. I expect he will be a top 10 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

Justin Evans, S, Texas A&M

Evans played with his hair on fire against Auburn this week. He was absolutely everywhere. He made 12 tackles, 10 of which were solo, and had a tackle for loss. His run support skills were vital in stopping the run-heavy offense that Gus Malzahn favors.

Evans is a sure-tackling senior from Wiggins, Mississippi. He came in to the Texas A&M program last season after spending time in junior college. In addition to his tackling prowess, Evans is also solid at defending the pass. During his time in juco he racked up six interceptions and 13 passes defended. He will play in the NFL, though it is tough to say how high he might be drafted.

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