South Bound & Down
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SEC Football: Game Balls: Top Performers from Week Eight

By Justin Melton

Oct 22, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Santos Ramirez (9) tackles Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway (36) during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 56-3. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Santos Ramirez (9) tackles Auburn Tigers running back Kamryn Pettway (36) during the third quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. The Tigers beat the Razorbacks 56-3. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs past Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers running back Leonard Fournette (7) runs past Mississippi Rebels linebacker DeMarquis Gates (3) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Offense: Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

Leonard Fournette has missed time this season due to a nagging ankle injury. In this week’s clash with Ole Miss, he finally looked like his old self. He rushed for 284 yards on just 16 carries, and led his team to a victory over Ole Miss.

On the day, Fournette scored three times and averaged an absolutely ludicrous 17.8 yards per carry. When he’s healthy, Fournette is simply the best running back in the entire country. This week he’ll have a chance to rest up for the showdown against Alabama. I fully expect him to get more than 31 yards this season.

Honorable Mentions:

Oct 22, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Jake Bentley (4) passes against the Massachusetts Minutemen in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 22, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Jake Bentley (4) passes against the Massachusetts Minutemen in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports /

Kamryn Pettway, RB, Auburn

In the absence of Kerryon Johnson, Auburn elected to feed the big man. And the big man ate. He carried the ball 27 times and gained 192 yards and scored two touchdowns.

Pettway is a big threat, both literally and figuratively. He is tough, but also surprisingly fast for a man of his stature/ If Gus Malzahn knows what’s good for him he’ll keep giving Pettway the ball.

Jake Bentley, QB, South Carolina

The South Carolina quarterback situation has been tumultuous this season. Both Perry Orth and Brandon McIlwain have started and been inconsistent at best. This week, Will Muschamp turned to yet another contender, in the form of true freshman Jake Bentley.

And Bentley played very well. He completed 17 of his 26 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns. And, most importantly he didn’t turn the ball over. UMass is not exactly a juggernaut, but still, Gamecock fans have to be encouraged by the young man’s debut.

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