SEC Game Balls of Week 3

Max McDougald presents SEC Game Balls of the Week.

Image from Lexington Herald-Leader

Offensive Game Ball – Benny Snell Jr

The recipient of the offensive game ball is Kentucky running back, Benny Snell Jr. The Sophomore Running Back from Westerville, Ohio played a key role in the Wildcats upset win over the hot South Carolina Gamecocks. He had 32 carries for 102 yards, and scored two touchdowns. He helped the Wildcats stay on the field with big run after big run, which helped defeat a solid South Carolina team. His clutch performance helped Kentucky open the year 3-0, and made him Front Porch Football’s SEC Offensive Player of the week.

Image from Wichita Eagle

Defense – LaDarius Wiley

The recipient of the defensive game ball is Vanderbilt safety, LaDarius Wiley. The 6-1, 210 pound Senior from Los Angeles, California proved to be a difference maker in the Commodores upset win over Kansas State. Wiley made his presence felt in the game as he contributed with 11 total tackles, 2 pass break ups, and 1 interception. He also made a key tackle on fourth down late in the game, which would help preserve the win for the Vanderbilt Commodores. A big game by Wiley helped the Vanderbilt Commodores start the season 3-0. His performance against Kansas Stated helped him earn Front Porch Football Defensive Player of the week, but he will need to have a repeat performance if the Commodores want to upset the top ranked Alabama Crimson tide when they face off on Saturday.

Image from Texas A&M Athletics

Special Teams – Mississippi State

The special teams game ball this week is going to the entire special teams unit from Mississippi State. The Bulldogs dominated the LSU Tigers this weekend, and strong special teams play helped them control the game. Placekicker, Jace Christmann was 3-3 on the day with a long of 45. Punter, Logan Cooke had 3 punts that totaled 138 yards with a 46 yard average. Punt Returner, Donald Gray was a major thorn in the side of the LSU Tigers, as he had two punt returns for 49 yards. This solid special teams play helped the Mississippi State Bulldogs Special Teams unit earn Front Porch Football’s Special Teams players of the week.

Image from Lexington Herald-Leader

Coach – Mark Stoops

 Coach Stoops took his team into a hostile environment to face a team that many believed was turning into an SEC East contender in the South Carolina Gamecocks. He had a great game plan to keep the powerful Gamecock offense off the field, and ultimately w0re down the young South Carolina defense. His team ran the ball extremely well, and converted 9 of 16 third downs. They forced South Carolina off the field on third down, and added some major holds on fourth and short – highlighted by a big stop on the goal line. They were clean on special teams, and did not allow South Carolina’s dangerous return game to play a factor. The Wildcats were in total control of the game as they were in possession of the ball for just under 37 minutes. It was, Mark Stoops who had his team ready to play as they pulled off a huge road victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks making him Front Porch Football’s SEC Coach of the Week.

Image from USA Today

Team – Mississippi State

 The team of the week this week was Mississippi State. They simply dominated the LSU Tigers and made a huge statement in the football world more specifically in the SEC. They racked up 465 total yards of offense while holding LSU to only 270 yards. The Bulldogs were led by Quarterback Nick Fitzgerald as he threw for 2 touchdowns while also rushing for 2 touchdowns. The Bulldog defense showed out as well as they held the Tigers to 7 points. The Bulldogs held the ball for 11 minutes more than the LSU Tiger which helped them wear down the tough LSU Defense. Their dominant performance against a very good LSU team made them the obvious choice for the Front Porch Football SEC team of the week. However, This Mississippi State team will need to carry this huge performance over to next week as they go on the road to Athens, Georgia to face the Georgia Bulldogs.

Max is from Anderson, South Carolina . He is the starting third baseman on the Wofford Baseball team, and majoring in Government. He might also be the most opinionated person you will ever meet. #SpursUp #GoTerriers #Cocksby90               #T-dawgsby90