Coaching staff selects Players of the Week for the SEC Championship
The Alabama football team (12-1, 8-1 SEC) found itself back in the top spot in the latest College Football Playoff rankings after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs 41-24 in the SEC Championship on Saturday.
For only the second time this season, the Crimson Tide got quality play on both sides of the football, and the special teams units were also effective.
It’s no wonder the coaching staff had an eye-opening 15 guys named Players of the Week for their performances. Of those, eight came on offense (with five being in one position group), four came on defense and four came on special teams.
Offense
Offensive Line: Starting OL group included Evan Neal, Javion Cohen, Seth McLaughlin, Emil Ekiyor and Chris Owens. Unit paved the way for 536 total yards and 34 points against the nation’s top-ranked defense. Also didn’t allow a sack.
WR John Metchie: Only played in the first half due to injury, but still found a way to add six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown. Excelled on the short-to-intermediate levels to put a strain on Georgia’s defense.
WR Jameson Williams: Went for over 100 yards in a game for the seventh time this season, racking up 184 yards and two touchdowns on seven catches. Provided multiple explosive plays, including scoring touchdowns from 67 and 55 yards out.
QB Bryce Young: Set multiple SEC Championship Game records, including for passing yards (421) and total yards (461), while being involved in all four of Alabama’s offensive touchdowns.
Defense
OLB Will Anderson: Went a seventh-straight game getting at least one sack to go with six tackles, two of which were for a loss. Also added another QB pressure while creating havoc on Georgia’s offensive line.
DB Jordan Battle: Recorded his second pick-six of the season (three total interceptions this year) while adding six tackles and a QB hurry. Continues to be a steady force on the back half of Alabama’s defense.
DB DeMarcco Hellams: Led the Crimson Tide in tackles with nine while also bringing in his third interception of the season. As he’s gotten healthy, has proven to be a great complementary piece next to Battle.
LB Henry To’o To’o: Added seven tackles to his season total, which now sits at 100, while helping navigate and direct Alabama’s defense en route to a three-sack, two-turnover day.
Special Teams
P James Burnip: Had by far his best showing of the year, averaging 43.8 yards per punt on five attempts. Had a 50-yard punt, his longest of the season, while also dropping one boot inside the 20-yard line.
CB Khyree Jackson: Was a key contributor in preventing the Bulldogs from breaking off a big play in the return game. Has proven to be one of the Crimson Tide’s most consistent and steady special teams performers.
K Will Reichard: Converted on all six of his kicks, two fields and four point-after tries. His two field goals were from 33 and 41 yards out, and he also had six of his eight kickoffs go for a touchback.
WR Jameson Williams: Also made the list on special teams due to making a big stop on Alabama’s first punt of the day. After being ejected for targeting on punt coverage in the Iron Bowl, remained aggressive as a gunner.
