This was a week absolutely dominated by the running game in the SEC, as a full 5 running backs check in as the top performers with another guy – none other than Dexter McCluster – serving as a hybrid.  We can count him too, can’t we?  Heck, even QB Tim Tebow is checking with rushing touchdowns.

Top Performers

Anthony Dixon, RB, Mississippi State (252 yds, 2 TD; 2 rec, 14 yds)

The Bulldogs’ 31-24 win over Kentucky was keyed on the feet of Dixon, who completely  dominated the game.  How are we defining domination?  Dixon’s combined rushing and receiving yards were more than both teams got through the air – combined.

Tim Tebow, QB, Florida (15-21, 164 yds, 2 TD; 85 yds rush, 2 TD)

Fittingly, Tebow looks to have recovered from his concussion after about a month, as not only did he break Herschel Walker’s SEC record for rushing TDs, but he finally showed signs of returning to Heisman-level dominance.  Sure, it was against Georgia’s defense, but we’re not going to get too picky about it.

Dexter McCluster, WR, Ole Miss (186 yds, 2 TD; 4 rec, 17 yds)

Well, it looks like Houston Nutt has finally remembered he had legitimate dual threat McCluster ready to play; these last two weeks have been an absolute goldmine for McCluster, and with an effective homecoming next week (see below), there’s no sign that this’ll let up for him anytime soon.

Florida D/ST (3 sack, 4 INT, INT return for TD)

It’s easy to make the argument that Florida’s title hopes are staked on their defense (it’s the argument I make), but weeks like this are why Florida’s D/ST are relevant for fantasy; that’s a huge week for a defense.

Broderick Green, RB, Arkansas (134 yds, 2 TD)

Green has indeed turned into the poor man’s Jovorski Lane, racking up goal line carries and goal line TDs for Arkansas (frustrating Michael Smith owners everywhere).  However, every now and then Green gets carries on the other goal line and does crazy things like bust out a 99-yard TD run.  Sure, it was against Eastern Michigan, but that sort of performance bodes well for next year.

Montario Hardesty, RB, Tennessee (121 yds, 2 TD)

Top Performer Stalwart Hardesty returns to the list with a blistering, nasty performance against South Carolina.  The Vols didn’t turn in a spectacular performance on offense against South Carolina, but they didn’t need to.

Charles Scott, RB, LSU (112 yds, 2 TD)

He’s alive!  Those of you who have been wondering where the hell Scott’s been all season …well, you’re not alone.  Sure, it took going up against Tulane to have any shot of success, but we’re not picky around here.  Since he’s facing Alabama next week, this may merely be a blip on the radar.

Ben Tate, RB, Auburn (144 yds, 1 TD)

Another week, another Top Performance from Tate – but this time, he did it without backfield mate Ontario McCalebb.  Tate’s still a legitimate danger regardless of who else the Tigers have in the backfield, but regular readers know that at this point.

Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU (4 rec, 85 yds, 2 TD)

LaFell’s fallen victim to the same problems that have hit the rest of LSU’s offense, but with those two TD receptions he at least moves into the SEC lead in touchdown receptions.

Riley Cooper, WR, Florida (7 rec, 78 yards, 2 TD)

A lot was expected of Cooper heading into this season, and Cooper’s been a bit less than expected.  However, he showed his first legitimate signs of fantasy life since Troy, and with a relatively easy end-of-season slate, Cooper should be in line to roll over the next few weeks.

Next Week’s Games:

A couple of fairly pivotal SEC games will draw most of the in-conference (and national) eyes; however, it’s pretty clear that everyone else decided this is Homecoming week, as a full five SEC teams bring in some out-of-conference patsies.  As for Florida, Vanderbilt’s almost like Homecoming.

South Carolina @ Arkansas

LSU @ Alabama

Interesting combination of games here from a fantasy perspective; Arkansas can’t play defense, so Alashon Jeffery looks like a solid start, but otherwise everyone else hasn’t been consistent enough to justify playing.  On the other side of the ball, South Carolina’s defense has been solid, making most guys be less-than-viable as fantasy options; as a result, I’d only slightly trust Ryan Mallett here.

On the other hand, that LSU/Alabama game is going to be tough, it’s going to be nasty, and Mark Ingram is the only guy I’d even think about starting.

Vanderbilt @ Florida

Memphis @ Tennessee

Northern Arizona @ Ole Miss

Eastern Kentucky @ Kentucky

Tennessee Tech @ Georgia

Furman @ Auburn

This week’s much, much easier for determining who should start; basically, if you’ve got a guy on any one of these home teams, start ‘em.  Don’t start anyone from Vanderbilt (as they’re playing a competent defense), but other than that you’re in great shape.

BYE: Mississippi State

Related posts:

1. SEC Bookends: Yes, This is a Game
2. SEC Bookend: Strangers
3. SEC Bookends: Who Cares Who’s #1?
4. SEC Bookends: Unusual Suspects
5. SEC Bookends: Threat Down

Tags: SEC