Last week was a slow week for the SEC. There was only one game between ranked teams and only four inter-conference matchups. Of the ten games, only two were decided by less than ten points, and six of the games were decided by 17 points or more. But the game changers still managed to make big differences in their games.
Offensive Game Changers
Garrett Nussmeier QB, LSU
Going into the week, Garrett Nussmeier led the country with 10 touchdown passes. Tied 17-17 at halftime with UCLA, Nussmeier led LSU on two 90-plus yard touchdown drives, each lasting over five minutes, to ice the game for the Tigers. LSU’s first-year quarterback was 32 of 44 throwing for 352 yards, three touchdowns, and no interceptions. With a touchdown to interception ratio of 13 to two, Nussmeier will slowly creep into the Heisman discussion if he keeps this up.
Graham Mertz QB, Florida
Graham Mertz and the Gators have had a rough year. In week one, they were both embarrassed by Miami. Mertz missed their second game with a concussion and his backup, freshman DJ Lagway, threw for 456 yards and three touchdowns albeit against Samford. In the battle for the SEC basement, Mertz threw for 201 yards and three touchdowns leading the Gators to a 45-28 win over Mississippi State. He completed 19 of his 21 passes for a 90 percent completion and a 95.4 quarterback rating.
Jaydon Blue RB, Texas
Even facing lesser competition like UL Monroe, the hot topic around Texas was Arch Manning’s first start of the year, replacing injured Quinn Ewers. Manning played fine, but Longhorns’ running-back Jaydon Blue stole the show. Blue rushed 25 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns leading the Longhorns to a 51-3 blowout. No matter the competition, a good running game is key when you’re starting a backup quarterback, regardless of his pedigree.
Defensive Game Changers
TJ Metcalf DB, Arkansas
Arkansas beat Auburn in an ugly 24-14 game on Saturday. Arkansas was up seven to zero near halftime. Auburn intercepted a pass with 39 seconds left setting them up at their own 48-yard line. After a 25-yard pass got them to the Arkansas 27, TJ Metcalf picked off Hank Brown at the eight-yard line ending the half. The Arkansas defensive back got his second pick at the end of the third quarter with the Razorbacks up 14-7. On the corresponding drive, they kicked a field goal to go up two possessions and never looked back.
Marcus Ratcliffe DB, Texas A&M
Marcus Ratcliffe stepped up huge to help the 25th-ranked Aggies escape with a 26-20 victory over Bowling Green. With 1:38 to go in the fourth quarter and Texas A&M up 26-17, Bowling Green quarterback Connor Bazelak sailed a throw from the Texas A&M 15-yard line into the arms of Ratcliffe in the end-zone. The Aggies fumbled on the next play allowing the Falcons to kick a field goal, but the damage had been done.
Negative Game Changers
Hank Brown QB, Auburn
Hank Brown was an offensive game-changer last week throwing four touchdowns when he took over for Payton Thorne, who threw four picks the week before. My how the mighty have fallen. Brown was benched on Saturday after he threw three interceptions in the first half. He was replaced by Thorne in the second half, but it was too late and the Tigers lost 24-14 to Arkansas.
Defense, Mississippi State
It’s a new low when you get embarrassed by the Florida Gators. The Bulldogs have been in a tailspin since destroying Eastern Kentucky in week one. The Mississippi State defense allowed Toledo to score 41 points and gain 484 yards on them last week. The Gators topped both of those totals on Saturday with 45 points and 503 yards. Mississippi State is a rebuilding program but that won’t make the fans feel better.
