The SEC’s Rushing Leaders Through Week 9
As one of the top SEC Rushing Leaders, No. 5 Kewan Lacy: 696 YDS 12 TD 87.0 YPG
Coming in at number five this week is Ole Miss running back, Kewan Lacy. Lacy has been very good this season for the Rebels. However, last week he rushed for only 78 yards, which is good but not his best. As an SEC rushing leader, what he lacked in yards he made up for in the redzone, with 2 touchdowns. This contributed to a huge win over Oklahoma. Like I have said before, this guy is young and has so much more room to grow. He potentially could become one of the best backs in college football before it is all said and done.
No. 4 Jadan Baugh: 611 YDS 4 TD 87.29 YPG
Jadan Baugh has been sort of all or nothing this year for the Gators. In all of his games he has either rushed for less than 50 or 100+. And that is all a reflection of the number of carries he has. I think Florida needs to go look at the stats. They should notice how in all of the games that they utilize Baugh, he has capitalized for over 100 yards in almost every one of them. With Baugh being among the SEC’s rushing leaders, all of Florida’s losses have been when he rushed for under 100 yards. And you guessed it, every single game that Jadan Baugh has rushed for over 100, the gators won. That is a direct reflection of the carries that he is getting. That being said, I think Baugh is a very good back. He needs to be used more.
No. 3 Mike Washington Jr.: 712 YDS 5 TD 89 YPG
There is really not much to say about Mike Washington Jr. other than he is consistent and reliable. Arkansas is a lot better than their record shows this year. They have been competitive in almost every game, but they just can’t get it done. I think Washington has been a big reason for how competitive they have been. This has secured his place as one of the top SEC rushing leaders. They are certainly a tough team to play because of this running back’s presence in the backfield. Hopefully the Razorbacks can find some wins heading towards the end of the season.
No. 2 Jeremiah Cobb: 717 YDS 4 TD 89.63 YPG
Jeremiah Cobb had, by far, his biggest game last week, having 28 carries for 151 yards. This was also his most carries for a game this season. In my opinion, the scoreboard is a direct reflection of that. Being recognized as one of the SEC’s rushing leaders, I think the Auburn Tigers have got to start handing this dude the ball more often. The stats show that when they do utilize him, they win. It is as simple as that.
All that being said, I think Cobb is a really good running back. He has stepped into a leadership role coming into this season and even more so when running back Demari Alston left. I look forward to seeing how the Tigers do the rest of the season. Hopefully, that involves giving Cobb the ball!
No. 1 Ahmad Hardy: 937 YDS 11 TD 117.13 YPG
Ahmad Hardy has been great all season. However, since week five, it doesn’t really compare to what he was doing at the start of the season. His status among the SEC rushing leaders remains strong, but this past week against Vanderbilt, he still rushed for 97 yards. This doesn’t match how he was doing earlier. I think Missouri is a good football team, but it’s clear that they may be relying on Hardy a little too much. These better opponents are exposing that when you see how Hardy is still having the same amount of carries. Yet, he gains fewer yards, ultimately resulting in losses for Mizzou.
I think Missouri may need to try airing the ball out a little more and creating a passing threat, that way opponents aren’t zeroed in on Hardy. That being said, Ahmad Hardy is having an incredible season, and I expect him to continue to dominate on the ground throughout the remainder of the season.
