| Mississippi State QB Tyler Russell was named the SEC's offensive player of the week. (US Presswire) |
Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen had big expectations for QB Tyler Russell this season. He compared him to former No. 1 overall draft pick Alex Smith -- a player Mullen coached when he was the offensive coordinator at Utah.
Russell might not be a top pick in the draft, but he has emerged as one of the more consistent QBs in the SEC.
He was honored as the SEC offensive player of the week after his huge game in a 42-14 win over Arkansas last week. Russell completed 19 of 32 passes for 274 yards, four TDs and no INTs against the Razorbacks. He made some of his most accurate passes of the season and found WR Chad Bumphis for two TDs and hit RB LaDarius Perkins for two more.
He also broke three school single-season records including completions (201), passing yards (2,523) and 200-yard passing games (7). He already holds the Mississippi State single-season record for TD passes with 21.
Other SEC awards:
Defensive Player of the Week: Vanderbilt CB Andre Hal (recorded five tackles and two INTs vs. Tennessee).
Special Teams Player of the Week: LSU PR Odell Beckham Jr. (89-yard punt return for a TD tied the game in the fourth quarter vs. Ole Miss).
Offensive Lineman of the Week: LSU C P.J. Lonergan (had 10 pancake blocks and did not give up a sack vs. Ole Miss.
Defensive Lineman of the Week: Kentucky DT Donte Rumph (5 tackles, sack, FF vs. Samford).
Freshman of the Week: Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel (completed 14 of 20 passes for 267 yards, 3 TDs, INT; 16 carries, 100 yards, 2 TDs vs. Sam Houston State).
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