True freshmen made some huge plays in a crazy Saturday around the SEC, which continues a weekly trend around the conference.
Here are five who stood out (and five more worth mentioning) from last Saturday:
RB Nick Chubb, Georgia
What he did: The freshman formed a productive 1-2 punch with Heisman Trophy contender Todd Gurley, rushing for 78 yards and a touchdown on eight carries against Vanderbilt. He also caught a pair of passes for 11 yards.
What it means: Chubb won SEC Co-Freshman of the Week honors for his tough running, joining position mate Sony Michel among Georgia players to win the award this season. Chubb is Georgia’s second-leading rusher with 224 yards on 31 carries and figures to get plenty more work behind Gurley.
DE Myles Garrett, Texas A&M
What he did: His team’s loss to Mississippi State was far from a banner day for Texas A&M’s defense, but Garrett had another solid outing. He led the Aggies with 10 tackles and notched a sack for an 8-yard loss.
What it means: He’s only halfway through his first season, but Garrett already holds the Texas A&M record for sacks by a freshman with 6.5. He hasn’t single-handedly solved the Aggies’ problems on the defensive front, but they’re much better off because of Garrett’s presence.
QB Treon Harris, Florida
What he did: Harris replaced struggling starter Jeff Driskel on the final drive of the third quarter and led Florida from a 9-0 deficit to a 10-9 victory over Tennessee. Harris’ stats (2-for-4 for 17 yards, plus 24 rushing yards on four attempts) weren’t eye-popping, but he gave Florida’s offense a spark for the first time against the Volunteers.
What it means: Obviously Harris has greater concerns than playing time right now -- he was accused of sexual assault after the game and has since been suspended -- so it’s difficult to project anything related to football. Harris might have overtaken Driskel as Florida’s starter if not for his off-field issues.
WR Speedy Noil, Texas A&M
What he did: Noil made some absurd plays in the loss to Mississippi State and led the Aggies with 158 all-purpose yards. He caught three passes for 50 yards and two touchdowns, plus he returned a punt for 22 yards and five kickoffs for 86 yards.
What it means: Quarterback Kenny Hill spread around the completions against Mississippi State, but he and Noil hooked up for a couple of highlight-reel completions. It’s clear that the Aggies believe they have a star in Noil -- and they already do.
CB Jalen Tabor, Florida
What he did: Tabor also sparked the Gators’ comeback by sacking Tennessee quarterback Justin Worley, forcing a fumble and recovering it at the Vols’ 30-yard line. Florida converted that turnover into its only touchdown of the game. Tabor also notched five tackles in the win.
What it means: Tabor split the conference’s Freshman of the Week award with Chubb because of his solid play against the Vols. He started at cornerback opposite Vernon Hargreaves and did a solid job against a talented crew of UT receivers.
Other notables:
DE Derek Barnett, Tennessee: Recorded six tackles, two tackles for a loss and a sack in a loss to Florida.
TE Jeb Blazevich, Georgia: Caught three passes for 86 yards against Vanderbilt, most notably a 50-yard completion on a direct-snap pass from running back Todd Gurley.
CB Tony Brown, Alabama: Made four tackles, broke up a pass and blocked a PAT in a loss to Ole Miss.
DB Todd Kelly Jr., Tennessee: Intercepted a pass for the second straight game and made two tackles in a loss to Florida.
P JK Scott, Alabama: Punted six times and averaged 51.8 yards per punt (with a long of 64) and placed three inside the 20-yard line in a loss to Ole Miss.