|
|
Jeremy Hillman
SouthernPigskin.com SEC Writer
SouthernPigskin.com SEC Writer Jeremy Hillman gives out his mid season awards in the SEC.
It is hard to believe that we are already halfway through the 2009 college football season. Things have been exciting in the SEC, with surprises, disappointments, and thrilling finishes. Here is my review of the half-year that has been:
Coach Of The Half-Year: Gene Chizik, Auburn Head Coach (Even after losing to Arkansas last Saturday, Auburn stands at 5-1 on the season. Not many people could have predicted that start for the Tigers, after an offseason coaching change, following a 5-7 season on the Plains a year ago. With a potential home win against Kentucky in a couple days, Auburn could be 6-1, back in the Top 25, and qualified for a bowl game already.)
Also Receiving Votes: Nick Saban (Alabama), Urban Meyer (Florida), Steve Spurrier (South Carolina)
Offensive Player Of The Half-Year: Mark Ingram, RB Alabama (He runs, he catches, he blocks. Ingram has emerged as one of top players in the conference. He has over 800 offensive yards and 10 touchdowns in just 6 games. He is a hard working back, and has helped lead Alabama to an undefeated start.)
Also Receiving Votes: A.J. Green (Georgia WR), Tim Tebow (Florida QB), Ben Tate (Auburn RB)
Defensive Player Of The Half-Year: Eric Norwood, LB South Carolina (Norwood is all over the field making big plays. In just 6 games, he has racked up 38 tackles, 7 tackles for a loss, 6 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 2 blocked kicks, a forced fumble, an interception and a defensive touchdown. Wow. I am pretty sure NFL scouts are drooling.
Also Receiving Votes: Rennie Curran (Georgia LB), Rico McCoy (Tennessee LB), Craig Stevens (Auburn LB)
Biggest Surprise Of The Half Year: The Auburn offense (It was a miserable offense in 2008 for Auburn. However, upon the arrival of new OC Gus Malzahn in 2009, the Tigers having been moving the ball feverishly with a healthy balance of run and pass. Ben Tate is in the top 10 in the nation in rushing yards, Chris Todd is in the Top 20 in the nation in passing efficiency, and the offense is averaging an amazing 490 yards per game)
Also receiving votes: Alabama offense, South Carolina, Tennessee Defense
Biggest Disappointment Of The Half Year: Ole Miss (After the Rebels received preseason love from so many, Ole Miss has fallen flat and out of the spotlight. Javon Snead and the Ole Miss offense have struggled mightily all season.)
Also receiving votes: Vanderbilt, Georgia, Arkansas Defense
Three Best Games Of The Half-Year:
1. LSU 30 Mississippi State 26 (LSU held the Bulldogs on a goal line stand, from the 1 yard line with seconds left in the game, to win this thriller)
2. Alabama 34 Virginia Tech 24 (Alabama wore down Tech late in the game to pull of a huge season opener victory)
3. South Carolina 16 Ole Miss 10 (the Gamecocks pulled a big upset over then top 10 ranked Ole Miss, on ESPN Thursday Night Football)
Also Receiving Votes: Georgia 41 South Carolina 37, Georgia 20 Arizona State 17, Auburn 41 West Virginia 30
The second half of the season sets up to be even more exciting than the first. This should be fun to watch the conference standings, top player races and bowl selections unfold.
Check me out on Twitter at /SECpigskin
.....
Share your thoughts on the SouthernPigskin.com Message Boards or email Jeremy at .
Stories written by SouthernPigskin.com columnists are done independently. Views do not always coincide with those of the remainder of the staff or the ownership of SouthernPigskin.com.
|
Comments
Make Yourself Heard
|
|
