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After every weekend of games, you hear about the performances of stars such as Leonard Fournette and Myles Garrett. But there are also performances you don’t hear about as much, coming from under-the-radar SEC players — the sleepers.
Who were the best of the Saturday Sleepers from Week 13? Take a look.
Jordan Wilkins, Ole Miss: Wilkins has served as the Rebels’ change-of-pace back this season and saved his best performance for the regular-season finale. The sophomore carried the ball five times for a season-high 54 yards and 10.8 yards per carry. His 38-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave Ole Miss a 38-13 lead and put the Egg Bowl out of reach for Mississippi State.
Shon Carson, South Carolina: Though not the Gamecocks’ primary option out of the backfield, Carson was the most-effective runner for South Carolina against its in-state rival Clemson. Second on the team to QB Lorenzo Nunez in rushing Saturday, he matched his season high with eight carries, resulting in 52 yards and his second rushing TD of the season.
Jason Smth, Auburn: Although Auburn lost the Iron Bowl to Alabama, Smith might have made the best play in college football this weekend. His 77-yard TD catch, in which he tipped the ball to himself and made a spectacular grab, kept the Tigers in the game against the Crimson Tide longer than most expected. Smith finished with two receptions for 82 yards and the TD — all season-highs.
A.J. Stamps, Kentucky: Stamps’ nine tackles in the Wildcats’ 38-24 loss to Louisville tied for his second-best total in a game this season, and he also made his first interception of the year. Stamps’ 35-yard return on his interception set up Kentucky RB Boom Williams’ 6-yard TD run that gave the Wildcats a 14-0 lead in the first quarter.
Von Pearson, Tennessee: After scoring only one TD all season entering Tennessee’s game matchup with Vanderbilt, Pearson hauled in two TD passes from QB Joshua Dobbs that helped contribute to the Volunteers’ 53-point outburst. Pearson finished with three receptions for 40 yards.
Pat Donohue is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Follow him on Twitter @SportsDownPat.
