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The SEC is loaded with talented underclassmen and saw a flood of juniors enter the NFL Draft last spring, but there are still plenty of great fourth-year players on the fields and getting the job done in the conference this season.
Here at Saturday Down South, we don’t want to overlook the veterans who have paid their dues and are seeing it come together in their final season. Here’s a look at five of the best senior performances from Week 3:
MALCOLM MITCHELL
The Georgia wide receiver helped Bulldogs quarterback Greyson Lambert to a record-setting day by making eight catches for 122 yards and a touchdown in the 52-20 blowout of South Carolina. It was the best performance for Mitchell since posting nine receptions for 103 yards at Kentucky in 2012.
RICHARD MULLANEY
The graduate transfer from Oregon State had his biggest game with Alabama, hauling in seven catches for 61 yards and two touchdowns, including a hurdling leap over an Ole Miss defender into the end zone. With injuries mounting at wide receiver, the Crimson Tide will need to see more games like that from Mullaney.
TRA CARSON
Another Pac-12 transfer, the former Oregon running back had his best game of the young season in Texas A&M’s easy victory against Nevada at Kyle Field. Carson carried the ball 22 times for 137 yards as the Aggies were able to establish an impressive ground game on the shoulders of the powerful back. Carson also added a catch for 17 yards.
TRAE ELSTON
The Ole Miss defensive back is on his way to All-American status if he continues to play like he has in the first three weeks. Elston continued a stellar season with his third interception, one he returned 28 yards. He also had six tackles as the Rebels pulled off the upset in Tuscaloosa.
DAK PRESCOTT
Mississippi State didn’t need a huge game out of its star quarterback to take care of Northwestern State, but it got another remarkably efficient performance. Prescott completed 10 of 11 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns, which came out to a passer efficiency rating of 324.3. He also carried six times for 54 yards.
Shane Mettlen is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers Texas A&M, Missouri and Alabama.
