SEC Ballers of the Week, Week 5

A look at who Balled and Shot Called

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Week 5 gave college football fans a good indication of the teams who are separating from the pack and looking to make an SEC championship run. Alabama looks like the early favorite, but can LSU, or one of the rising powers in the east, make a case to be kings of the most glorious conference in the nation?

This week's group of "ballers" was dominated by players on the offensive side of the ball. For a conference that prides themselves on defense, there sure was an offensive explosion in Week 5.

Florida, Vandy, Auburn, and Miss St all had a bye week.

Time to get after it...

Johnny Manziel, QB - Texas A&M

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

Johnny Manziel single handedly slashed and gashed the Arkansas defense.

The SEC Offensive Player of the Week absolutely laid down the hammer, passing for 453 yards and 3 touchdowns on 29 completions, without throwing a pick.

If that wasn’t enough to break the Razorback’s spirit, Manziel ran the ball 14 times for 104 yards rushing with a touchdown. His longest run was 53 yards.

It is quite obvious that the fans in "Aggie Land" have a lot to be thankful for. There is certainly more to come from this extremely talented freshman.

Denzel Nkemdiche, LB - Ole Miss

Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Ole Miss gave the Alabama Crimson Tide everything they had in a 33-14 loss.

Linebacker Denzel Nkemdiche was named SEC co-defensive player of the week for his outstanding performance.

He finished the night with 11 tackles (three for loss), one sack, and two forced fumbles. The Rebels defense held the Tide to a season low in points (33) and yards (305).

Christion Jones, WR - Alabama

Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE

Alabama just keeps on rollin’, literally. Co-SEC Special Teams Player of the Week Christion Jones was just too much of a man on kickoffs for the Ole Miss return team to handle.

Jones burned the Rebs with a 99-yard kick return for a score. The return is the 8th longest in Alabama history. The sophomore totaled 161 all-purpose yards: 142 on kick returns, and 2 receptions for 19 yards.

Odell Beckham JR, WR - LSU

Mandatory Credit: Crystal Logiudice-US PRESSWIRE

If you only watched the Tigers offense play, you may not be aware that LSU is actually 5-0 right now and ranked in the Top 5 in the nation. Miles and co. have failed to find an offensive rhythm this year, much like during the 2011 season.

The good news for the Tigers is that they have a very talented sophomore wide receiver named Odell Beckham, Jr. A spectacular game by Beckham helped the Tigers knock off lowly FCS opponent Towson.

Beckham finally caught his first touchdown pass of the season and ended the game with 5 receptions for 128 yards, two touchdowns, and a long reception of 53 yards.

Knile Davis, RB - Arkansas

Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

It is obvious that the firing of Bobby Petrino really left the Arkansas Razorbacks in shambles.

At this point, the fans in Fayetteville just need to be thankful for the players who are still grinding day in and day out.

Knile Davis is a heck-of-a running back, to say the least. He is always fun to watch, even if the offensive line can't move the defense an inch off the ball.

Davis rushed the ball 18 times for 65 total yards. He also added two receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown.

Jadeveon Clowney, DE - South Carolina

Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-US PRESSWIRE

Every defensive coordinator would love to have a player half as good as the monster that is Jadeveon Clowney.

The sophomore defensive end was named SEC Defensive Lineman of the Week. He held the Gamecocks together after they got off to a slow start against a very weak Kentucky team.

Clowney racked up four total tackles (2.5 for a loss) and a sack. His lone sack came on third down, forcing the Wildcats to punt.

The South Carolina defense came out firing in the second half. Limiting Kentucky to only 70 yards after giving up 173 yards in the first half. The 'Cocks prevailed 38-17 in Lexington against SEC East opponent Kentucky.

Raymond Sanders, RB - Kentucky

Credit: Mark Zerof-US PRESSWIRE

Thankfully for Kentucky, they have some players that can actually make an impact against some of the best defenses in the country.

Running back Raymond Sanders carried the ball 14 times for 59 yards and a touchdown. He also had a reception for 24 yards.

The Wildcats desperately need a few more players to step up next week against the up-and-coming Mississippi State Bulldogs, or things could get ugly very quickly.

Sheldon Richardson, DT - Missouri

Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-US PRESSWIRE

The 21-16 win over the UCF Golden Knights may have been a little too close for the fans in the “Show me state”.

Defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson dominated the Knights offense. He racked up nine tackles (two for loss) and was able to break through the UCF offensive line for one sack. Missouri held the Knights offense to 6-of-18 on third down conversions.

Gurshall, RB - Georgia

Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Georgia fans are ecstatic with the two-headed monster in the backfield now known as “Gurshall.”

Freshmen stars Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall continue to explode through opposing defenses. They were both honored as SEC Freshman of the Week after dominating the Tennessee defense.

The two young studs amassed 294 yards on the ground and five touchdowns. Marshall also had one reception for 15 yards. Georgia managed to outlast the Vols, 51-44.

Isaiah Crowell who?

Sanders Commings, DB - Georgia

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-US PRESSWIRE

Sanders Commings had a great game against Tennessee, although you may not know it after the big game his teammates, Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall, put together.

The defensive back was named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

Commings totaled five tackles (four solo) and two interceptions. His second interception sealed the victory over SEC East rival Tennessee.

Rejion Neal, RB - Tennessee

Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-US PRESSWIRE

Another week against an SEC East rival is marked by another loss for Derek Dooley and company.

The Vols fought valiantly against the hated Dawgs of Georgia, but again could not get to the finish line with a "W." Rajion Neal pounded the ball all game, racking up 104 yards on 23 carries and a touchdown.

The Vols need many more games like this from Neal, or their head coach could be looking for a new job relatively soon.