Two Tiders Given SEC Recognition

It was no surprise that Alabama had a couple of Player of the Week honorees from the Southeastern Conference following the Crimson Tide’s 42-14 rout of Auburn in Auburn last weekend. It also wasn’t a complete surprise that Bama’s offensive player of the week had to share the honor on a rivalry weekend.

Alabama junior tailback Trent Richardson may have moved to the front of the class in Heisman Trophy consideration, just as the Crimson Tide has moved firmly into national championship position following the win over Auburn. Richardson, a 5-11, 224-pound Pensacola native, rushed for a career-hgih 203 yards on 27 carries and also scored on a five-yard pass reception in Bama’s romp.

It marked the 11th 200-yard rushing game in Alabama history and the first since Mark Ingram rushed for 246 yards against South Carolina in 2009 – a year in which Ingram won the Heisman Trophy and Bama won the national championship.

Richardson leads the SEC and ranks sixth nationally, averaging 131.9 yards per game. It was his ninth 100-yard rushing game of the season, which ties Ingram for the Bama record.

Some thought that Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron might be considered for the honor after he completed 18 of 23 passes for 184 yards for three touchdowns with no interceptions. As it turned out, Richardson shared the SEC Offensive Player of the Week award with South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw.

As Alabama Coach Nick Saban often points out, Richardson is the first to credit his offensive line for his success.

That was evident in the win over Auburn and the SEC selected senior center William Vlachos as Offensive Lineman of the Week. The 6-1, 294-pound Mountain Brook native, was Bama’s top-grading offensive lineman at 97 per cent in the 42-14 win over Auburn. That tied for the highest grade by an offensive lineman this season as Bama has gone 11-1 and is ranked second in the nation.

Vlachos, a three-year starter, did not allow a sack or pressure and had no missed assignments or penalties.

Alabama averaged 6.1 yards per rush and totaled 397 yards (213 rushing, 184 passing) against the Tigers.

Also receiving mention from the SEC was Alabama outside linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who had six tackles (five solo), including two sacks, three tackles for losses, and a quarterback pressure.