WDE24's Top 5 SEC RB's - Post Iron Bowl Edition

Well, the easy part of this list is that there are exactly 5 RBs that have clearly separated themselves from the rest. However, one could list the 5 in almost any order and make a reasonable and compelling case for doing so.

As always, this list chronicles the top SEC running backs by production on the field to date for the current season. Objective statistics are the primary criteria utilized in formulating this list, however, the statistics are set into context based on the quality of opponent upon which the statistics were accumulated. In some instances where the choice is close, a subjective eye test is also taken into account. Hype, injuries, suspensions, etc. are not considered. This isn't a list of most talented or a prediction of NFL draft status. It is just an unbiased look at which 5 SEC RB's are getting the job done the best on the field.

1. Tre Mason - Why he is number 1: He leads the conference in rushing yards and TDs all while gaining 5.8 yards per touch. He just ran for 164 yards against the best run defense in the country. He does his best work against AUs toughest competition and leads the league in rushing and yards from scrimmage against ranked opponents and FBS teams with winning records.
Why he could be lower: He trails the other four on this list, by just a little bit, in yards from scrimmage per game and yards per play.

2. Mike Davis - Why he could be higher: He is second in the conference in yards from scrimmage per game and gets 6.5 yards per play and has more total yards than Gurley. He also has more yards per game in conference than any other back and does so at 6.8 yards per touch.
Why he could be lower: Gurley averages more yards per game and has more touchdowns. He also gains more yards per touch. Hill has more yards per touch and more TDs as well. Davis also played his worst football at the end of the season and didn't finish strong after dominating these ranking for almost the entire season.

3. Todd Gurley - Why he could be higher: Gurley is the top back in the country when healthy and leads the league in yards per game and get 7.2 yards per touch. He also accumulated 15 TDs in only 9 games.
Why he could be lower: Gurley missed several key games with injuries that cause his total numbers and over effectiveness for his team to be lower than the two finishing just behind him.

4. Jeremy Hill - Why he could be higher: He averaged slightly more yards per game from scrimmage and was more efficient with his touches than some ahead of him. His total numbers are also higher than Gurley's due to Gurley's injuries.
Why he could be lower: Versus conference opponents, ranked opponents and FBS winning opponents, Hill lags just slightly behind most of the others on the list.

5. TJ Yeldon - Why he could be higher: Yeldon is first in the league in yards from scrimmage per game against BCS AQ opponents, second against conference opponents and third against ranked opponents and FBS opponents.
Why he is 5th: His total numbers and numbers against FBS opponents with winning records lag just slightly behind most of those ahead of him. He also gets a small ding for his tendency to fumble in key moments (though some make this out to be more than it really is).