WDE24's Top 5 SEC RB's Week 5

Due to its growing popularity, the demand from fans across the country and the committee's schedule, the list is out a day early this week.

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. However, hype, injuries, suspensions, etc. are not. 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. As such, this list will likely drastically change each week, especially early in the season.

Note: This list only looks at performance at the RB position. Thus, kick and punt return yardage aren't part of the evaluation. However, receiving out of the RB position is accounted for.

1. Todd Gurley - After feeling snubbed by the committee last week, Gurley was motivated to reassert himself atop this list. His performance against UTk was more than enough to do so.

2. Alex Collins - This was the closest decision this week for the committee and numbers 2 and 3 were flip flopped several times in the deliberations. However, level of competition matters and the committee just couldn't ignore the big difference in the number of decent teams Collins has run against to the single quality opponent faced by Robinson.

3. Josh Robinson - Robinson did everything he could to validate his numbers by having his best game against LSU. However, a bye week coupled with 3 cupcakes keeps him from being number 2 by the narrowest of margins.

4. Cameron Artis-Payne - His yards per game from scrimmage numbers are better than Collins', but Collins and Robinson have been more efficient and explosive. Some homers (hg) believe that LF's 81 yards per game with his best game of 155 yards against NMSU should be ahead of CAP at this point. However, CAP's resume with 133 per game with 193 against Arkansas is still far superior at this point.

5. Jonathan Williams - This was a tough call as there were about 5 backs with similar production. However, Williams efficiency and competition level had him narrowly edge out those listed below.

Worth a mention:

Jalen Hurd, Mike Davis, Matt Jones, Derrick Henry, and Russell Hansborough.