Best SEC team at every position group in Week 1

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QUARTERBACKS — Arkansas: The performance of the Razorbacks’ senior quarterback was the talk of the SEC at the position in Week 1. Allen was 14-of-18 passing for 308 yards and four touchdowns, all of which were from more than 20 yards out. He also avoided mistakes, going without a sack or an interception. Sure, the game was against UTEP, but this was a high-quality performance by almost any standard.

RUNNING BACKS — Tennessee: We had heard whispers of just how special a combination that sophomore Jalen Hurd and JUCO transfer Alvin Kamara could make in the Vols running game this fall, and they did little to hurt that perception on Saturday. The duo combined for 267 yards and five rushing touchdowns on 38 carries against Bowling Green.

WIDE RECEIVERS — Florida: The Gators rotated quarterbacks Treon Harris and Will Grier throughout a 61-13 win against New Mexico State, but what may have gone unnoticed as everyone studied the two quarterbacks was the amount of production that came from a number of different Florida receivers. 14 different Gators caught 30 passes from the Florida quarterbacks, showing off a potentially deep group of pass catchers to supplement star wideout Demarcus Robinson this season.

OFFENSIVE LINE — Alabama: The Crimson Tide turned in a strong offensive effort in a 35-17 win against Wisconsin, and it was made possible thanks to the work on the interior by the Alabama offensive line. Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake continually had large holes to run through, allowing them to get to the second level of the Badgers defense. Jake Coker took a sack or two behind the line, but overall the pass protection was pretty good as well, allowing him plenty of time to go through progressions and make the smart pass.

DEFENSIVE LINE — Texas A&M: Has John Chavis turned this Texas A&M defense around already? It certainly looked like a different unit against No. 15 Arizona State on Saturday, and perhaps nothing was more evident than their ability to get after the quarterback in the 38-17 win. Defensive linemen Daeshon Hall and Myles Garrett combined for six sacks and three forced fumbles.

LINEBACKERS — Alabama: While one could probably make the argument that the defensive line deserves to share the credit for the way that Alabama was able to shut down the vaunted Wisconsin rushing attack, we’re going to give the linebackers some love this week. Senior Reggie Ragland led the way with five solo and seven assisted tackles, as the Crimson Tide allowed just 40 yards on 21 rushing attempts.

DEFENSIVE BACKS — Missouri: I generally shy away from awarding these weekly honors to anyone that played a FCS opponent because of the talent disparity, but hear me out on this one. The Tigers did not intercept a pass and may not have been flashy in their 34-3 win against Southeast Missouri, but they did put up one of the nation’s top performances against the pass in Week 1. Through Saturday’s games, Missouri allowed the fourth fewest opposing passing yards (56 yards), and posted impressive numbers in both yards allowed per attempt (2.55) and yards allowed per completion (4.67).

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