LaNorris Sellers, South Carolina, 6'3", 240 lbs.
18-32, 222 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT, 18 rushes, 67 yards, 1 rushing TD, 1 fumble
It's games like this that show why Sellers is such an intriguing name in this year's class. Sellers and the Gamecocks were trying to knock off the surging Alabama Crimson Tide, and kept it close for the majority of the game. They ultimately fell short, but Sellers' best qualities were repeatedly on display. He showed off his ability to shake defenders or power through their attempted tackles when he pulled the ball to run and showed his arm strength on a deep throw to Nyck Harbour for a 54-yard touchdown to tie the game in the third quarter.
He made the costly mistake of fumbling the ball late in the game, pushing through a pile of defenders and losing control of the ball with 2 minutes left on their own 38-yard line, leading Alabama to score the game-winning touchdown. Despite the turnover, Sellers showed why he deserves to be in the conversation amongst the top quarterbacks in next year's draft, should he declare. The Gamecocks' schedule doesn't let up-they face seventh-ranked Ole Miss next Saturday. Sellers will look to limit his turnovers and again show off his upside versus more top-ranked competition.
Ty Simpson, Alabama, 6'2", 208 lbs.
24-43, 253 yards, 2 TD, 6 carries, 13 yards
Ty Simpson showed off his poise in the pocket and made the right throws when needed to lead the Crimson Tide to a win against South Carolina and fellow prospect LaNorris Sellers. He had a decent game but was not at his most accurate, completing 55.8% of his passes after averaging about 66% in October. South Carolina was putting consistent pressure on Simpson, which is part of the reason why he wasn't as accurate this game. Simpson showed up when it mattered, though, ultimately getting the win.
Simpson and Alabama will next face the LSU Tigers, who fell out of the AP Top 25 after a blowout loss to Texas A&M, marking their third loss this season. They will look to play spoiler versus Alabama, and will undoubtedly look to recreate the success that South Carolina's defensive line had versus the Crimson Tide's o-line. The biggest test, however, will be Oklahoma coming to Tuscaloosa in two weeks. The next two games will tell us a lot about Simpson and whether he can continue to boost his draft stock.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU, 6'1", 205 lbs
22-35, 168 yards, 1 TD, 6 carries, -44 yards
Texas A&M's defense was the difference in this game, sacking Nussmeier 7 times en route to a 49-25 win. He was under constant pressure and ultimately couldn't help the offense keep up versus the third-ranked team in the nation. He had a decent game overall, going 22-35 for 168 yards and one touchdown, with no turnovers. This game highlighted the biggest issue with Nussmeier thus far: he's not elevating his performance. He's playing decently, but he's only thrown for more than two touchdowns once against Southeast Louisiana; not exactly high-level competition.
LSU is in scramble mode after suffering its third loss this season, falling to 11th in the SEC. Questions abound across the entire program. Their best bet for the rest of the season will be to play spoiler against their SEC counterparts, including next week's opponent, the fourth-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide. At this point, like the LSU program as a whole, Nussmeier needs to step up and silence the swirls of questions that will undoubtedly continue to bubble up if LSU continues to flounder.