The SEC announced its players of the week:

Co-OFFENSIVE PLAYERS OF THE WEEK

Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama: Richardson rushed for a career-high 203 yards on 27 carries and also scored on a five-yard reception in Alabama’s 42-14 win at Auburn. It marked the 11th 200-yard rushing game in Alabama history and the first since Mark Ingram (246 vs. South Carolina in 2009). Richardson now leads the SEC and is ranked sixth nationally, averaging 131.9 yards per game. It was his 9th 100-yard rushing game of the season.

Connor Shaw, QB, South Carolina: Shaw completed 14-of-20 passes for 210 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions and rushed for a career-best 107 yards on 19 carries and another score in South Carolina’s 34-13 win against Clemson. Shaw became the first Gamecocks quarterback since 2002 to rush for more than 100 yards in a game. His touchdown passes were from 49, 2 and 18 yards and his scoring run came from 15 yards out.

DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Tyrann Mathieu, CB, LSU: Mathieu collected eight total tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a 92-yard punt return for a touchdown in LSU’s 41-17 win against Arkansas. He spent most of the game playing the safety position for the first time in his career. He started at safety instead of his usual cornerback spot, in place of an injured Eric Reid. Mathieu helped the Tigers limit Arkansas to 10 points and 254 total yards. The ‘Hogs 207 passing yards was their season-low. His 92-yard punt return tied the score at 14-14 in the second quarter. He forced a fumble on the Razorbacks next possession at the LSU 34-yard line.

SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK

Ryan Tydlacka, P, Kentucky: Tydlacka punted nine times for a 43.6 yard average in Kentucky’s 10-7 win against Tennessee. He had a long of 64 yards and also landed a punt inside the 20-yard line. Due to his hang time and placement, the Wildcats did not allow any returns yards against the Vols. Tennessee's average starting field position on Tydlacka’s punts was its own 23-yard line.

Co-OFFENSIVE LINEMEN OF THE WEEK

Kyle Fischer, OT, Vanderbilt: Fischer’s blocking was instrumental in Vanderbilt amassing 297 rushing yards in a 41-7 win at Wake Forest. A first-year co-captain, Fischer was part of an offensive line that did not allow a quarterback sack while producing 24 first downs and 481 total offensive yards. Commodores running back Zac Stacy ran behind blocks by Fischer on touchdown carries of 20 and 40 yards.

William Vlachos, C, Alabama: Vlachos received the Tide’s top grade on the offensive line -- 97 percent -- in Alabama’s 42-14 win at Auburn. His 97 percent grade tied for the highest of any Alabama offensive lineman this season. He 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.

Co-DEFENSIVE LINEMEN OF THE WEEK

Garrison Smith, DE, Georgia: Smith came off the bench to tally a career-high seven tackles, including 1.5 for losses, during a 31-17 win at Georgia Tech. After starting defensive end DeAngelo Tyson left the game after the second play with an ankle injury, Smith took over on the line and helped the Bulldogs slow the Yellow Jackets’ spread option. Smith, whose previous career high in tackles was three, helped hold Georgia Tech to its second lowest point total of the year.

Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State: Cox recorded five total tackles with two for losses, a forced fumble and quarterback pressure in Mississippi State’s 31-3 win against Ole Miss. Cox led a Bulldogs front that allowed only 25 rushing yards on 16 first-half attempts and 92 yards on 42 carries in the game.

FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK

Kenny Hilliard, RB, LSU: Hilliard posted career highs in carries (19) and rushing yards (102) in LSU’s 41-17 win against Arkansas. He scored on a six-yard run in the second quarter to pull the Tigers to within 14-7. Hilliard averaged 5.4 yards per carry and did not have a negative rush in the game. He led an LSU rushing attack that accounted for 286 net yards and three touchdowns.