Each week, College Football Hall of Fame Bulldog legend Kevin Butler picks his Players of the Week. And this season, he will also name an Unsung Dawg of the Week. Kevin is one of the most decorated players in Georgia and Chicago Bears history, and each week co-hosts The Bulldog Brunch from The Hilltop Grille in Athens. 

Offensive Player

Carson Beck – When we signed him out of Florida, he was the player of the year. After Saturday’s performance, give him another state, the state of Georgia. Carson Beck has developed into a legitimate Heisman contender. His performance Saturday was a culmination of 10 games, helping to develop a young offense, and produce points at a record pace. Carson‘s numbers Saturday were 25 of 30 for 298 yards and three TDs. This has become his norm. He has led the Bulldogs to an undefeated SEC record and the No. 1 ranking in every poll. After we beat Georgia Tech this week, Carson will be on the national stage to make his Heisman nomination, the most prestigious nomination of all.

Defensive Player

Tykee Smith – The senior from Philadelphia is one of the best defensive backs in college football. His superior ability to cover any sized wide receiver is unmatched in the SEC. Not only is Tykee a tremendous DB that can cover these wideouts, his physicality is also unmatched. The Vols had to rely on their receivers to move the ball, but Tykee shut them down in a very physical fashion. He recorded 10 tackles with eight solos, which proves my point… the man can tackle. Our defensive secondary will get tested as we step into the playoffs and the SEC championship game but rest assured Tykee Smith … that’s a man among boys. So, you boys better get ready!

Special team Player

Mekhi Mews – He only gets talked about if he drops the ball, so we haven’t been talking about him. Let’s talk about Mews now! He did not drop one ball in a pivotal SEC showdown with the Vols in Knoxville. He was left with a tough task having to catch punts from Tennessee’s ambidextrous Australian punter, yet he passed with flying colors. Catching the ball is his first job as a punt returner, and with our offense being so productive, a catch is all that needs to be made. Make the catch – win the game!

UNSUNG Hero(s) of the Game:

Peyton Manning and Dolly Parton  – The Vols tried to upset the No. 1 team in the nation, and they sent out a former quarterback and a country star with two huge goals on Saturday: bring in the rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Famer and singing the Vols to victory. From that point on, we had the Vols right where we wanted them … not focused. Although it was fun to see two superstars out on the field, we knew that was going to be the last good thing we saw from Tennessee. That held true except for the first 11 seconds. Dolly and Peyton gave us more than 11 seconds, and that’s more than enough time in Knoxville. We own that town and now Dolly too!