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Todd Gurley and the 20 best players in college football after Week 1

By Patrick Schmidt

Aug 30, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Clemson 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Todd Gurley (3) runs against the Clemson Tigers during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Clemson 45-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks safety Alan Turner (27) reaches for Auburn Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 30, 2014; Auburn, AL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks safety Alan Turner (27) reaches for Auburn Tigers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (44) during the second half at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports /

19. Cameron Artis-Payne, RB, Auburn Tigers

With Tre Mason in the NFL, Artis-Payne got his opportunity to be the featured back in the prolific Gus Malzahn offense that is conducive to running back success. In his first collegiate start, the MVP of the 2013 spring game rushed for 177 yards on 26 carries and one touchdown.

Auburn had the nation’s No. 1 rushing attack last year and heading into the season I had some reservations if they could repeat that type of dominance, but after one week, it certainly looks like the ground game isn’t slowing down any time soon.

The SEC is home to some of the nation’s best running backs, but Artis-Payne gets overlooked outside of Auburn, but he burst on to the scene in an SEC contest against Arkansas and showed there shouldn’t be a drop off as he replaces Mason who was a Heisman finalist last year.

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