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Alabama Football: Derrick Henry breaks Herschel Walker’s SEC rushing record

By Jacob Yturri

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The Alabama Crimson Tide led by workhorse running Derrick Henry defeated the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship as he ran his way into the SEC record books. 

Big players step up in big games and make big plays. Derrick Henry was the definition of a big player. Henry’s big plays helped the Alabama Crimson Tide defeat the Florida Gators in the SEC Championship Game, ensuring the Tide back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances.

And it could result in Alabama getting their second Heisman winner in program history.

Henry entered the SEC Championship Game needing 94 yards to top former Georgia running back Herschel Walker’s 1,891 yard record for most rushing yards in SEC history set in 1981. The junior back needed only three quarters of to break the century mark and have his name etched in the SEC record books.

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Henry ran 44 times for 189 yards and a touchdown, the 18th straight game he’s scored a touchdown. Additionally, he tied Tim Tebow and Tre Mason for most rushing touchdowns in a season with 23.

Without a doubt, Henry has demolished his competition and ran over whatever defense opposing coordinators have tried to throw his way. Heading into the game vs Florida, Henry was already the odds-on favorite for the Heisman Trophy. His production against Florida’s No. 5 scoring and total defense should end any speculation about anyone other than the 6-3, 242-pound back winning the Trophy next Saturday.

Henry made the Heisman voters have an easy choice. While he struggled in the first half against Florida’s defense, he kept pounding forward, absorbing whatever punishment defenders attempted to heap on his large frame.

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At the end of the first quarter he had rushed seven times, which was good for a measly 24 yards. The Crimson Tide continued to feed Henry the ball in the second quarter, and by halftime, Henry had run 19 times for 65 yards. However, by the end of the game, and 44 carries later, Alabama clinched a victory, which is the most important statistic of the game.

Next: Top 30 college football running backs of all-time

Henry should join Mark Ingram as the second player in Alabama history to secure the Heisman at Saturday’s ceremony from the Downtown Athletic Club in New York.

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