Mizzou running back Nate Noel wins SEC offensive player of the week

One of Mizzou's best additions through the transfer portal came in the form of former Appalachian State running back Nate Noel. The 5th-year back was expected to create a "thunder and lightning" dynamic in the Tigers' backfield alongside fellow 5th-year transfer Marcus Carroll, who arrived this offseason from Georgia State.

However, it didn’t take long for Noel to dominate the backfield. He has doubled Carroll’s carries through the first four games of the season, outrushing Carroll 24-to-5 against Vanderbilt. Noel is averaging nearly 6.5 yards per carry and is just 50 yards shy of 500 rushing yards on the season. Additionally, Noel has been more involved in the passing game, with double-digit catches and yards through the air.

After rushing the ball 24 times for 199 yards on Saturday, Noel was honored as SEC offensive player of the week. This is the second week in a row that a Mizzou player has won an award, as kicker Blake Craig took home special teams player of the week after the Boston College victory.

Noel will share the award with junior LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has had an impressive start to the season. Noel will enjoy this honor and the bye week before aiming to build on his numbers when Mizzou travels to #24-ranked Texas A&M, its biggest matchup this season to date.

Noel is on pace for a career year, with significant involvement in each game so far this season. He currently sits in the top 10 in the FBS for rushing yards this season.