Danny Kanell respects Alabama … and that’s about all from the SEC.

One of ESPN’s analysts, who hasn’t believed in Florida during the first few weeks of the College Football Playoff rankings, took a subtle jab at the Gators and the rest of the SEC East on Saturday after several less-than-impressive performances.

Kanell was fired up after digesting Georgia’s narrow overtime win over Georgia Southern, Florida’s escape vs. Florida Atlantic and South Carolina’s disappointing home loss to The Citadel — the Gamecocks’ first loss to the Bulldogs since 1990:

With all due respect, Danny, the SEC East has been below average all season. Still, Florida (10-1) controls its own destiny as far as final four hopes are concerned with games against Florida State and likely Alabama in Atlanta remaining.