Mercifully, Week 2 is behind us. For the SEC’s sake, let’s hope we don’t see a similar slate of games at any other point the rest of the season.
On to Week 3! This week’s games are much more intriguing and features two true SEC games within the SEC East, but which are the must watch for SEC fans? We’ve got you covered.
UCF vs Missouri (Saturday on SEC Network – 12 p.m.)
The lowdown: The UCF Knights may be without quarterback Blake Bortles, but do not forget this is a team that won the Fiesta Bowl last season against a very good Baylor squad. This will be Missouri’s second consecutive week playing a respectable non-conference opponent. So far, the Tigers have taken care of business this season behind a strong defensive line and the playmaking abilities of quarterback Maty Mauk and running back Russell Hansbrough, among others.
Missouri will have to deal with UCF quarterback Justin Holman, who is making his first collegiate start after relieving the former starter, Pete DiNovo, in the second half of their season-opener. Holman showed great poise against Penn State leading the Knights to a near comeback victory with three touchdowns in the final 30 minutes. Holman and the Knights have the talent across the board to upset the Tigers in Columbia and it should be one of the better games of the weekend.
Arkansas vs Texas Tech (Saturday on ABC/ESPN 2 – 3:30 p.m.)
The lowdown: Arkansas’s matchup against Texas Tech is a crucial game for the Hogs. Despite it being the third week of the season, the Hogs’ bowl hopes could easily rest on their upcoming game in Lubbock. It’s a matchup that’s very winnable for Arkansas, a team looking to add a quality win to their resume before getting back into the meat of their SEC schedule. A win on Saturday would provide a much needed confidence booster for a team that’s yet to beat a quality opponent since 2012. Texas Tech’s high-powered offense should be able to put up some good numbers against a weak Arkansas secondary. The lingering questions about this game remain though. Will Texas Tech’s front seven be able to stop Arkansas’ running game? Or can Arkansas’ weaker secondary limit the Red Raiders’ passing attack? Both questions will be answered come Saturday afternoon.
RELATED: Upcoming Texas Tech game carries bowl implications for Hogs
Georgia vs South Carolina (Saturday on CBS – 3:30 p.m.)
The lowdown: Georgia’s only played one game this season, but based off of early season performance’s it would be easy to say South Carolina has no shot at stopping the Bulldogs. Not so fast my friend. Unless Hutson Mason surprises everyone and airs it out for 400-plus yards, this isn’t the Texas A&M offense strolling into Williams-Brice Stadium. Granted, the Gamecocks’ defense has looked shaky and the Georgia running backs are among the best in the country, but South Carolina has the talent to hang with Georgia. You can bet the Bulldogs will be blitzing Dylan Thompson constantly, so they’ll need to rely on a big game from running back Mike Davis. I think this will be a much closer game than everyone believes.
Kentucky vs Florida (Saturday on SEC Network – 7:30 p.m.)
The lowdown: This showdown in The Swamp will be the SEC opener for both Florida and Kentucky. Both teams have looked strong in their early season games, but the Gators have owned the Wildcats in this series, winning the last 27 games. UK running back Jojo Kemp added more fuel to the fire with his choice words for the Gators earlier this week, so you can bet there will be some additional fireworks in this matchup. Saturday night’s game will provide a good measuring stick for Mark Stoops’ team, a squad looking to rid itself of its reputation for being a SEC bottom feeder.
RELATED: PHOTO: Florida hangs poster of Jojo Kemp in locker room
Tennessee vs Oklahoma (Saturday on ABC – 8 p.m.)
The lowdown: Speaking of a good measuring stick, I doubt there’s a better one this weekend than Tennessee’s against Oklahoma. The Vols travel to Norman to face a Bob Stoops-led Sooners team that has gone 88-5 at home during his tenure as head coach. Oklahoma, who comes into this game ranked fourth in the country, boasts a physical offensive line and running game as well as one of the better defenses in the country. Quarterback Trevor Knight is getting better as the season progresses, too. Tennessee will have their hands full and will be greatly tested on both sides of the football. If the Vols are able to keep it competitive for 60 minutes, it’ll certainly make this road trip a great success for Butch Jones’ team.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
