Here’s what we’re not overreacting to in the SEC after Week 8:
Kevin Sumlin’s sixth straight loss to a ranked team from the SEC West: The Aggies, at 5-3, are exactly where we expected them to be breaking in a first-year starting quarterback in Sumlin’s third season in College Station. The 5-0 start — and No. 6 ranking — inflated a team that was never supposed to be that good and they’ve proved in over the last three weeks, overmatched and outplayed against SEC West competition. The more alarming aspect is the lack of progress made on the field against nationally-ranked competition despite substantial facility improvements, player signings and positive momentum under Sumlin. Texas A&M’s 2-7 against ranked teams from its own division since joining the SEC in 2012. Saturday’s humiliating 59-point shutout loss in Tuscaloosa raises eyebrows because for the third time in three weeks, the Aggies weren’t competitive. That wasn’t supposed to happen. Defense has been the main issue during Sumlin’s time and it looks as if Mark Snyder could be on borrowed time the rest of the way considering last season’s horrific numbers and this fall’s ineptitude. It’s not time to press the panic button on Sumlin, but let’s hold off before we mention Texas A&M amongst college football’s elite.
https://twitter.com/CameronGeck/status/523607151676116992
I still say if Sumlin doesn't win at least 9 games next year then he should be fired… I could really care about what he does until then…
— Brian Stanford (@bstan_23) October 19, 2014
https://twitter.com/BullockBrian/status/523582200516988930
Mississippi’s eight consecutive punts to start the game against Tennessee: Guess what? The Vols have a stud linebacker in senior multi-year starter in A.J. Johnson who almost single-handedly controlled the first quarter of Saturday’s loss in Oxford. The dreadlocked tackling machine was all over the field and chased Bo Wallace away from the pocket, making it nearly impossible to operate and find a rhythm. The third-ranked Rebels punted eight consecutive times (including six 3-and-outs) before finally producing points on Vince Sanders’ 39-yard touchdown reception. Hugh Freeze picked on one of Tennessee’s only defensive weaknesses, freshman corner Emmanuel Moseley on consecutive plays for the score. A 7-3 lead against the Vols with five minutes remaining in the first half frightened most of those in attendance, but the Rebels kept their poise and punched in another before intermission. The rout was on thanks to a defense that produced nine total sacks and four turnovers.
https://twitter.com/chaseslaven7/status/523615618915139584
https://twitter.com/darmentor81/status/523618428272541697
Kentucky’s 38-point loss to LSU: Let’s get this out of the way first: the Wildcats aren’t that bad and the Tigers aren’t that dominant. An early deficit for Kentucky spiraled when mistakes in the kicking game led directly to 17 first-half points. Tre’Davious White returned a punt for a 67-yard touchdown, had another 21-yard gainer that put the ball at midfield and a squib in the final minute of the second quarter was somehow recovered by the Tigers. The lack of awareness on special teams clearly frustrated Mark Stoops who was seen throughout the half barking at special teams coordinator Craig Naivar. Next time out, expect the Eastern Division contender to perform much differently in that phase of the game.
Not only does the Kentucky special teams coach need to be fired. He needs to be fired at halftime. #BBN
— Tony Tilford (@T2tnt) October 19, 2014
I will be applying for the position of Special Teams Coach at Kentucky on Monday.
— Kenny Matney (@kcmatney) October 19, 2014
