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The 2015 season is drawing to a close as teams makes their final pushes to salvage their seasons in Week 12. Here is a look at some perceptions in the SEC versus their realities.
PERCEPTION: AN SEC RB WILL WIN THE HEISMAN
Leonard Fournette blistered onto the scene this season with seven 150-yard performances in LSU’s first seven games, including three straight efforts of 228 rushing yards or more. Throw in 15 touchdowns during that span and Fournette’s sheer dominance all but sealed the Heisman Award for the Tigers’ sophomore — who leads the nation with 1,474 yards. Through seven games, it seemed like everyone was jockeying for second place.
REALITY: THAT RB IS DERRICK HENRY
Alabama RB Derrick Henry (1,458 yards) has done more than just closed the gap on Fournette to a mere 16 yards. Henry also has passed him for the lead nationally in touchdowns with 19. Henry has just as many 100-yard performances (7), as well as just as many 200-yard games (3) as Fournette. The difference between the two backs comes down to wins and Henry has all the tiebreakers over Fournette. Alabama won the game in Week 10 and Henry had 210 yards to Fournette’s 31., Fournette also struggled in a loss to Arkansas the following week and that’s helped Henry pass him in status as well.
PERCEPTION: TENNESSEE SUFFERED FROM A DOWN YEAR
Tennessee was among the most-hyped programs coming out of the summer and a dark horse candidate among many prognosticators to win the SEC East. But the Volunteers found it impossible to hold onto second-half leads in losses that ultimately doomed Butch Jones’ squad. As a result, it’s another lost year in Knoxville. Did someone say Derek Dooley redux?
REALITY: TENNESSEE WAS SO, SO CLOSE
Yes, four losses equate to a disappointing season for just about any Tennessee squad. But the Volunteers were closer to winning the SEC East and contending for a playoff spot that you’d think. The Vols’ four losses have come by a combined 17 points and have been delivered by four of the hottest teams in the country right now. Three of those teams (No. 2 Alabama, No. 7 Oklahoma and No. 8 Florida) are ranked among the top-8 in the AP poll. That doesn’t include Arkansas, possibly the hottest team in college football right now, who escaped Tennessee with a four-point win. If Jones’ squad hangs on in three of those contests, then Tennessee is among the best stories in the NCAA this year. Right now it might feel like being snakebit for Vols fans. But Jones’ program is young and should be a legitimate contender next season.
PERCEPTION: RIVALRY GAMES ARE HERE!
The Iron. The Egg. The Magnolia. The rivalry games are all great and account for more than just bragging rights. These are the games every year that build legends and create indelible memories, causing delirium in some fans while haunting others. This year’s rivalry contests promise to be no different.
REALITY: RIVALRY GAMES LACKING LUSTER
Yes, Alabama and Florida still have to win out in their final two games to keep their big-picture postseason plans intact. But with two weeks to play, the SEC East and West have essentially been seceded to the Crimson Tide and Gators. Auburn sitting in the SEC West basement adds a bit of rust to the Iron Bowl. LSU can ruin any last chances that Ole Miss has of overtaking Alabama with a win over the Rebels in the Magnolia Bowl this week, but it’s bit of a bittersweet consolation prize, considering the Tigers’ own divisional and College Football Playoff hopes have already been dashed. But don’t get us wrong, we’ll still watch and love every second of it.
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
