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What will be the biggest week one headlines in the SEC?
Now, now, now … calm down. We still have college football games Saturday, Sunday and even Monday. But based on we know from Thursday, and what we expect to see Saturday, what we will fans be talking about come the beginning of the week?
LSU’s young guys impress: The Tigers are replacing a lot of production on both sides of the ball, but I expect their young guys to play well in a neutral-site win over Wisky on Saturday night in Houston. Though freshman wideout Malachi Dupre did not travel with the team to Houston, Leonard Fournette is the real deal and should have an impact and I expect quarterbacks Anthony Jennings and Brandon Harris, though they’re splitting time, to play well.
Auburn picks up right where it left off in ’13: Auburn faces Arkansas in their season opener tomorrow (4 p.m. EST, SEC Network) and the Tigers should pick up right where they left off in January. Yes, the Tigers are replacing Tre Mason, but Nick Marshall was around for a spring and summer, and the Tigers have depth at running back and a host of new weapons the outside.
Texas A&M doesn’t miss a beat with Johnny: The Aggies were arguably the SEC’s biggest question mark entering their opener, and the did the unexpected. It was historic night offensively for A&M. Kenny Hill completed 44 passes for over 500 yards, and OC Jake Spavital called a brilliant game in a rout of South Carolina in Columbia.
Florida improves under new OC Kurt Roper: Sure, they’re playing Idaho, but look for the Gators to have a much different feel under Kurt Roper, who came to Florida from Duke. Jeff Driskel should much more comfortable in Roper’s system and with a healthy team, Florida will boast a lot of weapons who weren’t there this year.
Alabama struggles to find answer under center: It has been reported that Blake Sims will get the nod over Jacob Coker. Both should see action in Atlanta against West Virginia, and though all reports out of Tuscaloosa have been that the Crimson Tide feel good and can win with either guy, but don’t be surprised if Alabama doesn’t look as crisp on offense as we’re used to seeing.
After living in Birmingham, Ala., Jordan left the ground zero of SEC Nation to head south to Florida to tell the unique stories of the renowned tradition of SEC football. In his free time, his mission is to find the best locales around.
