SEC Network analyst Chris Doering was candid in his view of the Week 2 games across the SEC.
Like much of the rest of the country, he centered on LSU’s impressive win at Texas as he elevated the Tigers in the national perspective, and promoted QB Joe Burrow. But he also touched on the injury to Kentucky’s Terry Wilson, Tennessee’s second disappointing game and the emerging Georgia receivers.
Here are his thoughts:
- I’m not trying to wish it away but I have to be honest, I’m looking forward to the conference schedule beginning as it was very challenging to watch all of the 13 SEC games yesterday, especially with 5 in the evening window. Here are my morning after thoughts for each team.
- Not only is LSU a contender for the College Football Playoff, but it’s time to start including Joe Burrow in the Heisman discussion. He’s comfortable in an explosive offense with tons of weapons and his team will be in the hunt late into the season.
- I was shocked all offseason at how little people talked about replacing Trayveon’s rushing yards for Texas A&M. Credit Clemson’s D but definitely concerned after averaging 2 yds/carry and status of Corbin being unknown. Relying solely on a true freshman is a bit scary.
- Any anxiety amongst Georgia fans about replacing last year’s top 5 receivers can be abated. Pickens living up to the hype, Robertson starting to get in the flow, and nice to see Blaylock play. Wolf filling Nauta’s shoes at TE. You can say pass catching is in good hands.
- I know South Carolina played an overmatched opponent but it was important to see execution on O after all the mistakes by so many players against UNC. Hilinski is comfortable in the system and yesterday was good for identifying who’s reliable with Bama on the horizon.
- Ironic that defense has been the cornerstone of Vanderbilt for a long time, especially w/Mason and now they have struggled the last 2 years. They gave up 323 yds rushing vs. UGA and 509 passing vs Purdue. What’s their identity on D? Can’t be bad against BOTH the run and pass.
- The Missouri team I saw yesterday looked much more like what I expected. Self inflicted wounds were a killer vs Wyoming. D was flying around and active forcing 3 TO’s and tackling was better. Getting Rountree going early is important because he brings physicality to the O.
- The Alabama offense may be under direction of a new OC and using some different concepts but the results are the same. They’re explosive and operate with an incredible precision. The schedule has been kind in letting young defenders get some much needed reps before SEC play.
- Got to give credit to the Mississippi State WR’s as I’ve been critical in past. Coach Johnson has his group playing with confidence and more consistency. Hoping Stevens is ok as offense finally has balance. Hill is the most under appreciated RB in the SEC, possibly the country.
- After watching Ole Miss the last 2 years I never would’ve expected to say D is the strength of this team but it’s true. MacIntyre has them aligned, tackling and solid in assignments. Corral’s legs put pressure on Ark D in run game and by extending plays when pass pro broke down.
- Really disappointed in lack of progression by Arkansas’ offense. Last year they got a pass because they didn’t have the right QB or other important pieces. Inaccurate passes, untimely penalties and negative plays have prevented any sort of offensive rhythm the last 2 weeks.
- The Auburn D is going to be top 5 nationally when it’s all said and done. Best DL in country, athletic secondary and Pappoe is a star in the making at LB. O needs more consistency but it will come. Got to have another RB step up to take load off of Whitlow.
- Saw improvement on OL and DL of Tennessee as they were more physical than last week. Depth in front 7 was killer as they wore out in 4th qtr. Unacceptable mistakes in late game coverage gave away a win. Offense has to score TD’s when in the RZ. Too many points left on field.
- Heartbroken for Terry Wilson and Kentucky. Offense looked to be improved this year with him being trusted to throw down field more. Interested to see if they lean heavy on run game like they did in ’16 when they lost Barker in second game of season.
- FF’s numbers were impressive for Florida yesterday and I saw a lot to like on tape. He took shots when they were there and didn’t force them when they weren’t. Worked his progressions and found his check down to take what the D was giving. Moves well in pocket and didn’t panic.
A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.
