We have a new elite class in the SEC as Florida came away from Week 5 as the conference’s big winners, courtesy of an upset win over No. 3 Ole Miss. Alabama, LSU and Texas A&M all made statements, as well, with wins.
Another week is in the books in the SEC, here are some takeaways from the week that was.
Gators Chomp: Florida beat Ole Miss, which in turn knocked off Alabama, the fresh owners of a resounding victory over Georgia. It’s playground math, and other undefeated teams such as LSU and Texas A&M will take umbrage, but the Gators (5-0, 3-0) could argue that they’re the top team in the entire SEC right now. Florida could be the conference’s most complete squad, using offense, defense and special teams to completely shut down the nation’s No. 3 team in the Rebels. Florida is a young team, led by redshirt freshman Will Grier who asserted himself as the Gators starting quarterback. How they handle the pressure of an unforgiving SEC schedule will test the resolve of Jim McElwain’s team.
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Crimson Tidal Wave: Alabama beating Georgia wasn’t a surprise. The Crimson Tide blowing the doors off the Bulldogs 38-10, however, was a bit of a shocker. Nick Saban’s squad (4-1, 1-1 SEC) is still alive in the SEC and have to very much be considered among the SEC’s top teams.
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Bad, dog. Bad: Georgia found themselves overmatched by Alabama in many categories, specifically in the quarterback position where the Tide’s Jake Coker out-played Greyson Lambert and Brice Ramsey. Neither Bulldogs signal caller played well, combining for 106 yards. Georgia has an elite running corps with Nick Chubb tying Hershel Walker’s record with his 13th straight 100-yard rushing performance. But the Bulldogs showed against Alabama that they’re very much a one-dimensional team. Here come the “Mark Richt can’t win the big game” arguments.
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Who is Ole Miss: When Ole Miss is on, they’re among the best teams in the nation. When the Rebels are cold or outmatched — as they were against Florida in Week 5 — the polar opposite is true. The Gators exploited gaping holes in Hugh Freeze’s roster, most notably at linebacker and along the offensive line. This team desperately needs the return of LT Laremy Tunsil from academic suspension.
RELATED: Ole Miss Upended By Florida
Something had to give: It’s official. Arkansas is the winner of the preseason over-hype bowl. The Razorbacks outlasted Tennessee in a battle of two programs that were dark-horse favorites to face one another in the SEC Championship Game. Three early-season losses by both squads have all but assured that won’t happen. From here’s it’s just a matter of finishing strong for a young Tennessee team that simply hasn’t proven yet it can play a complete game for all 60 minutes. Arkansas won the game 24-20, but there are still plenty of questions surrounding Bret Bielema’s squad.
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Pipped: Did Maty Mauk get Wally Pipped in Columbia? With the Missouri quarterback on the pine due to a suspension for a violation of team policy, the Tigers turned to Drew Lock to take the reins of the offense. The freshman threw for a modest 136 yards, but was efficient in connecting for two touchdowns. Lock can now boast a 1-0 record as Mizzou’s starter. Whether or not Mauk regains his starting role remains to be seen, but with the Tigers struggling often this year on offense, a change under center could be warranted.
RELATED: Mizzou Locks Down South Carolina
Heads of the class: If you had Florida, LSU and Texas A&M as the last three unbeaten teams in the SEC, congratulations. You’re a much better prognosticator than yours truly. The Gators and Tigers will square off against one another in Week 7, while the Aggies close out the year with a trip to Death Valley. The SEC will look a lot different by the end of the season, but for now, Florida, LSU and Texas A&M have set themselves up in a nice position to contend for a trip to the conference title game.
Chris Wuensch is a contributing writer for Saturday Down South. He covers South Carolina and Tennessee.
