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Cole Cubelic reveals Week 1 SEC takeaways following start of 2024 season
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Cole Cubelic is back with more SEC takeaways! As is tradition, Cubelic will release takeaways for each and every SEC team throughout the 2024 season.
Traditionally dropping late Saturday night, Cubelic tweaked his schedule for Week 1 due to the USC vs. LSU opener coming Sunday night. That game was a classic with The Trojans delivering a game-winning drive in the final moments to spoil yet another season opener for Brian Kelly.
Cubelic described it as a “brutal loss” but also had some positive remarks for new quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and wide receiver Kyren Lacy. Overall, the Tigers had too many penalties but the opportunities were there.
Overall, the SEC had a positive opening weekend, though LSU, Texas A&M and Florida all lost marquee nonconference matchups. The Gators and the Aggies even lost their games at home.
Offense was another theme of the weekend that Cubelic touched on after 9 SEC teams scored 50+ points. Five of those teams scored 60+ points.
Here are Cubelic’s full takeaways:
ARKANSAS: Handled their business. QB dynamic. Showed the explosive capability that makes up for a ton. Attacked middle of field. RBs ran hard. Great effort from OL. 54 got after it. C played well. 55 has ton of ability, technique needs to improve. 76 has length & ability. Loved…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
FLORIDA: Disappointing. Didn't get perimeter blocked. Struggled with attacking DL. Bad snap, drops. RT struggled with speed. TE bear in pass pro. Backs ran hard. Splitter running into OL. Missed stunt pickups. Lot of it just ugly. Didn't match intensity often enough. Longer…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
KENTUCKY: Weird one. Have to give them credit for staying focused & intense through all the delays & what not. QB showed more with legs. Dangerous there. Don't be surprised if both get some time. The operation a little shaky early but got locked in as ga e went on. He can make…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
MISSISSIPPI STATE: Handled their business. Nice 1st win for Lebby! QB sharp. Poised, calm, deliberate. Has to protect himself. Legs can help but must be available. OL got after it. Good strain & effort. Esp 66, 56 & 76. 21 ran with power. WRs have real juice. 3 & 6 can get it. 18…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
OKLAHOMA: Love how offense opened up, misdirection, get it to Burks, go up top. QB is a dude. Gets things done quickly. Love the effort but has to be careful carrying. The ball. Made some big boy throws. OL struggled but not 100%. False steps, climbed to 2nd level late. Gap…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
SOUTH CAROLINA: Take the W & move on. DL active. Middle solid. 5 & 6 great off edge. Two 3 techs on the 4th & 7 QB run. Got the ball out. Took the ball away. Busted a few on back end. Missed a few mesh reads. 99 played hard, hustled. 0 all over. Couldn't stay on the field on off.…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
TEXAS: Handled their business. QB1 really good. Directing traffic. Getting the ball out on time. Changing the angles. His release w/the catch & run ability makes those screens lethal. 23 showed ability to make miss & some pop. QB2 sporty as well. 7 & 1 dynamic out wide. Thought…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
VANDERBILT: HELL of a win. It looked different! Not just formations or structure. The OL got real movement. The defense was playing fast. QB is the ultimate gamer. Just a JYD. Tough, competitive & crafty. 28 is legit. 3 made plays. TEs helped. But this offense is so good, answers…
— Cole Cubelic (@colecubelic) September 2, 2024
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
