Ad Disclosure
The SEC’s Week 1 is in the books, and things did not go well for the conference.
The league lost prime-time nonconference matchups on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday this week.
On Sunday, LSU fell 45-27 to LSU in Orlando. The Tigers managed just 7 points in the 2nd half after carrying a lead into the break. FSU quarterback Jordan Travis scored 5 total touchdowns in the win.
On Saturday, it was South Carolina who lost to border rival North Carolina in Charlotte. The Tar Heels’ defense limited the Gamecocks to just 3 points in the 2nd half as Drake Maye threw for a pair of touchdowns.
Lastly, on Thursday, Florida suffered a 24-11 loss on the road at Utah despite the Utes not having their starting quarterback. The Gators went 1-for-13 on 3rd down in the loss.
Tennessee defeated Virginia in Week 1, giving the SEC its only win over a power conference team so far this season.
Here’s some of the reaction to the SEC’s tough opening weekend:
The ACC absolutely cooked the SEC two nights in a row. Wild. pic.twitter.com/CP1lztmwxd
— Cory Smith (@RCorySmith) September 4, 2023
https://twitter.com/VernFunquist/status/1698533468206936285?s=20
The SEC went 1-3 in week 1 Power 5 non-conference matchups this weekend
Tennessee won that one game by 36 points
— Austin B (@Austin_Vols) September 4, 2023
The ACC beats the SEC again… rough look for the SEC. I guess it just means more in the mighty ACC.
— Faxon Childress?️ (@FaxOnSports) September 4, 2023
On two consecutive nights, ACC physically dominates their SEC counterparts.
When was the last time that has been said? https://t.co/8jIExQVc1z
— Tommy Ashley (@TAshleyIC) September 4, 2023
SEC in non-conference big matchups this weekend pic.twitter.com/RSI2D44vgL
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) September 4, 2023
Two ACC teams just boat raced two SEC schools at the line of scrimmage back-to-back nights. Cannot wait to hear the talking heads on this.
— Tiger Talkin’ (@TigerTalkin) September 4, 2023
The SEC went 1-3 in their only four P5 games.
Including getting their SEC West Champ (who was AP #5) skull f-ed on national television.
Speak no more about how this conference isn’t overrated every preseason.
— SEC Exposed (@SEC_Exposed) September 4, 2023
That mighty SEC ain’t look too hot this weekend
Two blowout losses to ACC teams
A blowout loss to an Pac 12 team
— Clemson Addict (@Clemson_Addict) September 4, 2023
It’s time we be honest
Was this the 5th best team in the country?
Or was their ranking to prop up the SEC pic.twitter.com/lwdn7BKAqn
— CFBTalkDaily (@CFBTalkDaily) September 4, 2023
SEC WHO?! ?? FLORIDA STATE IS RUNNING OVER LSU ?? #LSUvsFSU
https://t.co/SNecS7CyHo— Saturday Cadence Podcast (@SaturdayCadence) September 4, 2023
Florida State and North Carolina put on second-half clinics against their SEC opponents this weekend. The ACC, which badly needs its football narrative to change, could not have asked for a better open to the season, quite frankly.
— Andrea Adelson (@aadelsonESPN) September 4, 2023
The SEC played 3 good opponents the opening week of the season and went 0-3. LSU lost to FSU, SC to UNC, Florida to Utah. Doesn’t matter than 10 teams scored 40+ against weak opponents. This wasn’t a good showing for the SEC.
— Jimmy Hyams (@JimmyHyams) September 4, 2023
Next week is big for @SEC and those who love to root against them. Texas/Bama, A&M/Miami, Aub/Cal, OM/Tulane, Zona/Miss St. Let a few of those go against the SEC teams and it has a big impact on perception of conference strength.
— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) September 4, 2023
The SEC will have an opportunity to make up for this lackluster performance in Week 2. Texas A&M-Miami and Texas-Alabama headline a loaded slate next weekend. Both the Aggies and Crimson Tide were victorious in their respective home-and-home series a year ago.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
