What we’re not overreacting to in the SEC after the regular season
Here’s what we’re not overreacting to in the SEC after the regular season:
Alabama’s defense vulnerable Iron Bowl despite win: For the first time all season Saturday night, an opposing offense got the better of Kirby Smart and the Crimson Tide’s elite defense, exposing Alabama on the edges through a vertical passing game and opening up running lanes between the tackles. Gus Malzahn’s offensive game plan in the Iron Bowl was nearly flawless and senior quarterback Nick Marshall played better than most would expect. Heading into the game, the Crimson Tide gave up a national-low 85 yards rushing per game, but the Tigers gouged them for 172 of their 628 total yards on the ground. The key however was limiting the Tigers to four field goals in the red zone. In the College Football Playoff, Oregon could pose a similar multifaceted threat offensively, but Alabama would have more time to prepare.
More stats: Alabama is first in the SEC in total defense (283.5 yards per game). Auburn already has 345 yards. In the first half.
— WarEagleExtra (@wareagleextra) November 30, 2014
Either Alabama has to play more zone defense or find someone else to cover Sammie Coates, who has four catches for 153 yards and two TDs. — Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) November 30, 2014
Saban did say Alabama’s defense will need to play with more discipline when the Tide plays Missouri this week.
— Ryan Williamson (@rwilliamson29) November 30, 2014
Tennessee’s first bowl berth since 2010: While most would consider this season a win for Butch Jones and the youth-laden Vols, hold tight before labeling this team the 2015 Eastern Division favorites. Saturday Down South’s Jason Hall has touched on the topic, but idea seems a bit premature and reactionary. Thanks to a quarterback switch during an October loss to Alabama, Tennessee appeared to flip the script on the season behind an underwhelming offensive line and seize momentum heading into bowl season. Joshua Dobbs’ play over the final four games — three wins — disguised some of the Vols’ season-long deficiencies like a consistent running game and up and down play from wide receivers. How it looks now, Tennessee should win seven, maybe eight games next fall, but that won’t be enough against the likes of two-time defending division champ Mizzou or the Nick Chubb-led Georgia Bulldogs.
If our Tennessee Volunteers Football team doesn’t win the SEC East in 2015, they will be a huge disappointment…. http://t.co/b2YIlwAsAU
— Mark Hancock (@MrVolunteer) December 1, 2014
Tennessee will win the SEC East, and proceed to upset LSU in the SEC Championship in 2015. This tweet will be RT by Gerard when it happens.
— Andrew Nevle (@andrewnevle) November 18, 2014
RT @ralphDrussoAP: Not crazy at all RT @GVMcElroy: Tennessee the team to beat in the SEC East in 2015? Quite possibly.
— Josh Ward (@Josh_Ward) November 15, 2014