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SEC Football

What we’re not overreacting to in the SEC after Week 7

John Brasier

By John Brasier

Published:


Here’s what we’re not overreacting to in the SEC after Week 7:

LSU and Alabama are the class of the SEC: Though the Tigers (6-0, 4-0 SEC) got a battle from Florida on Saturday night in Death Valley, they showed just how good their offense is by scoring 35 points against a stingy Gators defense that gaveg up 10 points or less in three of its four previous SEC games.

It was business as usual for Leonard Fournette, who rushed for 180 yards and two TDs. But QB Brandon Harris did the most to quiet LSU doubters by throwing effectively, including some key downfield passes, while amassing 202 yards with two TDs.

Alabama (6-1, 3-1 SEC) got the jump on Texas A&M, sprinting out to a quick 14-0 lead in front of a revved-up Kyle Field crowd. The Tide won the way it often does in big games — big plays on defense and a punishing ground attack. Three interception returns for touchdowns and 236 rushing yards from Derrick Henry were too much for the Aggies to overcome despite some unusual gaffes by Tide special teams.

When the Aggies made a second-half charge, the Tide stepped up and stopped the Aggies after a blocked punt then drove down the field for a field goal that put them back ahead by two scores.

Ole Miss was overhyped after beating Alabama: The Rebels aren’t the same team that won 43-37 in Tuscaloosa. First, the beat down by Florida. Then the disappointing 37-24 loss to Memphis, albeit a top 25 Tigers team coached by heralded Justin Fuente.

Hugh Freeze and Chad Kelly, riding high after the victory over the Tide, have come crashing to Earth. The recent failures have been especially deflating for Ole Miss fans convinced the Rebels had turned the corner in their quest to join the elite in the West Division.

The criticism after the Memphis loss included playing defensive line standout Robert Nkemdiche in the backfield in the goal-line offense — Nkemdiche suffered a concussion early in the game while carrying the ball, and going for and failing on a fourth-and-short from the Ole Miss 35-yard line. The second call set up a Memphis touchdown late in the first half.

The Rebels (5-2, 2-1 SEC) still have home games remaining against LSU, Texas A&M and Arkansas as well as road trips to Auburn and Mississippi State. Considered a strong contender by many to win the division a few weeks ago, the Rebels must beat at least one solid opponent merely to qualify for a bowl game.

Missouri’s offense is incredibly bad: Condolences to a strong Mizzou defense that held Florida and Georgia to a combined 23 points (Florida scored one TD on an interception return) in consecutive losses. And all 14 of Florida’s offensive points came in the first quarter. Mizzou (4-3, 1-3 SEC) ranks No. 126 out of 128 FBS teams in total offense and the Tigers played non-conference patsies Southeast Missouri State, Arkansas State and UConn.

The Tigers offense is as bad — probably worse — than the Tigers defense is good. The Tigers managed only three field goals in their consecutive losses – the first field goal at Georgia came after a turnover set up the offense inside the Georgia 1.

The Tigers offensive line isn’t opening any holes for Russell Hansbrough and Ish Witter – Mizzou is averaging only 100 rushing yards per game and just 3.26 yards per carry in SEC play. Freshman quarterback Drew Lock is not getting adequate time to find his receivers, who have struggled to get open and haven’t made the aggressive jump-ball catches Jimmie Hunt and Bud Sasser made last season.

Coach Gary Pinkel must be asking himself if he’s helping Lock by putting him out there doomed to failure with a porous offensive line and ineffective receivers.

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