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Another week of SEC football is finally here. Even though some of the games aren’t the most exciting, at least one has the makings of an instant classic, and there are interesting story lines abound. What will you be talking about around the water cooler on Monday? Here’s what we think.
Texas A&M gets blown out…again. After a season that started with so much hype, the Aggies will be left searching for answers yet again after Auburn takes them to task. Kevin Sumlin’s offense has gone into the toilet the past month-plus, and Saturday will see them barely get past their low point, the shutout loss to Alabama. If they hadn’t already, fans will realize that switching quarterbacks was not the answer to Texas A&M’s problems.
Nick Marshall puts his name squarely in the Heisman race. Marshall has been unstoppable the last two weeks, and he’s going to open some eyes on Saturday. Yes, this breakout performance is going to come against an inept Texas A&M defense, but Marshall will absolutely light it up in the first half before Gus Malzahn eases up on the gas pedal. Marshall’s chances of making it to New York as a dark horse will be significantly greater after this weekend.
Ole Miss starts sluggishly. The Rebels lost in the most heartbreaking fashion possible a week ago, losing star receiver Laquon Treadwell for the season as Treadwell subsequently lost a fumble in the end zone on a play that would have given Ole Miss the win over Auburn. Understandably, they’ll have a bit of a hangover on Saturday, even against a FCS opponent. Fans in Oxford will have a minor freakout for the first quarter or so before the Rebels get rolling.
Kentucky gives Georgia a major scare. The Wildcats look to be on their way to a .500 season, a major improvement from their 2-win campaign a year ago. While fans are going to hate to see their team keep falling, UK will provide at least a moral victory against Georgia. As he did against Mississippi State two weeks ago, Patrick Towles will put up a big-time effort that will have folks in Lexington very excited about the future. Unfortunately, Georgia’s running game is going to be too much for Kentucky’s defense.
Alabama escapes Death Valley with its playoff life. The only team to beat the Crimson Tide this season, Ole Miss, saw its championship dreams take a major hit in Tiger Stadium. LSU will have Alabama on the ropes for much of the game, but the Tide will show their resolve and fight off the Fighting Tigers, strengthening their case for the College Football Playoff committee.
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.