As the 2016 season progresses, the SEC East is still searching for its first win against its western counterpart. Tennessee was thoroughly defeated at home by top-ranked Alabama, and the East’s record against the West dropped to 0-7.

Overall, it was a bit of a dreary day for the division. The one tight contest was a sloppy affair with minimal scoring. Still, there is a new leader atop the East, and that’s the biggest takeaway from Week 7.

Here’s what we learned.

Florida Gators (5-1, 3-1)

Week 7 result: Defeated Missouri 40-14

What we learned: The Gators’ defense once again proved its not to be trifled with. Florida shut down a Missouri passing attack that entered Saturday as the eighth-best in the nation with over 350 yards per outing.

Stifling quarterback Drew Lock, Florida limited the Tigers to only 98 yards through the air and both Quincy Wilson and Jalen Tabor returned interceptions for touchdowns.

Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett led the Gators’ offense and each gained over 100 yards rushing. Antonio Calloway was held in check by Missouri’s defense, but he was able to get free on an onside-kick attempt and score a 44-yard kickoff return. After Tennessee’s loss to Alabama, Florida is now in the driver’s seat in the division race.

Georgia Bulldogs (4-3, 2-3)

Week 7 result: Lost to Vanderbilt 17-16

What we learned: Georgia lost to Vanderbilt between the hedges for only the second time since 1995. And it was ugly. The Bulldogs’ opening kickoff was returned 95 yards by Darrius Sims, which allowed Vanderbilt to take a very early 7-0 lead. Georgia trailed 7-6 at halftime and managed to score only one touchdown, despite gaining over 400 yards of offense. Jacob Eason threw for a career-high 346.

It was another impressive defensive performance for the Bulldogs, which held Vanderbilt to 171 yards on offense, but there is very little comfort to be taken from that. Georgia lost at home to Vanderbilt and is now safely out of the SEC East division race.

Kentucky Wildcats (3-3, 2-2)

Week 7 result: DNP

What we learned: Kentucky had a bye week following its 20-17 win against Vanderbilt. Up next for the Wildcats is a home meeting with Mississippi State, which is coming off a Friday night loss to BYU. Kentucky has won three of its previous four matchups.

Kentucky needs three more wins to become bowl eligible for the first time under Mark Stoops. Beating MSU on Saturday and Missouri the following week are critical.

Missouri Tigers (2-4, 0-3)

Week 7 result: Lost to Florida 40-14

What we learned: Against another stout defense, Missouri’s offense was rendered largely ineffective. Despite boasting one of the nation’s top passing attacks, the Tigers gained only 98 yards through the air and both of Drew Lock’s interceptions were returned for touchdowns.

Damarea Crockett was the lone bright spot for Missouri’s offense, gaining 145 yards on 14 carries. One of the game’s more memorable moments occurred when 330-pound Josh Augusta scored a goal-line touchdown. Defensively, the Tigers picked off Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio three times – two by Josh Gibson and one by Aarion Penton. Missouri is still looking for its first SEC win under Barry Odom.

Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson (6) intercepted the ball and ran it back for a touchdown against the Missouri Tigers eduring the second quarter at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina Gamecocks (2-4, 1-4)

Week 7 result: DNP

What we learned: After a 28-14 loss against Georgia, the Gamecocks had a bye week to prepare for a home game against UMass. South Carolina’s passing game was boosted by the return of Deebo Samuel and Bryan Edwards in the loss to the Bulldogs, which should only help the offense moving forward.

Tennessee Volunteers (5-2, 2-2)

Week 7 result: Lost to Alabama 49-10

What we learned: Tennessee has lost two consecutive games to the SEC West’s top teams. The loss means Tennessee no longer controls its destiny in the division race, but a Florida loss would put the Vols right back on top.

Tennessee was outclassed from the beginning against Alabama. The Vols managed to gain only 163 yards of offense and allowed the Crimson Tide to score on defense and on special teams.

Tennessee’s defense surrendered nearly 600 yards to Alabama, including 438 yards on the ground, and allowed the Crimson Tide to convert 50 percent of their third downs. A talented running team, the Vols averaged a meager yard per carry and gained only 32 yards on the ground all afternoon. Tennessee might be the top team in the East, but injuries might prevent it from making a true run at some of the nation’s best.

Vanderbilt Commodores (3-4, 1-3)

Week 7 result: Defeated Georgia 17-16

What we learned: Derek Mason earned his first SEC road win as Vanderbilt’s head coach. Despite gaining only 171 yards of offense, the Commodores made timely plays and perfectly executed a bend-but-don’t-break defense to come away with the victory.

Darrius Sims provided several key plays in the return game, and punter Sam Loy pinned the Bulldogs deep throughout the afternoon. Zach Cunningham had a tremendous afternoon, earning 19 tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss and deflecting a pass. He made a critical stop on 4th-and-1 to seal the victory for Vanderbilt.