SEC Week 1 Review

Is the SEC still the powerhouse that Verne Lundquist hopes it to be? Week 1 showed us a few things that may provide us with an answer by week 14.

1. Roll Tide Roll!
As a Tide fan, I was appalled by the first half of the Alabama Va Tech game. Not only because ABC somehow failed to bring their HD cameras with them to the game, but at the score as well. The stats of the game at halftime did not justify the tight score of 17-16. The end didn't justify the means, but did somewhat justify the stats. It was the sloppiest dominating game I've seen in a while. 498 O-yards to 155. Alabama's defense stepped up to the game. The secondary sealed off access to any decent gains, holding Tech to 91 passing yards and only 11 first downs. The D-Line did what they do best, stuff the run and contain an otherwise dangerously mobile QB. Positive issues: 1) McElroy looked to have a little first big game jitters, but actually performed pretty well for his first start since high school. 1 Pick, only 2 sacks, rating of 118, knew when to get rid of the ball (coughcoughPauluscough). He doesn't seem to like the pocket much though. Time will tell, he should only get better. 2) Julio Jones likes double coverage.
Negative Issues: 1) Discipline. McClain should be extremely happy he didn't get thrown off the field for his antics. I know we've all wanted to push a ref out of our way, but come on. 2) Discipline: Special Teams. The Tide's game against FIU next week will give us a clue how this discipline has improved.

2. Oh Georgia!
The whole Oklahoma State roster can change their last names to Sherman after the beating they gave the Bulldogs. Georgia is definitely missing Moreno after their running game never got off the ground and didn't even break 100 yards. This game was actually pretty fairly matched and was definitely touted to be a good solid game, which it was. Cox started out well, but couldn't find the end zone after the first quarter. The stats tell the story. The Georgia secondary couldn't stop the 2 passes for TD's that mattered after State's run game and 3 turnovers helped get them in position. Obviously Georgia's D needs some work and the offense needs to come together a bit more. Rebuilding....hope they can do it fast for Florida on Halloween.

3. The Kiffin Era Begins
Is there an announcer or analyst who didn't say that after the UT game?? I got pretty sick of hearing it. The first quarter of that game was about the worst football I've ever seen. I thought the Kiffin Era was going to be a short one, so I changed channels after the Vols stopped turning the ball over and finally scored....that and they were playing Western Kentucky. Yes, the Vols ran up the score........on Western Kentucky. It's good to see some life in the Vols on both sides of the ball. Definitely looking forward to seeing them in action against UCLA next week and Florida the week after.

4. Florida
I wonder how Jesus feels about his disciple running up the score like that? A very un-Christian act.

5. Come on!!!!
As much as we love opening weekend, couldn't there be more than just a couple games to watch? There's not as much you can tell from SEC teams beating the shit out of smaller schools. Yes, UK opened a can on Miami of Ohio....they're still going to be battling Vandy for last place.

6. The rest.
Uggghhhh, who the hell is going to beat Florida?? UT and UK racked up high scores against weak teams, LSU managed the Huskies, but that's about all you can say about it, South Carolina barely escaped NC State, Georgia has plenty of problems, and Florida State got knocked out of the top 25. Here's hoping Troy aims for the knees. Hoogs will pay someone now that Bradford's out and Colt can make a clear run for the Heisman. I'm hoping Arkansas's the sleeper. They've got one of the toughest schedules in the SEC and meet Florida after battling Georgia, Alabama, A&M, and Auburn. Thank God their bye week is week 2, they'll need rest before that. If they're still standing by week 7, they might be able to surprise them. Here's hoping.

Next Week:
Let's see how Tennessee preps for Florida against UCLA next week. Also, cheer for Mississippi State to take out Auburn. Plus, we'll see how bad off Georgia really is when the Cocks take on Cox between the hedges.