By Cole Mantell (@LightningDragon)
The SEC delivered some of the best of a great set of games in Week 5. Do you want heart-pounding close games? We got it! Do you want rivals crushing their hated foes? Yep! Do you want a moment to breathe? Not in the SEC in Week 5. Let’s dive in.
Offense Rules the Day in Crucial SEC Showdown
I know we’ve talked about these two teams a bunch this season. And yes, these two QBs playing well is not new information for readers. But the most anticipated SEC game of the week not only delivered on the hype, but it also took it to a new stratosphere and left viewers wondering how defenses will stop either team moving forward. In this match, Auburn QB Jay Duke was only a touch better than Florida QB Jack Schmidt in what quickly became maybe the most entertaining game of this CFSL season. Even in a week where #1 USC fell to unranked Michigan State in overtime.
Auburn may have won 59-45, but both offenses showed out for this game. The Tigers continue to remain undefeated, while Florida once again showed so much improvement in their second season under AD Adam Smith. The two teams combined for 1277 yards of total offense, a total unheard of, even in a pass-happy league. This performance won’t be repeated for a long while, at least not by two teams in the same game. We may have seen teams hit over 700 total offensive yards in a few CFSL games before, but in all of my time here in the CFSL I’ve never seen two teams combine for that crazy of an offensive output.
The game was a part of a larger CFSL story this week. Seven games were nominated for Game of the Week, including one we will talk about in a bit. Over half of the games played were nominated, telling you how entertaining the action was to watch. No matter who you choose, just know that this week might’ve been the most entertaining in CFSL history. And I should mention, this game wasn’t even one of the ones nominated! Probably due to the final score, without this column, this offensive explosion might end up forgotten. But not today. Take a bow, Auburn and Florida.
Kentucky Escapes Athens
Kentucky may no longer be a dynasty but don’t declare them dead just yet. The four of Auburn, Kentucky, Alabama, and Florida are all still fighting for three guaranteed spots in the playoffs. But even if the fourth team is voted in, Kentucky can’t afford more showings like their visit to Athens in Week 5.
All of the credit to the Georgia staff, led by AD Gene Pettijohn. They played a physical game and wore down Kentucky, all the way up until the final whistle. But the truth remains that Georgia is 1-4 and now on the outside looking in. They likely will have to find a way to win out to make the playoffs now. On the other sideline, for Kentucky, they have to play better. The Wildcats have tough tests ahead, and while they might escape this week, they need to limit mistakes.
Particularly, Kentucky’s 2 turnovers and 6 sacks allowed kept the game close. TJ Cunnington has at points been maybe the best QB in the SEC (and CFSL) this season. But the inconsistency is what is hurting Kentucky. Then again, they won, and sometimes that is all that matters. The Wildcats don’t get a break either, as they play Florida Monday night on Twitch.
Players That Stood Out This Week
We’ve already mentioned the two QBs from the Auburn-Florida game, but they weren’t the only offensive weapons having a great night. WR Stacey Smith had 6 catches for 214 yards and 2 receiving touchdowns in the loss for UF. It was easily the best game for the freshman so far. On the Auburn side, WR Bobby Green had 5 catches for 150 receiving yards with a touchdown to boot. He was the leading receiver for the Tigers, who spread the ball out more in their heavy passing attack in the big win.
In the aforementioned Kentucky-Georgia contest, a few names stuck out. DE Heinrich Kaine dominated, notching 5 tackles for 4 TFLs and 3 sacks. On the other side, Georgia HB Jett O’Riley was the star of the offense, rushing for 119 yards and a touchdown on only 23 carries. On defense, MLB Jad McPherson was once again excellent, getting 13 tackles and 2 TFLs in the loss.
Finally, Alabama took care of business against rival Tennessee on Thursday. Alabama QB Johnny Ray Davis might not have as much hype as other QBs in his conference, but quietly stole the show here. He threw for 392 passing yards and 5 touchdowns in the win. Both Alabama WRs Troy Tree and Kyle Claxon were the beneficiaries, both going over 100 receiving yards in the contest and combining for 3 total receiving touchdowns.
SEC Results Week 5
Kentucky beats Georgia, 28-27
Auburn beats Florida, 59-45
Alabama beats Tennessee, 52-20
SEC Schedule Week 6
Monday
Florida vs Kentucky (8:30 PM, Twitch)
Wednesday
Georgia vs Alabama (6:30 PM, Twitch)
Tennessee vs Auburn (8:30 PM, YouTube)
Potential SEC Game of the Week
With apologies to the other four teams in the conference this week, there isn’t an argument on this week’s biggest game to watch. Florida vs Kentucky is going to show us a lot about both teams. Can Kentucky stop Florida’s passing attack? Can Florida’s defense stop anyone? This is going to be another passing show, if not quite as crazy as Florida vs Auburn was last week. It’s going to be one of the most fun games of the season, in a season already one of the most entertaining in CFSL history. Tune in for some fireworks!
