By Cole Mantell (@LightningDragon)
Alabama Takes Down Florida, Takes Driver’s Seat in SEC
It was a game of titanic importance, for both teams. History was on the line, and Alabama prevailed. It was a great game. In the end, Alabama edged out Florida 42-38, and the results of that game likely decide the SEC conference race.
Alabama, they are all but assured of their fourth conference title in school history, and first since Season 18. With their point differential and conference record, a win over Auburn gives them the SEC. A loss still might luck them into a conference title, so long as some other chaos happens elsewhere during Rivalry Week. Of course, I don’t think Alabama wants to beat Auburn just because of conference implications.
For Florida, barring Alabama losing when they have yet to lose this season, their chance at their first Conference Title in team history has once again been dashed. For a team with as much history as the Gators, it’s a bitter taste as their chase continues for that elusive regular season accolade. I’ve talked a lot about how surprising Adam Smith’s squad has been and how great a story they’ve been, but at least for now, Florida has one more hill to climb atop the SEC order.
Now, the question turns to the rest of the conference. Alabama has clinched their playoff spot. Florida just needs to beat rival Georgia to punch their ticket, and likely are in no matter what given the standings in the conference. So Auburn and Georgia will fly for that last-third automatic SEC playoff spot. Whoever doesn’t get that spot will have a good, but not guaranteed spot for a vote-in wildcard selection. Kentucky and Tennessee, with zero conference wins, seem out of the race.
Let’s Talk About Tennessee and Kentucky
The two seem linked at the hip heading into Week 8. The Iron Bowl will decide the conference and be the most anticipated version of the rivalry yet. The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party will be a desperate battle for the last automatic spot in the SEC. And yet, the stakes might be highest in the rivalry match between the 5th and 6th place teams in the SEC.
For Tennessee, the progress is undeniable. The Volunteers won two big non-conference games, and have raised the floor of the program. They may not be a playoff team this season, but they are no longer the doormat of the CFSL. Yet, despite their wins, they have to win against an SEC team this season. They nearly took down Florida, but so far, no luck for CJ Furman and his squad. This game is their last chance to season to change that narrative. To take down Kentucky, their hated rival and fallen dynasty, in rivalry week? What a way to put an exclamation point on their season, and gain them outside consideration for a playoff bid.
For Kentucky, there is no other way to put this. Their season has not gone as planned. You can only lose so many close games before even the hardest believers must admit that something has gone wrong. However, considering Kentucky was given a new AD late in the offseason cycle, there is reason to hope as the Wildcats regroup heading into the offseason. But, they must survive the ignominy of 0-8. In six previous rivalry games versus Tennessee, Kentucky has won six times. No matter what, Kentucky cannot allow itself to fall to rival Tennessee for the first time. That’s the stakes for this match between blue and orange.
SEC Awards Watch
As we near the end of the regular season, I thought I’d check back in on some of the award cases for the individual SEC standouts. On offense, Florida QB Jack Schmidt is the SEC’s best case for some major award love. He should be nominated for Offensive Player of the Year and might win it too. Tennessee HB Kelby Fulton is making his case for Freshman of the Year, leading all CFSL HBs in rushing through 7 weeks. Kentucky WR Ricky Rak, who we profiled earlier this season in the SEC Blog, maybe having his best season yet. He leads all CFSL WRs in receiving while still putting up awesome blocking numbers as he is known for.
On defense, Kentucky FS Jarred Kline leads the SEC in tackles and may win Most Outstanding Senior. But if I had to choose a SEC Defensive Player of the Year, right now my pick goes to Alabama CB Roman Ware. He leads the league in interceptions. He’s a special team dynamo. And he’s maybe one of the biggest stars on a 7-0 Alabama squad that is now the favorite for the #1 seed in the playoffs. If I had to choose any player right now who I’d say is most likely to win a major award, Ware is my choice.
SEC Results Week 7
Alabama beats Florida, 42-38
Auburn beats Kentucky, 44-24
Georgia beats Tennessee, 58-45
SEC Schedule Rivalry Week
Tuesday, February 25
Alabama vs Auburn (8:30 PM, Twitch)
Thursday, February 27
Florida vs Georgia (6:30 PM, Twitch)
Tennessee vs Kentucky (6:30 PM, YouTube)
Potential SEC Game of the Week
Well, don’t say this was a surprise. It’s the biggest game in college football. And this season, the stakes haven’t been higher. Alabama has the series lead. Auburn has dominated recently. Alabama might be 7-0, but no game will be bigger or tougher for the Crimson Tide. For Auburn, a chance at redemption and glory. For Alabama, a chance not only to secure a perfect season but to do so at the expense of a rival that has won the last two against Alabama. Oh yeah, and the whole SEC likely comes down to this game too, if anyone cares. Just a reminder, the last time Alabama came to Auburn, the Tigers won 54-7. Not that either of these two teams needs it.
