By Cole Mantell (@LightningDragon)
After two weeks of action, the SEC remains as chaotic as ever! We have four teams tied at 1-1, with two surprises at 0-2 as well. It was another great week of CFSL action, and there is a lot to go over with conference play just around the corner. Let’s take a look at the state of the SEC after Week 2 of Season 23.
Bulldog Offensive Explosion
Georgia under AD Gene Pettijohn has always been a balanced offense. Their running attack with a complimentary passing attack led to some awesome playoff upsets and shocking wins. But now, Georgia has changed course in Season 23. With freshman QB Drake McDaniel, Georgia has transformed their offense this season into the most pass happy in the SEC.
It continued again this week. In a 55-37 win over West Virginia, Georgia again passed over everyone. After McDaniel had 621 passing yards in Week 1, Georgia had their first win of the season with McDaniel tossing another 460 passing yards against WVU. After two weeks of action, McDaniel leads the SEC in passing yards and is 3rd overall among CFSL QBs. Among many freshman QBs showing out this season, keep watching this name as Georgia has never had a passer perform quite like this.
So, how is Georgia not 2-0? It’s the defense. Despite an offense scoring more points than anyone through two weeks in the CFSL, the defense needs some adjustments. Georgia is among eight teams who have allowed 100 points or more already this season, including three in the SEC (Georgia, LSU, and Florida). Oregon and West Virginia are both good offenses, but the defense needs to be better in SEC play for Georgia to contend for a playoff spot. For now, Clemson awaits. If we’ve learned anything from Georgia this season, expect a lot of fireworks and a must-see affair.
Close, But No Cigar
Alabama is a very good team. The 0-2 record is not going to affect one of the better locker room environments in the SEC. But still, it has been two games of close, excruciating losses for the Crimson Tide. Arguably, Alabama may have the toughest schedule of any team in the CFSL this season. And it doesn’t get easier against Texas A&M this week. Alabama will have to be at their best to avoid entering SEC play 0-3.
It started in Week 1 against USC. In an opening week showdown, Alabama played well, but a few big defensive lapses led to a close 50-45 loss. Alabama led a late comeback in that game, but it wasn’t enough in the end. In Week 2, it was a similar story against reigning National Champion Miami. Miami took the early lead, and while Alabama fought back into a one-score game, Miami’s defense held Alabama to 0 points in the 4th quarter.
So what adjustments does Alabama and their coaching staff need to make? Nothing big it seems. Alabama has started slow on defense two weeks in a row, and they’ll need to do better against Texas A&M. The Aggies score a lot, so for Alabama, this game will be all about making those adjustments on defense and holding Texas A&M better than previous opponents this season.
On offense, senior QB Johnny Ray Davis continues to shine for the Crimson Tide. He might not have the passing stats of other SEC QBs, but the efficient offense is more balanced and could fare better in closer play in the playoffs. If he can keep humming and the defense can hold teams better in the 1st half, Alabama will be right back in the race for the SEC title.
Players Who Stood Out This Week
We’ve already talked about McDaniel, but there is another SEC QB with over 1000 passing yards already, too. Auburn QB Zacchaeus Mosley followed up his record-breaking debut with another efficient performance as Auburn beat VT 40-17. While there haven’t been as many stars rushing the ball in the SEC as elsewhere, Tennessee HB Kelby Fulton leads the SEC in rushing and has been Tennessee’s dynamo so far again this season in non-conference play. He’s fourth in the CFSL in rushing yards so far, and could climb higher depending on how Tennessee uses him from here on out.
In the receiving world, two SEC WRs are tied for the CFSL lead in receiving touchdowns. One is no surprise in Georgia WR Jeff Master. He’s been the beneficiary of Drake McDaniel’s hot start. The other is a freshman who has been a bright spot amid Alabama’s 0-2 start. Quincey Asher has four receiving touchdowns and has been maybe the best WR so far for the Crimson Tide.
Two SEC defensive linemen have been off to hot starts as well. Tied for first in the CFSL with 5 TFLs is Alabama DT Lucian Nistor and Tennessee DE Sean Cunningham. We talked about Nistor last week, but Cunningham has been a quiet performer as part of the young Tennessee defense. I’ll also add in Florida DE Joe Wayne, who is tied for the CFSL lead in sacks right now, too. Finally, congratulations to Georgia CB Damien Thatcher on being the first SEC defensive player this season with a touchdown.
SEC Results Week 2
Alabama falls to Miami, 26-24
Florida falls to North Carolina, 61-31
Auburn beats Virginia Tech, 40-17
Georgia beats West Virginia, 55-37
LSU falls to Oklahoma, 70-28
Tennessee falls to Nebraska, 55-17
SEC Schedule Week 3
Monday, May 19
Auburn vs Colorado (6:30 PM, Twitch)
Tuesday, May 20
Alabama vs Texas A&M (8:30 PM, Twitch)
Wednesday, May 21
Iowa vs Tennessee (6:30 PM, YouTube)
Thursday, May 22
Texas vs Florida (6:30 PM, Twitch)
Georgia vs Clemson (6:30 PM, YouTube)
Florida State vs LSU (8:30 PM, Twitch)
Potential SEC Game of the Week
There are a lot of good choices, but no need to overthink this one. Alabama against Texas A&M not only feels like a must-win game. This game is about revenge. Alabama and Texas A&M have met in the playoffs twice recently, with the Aggies ending Alabama’s season twice in a row now. For Alabama, not only would a win here erase the bitter taste of two close losses to open the season. It would also be a measure of sweet revenge for the Crimson Tide, giving them a boost entering SEC play.
