By Cole Mantell (@LightningDragon)
Week 3 is in the books, and so is our out-of-conference play! Through three weeks, we’ve seen the SEC compete against the CFSL, and it has been a tough go of it for some teams. Some teams are doing better than expected, some are not. But the SEC is no longer the best conference in the CFSL, and after three weeks, it seems a new SEC order could be emerging. While no one is eliminated in Week 3, let’s take a look at who is in a good spot entering Week 4, and who has a big hill to climb yet.
Revenge of the Wookie
LSU had a nice win in Week 1 over Michigan in non-conference play. Then, in a game I had the pleasure of calling, LSU was wrecked by Oklahoma. The Sooners not only almost mercied LSU, but it was maybe one of the most one-sided affairs I’ve ever called on the broadcast between Power 4 teams. LSU’s offense was alright, but the Tigers’ defense was thoroughly thrashed in a way we’ve rarely seen in this league.
So, of course, the very next week against a Hall of Fame AD, LSU holds Florida State to 10 first-half points en route to a 63-45 win. LSU not only upset Florida State at home, but they also looked downright dangerous on offense and did enough on defense, too. To say it was shocking is underselling the type of win this was. If you were looking for the team in this league with the best win in Week 3, LSU is easily the answer.
The offense looked awesome. Tavon Moss might be the most underrated QB in the SEC right now, as he has consistently looked good this season, even in the lopsided loss to Oklahoma. Add another awesome performance from Matthias Irvin (140 receiving yards, 2 TDs) and a great showing from TE Slye Bender (115 receiving yards), and LSU once again pounced on their strength and took FSU to the woodshed.
The question is going to be on defense. In three non-conference games, LSU’s defense allowed 34, 70, and then 45 points. At times, as discussed in the first half of this week versus FSU, LSU did get the stops it needed. But the trend is concerning. For LSU to take the next step into a playoff contender, they need to make some adjustments. Their SEC schedule won’t make things any easier, as they open SEC play against Georgia, a team that is known for taking weak defenses to task. My prediction? Bet the over for LSU and Georgia.
Curse of the Aggie
The storyline going into this regular season matchup between Alabama and Texas A&M was all about the playoffs. In Season 21, Texas A&M crushed Alabama in the playoffs in College Station. In Season 22, it was more of the same in the Gator Bowl. Now, back at Kyle Field, Alabama had the chance for some type of revenge for past playoff tortures.
It was at least a much more entertaining affair. It was close all game, with the game entering halftime with Texas A&M up 28-24. But Texas A&M continued to score, and Alabama could not keep up. The final score was a close 45-38 win for Texas A&M. And for the third straight meeting, Texas A&M wins this mini-rivalry. This game was a great one, but it holds much greater implications for Alabama than Texas A&M with the Crimson Tide’s loss here.
No one is doubting Alabama’s tough schedule, arguably the toughest in the CFSL this season. All three of Alabama’s losses in non-conference play this season combined for just 14 points. Heck, if anything, there is an argument Alabama should still be ranked despite the 0-3 start. But, undeniably, Alabama has to work on some things. On defense, the Crimson Tide allowed 50 points to USC and 45 to Texas A&M. They need to play more like the unit that only allowed 26 to reigning National Champion Miami in Week 2. On offense, QB Johnny Ray Davis is tied with fellow SEC QB Tavon Moss with 6 interceptions for the 2nd most in the CFSL. He (and Moss, too) need to work on ball security as they both enter SEC play. The sky isn’t falling yet for Alabama. They get Tennessee on the road this week and can start fresh in conference play with a win in Knoxville. But the clock is ticking. And for Alabama, there is no more room for error starting now.
Players Who Stood Out This Week
We’ve already talked about the LSU trio of Tavon Moss, Matthias Irvin, and Slye Bender. Staying in the QB world, I’ll again highlight SEC passing leader Drake McDaniel, who passed well and didn’t throw an interception in the loss versus Clemson. At halfback, again, Tennessee HB Kelby Fulton leads the way. He leads the SEC with 500 rushing yards, and only Colorado HB Taylor James has more among fellow HBs. Fulton is probably the best shot Tennessee has for major awards this season, given his pace so far. At WR, we turn back to Alabama for another freshman standout among many in the CFSL this season. WR Quincey Asher has only three CFSL games to his name, but in all three, he has over 100 receiving yards, and last week in the loss against Texas A&M, he had 160 receiving yards with 2 receiving touchdowns too.
On defense, Tennessee CB Degan Fry was a standout in the Volunteers’ big win over Iowa. He had his 2nd interception in three games, tied for 2nd most in the CFSL right now. Auburn CB Thomas Oliver is the only other SEC player with two interceptions in three games so far this season as well. I’ll also shout out LSU MLB Billy Balla, the CFSL leader so far this season with two fumble recoveries. That’s in addition to a top-tier name for broadcasters to call out as well.
SEC Results Week 3
Auburn beats Colorado, 37-24
Alabama falls to Texas A&M, 45-38
Tennessee beats Iowa, 45-28
Florida beats Texas, 51-38
Georgia falls to Clemson, 38-26
LSU beats Florida State, 63-45
SEC Schedule Week 4
Wednesday, May 28
LSU vs Georgia (6:30 PM, YouTube)
Alabama vs Tennessee (8:30 PM, YouTube)
Thursday, May 29
Florida vs Auburn (6:30 PM, Twitch)
Potential SEC Game of the Week
I teased it earlier in the article, and I think the answer is pretty clear. Now, Both Alabama vs Tennessee and Florida vs Auburn should be huge games with plenty to learn about the SEC from them. But I’m excited for LSU vs Georgia. I think this is going to be an offensive explosion and maybe the most entertaining game the CFSL has to offer this week.
On one side is an LSU team that has been inconsistent on defense and explosive on offense, as discussed. The other side features a Georgia team with a dynamic freshman QB and an offense that has thrown for fewer and fewer yards each week since the crazy performance in Week 1 that set some school records. Which SEC QB will win out? The veteran Tavon Moss? Or the young gun in Drake McDaniel? That’s the big question in the SEC this week.
