By: Ryan Moreland (@ryanmoreland)
The Importance of Conference Play
Conference play is all that matters. This is a statement said so often that it has become a cliche in the CFSL. But cliches are cliches for a reason.
The path to the postseason goes through your conference. Just ask Texas A&M, who made the National Championship last season after going 0-3 in out-of-conference play last season.
That is exactly what Alabama is hoping to do this season. They dropped their first three games against some stellar teams (and those games were close). But they knew that none of that matters if you dominate your conference.
And dominate is what they did. Alabama beat Tennessee this past week, 48-20. The Volunteers simply had no answer for the dynamic duo of QB Johnny Ray Davis and WR Quincey Asher. Davis had 516 total yards and five total touchdowns. Asher had only 5 catches, but turned that into 147 yards and a touchdown. That is an average of nearly 30 yards per catch!
Needless to say, the Crimson Tide played a great game a got their first win of the season. While there is still plenty of work to do (and a lot of it against stiff competition), the playoff door is wide open for Alabama.
Knockdown, Dragout
There was an absolutely stellar game in the SEC this week, and if you missed it, you should go back and watch. The Auburn Tigers hosted the Florida Gators in what was a Game of the Week candidate.
Florida’s QB Jack Schmidt 533 total yards, but was held to only 2 total touchdowns by the stingy Tiger defense. On defense, Shelly Menchaca had a pair of interceptions that helped get Florida out to an early lead.
The score changed hands many times in this game, but it was Florida that held a four-point lead going into the final quarter of play. Auburn HB Thomas Scally kept the Auburn offense alive many times. Scally finished the game with over 150 total yards. SS Rashaud Watson and CB Maverick Berlin led the defense. They both had interceptions, high tackle numbers (8 and 7, respectively), and were continually disruptive to the Gator passing attack. Berlin also had a strong game as a kick returner.
Auburn would go on to outscore Florida 14-7 in the final stanza. The Tigers won the game 37 to 34. I simply cannot put into words how great this game was. Go watch it.
The Tiger on the Prowl
Not many outside of Baton Rouge expected LSU to have the start they have enjoyed this season. The Tigers are 3-1 (1-0) with their only loss coming to unbeaten Oklahoma. They have impressive wins over Florida State and Michigan under their belt already. They have made a statement so far this season.
Last season was the first of AD Josh Claydon’s return. While the Tigers were feisty in some big games, they suffered some growing pains. However, they are ready to take on the SEC’s best this season.
This past week, LSU dominated Georgia, beating them 34-10. While the offense did their part (looking at you Matthias Irvin), it was the defense that won this game. The CFSL is a high-scoring league, and holding any team to just 10 points is an incredible feat.
So, how did they do it? Well, the five interceptions didn’t hurt. MLB Billy Balla and CBs Ciante Capra and Austin Brooks all had an interception in this game. CB Jaq Weinrich got a pair of picks. These LSU ballhawks gave Georgia QB Drake McDaniel fits all night long. This wasn’t the only thing that the defense did, of course, but it was the major reason they were able to kill any hopes the Bulldogs had.
LSU has a lot of tough games coming up, but so far, they have proven they will be a team to beat. Now, can they prove that they are THE team to beat in the SEC? Time will tell.
SEC Results Week 4
LSU defeats Georgia 34-10
Alabama defeats Tennessee 48-20
Auburn defeats Florida 37-34
SEC Week 5 Schedule
Wednesday, June 4
Florida at LSU 6:30 CST on Twitch
Georgia at Alabama 8:30 CST on YouTube
Thursday, June 5
Tennessee at Auburn 6:30 CST on YouTube
SEC Game of the Week
These are often difficult to pick. However, this week in the SEC, it is an easy one. Florida at LSU is easily the game of the week. These are both real contenders in the conference. This game is bound to have a profound impact on the SEC leaderboard for the rest of the season.
Not only that, but these are two high-powered offenses. I expect plenty of fireworks from this game. The defenses better be ready.
