By Cole Mantell (@LightningDragon)
Welcome back to the SEC, as Week 5 saw three big conference games and a conference standings that is taking more shape. We now have just three weeks left until the playoffs, and each game from here on out will mean more and more. Let’s dive into another great week of SEC action.
Florida vs LSU – The Best SEC Game This Season?
It has been an up-and-down season so far for the SEC. The CFSL as a whole is seeing big changes to the established structure of playoff contenders and playoff pretenders. So enter this matchup. LSU and Florida both entered Week 5 with this game having extremely important playoff implications. With LSU’s win, the Tigers move to 4-1 and are tied for 1st in the SEC. With Florida’s loss, the Gators move to 1-4 and now are in a dire position when it comes to their playoff chances.
But what a game it was. LSU shot out to a 34-14 halftime lead over Florida at home. Florida needed to be much better in the 2nd half, and they were. The Gators scored 31 second-half points, and led by Florida QB Jack Schmidt, the Gators nearly pulled off the comeback of the season in the SEC. But LSU held strong where it mattered, got a few key points at the end of the game, and now LSU is in the position of going for the SEC regular season crown.
Now, LSU has set itself up for the biggest SEC game of the season yet next week against Alabama. Don’t let Alabama’s 2-3 record fool you. After going 0-3 in a tough non-conference schedule, the Crimson Tide have been rolling (no pun intended) through the SEC, tied with LSU and Auburn with a 2-0 conference record. If LSU can take down Alabama, LSU will almost assuredly make an automatic playoff spot. If they lose, not only does rival Alabama get another shot at the SEC crown, but it will reveal more questions about LSU’s playoff veracity than an Alabama loss would. It’s a huge game, which is why it rightfully will be in primetime next week!
The Haves and the Have-Nots of the SEC
Speaking of which, we have our three SEC contenders this season in Auburn, Alabama, and LSU. Of course, that is because the three teams are all 2-0 in SEC play so far. Meanwhile, the other three of Tennessee, Florida, and Georgia all have a 0-2 record so far in SEC play. That’s not to say some of these teams haven’t been good at points so far this season. Nor is it to say it is too late for the three teams to make a comeback in SEC play.
But so far, the SEC is a three-horse race. With two wins already in conference, the trio of Auburn, Alabama, and LSU has locked down the race for automatic playoff bids, and now must all face each other in high-stakes matches for SEC dominance. Auburn has done it with its offense. They’ve thrashed their competition and been one of the most efficient offenses in the CFSL. Auburn enters Week 6 with the third-most points scored in the CFSL and leading the SEC. Their defense has been great too, allowing the least amount of points in the SEC so far this season.
LSU has done it in big moments. The Florida game they just played is the best example, but the Tigers have thrived when the games are close. LSU had a big loss to Oklahoma earlier this season. But outside of that game, LSU has been able to hold leads in the 2nd half and come through in the 4th quarter. While the Florida game they won is the biggest example so far, this LSU team has been doing similar things all season, and it is their biggest asset as they play both Alabama and Auburn before the season is over.
As for Alabama, the non-conference schedule was daunting. I think Alabama would like at least one or two of those early games back for rankings purposes, but so far, so good in SEC play. Alabama lost close games in non-conference play, and now they are winning big in conference play, at least so far against Tennessee and Georgia. Now they get their biggest SEC test yet in LSU, in a game that may decide the SEC. It’s the biggest moment yet for the Crimson Tide this season.
Players Who Stood Out This Week
We’ve talked about Florida QB Jack Schmidt already, with 5 touchdowns and no interceptions in the great performance despite the loss to LSU. WR Stacey Smith had 3 touchdowns and 192 receiving yards as well in an awesome game. Meanwhile, LSU QB Tavon Moss also threw for 5 touchdowns, tearing up the Florida defense and holding on for the win. SS Taj Washington was the defensive MVP for LSU, with 9 tackles, 3 TFLs, and a pass deflection in the win.
For Alabama, WR Jayy Reasor had easily the best performance of his freshman career, with 2 receiving touchdowns and his first 100 receiving yard performance of his career in the win over Georgia. On defense, MLB Billy Savage had 8 tackles, 4 TFLs, and forced a fumble in the big win. Teammate FS Nikolai Storm also added 5 tackles and 2 interceptions in the win as well.
In Auburn’s huge win over Tennessee, QB Zacchaeus Mosley had a near-perfect performance with 5 passing touchdowns to no interceptions as well, matching Florida QB Jack Schmidt. Both WRs Bobby Green and Waylen Zeigler added 2 receiving touchdowns each as well. On defense, CB Maverick Berlin was a big force for Auburn, not only, but also on special teams. He’s been a big factor for the Tigers in both areas all season, showing why he was so highly ranked in recruiting before he committed to Auburn.
SEC Results Week 5
LSU beats Florida, 48-45
Alabama beats Georgia, 52-24
Auburn beats Tennessee, 56-7
SEC Schedule Week 6
Tuesday, June 10th
Alabama vs LSU (6:30 PM, YouTube)
Wednesday, June 11th
Tennessee vs Florida (8:30 PM, YouTube)
Thursday, June 12th
Georgia vs Auburn (6:30 PM, YouTube)
Potential SEC Game of the Week
With apologies to the other four SEC teams, I kind of spoiled this game already. It’s an easy choice, with the SEC possibly on the line. Alabama is the established power in this conference, again showing over the last two weeks, while they still are the kings of the SEC. Despite a slow start, Alabama has been rolling and may not be stopped in SEC play. On the other hand, LSU’s first season back in the SEC has them ready to take down the kings and prove themselves to their new conference. It’s all on the line Tuesday, and it is going to be a gem of a game to watch as a neutral fan.
