By Cole Mantell (@LightningDragon)
It was another great week in the SEC, with three close games and some more chaos to boot. Alabama continues its quest for SEC dominance, with more than a few teams close behind trying to take down the new rules of the conference. Let’s recap another awesome week of play both in the SEC and around the CFSL.
It Happened Again For Kentucky!
I’ve talked a lot about this, but now I’m certain in my reporting. Kentucky is, in my time watching the CFSL, the unluckiest team in CFSL history. We’ve already talked a lot about Kentucky’s misfortunes. This week, it was a missed onside kick against undefeated Alabama. Leading heading into the 4th quarter against maybe the best team in the CFSL, the Wildcats just couldn’t hold the Crimson Tide down long enough. It’s another close loss in a season defined by them.
That isn’t to discount another gutsy Alabama victory. This game was just as defined by Alabama’s perseverance as Kentucky’s misfortunes. With Ohio State going down 65-27 to Michigan State, there should be no more debate. Alabama is the last remaining undefeated team in the CFSL and a near lock for #1 in the country after this close win. Alabama, assuming they beat Florida, will likely win this conference. Both teams are now 2-0 in the SEC.
Florida Efficient and Explosive Over Tennessee
Florida continues to be the biggest rival to Alabama in the SEC race. A week after a hard-fought loss to Alabama, Tennessee loses in a game that was maybe even closer than the 6-point final spread indicates. This version of Tennessee is going to challenge for a playoff spot, although likely as a vote-in admittedly. Florida continues to show, however, that it can handle the tough competition.
Jack Schmidt was efficient as usual. CJ Jackson had another 100-yard game with 2 receiving touchdowns. On defense, it was a team effort to hold Tennessee as a team to just a 33% 3rd down percentage. That seemed to make the difference, as Florida was 71% on converting 3rd downs on their end. Florida also led time of possession by 6 ½ minutes, controlling the ball well again.
For Tennessee, the math gets just a bit harder for the playoffs. They have Auburn, Georgia, and then Kentucky to finish the regular season. They’ll have to win at least two to be in the playoff race. Wins against 1 win Georgia and 0 wins against Kentucky also might not do it. But if Tennessee can beat Auburn? Then it becomes a very different conversation for this Tennessee season.
As for Florida, the math is simple. Continue playing well, and if they beat Alabama in Week 7, the SEC is likely theirs.
Early Look at the Playoff Hopefuls
As we continue the later parts of this regular season, the playoff race comes more into focus. As a reminder, each conference has three guaranteed spots for the top performers. In the SEC, as of right now with tiebreakers, the three would be Alabama, Florida, and Auburn in that order. There is still plenty of time left to shake that up, but let’s roll with that order for now. After the three locks, there are 4 vote-in spots around the CFSL. How does the SEC compare against the rest of the CFSL in this race?
By my math, not great. Right now, Georgia and Tennessee have the best chances of getting that vote-in spot. If we use the standings as of Week 5, one of the ACC “Big 4” of Virginia Tech, Miami, UNC, and Florida State will almost surely be a lock for the top vote-in spot. Oregon and Michigan State will play this week in what could become a defacto play-in for the automatic bid, with Michigan lurking behind as well. And the Big XII once again this season will be jumbled, with four teams (Oklahoma, LSU, Colorado, and Texas A&M) sitting at 1-1 in conference play.
For the SEC, that spells trouble. Neither Georgia nor Tennessee are over .500. Tennessee would need to win every remaining SEC game to get an automatic bid (plus maybe some help), and their only wins so far are against 1 win teams in Notre Dame and West Virginia. Georgia has the SEC win over Kentucky, but that is their only win so far this season. They’ll likely need to win out too to make the dance.
Players Who Stood Out This Week
Starting back with Kentucky-Alabama, Kentucky FS Jarred Kline was excellent again for the Wildcats in their loss. He had 8 tackles, 2 TFLs, and an interception too. Alabama HB CryZen Mai was the engine for Alabama’s offense once again, rushing for 2 touchdowns in the close win.
Auburn had a few notable performances in their win over Georgia. QB Jay Duke had 477 passing yards and 3 touchdowns. He spread the love, with three different guys catching those TDs; Josh Mizikar, Bobby Green, and Hoss Carter. On defense, SS Rashaud Watson continues his great season, getting 12 tackles and 3 TFLs in this contest.
Finally, two guys on Tennessee deserve some love after this week. HB Kelby Fulton, just a freshman, had another 150 rushing yards performance, with a touchdown too. On defense, 4-star OLB Jin Primus might have just had the best defensive performance in the SEC this week. He had 14 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks in the loss to Florida.
SEC Results Week 5
Alabama beats Kentucky, 42-39
Auburn beats Georgia, 31-28
Florida beats Tennessee, 39-33
SEC Schedule Week 6
Wednesday, February 12th
Auburn vs Tennessee (6:30 PM, YouTube)
Alabama vs Georgia (8:30 PM, YouTube)
Thursday, February 13th
Kentucky vs Florida (6:30 PM, Twitch)
Potential SEC Game of the Week
I foreshadowed it a bit earlier in the article. Every game from here on out is must must-win for Tennessee. Nowhere is that more true than this week against Auburn. Auburn has a lot to play for, already with two losses on the season. They cannot afford another to stay in the SEC auto-bid race. Tennessee has had moments this season where they looked like they could pull through, but until they get that signature win, they won’t be able to break through into the playoff race. A win here would put them solidly into auto-bid territory, and give them room for maybe more.
