Around the SEC East: Week One

The goings on of the rest of the SEC are somewhat difficult to truly follow. Because of the number of times that JUCO and I have seen uninformed fans make sweeping judgments of opposing teams based solely on their quarterback and halfback, we decided to start a segment where, though we will talk about halfbacks and quarterbacks, we'll also talk about the other players on teams that are succeeding or failing.

Florida 1-0 (0-0 SEC)
As I turned on the game in the second half on Saturday, I saw that Florida was barely leading Miami of Ohio.  How was that possible?  What ensued was a series of fumbles and ugly offense.  Do you think that the Florida fans wanted Tebow back at all?  With only 212 yards of total offense, are they fed up with Steve Addazio?  The game ended up a less embarrassing 34-12, but that is nothing near the thrashing that Urban Meyer teams like to give cupcakes.  John Brantley ended up with 113 yards passing.  From a rushing standpoint, Demps did well to get 100+ yards.  We might not learn too much this week when they host USF, but maybe they'll demonstrate an ability to snap the ball efficiently.  

Georgia 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

Saturday's whipping of Louisiana-Lafayette was the long awaited debut of redshirt freshman qb Aaron Murray.  He did well going 17-for-26 with 3 TD's and 1 Int.  QB Hutson Mason also played a little bit going 2-for-5 with a TD.  Carlton Thomas and Caleb King combined to run for 108 yards.  Their leading receiver was Kris Durham, whoever that is.  This week, the Dawgs travel to South Carolina for an 11 am match-up on ESPN2.  Many believe that the winner of this game wins the East.

Kentucky 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

One of the reasons that I sucked it up in the pick-em last week was I thought more highly of Charlie Strong than Joker Phillips.  Really, did you see Kentucky winning that one for the fourth time in a row?  With the 23-16 victory, Phillips gets a road win over a BCS team and a nice start to his season.  Only 5 more wins until bowl eligible, coach! Mike Hartline was an efficient 17-for-26.  When they come to Oxford, look out for tailback Derrick Locke who had 104 yards and back-up Donald Russell who averaged 6 ypc.  This week, they host Western Kentucky at 6:30 pm.  Check it out on CSS (but only for 30 minutes until our game starts).  

South Carolina 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

Since it has been a week since this game, I won't dwell on it too much.  South Carolina looks good, and they are my pick to win the East.  Not only did Garcia look good, but frosh qb Connor Shaw and frosh rb Marcus Lattimore give Carolina fans hope for years to come.  My favorite quote about Spurrier playing on Thursday and having Saturday off.  Reporter: "Coach, since you had a chance to watch some games on your day off Saturay, is there anyone that impressed you?"  Spurrier replied, "You mean besides Jacksonville State?"

Tennessee 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

Derek Dooley started off his tenure in Knoxville with a game that is as boring as he is.  They waxed University of Tennessee-Martin to the tune of 50-0.  It's worth mentioning that this is the first time they have faced an FCS school since 1983.  Juco transfer Matt Simms was not spectacular in his debut going a Jevan Snead like 14-for-24.  That nasty Tennessee D only allowed 142 yards.  This week, the Oregon Ducks fly down to Knoxville to see if they can hang 72 points on the scoreboard for the second consecutive week.  I'll be watching it on ESPN2 at 6 pm (until our game of course).  

Vanderbilt 0-1 (0-0 SEC)

The only other team that lost on opening weekend was Vanderbilt.  Northwestern out nerded them 23-21.  Of course, there was a controversial officiating call at the end of the game.  But like officiating calls that hurt us, who cares?  Instead of boring you with offensive stats from Vandy, I'll give you Coach Caldwell's tweet of the day.  "Great practice today! Getting mentally ready. Ranked team coming to town. Let's make some History. Remember, Sat. is a special day--9/11!!!!"  How do you not like Coach Caldwell?  HE LOVES AMERICA AND TRADISHUNS!  The ranked team he mentioned was LSU.  Does anyone smell more Les Miles drama?  Catch it at 6 p.m. on ESPN U.