Around the SEC West: And So It Begins

It's tough enough watching some Ole Miss games and following the team's storylines. The expectation that we're supposed to keep up with the rest of the SEC is difficult for many. So, here are your talking points when put in a pinch. Mexter Dccluster will handle the SEC East this season while I will bring you a weekly segment on the SEC West.

Alabama 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

It's tough to take much away from a game against Kent State, but we did see the Bama quarterbacks struggle in keeping the ball. Crimson Tide quarterbacks combined for four interceptions with only one passing touchdown. Nick Saban isn't going to stand for that. Look for the team to scale back its passing offense moving ahead. Alabama's defense was scary good, holding Kent State to ninety total yards.

Watch Alabama travel to Penn State and dismantle Joe Pa's Penn State team starting at 2:30 this Saturday on ABC.

Arkansas 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

Bobby Petrino's Arkansas squad started the season strong with a 51-7 beating of Missouri State before an announced crowd of more than 70,000 people. While Arkansas was obviously very successful, holding Missouri State to only 167 yards of offense, the real storyline was the Arkansas running game. The Razorbacks ran for only 3.1 yards per carry without Knile Davis. Both Kody Walker and Ronnie Wingo had trouble finding holes. Obviously it would be silly to say that Arkansas won't be able to run based on this performance, but their fans should hope this was a product of being up so much and not one pointing to issues with the offensive line.

Arkansas takes on UNM at 6:00 Saturday on ESPNU.

Auburn 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

The biggest problem Auburn is experiencing offensively appears to rest on the offensive line. Replacing the entire unit is a difficult process, and the number of times Barrett Trotter was hit against Utah State can testify to that. Still, the offense scored 42 while the defense had trouble but eventually found a way to win by giving up 38 points.... to Utah State. In fact, the Aggies outgained Auburn by nearly 100 yards. While Auburn was able to contain their starting halfback, Robert Turbin, the Tigers struggled against the rest of the Aggie rushing attack, allowing 4.3 yards per carry and 227 yards on the ground. Auburn has to get better very quickly if they want to make any noise whatsoever this season.

This weekend's 12:20 game between Auburn and Mississippi State is televised on the SEC Network. Don't miss it.

LSU 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

LSU mad a huge statement on Saturday night, crushing the Oregon Ducks with a final score of 40-27. At no point in the second half was the game close. LSU's defense was firing on all cylinders, as the Tigers forced four turnovers against an offense that was touted as capable of winning the national title for Oregon. The LSU offense managed just 273 total yards, but the Tigers didn't need much offensive production with the effort put in by their defense. Obviously, they can't expect to be given the ball four times a game, but this was a huge statement by LSU on a national stage. I'm horrified of what they're capable of doing during a night game in Baton Rouge. 

LSU brings in Louisiana FCS team Northwestern State at 7:00 on ESPN3. I fear for the safety of NWSU players.

Mississippi State 1-0 (0-0 SEC)

Mississippi State was on cruise control against Memphis last Thursday and still scored fifty-nine points. While Memphis made it easy for them, people saying that MSU showed a weakness in this game are sorely mistaken. MSU appeared strong and looked like they're ready to probably beat Auburn this Saturday. Freshman wide receiver Jameon Lewis proved to be an interesting piece for Dan Mullen's offense as he showed elite speed in the open field. He didn't show the ability to break tackles or anything, but in the right situations, he won't be asked to do that. Mullen has found several playmakers on offense, and I think other SEC teams should take notice. Now, their offensive line is a different story. I personally watched James Carmon commit false starts on roughly half the plays in which he participated. It was only called three or four times, but it could have been called on nearly every play. They've got to find an answer for Chris Relf's blind side, or they've got no chance against the best teams in the West.

As I said before, MSU travels to Auburn this weekend.