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 6-0 (4-0 SEC)
WOW, that was close. Urban and his gang cut it dangerously close last weekend against Arkansas. They committed four turnovers and Tebow was sacked six times. However, they found a way to win and did so with a game winning field goal from Caleb Sturgis. Sturgis' game winner from 27 yards out made him the SEC special teams player of the week. Congratulations, young man. DE Jermaine Cunningham also had a great performance as he had six tackles, including four for a loss, and two sacks. Now, the "teacher" travels to Starkghanistan to face his "mentor" in a battle of SEC powerhouses East v West. UpSeT aLeRt!!! Not really. The game starts at 6:30 CDT and will be aired on ESPN.
GEORGIA 4-3 (3-2 SEC)
The eastern division Dogs traveled to Nashville and whipped Vandy 34-10 last weekend. Leading the way for the defensive domination was SEC defensive lineman of the week Geno Atkins who recorded 8 tackles, including one for a loss. On the day, the Georgia "D" kept Vandy from gaining 300 yards of total offense. This week, however, the challenge gets tougher as they have a bye week. Ouch. Sorry Vandy, that was inappropriate. On Halloween, UGA will take on Florida in Jacksonville.
KENTUCKY 3-3 (1-3 SEC)
The Wildcats visited and handled Auburn, which no one not a Kentucky fan expected them to do. ESPN continues to praise Rich Brooks for his "grit" and "determination," and I guess I need to give him some credit too. After losing their qb Mike Hartline the previous week, they go on the road and get a gutsy 21-14 win. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Micah Johnson had a Patrick Willis-like 14 tackles. A bowl might actually be a possibility with MS State, Vandy, Georgia, Tennessee, ULM, and Eastern Kentucky on the schedule. They could easily win 3 of those last 6 games. This week, they plan to get one game closer to bowl eligibility against ULM on FSN at 6 central.
SOUTH CAROLINA 5-2 (2-2 SEC)
Dang't SC. Dang you, Steve Spurrier. You could have repaid us and let us get back on track in the SEC West by beating Alabama. Instead, you missed some opportunities and lost 20-6 in Tuscaloosa. As usual, the Tide "D" was tough, but WR Alshon Jefferry had 4 catches for 83 yards against Alabama. On the defensive side of the ball, Shaq Wilson had 11 tackles and an interception. If nothing else, SC gained some respect last week in the eyes of the SEC and national media. This week, the Cocks host the Commodores in an SEC East match-up. Remember that Vandy has beaten SC twice in a row, and I bet someone on the field will be seeking revenge. If you get really bored, tune in to ESPNU at 6 central.
TENNESSEE 3-3 (1-2 SEC)
Tennessee had a bye week to prepare for the Tide. If you remember, they thrashed Georgia a couple of weeks ago. Here's my only question/comment: How bad will Crompton look against that Bama defense? You can catch it on CBS at 2:30 CDT.
VANDERBILT 2-5 (0-4 SEC)
It seems that the Dores are right back to rock bottom in the SEC. If they are not careful, they will go 0-8 in the SEC this season. Last week, they were pummeled by a not so good Georgia team. However, frosh RB Warren Norman had 52 yards on 14 carries, 27 yards on two catches, and 71 kickoff return yards on four attempts. Also, LB Chris Marve had 9 tackles. The reality is that Vandy needs a win and needs it now. Can they make it three in a row against South Carolina? Tune in to ESPNU at 6 p.m. central.