Around the SEC East: Week 2

#18 Florida 1-1 (0-0 SEC)

A week after I sing Florida's praises, they lay an egg against Miami. The Hurricanes aren't a bad team, but Florida likely could have used a confidence boosting win. Florida outgained Miami 413 to 212 yards. The Hurricanes averaged a measly 1.8 yards per carry and completed just 12 of their 25 pass attempts. Florida linebacker Ronald Powell was incredible with three tackles for loss. Unfortunately for the Gators, Miami's anemic offensive output proved to be enough as Jeff Driskell threw two costly interceptions, and Miami walked away with the win. Florida has a bye this week before taking on Tennessee next week. That could be a very important game for both teams.

#9 Georgia 1-1 (1-0 SEC)

Aaron Murray and Todd Gurley being on the same team isn't fair. Murray's QBR (an ESPN-touted ranking that is not the same as a passer rating) against South Carolina was 92.9. He threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns, helping to lead the Bulldogs to a 41-30 victory and mild upset. Todd Gurley had 30 carries for 134 yards and a touchdown. It was an all-around strong performance by Georgia's offense against a strong South Carolina defense. Georgia still has work to do defensively as they gave up over 450 yards to the Gamecocks and didn't make many game-changing plays defensively. As long as their offense is clicking, it may not matter very much. Georgia has a bye this week before beating the hell out of North Texas next weekend.

Kentucky 1-1 (0-0 SEC)

Kentucky beat Miami of Ohio 41-7. It was boring though unexpected. Kentucky flourished in every aspect of the game, accumulating 675 yards of offense and holding THE U (of Ohio) to just 122 total yards. It had to be very encouraging as a Kentucky fan after that devastating loss to Western Kentucky. Tons of Wildcats got snaps, and it didn't seem to make a difference. Kentucky probably shouldn't expect a win this week when they play Louisville. They have slight reason for optimism moving forward though with a group of strong recruits committed and contributions from many young players.

Missouri 2-0 (0-0 SEC)

Don't look now, but Missouri has done what they needed to so far this season. Senior Quarterback James Franklin has 530 passing yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT, and 121 rushing yards through two games. Sure, they were against Toledo and Murray State, but this is the thing Missouri needs to be doing. They need to work out their kinks against lesser teams while building their talent to an SEC level. The Tigers stopped Toledo's hotshot QB Terrence Owens, forcing three interceptions. Owens is probably ready to not play SEC teams as he has looked rough against Florida and Missouri. The Tigers play Indiana on the Big Ten Network this week. The Tigers need a win there to bolster their record as they have Arkansas State the following week and then eight straight SEC games. With Ole Miss being their second to last game, it would be nice if the team had given up by that point, but I'm not sure that will be the case.

#13 South Carolina 1-1 (0-1 SEC)

South Carolina lost a tough one to Georgia, giving up a bunch of yards. I do find it funny that ESPN continues to harp on Jedeveon Clowney's "slow start." He had two TFLs, including a sack, against a fantastic offense. What did people expect? This is the reason that defensive players don't win the Heisman. Voters and media members don't realize that even if that player is doing their job very well, they can't always get four sacks in a game. A defensive end isn't the same as a quarterback or runningback. Defensive coordinators don't say, "let's call a sack for Clowney." South Carolina plays Vanderbilt Saturday in a huge game for both teams. It was a 19-16 win for South Carolina last year and could be very interesting this season. That game is on ESPN at 6 CT, so if you don't get the Longhorn Network, watch this one.

Tennessee 2-0 (0-0 SEC)

Tennessee's defense forced seven turnovers against Western Kentucky including a span of five in seven total plays. Four players registered interceptions with Brian Randolph picking off two passes. If there's a concern for Tennessee's defense to take away from this game, it's that they gave up five yards per carry to Western Kentucky. I know the Hilltoppers are coached by Bobby Petrino, but that's rough. Tennessee fans have to be excited about their future, but things aren't going to turn out well for them against Oregon this weekend at Autzen Stadium.

Vanderbilt 1-1 (0-1 SEC, bitches)

Vanderbilt beat the hell out of Austin Peay, which is good. Had they struggled, Ole Miss fans would have likely been saddened. Vanderbilt's defense held Austin Peay to just 54 passing yards as the Governors (seriously) only threw 16 total passes, an interesting strategy when losing a game 38-3. Jordan Matthews only had 6 catches for 111 yards and a touchdown in that game. What a crappy stat line. Vanderbilt plays South Carolina in that aforementioned game Saturday. It's their chance to shake things up in the East.