SEC News and Notes Week 5
By Alatex Sports
Sportsmemo.com
Arkansas has turned into a downright embarrassment to the SEC now after losing 58-10 to Texas A&M last week. The Hogs have committed 15 turnovers on the season and forced just two. The defense has now allowed over 2,500 yards in five games and there appears to be no answers coming from bankrupt head coach John L. Smith. Arkansas is now a 10-point underdog at Auburn. War Eagle comes in off of a bye after battling LSU to a two-point loss two weeks ago.
The most exciting game of the week was in Athens as 5th ranked Georgia held off Tennessee, 51-44. The two teams combined for 1,038 yards of offense and seven turnovers while scoring six touchdowns on plays longer than 32 yards. The Tennessee run defense was gashed again, as both Georgia running backs had over 130 yards and the Bulldogs finished with 282 yards on the ground.
The other three SEC teams ranked in the top six in the nation – Alabama, LSU, and South Carolina – were in action but not at the top of their respective games. South Carolina actually trailed Kentucky 17-7 at halftime, and the Wildcats were once again without starting quarterback Maxwell Smith, who left during the Cats’ first series. South Carolina outscored the Wildcats 31-0 in the second half to squeak out the spread covering 38-17 win.
Alabama also failed to cover again as a big favorite, beating Ole Miss 33-14 in a sluggish effort. Bama had a paltry 305 yards of total offense against the Ole Miss defense that coughed up 66 points to Texas. Alabama also struggled in the red zone, kicking four field goals and scoring just two touchdowns in six trips. Ole Miss has improved some on defense since the Texas loss but this was not of Alabama’s better efforts.
LSU actually trailed Towson State 9-7 in the second quarter and led just 17-9 at halftime before pulling away for a 38-22 win. The Tigers played with no emotion – not a shock with the huge game at Florida on deck. LSU managed just 396 total yards and allowed five sacks of quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Towson actually had more first downs in the game, 19-18.
The only other SEC team in action last week was Missouri, which got a much needed win at Central Florida, 21-16. UCF dominated the first half, but led just 10-7 after blowing several opportunities. Missouri used a punt return in the 3rd quarter to take the lead and won despite being outgained 395-346.
There are some huge conference matchups this week with LSU going to Florida and Georgia headed to South Carolina. All four teams are unbeaten and ranked in the top 10 in the nation. Both games should be tightly contested affairs and will be huge in sorting out the Eastern Division.