This Week in the SEC (Week 7)
It should be an exciting week in the SEC, as two top ten matchups will shape up the SEC race. Only one of those matchups can earn Game of the Week honors though, and only one of those four teams can be #1 in the Power Rankings. CSM writer William Scott breaks down what’s ahead in a very important week in the SEC.
Power Rankings:
1) LSU (5-0, 3-0)
Last Week: W 45-24 kinda at South Carolina
This Week: vs #8 Florida
Leonard Fournette showed he was a Heisman on and off the field after the game Saturday.
2) Florida (6-0, 3-0)
Last Week: W 21-3 vs Missouri
This Week: at #6 LSU
Will Grier, man. Will Grier.
3) Alabama (5-1, 2-1)
Last Week: W 27-14 vs Arkansas
This Week: at #8 Texas A&M
When Nick Saban remembered that Arkansas lost to Toledo, that's when he got his team to try.
4) Texas A&M (6-0, 3-0)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: vs #9 Alabama
If the real Jake Coker shows up, A&M will win this game.
5) Ole Miss (5-1, 2-1)
Last Week: W 52-3 vs New Mexico State
This Week: at #22 Memphis
Mark my words: Memphis is going to be REALLY tough for the Rebels
6) Kentucky (2-1, 4-1)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: vs Auburn
Auburn shouldn't be much of a contest for Kentucky. Didn't think that would be the case before the season started.
7) Mississippi State (4-2, 1-2)
Last Week: W 45-17 vs Troy
This Week: vs Louisiana Tech
La Tech won’t be easy for the Dogs.
8) Tennessee (3-3, 1-2)
Last Week: W 38-31 vs #18 Georgia
This Week: Bye
So Tennessee flipped the script and instead of choking they had a monster comeback. Unreal.
9) Georgia (4-2, 2-2)
Last Week: L 38-31 at Tennessee
This Week: vs Mizzou
When you let Tennessee comeback like that on you, that's BAD.
10) Missouri (4-2, 1-2)
Last Week: L 21-3 vs #11 Florida
This Week: at Georgia
Remember when Mizzou fans wanted Mauk benched? Yeah, I don't hear those same fans now.
11) Auburn (3-2, 0-2)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: at Kentucky
I honestly don't know why Auburn is the favorite this week.
12) Arkansas (2-4, 1-2)
Last Week: L 27-14 at #8 Alabama
This Week: Bye
Arkansas had the lead on Bama late in the 3rd quarter. That's embarrassing for Bama.
13) Vanderbilt (2-3, 0-2)
Last Week: Bye
This Week: at South Carolina
Vandy hasn't been last in the power rankings for two whole weeks. WOW!
14) South Carolina (0-4, 2-4)
Last Week: L 45-24 vs #7 LSU
This Week: vs Vanderbilt
The Old Ball Coach called it quits on Tuesday. Really upset I won’t hear another one of his press conferences.
Game of the Week
#6 LSU vs #8 Florida
Saturday, 6:00 CT, ESPN
Stunning news came out of Gainesville on Monday as it was announced that starting QB Will Grier was suspended for the rest of the year after taking an illegal substance. The redshirt freshman was a huge reason the Gators are 6-0, and it’s a huge blow to Jim McElwain’s young team. However, the Gators are far from done. Treon Harris will need to step up, and do it quickly, as the Gators face they’re toughest test of the year on Saturday: Facing LSU at night in Death Valley.
The Breakdown:
What it sounds like to me is that Grier was sick, and he went to Walgreens and bought some medicine, and the medicine had a substance in it that was banned by the NCAA. That really sucks for Grier and the Gators. However, Florida has to move on from this, and luckily they have a terrific backup in Treon Harris. The dual threat sophomore looked sharp in his only start this year against New Mexico State, going 14-19 for 215 yards and a pair of TD’s. He would have been the starting QB on pretty much any other SEC team…even LSU. He presents maybe even more of a challenge for the Bayou Bengal defense than Grier does, as they are going to have to stop him from making plays with his legs. He presents a unique challenge for defensive coordinator Kevin Steele. And lets face it; LSU’s defense has not looked very good this year. They let a 5th string walk-on QB from Syracuse score 24 points on them. If Harris and the Gators offense can attack LSU’s D, they will have a very good chance to win this game.
Prediction:
Florida’s defense has looked very solid thus far, but now they are going to have to stop Leonard Fournette. Good luck. If they somewhat control Fournette, expect LSU to open up the passing game more to exploit the Gator D. If they can have a consistent aerial attack AND Fournette, look out. I believe Fournette does his thing and if Brandon Harris can get into a groove, LSU will be rolling. I just don’t think a young team can go into Death Valley at night and beat LSU. They might prove me wrong, but Leonard Fournette will carry the Tigers to victory in what will be a very close game in Baton Rouge.
Score: LSU 27, Florida 24
Other Games to Watch:
#8 Texas A&M vs #9 Alabama
