SEC Football Week 7 Breakdown
How long until November fifth? How long until November fifth? How long until November fifth? I keep trying to convince myself that the rest of this conference matters but, at this point, I am just waiting expectantly for the November fifth game pitting LSU against Alabama. Ordinarily you would expect one of these teams to drop the proverbial ball and lose their matchup the week prior but I just don’t see that happening. Week seven is simply another week we have to pay attention until November fifth.
Saturday, October 15
12th ranked South Carolina vs. Mississippi State
This game does not have much in the way of excitement as far as the SEC goes since Mississippi State has been nothing close to preseason expectations, but the stories surrounding South Carolina are enough to give this game top billing.
Last week against Kentucky, USC finally benched Stephen Garcia in favor of sophomore quarterback Connor Shaw. Shaw responded, albeit against the Wildcats, with a monstrous game. He threw for 311 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. He was the epitome of everything Garcia wasn’t. He was efficient; he was consistent; he didn’t turn the ball over and made very few mistakes.
After the game, news came down that Stephen Garcia had been dismissed from the team entirely. This would be Shaw’s team to run. I’m sure this news delighted Alshon Jeffrey and the rest of the Gamecocks. What it also did was put South Carolina in the driver’s seat for the SEC East title. They do not play Alabama or LSU this season and seem poised to claim that “Third best team in the conference” crown.
Other notable matchups
Nothing strikes my fancy.
Games of no particular note or significance whatsoever:
Saturday October 15
3rd ranked LSU vs. Tennessee
1st ranked Alabama vs. Ole Miss
22nd ranked Florida vs. Auburn
Georgia vs. Vanderbilt
A couple remaining thoughts on the rest of these games: Tennessee will be without their talented starting quarterback Tyler Bray. It wouldn’t have mattered if he played. Both Florida and Auburn will be looking to rebound after tough losses in week six. Although Auburn is stuck behind two National Championship favorites in the SEC West, Florida still has a good chance to battle for the SEC East crown.
