Game of the Week
Tennessee at Georgia
The only matchup of undefeated teams this week is Tennessee traveling to take on Georgia. Both have been impressive thus far. For Georgia, it has been due to a dominant defense and unheralded quarterback. For Tennessee, it has been a commitment to the running game.
Georgia’s defense has been dominant. The Bulldogs have allowed only 16 points through their first two games. They only allow 3.84 yards per play which is second in the country.
Quarterback Stetson Bennett has been exactly what Georgia needs from the quarterback position. Since taking over he has completed 65% of his passes with 3 touchdowns. More importantly, Bennett has taken care of the ball, with no interceptions.
Tennessee’s offense relies on its offensive line to create holes for running backs Ty Chandler and Eric Gray. Both average over five yards per carry. They will get a significant test against Georgia, who allows only 2.32 yards per carry.
When these two rivals meet, a former Bulldog will be in orange and white. Junior guard Cade Mays was a starter at multiple positions in his two years at Georgia before transferring to Tennessee this off-season.
Georgia has owned this rivalry of the late, winning the last three meetings. In those games, the Bulldogs have outscored the Volunteers 122-26.
Check out this week’s Nado’s Notions for my pick in this game as well.
Player to Watch
Matt Corral
Most people expected Lane Kiffin to be a positive for Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral, but few could have seen this. Corral has been great so far, completing over 76% of his passes. Furthermore, he has seven touchdowns to only one interception.
Corral led the Rebels to their first win of the Kiffin era in an overtime win over Kentucky. This week things will get tougher as the Rebels host the Alabama Crimson Tide. More on that later.
Upset Alert
Auburn Tigers
The Arkansas defense is riding high after slowing down the Mississippi State offense in their 21-14 victory. Safety Joe Foucha had two interceptions in the win, one was returned for a touchdown. Foucha’s confidence was on display as he spoke to the media earlier this week.
Then there is Bumper Pool, the hottest name to come through Fayetteville since Spencer Farley. The junior linebacker leads the country in tackles per game with 15.5.
The Auburn offense is reeling after not reaching the endzone against Georgia. Quarterback Bo Nix was ineffective and the rushing attack was even worse. The Tigers were only able to muster up 39 yards on the ground against the Bulldogs.
To make matters worse, it was announced leading tackler KJ Britt will undergo surgery.
Woodshed Alert
LSU at Missouri
This game was originally scheduled at night in Baton Rouge, but due to Hurricane Delta, it will be at 11:00 AM in Missouri. Credit to all parties for getting this game moved in a timely fashion. As for the teams on the field, it appears they are heading in a different directions.
After an embarrassing loss to Mississippi State in the first week of the season, LSU rebounded with a thorough beating of Vanderbilt. The defense tightened down and only allowed 7 points and 266 yards of offense. The rushing attack also saw improvement with the emergence of John Emery. Emery had 103 yards and a touchdown in the 41-7 victory.
Missouri showed some positive signs coming out of their loss to Alabama. However, any momentum was quickly doused as Tennessee ran roughshod over these Tigers. The Volunteers raced to a 14-0 victory as they secured a 35-12 victory. Missouri allowed 232 yards on the ground in the loss.
On Thursday, it was announced that seven Missouri players will miss the LSU game due to either testing positive or having contact with someone who tested positive.
With LSU rounding into form and Missouri appearing weak against the run, this could be a woodshed-type beating.
Saban vs. Kiffin
Alabama and Ole Miss have two quarterbacks playing at a high level in Mac Jones and Matt Corral, respectively. However, the matchup everyone is looking forward to will be on the sidelines. Lane Kiffin, who was Alabama’s offensive coordinator from 2014 to 2016, will face his former boss in Nick Saban.
Together, Saban and Kiffin won three SEC Championships and a National Championship in 2015. Sure, there was a great deal of success, but what about their combustible relationship? The moments of Saban yelling at Kiffin will love on as GIFs.
After three seasons at Florida Atlantic, Kiffin is back in the SEC at Ole Miss. As mentioned, he has Matt Corral and the offense in high gear. The defense is another story. Ole Miss is allowing 600 yards per game, worst of all schools who have played.
Kiffin enjoys reflecting on his time at Alabama, as well as poking fun at Saban. When SEC Network blowhard Paul Finebaum predicted Kiffin would be the first former Saban assistant to defeat Alabama, here is what Kiffin had to say:
The jabs continued this week.
After last week’s win over Texas A&M, Saban is 20-0 against former assistants. Alabama is currently a 24-point favorite.
Hot Seat
Will Muschamp
South Carolina has now lost five straight games dating back to last season. Their last win came against this week’s opponent, the Vanderbilt Commodores.
This will be the first time Will Muschamp and the Gamecocks are favored this season. After being a 4-point underdog against Tennessee and an 18-point underdog against Florida, South Carolina is 13.5-point favorite against Vanderbilt.
So, while losing to Florida and Tennessee may be forgivable, a loss to Vanderbilt is not.
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 