Game of the Week: Missouri Tigers (1-0) @ Kentucky Wildcats (1-0)

Not only is this the best game of the week, this is the only game that features two SEC teams. While Georgia and Florida still likely reign supreme in the SEC East, this game likely vaults either Kentucky and Missouri as a challenger. Both teams won in Week 1, however Kentucky did it in an easier fashion. Kentucky boat-raced UL-Monroe 45-10 while Missouri outlasted Central Michigan, 34-24.

This game features plenty of offensive talent. Kentucky quarterback Will Levis had the best passing game in a long time as he threw for 367 yards and 4 touchdowns. Wide receiver Josh Ali continued to be productive as he had 136 receiving yards and a touchdown. He was also joined by Wan’Dale Robinson. Robinson, the Nebraska transfer, added 125 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Meanwhile, running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. ran for 125 yards.

On the other side, Missouri returns Connor Bazelak. Bazelak threw for 257 yards and 2 touchdowns in the opener. However, the big story out of Missouri was running back Tyler Badie. Badie ran for 203 yards and a touchdown and caught another touchdown.

It should be a great atmosphere at Kroger Field for the 7:30 PM kickoff. Kentucky has won five of the last six meetings, but Missouri won last year’s meeting 20-10.

Player to Watch: Will Levis, Kentucky

Will Levis had a strong debut for Kentucky against UL-Monroe. Things get tougher this week as he plays in his first conference game vs. Missouri. Kentucky’s passing game was ineffective against Missouri last season as quarterback Terry Wilson only completed four of eleven passes. Levis will be counted on to give the Wildcats a legitimate passing account to contend in the SEC East.

Upset Alert: North Carolina State (1-0) @ Mississippi State Bulldogs (1-0)

Just to clarify, I am putting North Carolina State on upset alert as they enter as a 2.5-point favorite.

Mississippi State was almost the victim of an upset in Week 1, but they erased a 20-point deficit in the fourth quarter. Mike Leach’s team suffered some inopportune turnovers, but they were able to recover to get the victory.

The Bulldogs had a whopping six turnovers including a pick-six. Despite that, Mississippi State showed their offense can move the ball, especially in crunch time. Quarterback Will Rogers threw for 370 yards and 3 touchdowns. With that momentum, I believe a Mississippi State victory is quite probable.

Also, North Carolina State is a member of the ACC which has struggled so far. ACC teams are 6-6 in nonconference games through Week 1 and 0-2 in games where they faced teams from the SEC. To North Carolina State’s credit, they are one of the teams who has a win.

Woodshed Alert: Mercer Bears (1-0) @ Alabama Crimson Tide (1-0)

Alabama may qualify for the Woodshed Alert every week after what they did to Miami last week. The Crimson Tide put the screws to Miami and never let up as dominated them, 44-13. This week the Mercer Bears get their chance against Alabama.

Mercer had a rather nice win over Point University by a score of 69-0.

Started the season with a ＢＩＧ win! 😎#LightTheBridge | #RoarTogether pic.twitter.com/MwaAxIuYGw

— Mercer Football (@MercerFootball) September 3, 2021

Do not be surprised to see Alabama to put up a similar score this week.

Hot Seat: Ed Orgeron, LSU

After suffering a 38-27 loss to UCLA Saturday night, Ed Orgeron is now 5-6 since winning a National Championship in 2019. After an offseason in which LSU hired two new coordinators, the problems of 2020 remained unfixed. LSU was not able to run the ball and the defense still gave up big plays.

While things look bleak in Baton Rouge, the next two games at home against McNeese State and Central Michigan offer some hope. The Tigers must show some improvement before SEC play or that could spell trouble for Orgeron’s future.

OUTTA HERE!