SEC Saturday Round-Up – Week 4

All 12 teams were in action over the weekend with four conference games. The highlights of the week were South Carolina defeating Ole Miss on Thursday night, ‘Bama holding Arkansas to seven points and, of course, Tim Tebow’s concussion.

Tebow got absolutely drilled. I was in Section 123, which is the side of the field where the hit occured, and the man got popped. I am glad he is home and I hope he is able to play in two weeks against LSU.

Still, the media coverage of this thing was absurd. I don’t need to see the man puking in a plastic bag. Give the man some privacy. He is knocked out, has no clue what is going on, and you are shoving cameras all up in his face.

Enough of that rant, now to the round-up.

South Carolina 16, Ole Miss 10
The Gamecock defense either proved something or Jevan Snead proved that he is the most overrated quarterback in the country.

After not being able to stop Georgia, just two weeks prior, South Carolina shut down the Ole Miss offense, completely. Ole Miss finished with just 248 yards, but the story was Snead’s showing, as he finished just 7-for-21 with 107 yards and a touchdown.

South Carolina rushed for just 65 yards but Stephen Garcia managed to outplay Snead, passing for 220 yards and a touchdown.

Beatability Index – South Carolina: 3

I still think Kentucky can win in Columbia this season, but they are going to have to get their offense rolling. The Gamecocks have had strong defensive games and strong offensive games, but haven’t really put the two together. If they are able to do that, it will be very difficult for the ‘Cats to win. If they don’t, they have a shot.

LSU 30, Mississippi State 26

LSU stopped Mississippi State on a first-and-goal at the 2 in the final two minutes to preserve the 30-26 victory in Starkville.

On offense, the Tigers simply could not get the ground game going as the Bulldogs held them to just 30 yards. But, the Tigers found a way to move the ball through the air when they needed to. Sophomore Jordan Jefferson threw for 233 yards and two touchdowns. Brandon LaFell was on the receiving end of both touchdowns and finished with over 100 yards receiving.

Senior Anthony Dixon rushed for over 100 yards and two touchdowns for MSU.

Beatability Index – Mississippi State: 6

Last week I had this as an eight, I think it needs to come down a bit. I still do not believe LSU to be anywhere near a top ten team, but was still impressed with MSU’s ability to stop their ground attack and stay in the game.

Alabama 35, Arkansas 7

Remember last week when Ryan Mallett threw for over 400 yards and five touchdowns in Arkansas’ loss against Georgia. Against ‘Bama, on Saturday, he was limited to just 12-for-35 passing for 160 yards, with a pick and a touchdown.

On the other end of the field, Greg McElroy was having a career-day. He threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns in the easy victory.

Beatability Index – Alabama: 1

Last week I had this at three and mentioned how I thought Kentucky had a chance because they played them so close last year. I still think Kentucky has a better chance than they did agaisnt Florida simply because they run a conventional style offense.

But, after ‘Bama’s impressive defensive performance against Arkansas and Kentucky’s continuing struggles on offense, I am becoming less and less confident.

Georgia 20, Arizona State 17

A 37-yard field goal by Blair Walsh, as time expired, gave Georgia the victory over Arizona State at Sanford Stadium.

The Bulldogs held the Sun Devils to just over 200 yards and raced out to a 14-3 lead in the first quarter. But, three quick turnovers after halftime led to two quick ASU scores to get them back in the game.

The story for Georgia was sophomore A.J. Green, who finished with 8 catches for 153 yards and a score. It marked his second strait 100-yard receiving game. Last week against Arkansas, he caught 7 balls for 137 yards and two touches.

Green also played a pivotal role on special teams, blocking an ASU field with just under five minutes remaining, which would have given them the lead.

Beatability Index – Georgia: 3

Bringing this one down from four to three. Unless Kentucky can create turnovers like ASU did, I really don’t see them upsetting Georgia in Athens.

Tennessee 34, Ohio 23

A week after holding Florida to 23 points, the Vols allowed the Bobcats of Ohio to put up the same number. They also allowed 340 yards of total offense, 319 of which came through the air.

With their defense struggling, they turned to much-maligned quarterback Jonathan Crompton and Montario Hardesty to provide enough offense to win the game.

Hardesty rushed for 140 yards on just 20 attempts while Crompton threw for 222 yards and two touchdowns.

Beatability Index – Tennessee: 5

At this point, this one remains a toss-up.

Auburn 54, Ball State 30

Senior Chris Todd threw for 287 yards and five touchdowns in Auburn’s easy victory over Testicle Tech.

Beatability Index – Auburn: 3

Gene Chizik’s arrival at Auburn was met with varying opinions. But, one thing is for sure, he has the Tiger’s offense rolling. On the road, this looks like it will be a tough one for the ‘Cats.

Vanderbilt 36, Rice 17

Vandy rolled over Rice in Houston, 36-17. All four of Vandy’s touchdowns were of the rushing variety by four different Commodores. After a rough game against MSU, Larry Smith rebounded by completing 23-of-41 passes for 268 yards and a pick.

Beatability Index – Vanderbilt: 6

Vandy is never a gimmee and that is not going to be the case this year.

If Kentucky can find a way to move the football conisistently, their chances to win games improves drastically, because I still believe that their defense can keep them in games.

Unfortunately, it doesn’t get any easier for the ‘Cats offense, as they are forced to face a tough, tough Alabama defense this weekend.