Last week kicked off the beginning of college football season, or should I say the start of the SEC’s domination of every other football conference in the NCAA. This may be somewhat of a generalization, but after 7 SEC teams ran up more than 40 points in the first weekend of the season, it’s safe to say that the SEC is setting the bar for the 2012 college football season.
What you need to know:
- If you had any doubt in your mind that the SEC would claim another BCS Championship title, this past weekend might have swayed you a bit more to the capabilities of the dirty south. One of the most anticipated games of the weekend (Michigan vs. Alabama) left many Michigan fans discouraged and the Crimson Tide motivated after Alabama crushed Michigan 41-14.
- The Big Ten’s top ranked QB Denard Robinson was no match for Alabama’s AJ McCaron who threw two touchdowns and 199 yards to aid in Alabama’s sixth winning season-opener. But it wasn’t just the offense that made Alabama seem to be invincible. Freshmen T.J. Yeldon set the stage for his defenders, adding 111 yards to the team’s total of 431 yards for the night. The Crimson Tide defense showcased their aggression with pride as the offense painted the field with received and rushed yards. It’s obvious that this team has both ends of the field covered which is why they moved into the #1 AP Poll spot this week ahead of USC.
- The Auburn Tigers are in need of a comeback after a sad loss to Clemson last week. They have to come out on top of the Mississippi State game this weekend in order to truly be seen as a competitor with the top SEC names in the nation
- Top 10-ranked team, South Carolina didn’t perform at their best ability against Vanderbilt, leaving SEC hopefuls like Georgia and Ole Miss with a chance to slip into a winning position for toss up games later in the season. But please don’t sleep on individual greatness, Marcus Lattimore of South Carolina ran in 2 touchdowns and 110 rushing yards in his first game back after sitting out for a year due to injury.
Marcus Lattimore, Photo Credit: Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images
What to watch for this weekend:
Saturday at 6:45 PM on ESPN2: Georgia vs. Missouri:
Dorial-Green Beckham
- The University of Georgia will make their way to Columbia, Missouri to face the Missouri Tiger’s on the gridiron. Both teams protected their home turf with pride during the first week of games. The skill level between the Bulldogs and the Tigers will be a close match as both QB’s threw close to 60% in their season openers and total rushing and receiving yards ranged from 191-261. Though the University of Missouri’s national top recruit Dorial-Green Beckham didn’t put up amazing numbers on the board his first game, don’t be surprised if this 6 foot 6, 220 pound freshmen has jolted his nerves for Mizzou’s second game of the season.
Saturday at 3:30pm on ESPN: Texas A&M at Florida Gators
- Texas A&M will play their first game as an SEC team against one of the most recognized football programs in the nation, the Florida Gators. Don’t let this former Big 12 team throw you for a loop. They may not be the strongest team in the SEC but will show still competition against Florida who had rather disappointing numbers for such an advanced SEC seasoned team. The Gators’ receiving yards stood just under 150 yards against Bowling Green and passed 145 yards this past week. Coach Sherman and his Aggies will have no problem using this opener to their advantage if the Gators deliver yet another average game.
