While Week 7 of the college football season wasn't the trip through the madhouse that The Fifth was, 2024 is still making many of us shake our heads and wonder what in the world is going on.
Nationally, Ohio State fell to Oregon and is out of the ranks of the unbeaten. Meanwhile, Army and Navy are undefeated and the NIL is finally going to get a shake-up after so much mismanagement.
Here's the rundown rants of Week 7's SEC games:
Alabama/South Carolina:
Another messy game for 'Bama over an opponent they should have blown out of the water. This time, unlike against Vandy last week, ended with a 'Bama victory...which will be met with "a win is a win regardless." Actually, no, as the root problems still remain: this team has not played to its potential since the first half against Georgia and there's too much complacency on the sidelines.
Once again, give South Carolina credit: like many other programs facing a top-tier opponent this year, they gave it their all and nearly walked away with another upset victory...this time, however, it would have been in Bryant-Denny/Saban Field. Had the Tide played as well on defense as the Gamecocks did, I would have seen some signs of optimism, but Kane Wommack is steadily showing me that he's out of his league.
Texas/Oklahoma
Right now, the Longhorns are in the driver's seat and in control of their own destiny. In a heated rivalry contest, Texas shined like a top-ranked team should: 406 yards of offense and 34 points against allowing the Sooners 237 yards and a field goal. Arch Manning didn't even have to step on the field as Quinn Ewers was 20 of 29 for nearly 200 yards passing. The biggest test for the Longhorns comes this week...
The Sooners are still trying to find their 2024 identity since the injuryfest against Tennessee. There's not a lot of wiggle room for Oklahoma in this first SEC season - Ole Miss, Alabama and LSU still remain on the schedule, and as we're all learning this season, if you're not on your game, everyone has a chance.
Georgia/Mississippi State
Although I shouldn't be this year, the outcome of UGA and Miss State was still surprising. While Georgia's offense looked crisp with 605 total yards and 41 points, the old defensive guru of Kirby Smart has to be smarting after Mississippi State stayed within reach and closed the lead to just 10 points in the fourth quarter from a 24-point deficit. You can bet Texas will be reviewing the gametape heavily this week.
Mississippi State continues to fight each week, hard. At 1-5 and Texas A&M, Tennessee and Ole Miss still waiting on the schedule, it's a good bet Mississippi State's postseason hopes are all gone.
LSU/Ole Miss
The latest installment in the Ole Miss-LSU saga was a classic - if you haven't watched it in its entirity, it's worth it. It also solved another quandry in the tie-up among the SEC echelon. LSU's lone loss came outside of conference play, while both of the Rebels' losses came in the SEC. Ole Miss will have a week to re-tool the gameplan and get into game mode before the Sooners come to Oxford: a potential playoff berth is not impossible, but close to it.
For LSU, momentum has clearly gotten behind their season since the opening loss to USC. Back-to-back road trips to Arkansas and Texas A&M await the Tigers before an off week and 3 of the final 4 games will be played at home - none of which are against Texas or Georgia.
Tennessee/Florida
I really didn't expect an overtime game between Tennessee and Florida, particularly with the game in Knoxville. So much of the stat sheet reflects how close the contest was - with the exception of time of possession: Florida had an almost-10 minute advantage in that department. The Vols have survived two consecutive close games in these two previous weeks and 'Bama is coming to town Saturday...and someone is going to be heartbroken around dinner time.
Vanderbilt/Kentucky
Has Clark Lea certified his name among the top of the coaching prospects list? If not, he should be. Vandy is 4-2 overall, knocked-off then No. 1 Alabama and has a number of winnable games left on the schedule.
Missouri/UMass
Wow, congrats Missouri. You beat a soon-to-be MAC team that's won as many games this decade as you have in 2024. That's sure to scare Auburn.
Until next week, be sure to support your local athletes as they work hard to represent their communities by taking in a football or volleyball game this fall.
