Across the nation, Week 9 saw plenty of games that exposed more pretenders and solidified teams worthy of their rankings.
Nationally, Oregon looked good in their first win as the top-ranked team, Navy got dropped from the ranks of the unbeaten, Ohio State survived a scare from Nebraska and Miami flattened FSU in what was once a premier game.
Back in the SEC, there was a lot to talk about. Texas found out Vandy is scary this year, Texas A&M remained undefeated in conference play with a win over LSU and Oklahoma's first year in the club continues to be miserable after another loss, this time to Ole Miss.
The two ancient enemies, Alabama and Auburn both picked up much-needed and revitalizing wins.
Bama found one of its strengths going forward: defense. Shutting out Missouri and it's high-powered offense isn't easy, but the Crimson Tide was extra stingy against the Tigers with another excellent showing. Offensively, it wasn't exactly a game of beauty; 'Bama scored just one touchdown in the first half, but answered with three in the second half. Seven penalties in the contest is still a point of concern, but the improvement has to be mentioned. 271 yards rushing was a very welcome sight - one we'll hopefully see over the coming weeks.
Auburn walked into last week's game against Kentucky wondering if their new mascot was Chicken Little, as it had seemed the sky had fallen on the Plains in 2024. Then the Tigers unleashed Jarquez Hunter and an offensive line looking, both of which looked to make their mark. The result? Hunter finished the contest with 278 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns. Auburn led in time of possession, was 8 of 14 in third-down conversions and finished with two yards shy of 500 yards of offense. Defensively, the Tigers held Kentucky to 224 yards and didn't allow another score after the first quarter.
From here, 'Bama and Auburn are in two different places. The Tide have the week off to prepare for the pivotal showdown with LSU in Baton Rouge. Auburn has Vandy, and Hugh Freeze has to deal with Diego Pavia, who brought a nice gift with him to Jordan-Hare last year while at New Mexico State.
That's it for this week; don't forget to take in a football or volleyball game to support your local prep athletes and their represent our communities.
Nationally, Oregon looked good in their first win as the top-ranked team, Navy got dropped from the ranks of the unbeaten, Ohio State survived a scare from Nebraska and Miami flattened FSU in what was once a premier game.
Back in the SEC, there was a lot to talk about. Texas found out Vandy is scary this year, Texas A&M remained undefeated in conference play with a win over LSU and Oklahoma's first year in the club continues to be miserable after another loss, this time to Ole Miss.
The two ancient enemies, Alabama and Auburn both picked up much-needed and revitalizing wins.
Bama found one of its strengths going forward: defense. Shutting out Missouri and it's high-powered offense isn't easy, but the Crimson Tide was extra stingy against the Tigers with another excellent showing. Offensively, it wasn't exactly a game of beauty; 'Bama scored just one touchdown in the first half, but answered with three in the second half. Seven penalties in the contest is still a point of concern, but the improvement has to be mentioned. 271 yards rushing was a very welcome sight - one we'll hopefully see over the coming weeks.
Auburn walked into last week's game against Kentucky wondering if their new mascot was Chicken Little, as it had seemed the sky had fallen on the Plains in 2024. Then the Tigers unleashed Jarquez Hunter and an offensive line looking, both of which looked to make their mark. The result? Hunter finished the contest with 278 yards on 23 carries with two touchdowns. Auburn led in time of possession, was 8 of 14 in third-down conversions and finished with two yards shy of 500 yards of offense. Defensively, the Tigers held Kentucky to 224 yards and didn't allow another score after the first quarter.
From here, 'Bama and Auburn are in two different places. The Tide have the week off to prepare for the pivotal showdown with LSU in Baton Rouge. Auburn has Vandy, and Hugh Freeze has to deal with Diego Pavia, who brought a nice gift with him to Jordan-Hare last year while at New Mexico State.
That's it for this week; don't forget to take in a football or volleyball game to support your local prep athletes and their represent our communities.
