SEC Week One: Three and Out

I’m trying something new this season.

Each week, I’m going to provide a little personal insight on three observations from the previous week.  I will also identify one popular notion or opinion that I think needs to be thrown out, or punted away—hence the headline “Three and Out.” 

Being that I do not have enough time or resources to do this on a national level, I will narrow my scope down to the SEC. 

1.)    The New Head Coaches Made Statements

While none of the three new coaches in the SEC played what we would call a real “quality opponent,” there is still something to be said about what coaches Mullen, Kiffin, and Chizik did on Saturday.  For one week, they reduced their critics to a muffled murmur. 

Tennessee racked up over 600 yards of total offense.  Yes, it was against Western Kentucky, but for a team that struggled to gain even a first down last year, that is a massive step in the right direction.

The Tigers from Jackson State University were pumped to be the first SWAC team ever to take a jab at an SEC.  Mississippi State started slow, but pulled away from their in-state foe in the end.  SWAC teams pride themselves on defense, and the Bulldogs were able to muster up 45 points. 

And then there’s Auburn.  They beat a team that went bowling in 2008.  They also had two backs rush for over 100 yards.  If they can produce even half of that type of rushing attack against SEC opponents, they will be much improved from a year ago.

2.)    Hyped QB’s Struggle on the Road

Joe Cox, Stephen Garcia, and Jevan Snead all struggled on the road this week.

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