SEC RECAP - WEEK 2

The picture on the right was given to me courtesy of my buddy JJ Pettit who just Graduated from USC. JJ traveled to Columbia for the game this weekend and took this pic for me. His Gamecocks may finally have a legit shot at getting to Atlanta this year


Week two in the SEC was burning up! I mean it was HOT in the Southeast this weekend. I went to Tuscaloosa to see JoePA and Penn St. come to town and when I walked to gameday at 8AM it was already 90+ degrees outside. Erin Andrews was wearing jeans and a freakin' jacket! Not really sure what she was thinking. And yes, just to let you guys know, she looks even better in person than she does on tv. She and Kirk "frosted tips" Herbstreit went out to Innisfree Friday night before the game as well. Innisfree is a really cool bar in Tuscaloosa, probably my favorite one there. It's a huge Irish pub that has a big patio out front and on the side. College students LOVE this place.

Speaking of Kirk Herbstreit, Alabama fans did not give him a warm welcome on Saturday morning after he predicted Auburn to win the SEC west a few weeks ago. There were quite a few jeers from the crowd when he spoke and numerous signs about him. He's not a very popular guy in Tuscaloosa. However, his gelled hair and frosted tips were perfectly constructed. He must have spent extra time to make his hair look right since it was so humid. I give him credit for that. One of the coolest signs I saw was from a Penn St. guy that said, "Bro Paterno is a BRO KING." Simple but to the point. That guy really is a Bro-King.

The atmosphere in Tuscaloosa was unbelievable and Penn St. fans were swarming. Even after they lost they crowded the streets looking to have a good time. I think they knew they were going to lose because it seemed like they just wanted to experience an SEC football weekend.

Since I on the subject of Alabama, I'll start with the recap of this game...

Alabama v Penn St.

Nick Saban's boys absolutely dominated this game from the start. It is Saban's goal every week for Alabama to physically dominate their opponent on EVERY play, and Alabama did just that. The o-line made a statement with their physical play early, and Trent Richardson was unreal. He rushed for 102 yards in the first half and broke tackles seemingly every time he touched the ball. Alabama fans aren't surprised though, they know there is not a drop off without Ingram. It is going to be scary when Ingram comes back. McElroy may not even throw the ball the rest of the season. Speaking of McElroy, he was solid as usual. This guy is Mr. consistent. He made great reads the entire game and led a balanced attack. I think he may be the best leader in college football right now. The guy has not lost a game since 8th grade!

Did anyone see when the camera showed Bro Paterno around 8:30 PM in the second half? I really think he fell asleep during the game. Poor guy. Those night games are probably tough for him.

South Carolina v Georgia

This game was frustrating for me since I am a UGA fan. Marcus Lattimore was absolutely unstoppable against the Dawgs. They could not tackle him. Our defense seemed to be a step slow the entire game. I am sure they were tired too. South Carolina did a really good job on offense with long drives. They first drive of the game was 8 minutes long! You have to give a lot of credit to South Carolina, because they clearly came out ready to play. The Evil Genius outcoached Richt again. He also was hilarious after the game when asked how his QB Stephen Garcia played. Spurrier just won't give this dude a compliment. Garcia must have some thick skin to play for that guy. He also may be the ugliest QB in the SEC. That dude really needs a haircut!

As for UGA, Aaron Murray looked solid in his first SEC test of his career. He made good reads and didn't seem to force the issue. He underthrew Kris Durham a little bit in the 3rd quarter and if he hadn't then Durham would have ran in the endzone untouched. Two plays later, Ealey fumbled the ball at the 1 yard line, which turned out to be the turning point in the game. If UGA punched it in there, I think it would have been a whole different game. Tough break for the dawgs. However, UGA does NOT need to panic. It was an early road loss against a good team. UGA's offense is still clicking, and the defense has only played two games under Grantham. The D was not spectacular, but it definitely got better as the game went on, which is a promising sign. AJ Green was definitely missed though. Aaron Murray threw a few deep balls that I think AJ catches if he is out there.

With that being said, next weeks game against Arkansas is a MUST WIN for the Dawgs. It will be a huge game for both teams because if UGA falls to 0-2 in the SEC, they are done after week 3. If Arkansas loses, they have Alabama waiting. And they are not going to beat Alabama. It is going to be an interesting game.

Auburn v. Mississippi St.

Cameron Newton is really good. But Mississippi found a way to lose this Thursday night game. That dropped pass at the end of the game cost the Bulldogs. There was no excuse for dropping that one. Seems to be the story of Mississippi St. They will play teams close but just can't get over the hump. Look for Newton to continue to put up good numbers. Auburn goes as far as Newton takes them this year.

Florida v South Florida

The Gators once again got off to a slow start against a decent South Florida team. They were down 7-0 at the end of the 1st quarter but eventually found their stride and pulled away in the second half. I still am high on Florida though. It is just going to take a little time to adjust to a completely different QB in John Brantley. JB can sling it though. But right now, it looks like Alabama is going to roll on the gators in a few weeks.

In other games...
Kentucky rolled against Western Kentucky
LSU drilled Vandy 27-3. Not really shocked about that one.
Tennessee got off to a good start but Oregon eventually woke up and pounded the Vols 48-13.
Arkansas defeated Louisiana Monroe 31-7
Ole Miss defeated Tulane 27-13 in New Orleans. The Rebels still are not looking so good. But I guarantee they will beat someone that they have NO business beating this year.

Sports Bro's SEC PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Marcus Lattimore RB South Carolina - True Freshman Marcus Lattimore rushed for 182 yards against UGA. This guy is a STUD! He was the difference maker in the game and is what Spurrier has been missing the last few years.