The Hurry Up: Biggest Takeaways from The SEC (Week 3)

By John Richardson | Sep 21, 2015

In the weekly Hurry Up from Southbound and Down, I’ll provide the one thing that stuck out most to me from each SEC team from the weekend. After that it is up to you. We’ll leave the comments section open and you are free to tell me I’m an idiot, agree, or explain why you know something we don’t. This is an SEC page, after all, home of some of the most boisterous fans in the country.

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Missouri: Missouri fans have been clamoring for SEC fans to show them some respect after their team won the SEC East two years in a row. After their start to the 2015 season, it seems more like SEC fans gave them too much respect entering the season. It is still Mizzou and they are still winning, though, and that is all that ever really matters.

Texas A&M: Kyle Allen continues to put a stranglehold on the starting quarterback position role for this Aggies team. He went 18-31 for 270 yards, 4 touchdowns and only one interception. He’ll have to do it against SEC competition before some fans starting wondering “what if” with Kyler Murray, though. Arkansas was supposed to be that test in week 4, but Kliff Kingsbury clearly doesn’t think so (NSFW).

Auburn: It’s not very often that this many analysts and professionals are wrong about a team and a Heisman hopeful. But after hearing about how good Auburn and Jeremy Johnson were this entire offseason, Auburn was embarrassed again at the hands of LSU. at least the table of people eating crow will be full. If the Tigers aren’t careful, they could limp to an embarrassing season. This roster is loaded with talent, though, so we’ll take the wait and see approach.

LSU: Leonard Fournette is an absolute man amongst boys, even against an Will Muschamp SEC defense. There really isn’t much more to say. Even if there is, no one could say it better than Les Miles.

Mississippi State: Mississippi State is still talented. Many analysts have discussed the talent drop off for Mississippi State in 2015 compared to 2014. While the Bulldogs have certainly been missing key contributors, it is tough to score 62 points against air and have three quarterbacks combine to complete 16 of 18 passes.

Vanderbilt: I’m not sure which is the crazier part: Vandy scoring 47 points or the passing game being the reason why. It was Austin Peay, I get it. But still, I would have believed they sprung the upset before I believed Johnny McCrary had a game in which he finished with a 90.9 QBR from ESPN.

South Carolina: Perry Orth was terrible. Steve Spurrier will hear more about retirement. I’m not sure which stands out more for South Carolina, but these are the only two major takeaways for South Carolina in week 3.

Georgia: Greyson Lambert gives the Bulldogs the quarterback they need to ~~challenge~~ be the favorite in the SEC East. South Carolina’s defense is not elite, but they are talented. Lambert managed to hit 24 of 25 passes for 330 yards, 3 touchdowns and a 97.8 QBR. Combined with Georgia’s running backs joining for 4 touchdowns on the ground, this offense is scary good.

Arkansas: Bret Bielema learned his lesson about trying to force his Hogs into being a pass-first offense. As a result, the Razorbacks scored 24. It may not seem like much, but it was an improvement over week 2. Except the defense gave up 35 and the preseason’s Cinderella has officially slipped off the glass slipper.

Tennessee: This team is still mentally strong. It would have been easy for the Volunteers to come out sluggish after their collapse against Oklahoma in week 2. Instead the team came out crisp and put Western Carolina away early, just like they should have.

Kentucky: Florida is no offensive juggernaut, but Mark Stoops appears to finally be making an impact with the Wildcat’s defense. While Kentucky failed to pull this one out, they shut the Gators out in the second half to keep the game close the entire time. These Wildcats won’t be challenging for the SEC East, but they should be playing in a bowl.

Florida: Grier may not be the elite level player many hope he will become just yet, but he does appear to be the quarterback the Gators need in 2015. While he was less than stellar passing the ball, his play in clutch moments was impressive. He found first downs and a touchdown with his feet. He can develop into a better passer and is mobile enough to survive behind a porous offensive line.

Alabama: Just like when Alabama lost to Ole Miss in 2014, the Tide is nowhere near out of contention yet. Alabama senior wide receiver Parker Barrineau certainly agrees. Alabama turned the ball over 5 times and still only lost by 6. Ole Miss was the more crisp team and deserved to win. But this Alabama team could remain in the hunt all season.

Ole Miss: Chad Kelly makes Ole Miss a real threat in the SEC West. Kelly was never rattled, even after Ole Miss nearly blew 20 and 19 point leads in the second half. He remained composed and, most importantly, did not turn the ball over once against the Alabama defense. The biggest uncertainty about Ole Miss entering 2015 was the quarterback. Consider that question answered definitively.

Next: Aggies Rising, Auburn Overrated

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