Best and Worst SEC Football Performances: Week 6

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Oct 10, 2015; Knoxville, TN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back Nick Chubb (27) on the sideline during the second half after being injured against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-31. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia after losing RB Nick Chubb

– Early in the game star running back Nick Chubb went down with an apparent left leg injury that was hard to watch. The Dawgs built a 21-point lead and eventually gave it all away — losing 38-31 to Tennessee — and maybe allowing Butch Jones to keep his job for a few more weeks in Knoxville.

The team didn’t play poorly without Chubb but it was evident that they were missing their leader on offense.

Quarterback Greyson Lambert threw for 279 yards and two touchdowns and the backup running backs tallied 169 yards on the ground. They just couldn’t get it done when it mattered most.

After scoring 17 unanswered points and leading 24-3, everything quickly started snowballing downhill for the Bulldogs as Tennessee scored two touchdowns within a minute to take momentum into halftime.

The road only continues to get tougher for the Bulldogs and I think they need Chubb to make a push for the SEC East. So if he doesn’t come back this season I believe Georgia’s chances of contending for the SEC East are gone as well.

Oct 10, 2015; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Gary Pinkel reacts to play on the sidelines during the second half against the Florida Gators at Faurot Field. Florida won 21-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri on third downs

– Missouri was atrocious Saturday against the Gator’s stout defense.

Mizzou went 1-14 on third downs at home against Florida on what the Gators refer to as the “Money Down.” O yeah . . . that one third down conversion coming with 36 seconds remaining in the game.

The Gators sure earned their money at Faurot Field and a defensive touchdown by cornerback Jalen Tabor on 3rd down would end up being the touchdown that put the game out of reach for the low-scoring Missouri team.

Due to Missouri’s ineffectiveness on offense, their punter Corey Fatony was called on nine times and punted for a total of 430 yards. Repeat: a punter netted 430 yards in a game. 430.

Credit Florida’s defense which hasn’t given up a touchdown in the last two games, but also look for quarterback Drew Lock to make his way back to the bench immediately when Maty Mauk gets back from suspension.

The Gators led the conference in sacks heading into the game and earned three more against the Tigers. With the controversy circling the Gator program, the defense is what will help them win games. Missouri needs a new offensive approach and fast.

The Alabama Crimson Tide

– How is it possible to not dismantle a subpar conference opponent at home as a national powerhouse? The Alabama Crimson Tide were nothing special in Week 6 and it showed in the polls as they dropped from eighth to 10th.

The Tide struggled to squeak out a win against the Arkansas Razorbacks and waited until the fourth quarter to put their foot on the gas. The Tide scored 17 points in the final quarter and won 27-14.

Arkansas took a 7-3 lead into halftime and I’m sure fans all around the country were shocked. The Razorbacks ,who have lost to Toledo and Texas Tech, actually putting up a fight against Saban and the Tide? Unheard of.

On the other hand, Arkansas has played far better against SEC opponents — losing to Texas A&M in overtime and defeating Tennessee in week 5.

If Alabama wants to make the College Football Playoff they, have to start dominating conference opponents down the stretch and show the committee that they are the real deal. If they don’t, high scoring teams like Baylor and TCU (who don’t face quality competition weekly) will get into the four-team playoff.

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