The SEC West schedule includes two key matchups this weekend, both with underdogs poised for upset wins.
Alabama and Ole Miss are taking two totally different paths through the SEC West: The Crimson Tide dealing with two quarterbacks at the same time and the Rebels playing from within the NCAA doghouse with at the time being, nothing to lose.
Even though Nick Saban has officially chosen Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback, the press does not seem to want to put it down. Matt Luke on the other hand knew who his quarterback was after Shea Patterson went down last season, and has now transferred to Michigan.
Tiger verses Tiger
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While number seven ranked LSU and number twelve ranked Auburn appear to be the biggest SEC West matchup on CBS this Saturday, it is nowhere close to what might transpire in Oxford as it did four years ago in the inagural season of the College Football Playoff.
While the Rebels defense looks to be totally out of sync, they have several players ranked in the top five offensively in the SEC. While Jordan Ta’amu leads the SEC in passing, he is also fourth in the nation with 784 yards including seven touchdowns.
Scottie Phillips leads the SEC in rushing with 311 yards and has three receivers ranked in the top five, including junior wideout A.J. Brown. Tua, on the other hand is fifth in the SEC passing, throwing for 455 yards and six touchdowns.
Wild SEC west shootout
Alabama overall in 2018 has given up 21 points in the first two games with the Rebels giving up a whopping 68. Unless the Crimson Tide find a quick way to slow down the receiving game, this could become one of the biggest shootouts in the SEC this season.
Ole Miss leads the conference with 102 solo tackles and is second in total tackles with 176. Surprisingly enough, Alabama is just outside the top five in every defensive category including total tackles and sacks.
While LSU and Auburn will decide one path towards the SEC West title, you still cannot take your eyes off of this contest, even though the Rebels for now have nothing to lose.