3 Standout SEC Football Performances from Week 2 of 2023 Season

This was a dramatic week in SEC football to say the least. Alabama lost at home, Texas A&M struggled on the road, and plenty of other teams had a chance to make a statement against a legitimate non conference opponent. Let’s see who made the most noise this past weekend.

3 standout SEC football performances from Week 2 of 2023 season

1. Lane Kiffin

Even without their starting quarterback, Tulane gave Ole Miss all they could handle in New Orleans. The Green Wave looked fast, strong, and like they were going to come away from this game with a win. Lane Kiffin was ultimately the X factor in how this game was decided, as his halftime adjustments held Tulane to just three second half points. Kiffin is known for his offense, and while Jaxson Dart produced and played a solid game, it was the Rebels defense that gave them this win in the end. The Rebels host Georgia Tech this weekend in Oxford, MS as they look to get to 3-0.

2. Auburn Defense 

An ugly game in the Pac-12 after dark saw two solid defenses shut down two extremely poor offenses. There are admittedly low expectations in Auburn for this season, but this was a must-win game for new head coach Hugh Freeze. His defense forced three turnovers, allowed less than 300 total yards, and limited Cal to just 2.8 yards per carry on the ground. A dominating performance in the second half gave the Tigers the win as they held the Golden Bears scoreless to send Auburn to 2-0.

3. Mississippi State 

Similarly to the Auburn game, this game could have gone either way. Our conference really needed this win, and Will Rogers made it happen. He was efficient, didn’t turn the ball over, and threw three beautiful touchdowns, including a game winning 29-yard strike in overtime to Jeffrey Pittman. Four incompletions and three touchdowns from the senior put them in position to win, but the defense was able to put the icing on the cake by forcing four turnovers and getting the final stop. A 2-0 start for the Bulldogs!