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The second week of the season is in the books for the SEC. In the SEC East, Vanderbilt suffered a 41-3 loss to Ole Miss, Florida finally got to play a game this season and Kentucky, South Carolina, Tennessee and Missouri all won their games. Georgia was on a bye.
As the SEC East picture gets a little clearer, let’s take a look at what we learned about every SEC East team after Week 2.
Florida Gators
Week 2 result: Defeated Eastern Michigan, 65-0
What we learned: It was a dominating performance for the Gators, who never stepped off the gas pedal yesterday against the Eagles. The Gators’ new offense was impressive and initially looks much better than last year, racking up 665 yards and scored seven touchdowns. They showed great depth at running back with four go-to options in the backfield, Demarcus Robinson emerged as a big playmaker for the wide receivers and Jeff Driskel looked sharp in his first game back from injury. The defense looked as strong as its ever been under Will Muschamp, but they’ll get their first test against Kentucky next week. It was an inferior opponent, but all in all it was a very solid debut for Roper and the rest of the Gators.
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Georgia Bulldogs
Week 2 result: Bye week
What we learned: Well, it’s tough to say we learned much about the Bulldogs this weekend. In the bigger picture, it would seem like Georgia is definitely the team to beat in the SEC East this season. With South Carolina struggling again for the second straight week and Florida still not playing comparable opponents yet, the Bulldogs are the clear front-runner. Next week’s matchup between Georgia and South Carolina could definitely put the Bulldogs in the driver seat if UGA comes out on top.
Kentucky Wildcats
Week 2 result: Defeated Ohio, 20-3
What we learned: Kentucky didn’t put up the points they did last week, but it was another solid showing for Mark Stoops and company. UK’s defense was strong, allowing just three points and just 223 total yards of offense for Ohio. It appears the defense has taken on the characteristics you would expect with a Mark Stoops-led squad – tough and disciplined. The Wildcats are much more athletic this season on offense and sophomore quarterback Patrick Towles looks very capable of leading the offense. Towles still hasn’t committed a turnover and with weapons like Braylon Heard and Javess Blue (both were inactive in Week 2), the Cats have big-play potential all throughout the offense. Like many other SEC teams, we’ll find out more about Kentucky in next week’s matchup in The Swamp against the Gators.
Missouri Tigers
Week 2 result: Defeated Toledo, 49-24
What we learned: Going into this game, this road matchup against Toledo was looked at as a potential trap game for the defending SEC East champions. It was no such trap for the Tigers. Toledo never really made this a game as Missouri’s offense shined. Quaterback Maty Mauk accounted for six touchdowns and the offensive line looked strong. With guys like Bud Sasser, Russell Hansbrough, Marcus Murphy, Darius White and Jimmie Hunt playing well, the Missouri offense continues to show some explosiveness and versatility. Toledo’s no slouch opponent, either, and for Missouri to shut them down on the road is a big confidence boost for the Tigers.
South Carolina Gamecocks
Week 2 result: Defeated East Carolina, 33-23
What we learned: The Gamecocks won, but they weren’t without their problems again. South Carolina still is without a good pass rush on the defensive line and the secondary struggled to contain the ECU passing attack, surrendering 321 yards through the air. Add in 132 yards rushing for ECU and it was another rough day defensively for the Gamecocks. Through the first two weeks, South Carolina’s defense ranks 123rd in the nation, giving up 566.5 yards per game.
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On the bright side, Mike Davis returned to his usual form yesterday and was the focal point of South Carolina’s offense. Thanks to Davis, they controlled the ball well against ECU and dominated the time of possession. After dealing with injuries and a poor Week 1 performance, Davis seemed more himself and the Gamecocks will need to lean on him throughout the season. Despite a rocky first two weeks, South Carolina does have a chance to get back into the SEC East picture next week with Georgia traveling to Columbia.
Tennessee Volunteers
Week 2 result: Defeated Arkansas State, 34-19
What we learned: Certainly not as dominant of a win for the Vols in this weekend compared to last week, but another brick was laid in the foundation for Butch Jones and Tennessee. Quarterback Justin Worley continues to improve, running back Jalen Hurt looks strong even as a freshman and Marquez North is a walking highlight reel. The Vols did take a hit with injuries to tight end Ethan Wolf and wide receiver Von Pearson. Both injures could keep them out a while, but nothing official has been reported to this point. Tennessee faces an incredibly tough test next week on the road against Oklahoma. A solid effort in Norman would be a more accurate indicator of just how much progress the Vols have made this season.
Vanderbilt Commodores
Week 2 result: Lost to Ole Miss, 41-3
What we learned: I am now 200 percent sure Vanderbilt is the worst team in the SEC this season. In their first two games, they’ve been outscored 78-10. Their quarterback play has been horrendous, no matter who’ve they thrown out there. Running back Ralph Webb has been the lone bright spot with 165 rushing yards in two games. Clearly, the departure of James Franklin and key offensive players from last season has set the ‘Dores back significantly.
Drew Laing will be providing analysis and insight on Florida, Georgia, Missouri and South Carolina.
