SEC Inglourious Blog - What We Learned Week 1

5 Things We Learned About the SEC in Week 1. What happened this weekend?

By David Sweigart

5 Things We Learned About the SEC in Week 1

1) South Carolina just might have a competent offense this year. While true that Southern Miss is not known for its defense, the Gamecocks have bored the CFB world on opening nights with defense and lack luster offensive performances. This past Thursday was different though, South Carolina showed a variety of options in the offense and the Head Ball Coach seemed to be enjoying himself on the sidelines. This week should tell us all we need to know about the Gamecock offense and if it is legit.

2) Tim Tebow no longer plays for Florida. The Gators entered the 4th quarter against Miami (OHIO) with just 32 net yards of offense. Throughout the game there were 13 bad snaps between center Pouncey and QB Brantley. The running game was unable to get going, the timing between Brantley and the WRs was off, and the OL was having a tougher than normal time with the MOH defense. History says the Gators offense will turn this around but that was not the start UF wanted post-Tebow.

3) Auburn still has big defensive issues. While Cam Newton and his buddies looked amazing in directing a dangerous Auburn offense, the defense continues to be a huge liability. Arkansas St racked up 23 first downs and a little over 320yds passing. Auburn also did not force any turnovers and saw ASU hold the ball for 34 minutes. The 608yds of offense by Auburn is very impressive but if this team is to do big things on the plains this season, the pass defense must radically improve, very fast.

4) Houston Nutt hasn’t slept yet. In his post game interview Coach Nutt looked like a man who had just lost to a D1-AA school at home on opening day. The Rebels who led 31-13 after three quarters saw the Jacksonville St Gamecocks score 21 points in the 4th quarter and then convert a 4th and long in the second OT which resulted in a 30yd TD pass followed by a 2-point conversion for the win. Watch out Tulane, Ole Miss won’t be taking their foot off the gas this weekend.

5) Alabama is still very good. While everyone probably already knows that, Bama looks like it has an offense that is going to cause problems for everyone to go along with a defense while inexperienced, will only get better as the year goes on. San Jose St may be one of the worst teams in FBS this season but the Tide mauled them to death with a balanced attack that didn’t even feature the 2009 Heisman winner. Even facing 6 opponents coming off bye weeks might not be enough to slow this machine down.