Around the SEC: Week 8

Story posted October 27, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Julianna Steinmetz

Post Week 8 of college football, the SEC finished with seven teams ranked in the AP Top-25, including LSU, making its second appearance this season and the South Carolina Gamecocks.

With five teams on a bye week, the SEC had a relatively calm week of gameplay, but let’s take a look at what Week 8 did bring to us.

No. 6 Alabama 30, No. 24 Mississippi State 6

After a tough loss to Tennessee in Knoxville, the Alabama Crimson Tide returned to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, hungry for a win.

Unsurprisingly, the Tide took care of business against the Mississippi State Bulldogs 30-6. The victory was led by quarterback Bryce Young who completed 21-of-35 for 249 yards.

Despite having opportunities, the Bulldogs' sole touchdown was made at the last second of the game.

LSU 45, No. 7 Ole Miss 20

Ole Miss went into the matchup against LSU ranked No. 7 in the AP Poll, just one spot under Alabama. There were high hopes for the Ole Miss Rebels that they’d be a competitor with Alabama for the SEC West title, but after falling to the LSU Tigers 45-20, that dream is less likely to become reality.

The Rebels had control of the game during the first quarter and ended the first half with a three-point lead.

The second half of the game, however, was dominated by the Tigers. The Tigers put up 28-unanswered points, completely shutting out the Rebels.

LSU, now ranked No. 18, will take a bye week in Week 9 in preparation for a home showdown against No. 6 Alabama.

South Carolina 30, Texas A&M 24

Texas A&M continues to be one of the greatest disappointments in the SEC after its 30-24 loss to South Carolina.

The Aggies went for 398 total yards and held possession for the majority of the game, but their efforts were still not enough to defeat the Gamecocks.

The Gamecocks have been working this season to find ways to start fast. Within the first six minutes, South Carolina was up 17-0 and it held onto that lead until the end.
This week, South Carolina entered the ranking at No. 25, its first appearance in the polls since 2018.

Missouri 17, Vanderbilt 14

In a battle of the bottom of the SEC, the Missouri Tigers narrowly escaped the Vanderbilt Commodores gaining their first conference win of the season.

The Tigers put up a touchdown less than three minutes into the first quarter and kept Vanderbilt completely off the scoreboard until late in the third quarter.
Despite the Commodores’s best efforts and two second-half touchdowns, it wasn't enough to defeat the Tigers.

This weekend, the Tigers travel to South Carolina to face the now ranked Gamecocks.

No. 3 Tennessee 65, Tennessee-Martin 24

The Tennessee Volunteers had a rather easy week after their hard fought, well-deserved win over Alabama.

The Vols welcomed Tennessee-Martin to Knoxville and absolutely dominated in all aspects of play, which is exactly what was expected of the No. 3 ranked team.
Heisman contender quarterback Hendon Hooker threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, wide receiver Jalin Hyatt had seven receptions and 174 total yards.

Tennessee remains one of six undefeated teams, but the Vols will be put to the test once again on Nov. 15 when they square off against the No. 1 Georgia Bulldogs.

 

Julianna Steinmetz is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact her, email jfs6759@psu.edu.