Around the SEC: Week 2
At long last, college football is back. Many interesting things happened down south, so let’s review what happened in Week 1 and look ahead to Week 2.
No. 5 Georgia holds off No. 3 Clemson
In a game that had major playoff implications, the Georgia Bulldogs held off the Clemson Tigers, 10-3. Quarterback JT Daniels threw one interception, although he completed 73.3% of his passes and threw for 135 yards. Georgia’s defense was terrific, as defensive back Lewis Cine had nine tackles and fellow defensive back Christopher Smith had one interception.
This is a significant win for Georgia, as they now hold the No. 2 spot in the AP rankings heading into its Week 2 matchup against Alabama-Birmingham.
No. 16 LSU upset by UCLA
Heading into Week 1, the No. 16 ranked LSU Tigers were favored to win against unranked UCLA. Anything can happen on any given day, however, as UCLA beat LSU, 38-27. Quarterback Max Johnson and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte played great, but not great enough to match UCLA’s performance.
Although LSU’s playoff chances were not that high, a loss against an unranked team pretty much closes the door. The Tigers are now unranked heading into their Week 2 matchup against McNeese State.
No. 1 Alabama obliterates No. 14 Miami
Alabama once again made winning look easy, blowing out Miami 44-13. Potential Heisman candidate, quarterback Bryce Young, threw for 344 yards, four touchdowns and completed 71.1% of his passes. Wide receiver Jameson Williams recorded 126 receiving yards and a touchdown, while fellow wide receiver John Metchie III had 76 yards and a touchdown.
The Alabama Crimson Tide continue to prove they are on another level by demolishing a ranked opponent. The Crimson Tide lost several key players from last season’s championship winning roster, including quarterback Mac Jones and wide receivers DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle.
Alabama showed that they are still very much on top despite those losses. The Crimson Tide will face Mercer in Week 2.
Nolan Wick is a first-year majoring in journalism. To contact him, email nhwick25@gmail.com.
