Around the SEC: Week 4

Story posted September 28, 2022 in CommRadio, Sports by Jack Dempsky

Tennessee finally overcame its demons, as the Volunteers survived against the Florida Gators in Week 4.

Elsewhere in the conference. Texas A&M continues to win without much offense, as the Aggies defense was able to contain Arkansas.

Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Mississippi State, and South Carolina each won handedly against inferior competition, even though Kent State gave Georgia all they had.

Auburn somehow managed to beat Missouri, while Ole Miss and Kentucky each had struggle wins before their anticipated matchup.

Here are the latest headlines around the SEC:

Tennessee is a real contender in the SEC

Under second-year head coach Josh Huepel, the Tennessee Volunteers have only improved.

After dominating inferior competition and beating Pittsburgh, Tennessee fans came out in full force for their checker game at Neyland Stadium.

The Volunteers offense was again the story, as quarterback Hendon Hooker combined for 461 yards of total offense and three touchdowns. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson also lived up to his lofty pre-season draft rankings, as he went for over 500 total yards.

Tennessee seemed to have this game in the bag until late in the fourth quarter, when Florida went down the field and got a touchdown, then proceeded to recover the onside kick.

However, the Volunteers defense made their most important stop on the last drive, as Knoxville, Tennessee erupted when the clock hit zero.

Tennessee improved to 4-0, and now are idle this week as they prepare for LSU and Alabama in back to back weeks.

Is Texas A&M good?

The Aggies might be the most confusing team in America.

After making a quarterback switch following the loss to Appalachian State, Max Johnson is now 2-0 with ranked wins over Miami and Arkansas.

It is not due to the offense, however, as Texas A&M has only averaged 20 points over the two wins. But that Aggies defense is not to be messed with. They have allowed just 15.7 points per game this season, and look to be getting even better.

The loss was brutal for the Razorbacks, as they missed a game winning field goal off the top of the upright. The running game again led the way for Arkansas, but a crucial red-zone turnover to go along with the missed kick sealed their fate in Arlington.

Sam Pittman and company now get the brutal task of facing an Alabama team looking for a statement win.
The Aggies still have everything to play for, as they are still undefeated in conference play.

Looking Ahead

This upcoming weekend is one of intrigue for SEC fans, as three matchups highlight the weekend.

The explosive offense of the No. 14 Ole Miss Rebels, led by head coach Lane Kiffin and USC transfer Jaxson Dart, lay host to the No. 7 Kentucky Wildcats, led by former Penn State quarterback Will Levis.

Arkansas does not get a comfortable week after their loss, as they host the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama just might have the top two picks in this upcoming draft in Bryce Young and Will Anderson.

In other matchups, No. 17 Texas A&M travels to Starkville to face the one-loss Kentucky Wildcats. No.1 Georgia visits Missouri in a game that might get out of hand early. Auburn coach Bryan Harsin will continue to coach for his job as the Tigers host Brian Kelly and Auburn. Florida and South Carolina each face in-state FCS schools before conference play gets really kicked in.

Saturday will prove to be a key day in the SEC, with multiple matchups with playoff implications taking place.

Jack Dempsky is a second-year majoring in finance. You can contact him at jmd7563@psu.edu.