SEC News and Notes Week 7
By Alatex Sports
Sportsmemo.com
The SEC game of the year to date was no letdown, as LSU handed South Carolina its first loss of the year, 23-21. The game was not as close as the final score, with LSU dominating the line of scrimmage the entire game and outgaining the Gamecocks, 406-211. LSU basically gave South Carolina two touchdowns, one after a long interception return and their last one with two minutes left after LSU had taken a nine-point lead. LSU was also forced to attempt four field goals after long drives, making three. Both teams now have tough road games with LSU going to Texas A&M and South Carolina heading to the Swamp to face Florida.
Florida had a tough road win at Vanderbilt last week, getting the pointspread cover when quarterback Jeff Driskel broke a 70-yard touchdown run with 2:20 remaining. Vanderbilt put up 363 yards against the Florida defense, but could not stop the Gator running game, allowing 326 yards rushing on the night.
Texas A&M also had a road win, but its defensive effort was not up to SEC standards. The Aggies jumped out to a 34-7 lead in the second quarter, but allowed Louisiana Tech to come roaring back before holding on for a 59-57 win. A&M had to stop a two-point conversion to avoid overtime and wound up allowing 615 yards to the Techsters. Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel was impressive once again, setting another SEC record for total offense with 576 yards and accounting for six touchdowns. The Aggies’ prolific offense gets a major test this week against the LSU defense.
Things continue to worsen for the Auburn Tigers, who allowed Ole Miss to break a 16-game SEC losing streak last week. The Rebels outscored Auburn 24-3 in the second half to break a 17-17 halftime tie and drop Auburn to 0-4 in league play and 1-5 overall. Auburn fans are getting restless with coach Gene Chizik, with many calling for his job just two years removed from a National Championship. Clint Moseley got the snaps at quarterback, but he was no better than what we have seen from Keihl Frazier, going 11-of-18 for just 112 yards with no touchdowns and one interception.
Finally, Mississippi State improved to 6-0 with its win over Tennessee. Quarterback Tyler Russell continued his solid season with 291 yards and two touchdowns through the air. The Mississippi State quarterback position may be the most improved position in the conference this season with Russell’s emergence. State has a trap game this week with MTSU in town and Alabama on deck after their big win over the Vols.