Crabtree’s Cruise Around the SEC: Week 3
All eyes were on Gainsville as the Alabama Crimson Tide took on the Florida Gators in a tight game. The Tide squeaked by the Gators to earn their first conference win of the season, but how did the rest of the conference teams fair? Let's cruise around the SEC to see how everyone else did in week three.
Tennessee-56 Tennessee Tech - 0
The Tennessee Volunteers bounced back in a big way after the home loss to Pitt. Hendon Hooker led the way to a shutout after throwing for 199 yards and three touchdowns against Tennessee Tech. The Vols will need Hooker to have another big game if Tennessee wants to pull the upset in "The Swamp".
Missouri-59 SE Missouri State - 28
After a tough loss at Kentucky, Missouri returned to Faurot Field to face the Redhawks. QB Connor Bazelak threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns in the blowout win and proved unscathed after a vicious hit late in the fourth quarter against the Wildcats. The Tigers will travel to Chestnut Hill to square off against Boston College.
Texas A&M-34 New Mexico - 0
Texas A&M Aggies earned their first shutout at home since 2016 against Prairie View A&M. Aggies QB Zach Calzada made his first start against the New Mexico Lobos and threw for 275 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. The Aggie's offensive line has struggled to be physical at the line of scrimmage and made some improvements against the Lobos. A&M will need to play more physically if they want to prove they can take the SEC West.
Kentucky-28 Chattanooga-23
The Kentucky Wildcats welcomed the Chattanooga Mocs to town after the big win over Missouri. The Wildcats got off to a slow start after QB Will Levis threw three interceptions in the first half and trailed the Mocs 16-14 in the fourth quarter. Kentucky avoided a major upset with a late touchdown pass from Levis to take the lead. Coach Mark Stoops has a lot of work to do if they want to be a contender in the east.
Arkansas-45 Georgia Southern-10
Fresh off a win over the Texas Longhorns, the Arkansas Razorbacks continued their domination against the Eagles. QB K.J. Jefferson threw for 366 yards and three touchdowns. RB Dominique Johnson ran for 72 yards and one touchdown. The Razorbacks will look to pull off the upset again in Dallas against Texas A&M.
LSU-49 Central Michigan-21
The LSU Tigers dominated Central Michigan from start to finish. QB Max Johnson threw for over 300 yards with five touchdowns and one interception. After an embarrassing week one loss to the UCLA Bruins or better known as the sissy blue shirts, the Tigers are looking to impress. Coach O and the Tigers will travel to Starkvegas for revenge after the Bulldogs knocked off the Tigers in last year's season opener.
Ole Miss-61 Tulane-21
The Matt Corral Heisman train continued to go faster as the Rebels QB stacked up a record on Saturday night. Corral combined for seven touchdowns in the game and broke SEC history as Corral became the first player to have three passing and four rushing touchdowns in a single game. Ole Miss has a bye week this week before a showdown against the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.
Stanford-41 Vanderbilt-23
The Stanford Cardinals traveled to Nashville after an upset win over USC. The Commodores played tough in the first half; however, mistakes caught up with Vanderbilt, and Stanford took control of the game. It's been a rough start to the Clark Lea era and does not get any easier with the opening conference game against Georgia.
Memphis (and Refs)-31 Mississippi State - 29
The Mississippi State Bulldogs had a rocky start to the after a come-from-behind win against Louisiana Tech. The Bulldogs responded with an impressive win over NC State, but mistakes plagued State against Memphis, including one of the most bizarre plays of the season that should not have allowed the Tigers to score due to a missed penalty. Leach will have to rally his team as they welcome the Tigers from Baton Rouge to town.
Georgia-40 South Carolina-13
Two years ago, South Carolina shocked the world when the Gamecocks walked into Samford Stadium and pulled the upset. The Gamecocks tried to repeat two years ago, but the Bulldog's defense stuffed South Carolina's offense. QB Zeb Noland went down with an injury during the game and was replaced by Luke Doty. Georgia QB JT Daniels had a big game throwing for 300 yards and three touchdowns. The Gamecocks will try to rebound against Kentucky, while Georgia travels to Nashville to face Vanderbilt.
Penn State (and Refs)-28 Auburn-20
Auburn QB Bo Nix had two strong performances under new head coach Bryan Harsin in his first two games. The Tigers and Nittany Lions played a hard-fought game, with the Lions coming away with the win. Auburn had a chance to win the game, but a controversial targeting call and questionable fourth down play prevented the Tigers from walking away with the win. Auburn will welcome Georgia State at home before the Tigers travel to LSU.