SEC Round-Up: No. 6 LSU's comeback win raises expectations for Tigers
Three weeks into the college football season it appears certain that LSU was clearly underrated. Or could it be that Auburn was overrated? It’s kind of hard to tell. Many predicted LSU could suffer as many as five losses this season. Yet, the Tigers are off to a 3-0 start with victories over Miami and Auburn. Rightly so, LSU vaulted to No. 6 in the AP Top 25 after last week’s come-from-behind 22-21 triumph at Auburn. Once subject of scorn, LSU coach Ed Orgeron looks as if he’ll have the last laugh. Rather, he just says his team needs to get better.
“I think that we’re an improving team,” Orgeron said this week. “We have a lot of character. We’re not where we want to be in a lot of areas. We’re going to play some tougher teams down the road. We need to get better fast. But we are improving.
"I’m very pleased that we’re 3-and-0. But there’s some things that we need to get better at to get where we want to go.”
Of course, all coaches say that. It’s extremely true for LSU. The Tigers’ run game is so-so. Quarterback Joe Burrow made a pivotal touchdown pass against Auburn, but has completed only 46.2 percent of his attempts. LSU’s passing offense is among the least productive in the nation. The defense is typically strong, but has lost outside linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson for the season to a knee injury. Inefficiency and injuries could take a major toll next month when LSU faces a three-game stretch against Georgia, Mississippi State and Alabama.
Still, the fact remains that LSU has already exceeded most expectations by beating Auburn. That simultaneously raised expectations for LSU and questions about Auburn. Though opening with a 21-16 victory over Washington, Auburn’s offense was not impressive. Auburn’s usually-productive running game is averaging 138.5 rushing yards against FBS opponents.
Meanwhile, quarterback Jarrett Stidham has played well, but has not been the dominant player some projected. An even bigger concern is penalties. Auburn is averaging 8.3 penalties and 84 penalty yards per game.
“Right now, we're an undisciplined team as far as penalties are concerned," head coach Gus Malzahn said earlier this week. "That disappoints me."
Who’s hot: Alabama’s offense is leading the nation in scoring with 56.7 points on average. The Crimson Tide has scored at least 51 points in every game and is among six teams that are ranked among the nation’s Top 30 in rushing and passing offense. Alabama has yet to face a strong defense, but there’s no questioning the Tide’s explosiveness.
Who’s not: Some in Fayetteville believe this could be the worst Arkansas football since … ever? That might be exaggerated because the 1932 Razorbacks finished 1-6. Then there was the ’92 Hogs that opened with a loss to The Citadel. And who could forget coach John L. Smith's 4-8 disaster of 2012? But after consecutive losses to Colorado State and North Texas State, the criticism may be valid. Arkansas (1-2) is currently ranked 81st nationally in total offense and 84th in total defense. Again, that’s after three non-conference games that were supposed to be wins. Some are already calling for the ouster of first-year coach Chad Morris.
To make it worse, the Hogs next travel to Auburn, which will be seeking redemption for blowing an 11-point lead in a loss to LSU. It probably won’t matter, but junior Ty Storey has been slated to start at quarterback over Cole Kelley. In his most recent outing, Storey completed 5 of 15 passes for 36 yards and threw two interceptions against Colorado State.
Keep an eye on: Vanderbilt’s defense has allowed just 39 points in three games. The Commodores allowed Notre Dame just six points in the second half of a 22-17 loss last week. Also, they’re ranked No. 29 in total defense. Vandy’s defense will get a sterner challenge on Saturday against South Carolina. If they pass that test, the defense may very well lead to an eight- or nine-win season in Nashville. Seriously.
The pressure is on: It’s tough enough that Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond has to face an Alabama defense that has posted nine sacks in three games. But Mond also must make sure the Aggies offense can keep up with the high-scoring Crimson Tide, which leads the nation in scoring. That’s a tough job on both fronts.
Best matchup: Missouri quarterback Drew Lock has passed for at least 289 yards and three touchdowns in each of the Tigers’ three games. Missouri is averaging 389 passing yards per game to rank fourth in the nation. However, the Tigers have not yet faced a defense as stout as Georgia, which is ranked 19th in the country against the pass. Georgia has allowed just three touchdown passes, but did surrender 282 passing yards to South Carolina two weeks ago. Lock must have an exceptional outing for Mizzou to have any chance at an upset.
This week’s SEC games: Texas A&M at Alabama; Arkansas at Auburn; Florida at Tennessee; Georgia at Missouri; Mississippi State at Kentucky; Louisiana Tech at LSU; Kent State at Ole Miss; South Carolina at Vanderbilt.
