Fans of the old TV show “The Sopranos” might remember a certain episode when mob boss Tony sensed he was losing respect in the crime family.
He sized up the strongest guy in the room, picked a fight and pummeled him. It was a not-so-subtle reminder that Tony was in charge.
The Southeastern Conference, which has largely run college football since 2006, looks to Texas A&M, Alabama, Mississippi State and Ole Miss to re-establish college football dominance this weekend.
No. 23 Texas A&M travels to face Miami. No. 3 Alabama plays host to No. 11 Texas in a clash of highly-ranked foes. Mississippi State is at home against Arizona.
No. 20 Ole Miss, which blasted Mercer 73-7 last week, isn’t playing a “Power 5” opponent. However, the Rebels travel to play No. 24 Tulane, which ended last season by defeating USC in the Cotton Bowl.
“I'm worried about trying to go beat a top-25 team,” Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin said. “This is not an evaluation game. Going on the road for the first time with this team into one of the hottest teams in the country and probably the hottest quarterback (Michael Pratt) in the country. I would actually like another evaluation game, but that is certainly not what this is.”
Despite going 11-3 against typically overmatched opponents, the SEC didn’t look so tough in Week 1. The league was 1-3 in games against other “Power 5” opponents and 0-3 against ranked foes.
Utah blasted Florida. Florida State embarrassed LSU. North Carolina blitzed South Carolina.
Tennessee did overwhelm Virginia. However, Virginia may be one of the worst teams in a “Power 5” conference.
A 1-3 start typically shouldn’t be cause for alarm. Except, the SEC normally dominates its largely southern cousin, the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Over the previous four seasons, the SEC was 22-11 against the ACC in regular season games. Clemson posted five of the ACC’s wins. Vanderbilt was responsible for one SEC loss.
In the same span, the SEC was 6-3 against the Big 12.
Is there a shift in power? Questions have been raised about the SEC’s dominance.
The SEC, like Tony Soprano, will be out to show it’s still in charge.
This week’s games: No. 23 Texas A&M at Miami; Vanderbilt at Wake Forest; Ball State at No. 1 Georgia; Eastern Kentucky at Kentucky; No. 20 Ole Miss at No. 24 Tulane; Kent State at Arkansas; Austin Peay at No. 9 Tennessee; No. 11 Texas at No. 3 Alabama; Middle Tennessee at Missouri; Grambling at No. 14 LSU; McNeese at Florida; Arizona at Mississippi State; Furman at South Carolina; Auburn at Cal
Who’s hot: Tennessee coach Josh Heupel just might be the offensive genius he’s been anointed to be. Last year, the Volunteers averaged 46.1 points to lead the nation, but that was with Heisman-contending quarterback Hendon Hooker and star receiver Jalin Hyatt leading the way. They’re gone, but the explosive offense remains. The Vols rolled up 499 yards of total offense in a 49-13 opening victory over Virginia. Quarterback Joe Milton threw two touchdown passes, and the Volunteers amassed 287 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns. Virginia is probably one of the weakest “Power 5” programs in the country, but Tennessee's output is still impressive.
Who’s not: LSU’s defense is ice cold. The Tigers allowed 494 yards in a 45-24 loss to Florida State. Dating back to last season, that’s the third time in four games the Tigers defense has allowed more than 400 yards and at least 38 points.
Keep an eye on: Alabama’s secondary could be without starters Malachi Moore and Jaylen Key. They sustained injuries last week, and their status is “day-to-day.” Though Alabama typically has good depth, the Crimson Tide needs to be a full strength against an excellent group of receivers. Receivers Xavier Worthy and Jordan Whittington are both big-play threats for the Longhorns. Tight end Ja’Tavion Sanders is talented, too.
Pressure is on: South Carolina’s offensive line allowed nine sacks in a loss to North Carolina. The sacks resulted in 65 yards in losses. That’s three times more yards than the Gamecocks’ rushing total. If this keeps up, quarterback Spencer Rattler may become shellshocked. Fortunately for Rattler, the Gamecocks’ next opponent is Furman, which only managed one sack last week against Tennessee Tech.
Best matchup: Miami’s offensive line has been fortified by transfers center Matt Lee of UCF and guard Javion Cohen from Alabama. True freshman tackle Francis Mauigoa is also a highly-rated prospect. The Hurricanes will be challenged by defensive tackles McKinnley Jackson and Walter Nolen as well as the rest of the A&M defensive line. Although A&M held New Mexico to just 91 rushing yards, the Miami faithful are confident the Hurricanes will be successful running the football. There’s less confidence they can hold off A&M’s pass rush.
