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It didn’t take a fortune teller to predict where we are right now in the SEC East, heading into week five of the season. The division’s position is pretty obvious, as Georgia and Florida are on a collision course for their clash in Jacksonville later this month.
We’ve seen Florida make a comeback against Alabama, thanks to the running game and Emory Jones taking a new step in his maturation. A week later, the Gators took care of Tennessee, thanks to a solid second half and the ability to wear down Flights on the ground.
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Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson throws a pass against South Florida during the first half of an NCAA college football game on Saturday, September 11, 2021 in Tampa, Florida.
(AP Photo / Chris O’Meara)
This Florida team seems to have regained some consistency as QB, which will only improve once Anthony Richardson returns this weekend. Imagining the Gators with both healthy QBs could cause nightmares for teams that stay on their schedule. The way the defense has grown stronger this season should be a positive sign, especially for people clamoring for Tod Grantham’s post.
There is no doubt that they are at least impressed with the performance of this team along the defensive line. We also can’t forget what they looked like with the increasing pressure against them. Now we’ll see how this team performs on the road this weekend as they travel to Kentucky. But, right now, it feels like the Gators are clicking, which could be a scary sign for Georgia.
Speaking of the Dawgs, if you want to see what a full squad looks like, you don’t have to look far. This Georgian side appear to be thriving under quarterback JT Daniels, who is coming back from an oblique injury, and is posting incredible numbers. Yes, I know who the Dawgs were up against, but that still doesn’t take away the humiliation they caused their opponents, including Clemson. We have seen this Georgian defense causing multiple problems with their first seven and the pressure they put on opposing QBs. The Dawgs are ranked No. 1 in the nation in total defense, allowing just 3.27 yards per game and averaging 3.7 sacks per game. There is a reason why this team is considered a possible national champion. Both sides of the ball play at a higher level. But, with Arkansas coming up on Saturday, they could face their most difficult task yet.
KENTUCKY HAS THE WEAPONS TO BEAT FLORIDA, BUT THE OFFICE HAS TO BE BETTER
Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart reacts in the first half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Sanford Stadium on September 18, 2021 in Athens, Georgia.
(Photo by Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)
As for Kentucky, they’re playing just well enough right now to be undefeated, preparing for a big game with Florida on Saturday. This team led by Mark Stoops has its flaws, however, which have come to light in recent weeks. Playing with consistency on offense has been a problem, as quarterback Will Levis and RB Chris Rodriguez look to put it all together this weekend. The Wildcats threw five interceptions and missed the ball twelve times, while recovering only six. This team can’t afford those kinds of mistakes, which is why they need to cut down on turnovers if they have a chance to beat the Gators. There’s no denying that this team has talent in a number of places, but if the defense can’t force Florida’s mistakes and they turn around a few times, it will result in their first loss of the season.
For the rest of the Eastern Division, it’s pretty straightforward. Missouri aren’t consistent enough on defense to give the offense a chance to win. The Tigers are 7th in the country for 3rd down conversions, but it won’t do them any good if they can’t get off the field in defense against Tennessee. I expect Connor Bazelak to take control of the attack this weekend, which could lead to a tough result if he’s not careful with the ball.
On the Tennessee side, we are now entering week five of the season with no starting quarterback announced. The Vols saw Joe Milton get injured, while Hendon Hooker took a bit of a beating against Florida. I would expect Hooker to start on Saturday against the Tigers, as long as he’s healthy. This Tennessee team has shown that they can lead football, if their OL are healthy, but even that is a concern right now. Flight defense has had its moments this season, but a lack of depth in key positions is starting to hamper any kind of success, especially in race defense. If this team is to get six wins, they will need more consistency from the defensive line, as well as the offensive unit. This next game against Missouri could decide where this season goes from here.
Kentucky quarterback Will Levis (7) holds the ball in the second half of an NCAA college football game against South Carolina on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC
(AP Photo / Hakim Wright Sr.)
The Gamecocks just lost to Kentucky and are looking for a win. It won’t be as easy this weekend as they maybe thought. Troy arrives in town, looking to spot whatever kind of success Shane Beamer is trying to create. South Carolina will be hoping to put Luke Doty on the right track, while also trying to find some playmakers in defense. It won’t be easy as the Trojans are a tough team outside of the SunBelt conference. They just need a convincing victory in Colombia.
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As for Vanderbilt, well, things are bad. The offense has no identity, the defense has no real leader and the technical staff are trying to find a way to stay in the game. They can try to be creative, but I don’t expect that to help them win. Look, they’ve been left in a difficult position and I understand they’re trying, but Clark Lea himself has a really high hill to climb. They’re playing UConn this weekend, so maybe they can win their 2nd non-conference game of this season.
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