Pavia, Vanderbilt Look to Upset Alabama Again
As we cross into the second quarter of the SEC season, the conference will look to one up last week’s elite slate of games. Here are three games you should watch and what to look out for.
Kentucky vs. No. 12 Georgia
After both teams lost in their last outing, the two look to right the ship. The teams met last season, which produced a physical contest that saw Georgia win, 13-12.Kentucky has employed a run-first offense this season. The team has employed a dual-back system, with transfer senior Seth McGowan and transfer junior Dante Dowdell. The two backs will likely need to average four or more yards per carry to give Kentucky a chance at victory.
Under head coach Mark Stoops, Kentucky has always employed a defense first philosophy. Kentucky sits second to last in the SEC in yards allowed per game at 396.5. That figure must improve if the Wildcats hope to win.
The Bulldogs offense needs to bounce back after a rough outing against Alabama. Kentucky ranks third to last in passing yards allowed per game in the SEC at 249.5. Look for quarterback Gunner Stockton to have a big game here.
Georgia will also lean on their elite run defense to keep Kentucky at bay. The Bulldogs have given up just 91.3 rushing yards per game this season.
Kickoff is scheduled for noon Saturday on ABC.
Mississippi State vs. No. 6 Texas A&M
In a matchup that will see the winner on a path to a playoff spot, two of the SEC’s surprise squads do battle at College Station. Mississippi State entered with a 4-1 record, while Texas A&M sat at a perfect 4-0.
The big contributor to Mississippi State’s resurgence has been their running game. To date, the Bulldogs average 204.8 rushing yards per game, which is sixth best in the SEC.
Arguably the most important player for the Mississippi State offense is running back Fluff Bothwell. A transfer sophomore from South Alabama, he has thrived for the Bulldogs this season. He averages 5.8 yards per carry this season.
Texas A&M’s offense relies on sophomore star quarterback Marcell Reed. Reed has thrived in four games this season, posting 1,076 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. He is also a great runner with the football, posting 119 rushing yards this season.
The Mississippi State run defense has been a soft spot for a solid unit this season. The Bulldogs average 135.4 yards per game, which is bottom half in the SEC.
Texas A&M is in a position to take advantage of this weakness. Starting running back Le’Veon Moss has posted a strong start to the season. Moss has generated 305 yards with five touchdowns, along with an impressive average of 5.7 yards per carry.
Kickoff for this game is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on the SEC Network.
No. 16 Vanderbilt vs. No. 10 Alabama
In a rematch of last season’s colossal upset, Vanderbilt looks to shock the nation once again.
Much of what has propelled the Commodores to a 5-0 start is the play of their elite defense. Look for their rush defense, which is second best in the SEC, to make a statement early against an Alabama team that has struggled to run the ball.
On offense, while quarterback Diego Pavia gets the spotlight, the team has revolved around the running game. Vanderbilt sits second in the conference in rushing yards per game, at an impressive 223.4 yards per game. Against an Alabama team that has given up the third most rushing yards per game in the SEC, the Commodores will look to run the ball early and often.
Star quarterback Diego Pavia will also need to be at his best this game. Against an Alabama defense that gives up the fewest passing yards per game, it is his responsibility to take care of the ball and ensure the team is not falling behind on downs.
For Alabama to avoid a repeat of last season’s loss, they will need quarterback Ty Simpson to shine. The Commodores defense sits mid pack against the pass this season, a weakness in an otherwise strong unit. Look for Simpson to take shots downfield early and blow the game open for the Crimson Tide.
Alabama will also want to force Pavia into mistakes. Pavia, who threw a pick last week, was able to take care of the ball last season against Alabama, with no turnovers. The Crimson Tide have forced six turnovers through four games to date.
Tune in to this game at 3:30 p.m. on ABC.
Category: College Football, Football, SEC
