Around the SEC: Week 2 Takeaways

Week 2 in the SEC was one to watch. Unexpected losses and blowout wins leave a lot of uncertainty about who will make their way to the top of the SEC this season.

Non-Conference Losses for Alabama, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt

Alabama suffered their first home loss since 2019 to Texas on Saturday. With a final score of 34-24, Alabama fans were stunned.

Questions about the Crimson Tide’s strength arise. Many are wondering if they are still the football powerhouse they have been for so long, or if two-time defending national champions, the Georgia Bulldogs, have taken that title for good. Instead, Alabama’s offense committed penalties on key plays that could have led to scores, and quarterback Jalen Milroe threw two interceptions.

Jalen Milroe's 2nd interception of the game leads to Texas' 2nd touchdown in 15 seconds of game clock and a 27-16 lead over Alabama in Tuscaloosa. #HookEm #RollTide pic.twitter.com/qJ437IyR6o

— The Next Round (@NextRoundLive) September 10, 2023

Texas A&M also took a nonconference loss to the Miami Hurricanes, with a final score of 48-33. The Aggies started off with a 17-7 lead but allowed back-to-back Hurricane touchdowns. By halftime, the Aggies trailed 21-17. Texas A&M struggled to tackle in open space, and Miami took complete control of the game in the second half.

Tyler Van Dyke in the 1st half vs. Texas A&M 🏈

-13/17
-235 passing yards
-3 touchdowns
-0 interceptions

Miami leads 21-17 at halftime pic.twitter.com/B4arUB9o8S

— 247Sports (@247Sports) September 9, 2023

Vanderbilt also lost on Saturday to the Wake Forest Deamon Deacons. With a final score of 36-20, Vanderbilt is now 2-1.

Decisive Wins for Florida, LSU, Georgia, and South Carolina

The Florida Gators took a much-needed win against the McNeese State Cowboys, with a final score of 49-7.

The LSU Tigers also rebounded from their loss to FSU in Week 1 by absolutely dominating against Grambling State, 72-10. QB Jayden Daniels threw for five touchdown passes in the first half, and the Tigers scored touchdowns on their first 1o possessions.

https://twitter.com/LSUfootball/status/1700661129674895789?s=20

The Georgia Bulldogs continued to show everyone that they deserved to be the No. 1 team in college football, as they crushed Ball State 45-3.

Georgia making this punt return look easy 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/sZDPG1cmr7

— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 9, 2023

After South Carolina’s loss to North Carolina, they needed their 47-21 win against Furman. However, the Gamecocks have a tough test ahead of them, facing No. 1 Georgia in Week 3.

Other Results

• Tennessee 30, Austin Peay 13
• Missouri 23, MTSU 19
• Mississippi State 31, Arizona 24
• Auburn 14, California 10
• Kentucky 28, Eastern KY 17
• Ole Miss 37, Tulane 20
• Arkansas 28, Kent State 6

Week 3 Schedule (All Saturday)

• 12 p.m. No. 14 LSU @ Mississippi St
• 12 p.m. No. 15 Kansas St @ Missouri
• 3:30 p.m. South Carolina @ No. 1 Georgia
• 3:30 p.m. No. 10 Alabama @ South Florida
• 4 p.m. UL Monroe @ Texas A&M
• 7 p.m. No. 11 Tennessee @ Florida
• 7 p.m. Samford @ Auburn
• 7 p.m. Vanderbilt @ UNLV
• 7:30 p.m. Georgia Tech @ No. 17 Ole Miss
• 7:30 p.m. BYU @ Arkansas
• 7:30 p.m. Akron @ Kentucky