SEC Football: Takeaways for Each Team from Week 11

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Evan Engram (17) celebrates with teammates after the Rebels defeated the Texas A&M Aggies 29-28 at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

SEC football teams continued to make their charges toward bowl season in Week 11, and left us with plenty of takeaways for each team.

Week 11 of SEC football was supposed to be tame and boring. It was full of top 10 teams facing off against mediocre competition. Alas, however, things were not to be tame at all.

In a weekend where the teams ranked No. 2, 3, 4, 8, 9, 14,17 and 25 all went down, SEC football certainly contributed their share of shocking losses. Although SEC football looks elite at the top due to Alabama, there is still a ton of SEC football to play. The rest of the conference, however, looks to be subpar compared to normal.

Texas A&M couldn’t beat the two worst teams in the SEC West. The SEC East is a madhouse, though it is beginning to shape up. Auburn embarrassed itself and made the SEC East look respectable again. Vanderbilt reverted and Missouri looked decent.

Overall, SEC football looks like a mess. Is it due to the conference being mediocre or ultra competitive? All 14 SEC football teams engaged in conference play, so we’ll have to wait until bowl season to really sort this out.

Until then, though, let’s make a bunch of brash assumptions off of the season so far, shall we?

Nov 12, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats head coach Mark Stoops speaks with Kentucky Wildcats cornerback J.D. Harmon (11) during the third quarter against the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky Wildcats

Kentucky 36-Tennessee 49

Kentucky was on a bit of a roll and will still make their bowl game. Their 13-point loss, though, was a reminder that the Wildcats do not belong with the elite of SEC football.

Don’t get it twisted, however. I’m not calling Tennessee an elite football team. I am saying, though, that Joshua Dobbs and the Volunteers looked like beasts against Kentucky. Mark Stoops can’t seem to put a great defense together for the Wildcats. That will be a problem for Kentucky as they look to make the next step as an SEC football program.

Impact Moving Forward

-None

This was just a reminder that Kentucky isn’t an elite SEC football team. Is anyone surprised?

Kentucky still gets Austin Peay and can finally make a bowl game under Stoops. That was the only goal left remaining this season, and this loss doesn’t impact that in the least.

Yes, it was disappointing. No, however, it won’t stop the Wildcats from accomplishing their goals.

Nov 12, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones celebrates with the team after the game against the Kentucky Wildcats at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 49 to 36. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Volunteers

Tennessee 49-Kentucky 36

I wish this meant more for either team. While that isn’t the case, this win does mean more for Tennessee than the loss does for Kentucky.

Prior to this game, Tennessee had lost three straight SEC football games. Butch Jones and Co went from College Football Playoff contenders to nobodies. Tennessee needed this one, especially after losing to South Carolina.

Impact Moving Forward

-Slight momentum bump

Although this wasn’t a huge victory, it did help refocus the Volunteers. This game helped the Volunteers reaffirm that they are a quality SEC football team. While that wasn’t the goal for Tennessee, it is progress.

Tennessee has been mired in mediocrity for nearly a generation. Any step towards consistency has to be considered progress at this point. Butch Jones hasn’t been able to get the Volunteers over the hump, but he is helping the Vols progress as a program. His seat is hotter than it should be, but it cooled some Saturday.

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks linebacker De

Arkansas Razorbacks

Arkansas 10 – LSU 38

Arkansas has to be the most maddeningly inconsistent SEC football team this year. Actually, the Razorbacks have been insanely inconsistent throughout the entirety of Bielema’s tenure with the Hogs.

Austin Allen was again consistent, but threw two interceptions to hurt his day. Rawleigh Williams wasn’t able to contribute a ton, though, and the rushing attack was mediocre.

The defense let the Razorbacks down as well. Fournette and Guide ran for 350 yards and 5 touchdowns between them. It is safe to say that the Tigers rushed at will against Arkansas.

Impact Moving Forward

-Big loss of momentum

This Razorbacks team absolutely annihilated SEC East favorite Florida last week and shut down their run game. It looked like the Razorbacks had finally figured out their identity.

Nope. LSU completely destroyed their run defense, and Arkansas couldn’t push their rushing attack.

There is good news ahead, though. Arkansas still has Mississippi State and Missouri on the schedule. Both of those games should be victories and put Arkansas at 8 wins for the season. While this momentum loss stings, Arkansas shouldn’t have a problem rebuilding it.

Nov 12, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; LSU Tigers guard Josh Boutte (76) and LSU Tigers linebacker Donnie Alexander (48) carry The Boot trophy after defeating the Arkansas Razorbacks 38-10 at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. LSU won 38-10. Mandatory Credit: Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

LSU Tigers

LSU 38 – Arkansas 10

The Tigers needed this victory. LSU experienced a heartbreaking 10-0 defeat last week, and could have easily showed up sloppy this week. Instead, though, the Tigers showed up and rushed their way to a huge victory in a rivalry game.

The LSU defense showed up as well, holding the Razorbacks to just 10 points.

Impact Moving Forward

-Huge momentum gain

No, the Tigers are not playing for an SEC Football Championship appearance. The season isn’t lost, however. Florida and Texas A&M make up the end of the schedule. Victories against each would put LSU at 8 wins (one game was canceled) and in prime position to appear in a New Year’s Six game.

No, this wasn’t the goal for LSU entering the 2016 SEC football season. It also is a huge improvement to where LSU was sitting after the opening month and fired Miles. That isn’t all the Tigers are playing for, however.

If Miles can win both of these games, Orgeron is likely the coach of the Tigers in 2016. If not, Orgeron is back to sipping Red Bull on the Bayou.

Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Will Muschamp looks on during the second half against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

South Carolina Gamecocks

South Carolina 7 – Florida 20

A lot of people wanted to see Muschamp pull the huge upset against his former team in the Swamp. That wasn’t to be, though, as Muschamp’s offense looked as strong as they did when he was roaming the sidelines wearing blue and orange.

The Gamecocks put up only one touchdown and lost by 13. Will Muschamp has never had a problem putting a quality defense on the field. Saturday showed he still doesn’t have a great offense, though.

Impact Moving Forward

-None

This game had the potential for a huge momentum boost and a great story. South Carolina losing this game was expected, though. The Gamecocks still get to play Western Carolina next week to lock up bowl eligibility. As is the theme with many teams across SEC football at this point, that is all that matters.

For South Carolina, bowl eligibility wasn’t expected until next season. A bowl berth is bigger than a win against Florida, though it is tough to feel that way right now.

Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators place kicker Eddy Pineiro (15) and teammates celebrate after defeating the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Florida Gators

Florida Gators 20 – South Carolina 7

This one felt good for Florida. Yes it was an SEC football win, as well as a division win. And yes, Florida was expected to beat South Carolina — as is the case most years. This year was different, though.

Florida was reeling. South Carolina had the momentum.

There’s also the whole ‘Muschamp used to be the coach’ thing. Florida prevailed, though, and moved one step closer to the SEC Football Championship Game.

Impact Moving Forward

-Big Boost

Honestly, this was one of those games where the favorite had a ton to lose and little to gain on paper. That wasn’t the case in reality, though. As many players faced the coach that recruited them, there was plenty to gain.

Florida’s victory gives them some much-needed momentum headed into their final two games of LSU and Florida State. The Gators may limp into the SEC Football Championship, but they’ve done all they can do in the SEC East.

Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) runs against the Georgia Bulldogs defense during the second quarter at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Auburn Tigers

Auburn 7 – Georgia 13

Auburn lost to Georgia.

The Auburn Tigers worked themselves into the College Football Playoff conversation, and then blew it.

Georgia didn’t even score an offensive touchdown! And they won! Auburn’s offensive juggernaut was supposed to give Alabama fits in the Iron Bowl. This weekend the offense was nothing short of, well, offensive.

I’m at a loss. Last week should have been a warning sign, but I didn’t take it. No one really did, as we all chalked it up to John Franklin III. Instead, though, Gus Malzahn’s seat began warming again.

Impact Moving Forward

-Extreme frustration

Auburn fans didn’t expect a ton this season, but were teased with greatness. Auburn now sits at 7-3 with several quality wins to go along with some head scratchers. Fans on The Plains are growing frustrated with the inconsistencies, but Malzahn is doing plenty enough to keep his job.

Auburn is a prime example of what SEC football is this year, however. Like it or not, SEC football is Alabama and slew of decent-to-good teams in 2016.

Nothing more, nothing less.

Nov 12, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart (right) and Auburn Tigers head coach Gus Malzahn (left) shake hands after the game at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Auburn 13-7. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia 13 – Auburn 7

Congratulations Kirby Smart! Aside from the season-opening upset against North Carolina, this was the biggest win for Kirby Smart to date. Actually, with Auburn being a rival and a top-10 team, this is the biggest win of Smart’s career to this point.

Smart took his knowledge of the Auburn offense from his time as defensive coordinator at Alabama and absolutely embarrassed Gus Malzahn and his offense. Great job Kirby, and congratulations Bulldogs.

Impact Moving Forward

-Huge momentum burst

Although this hasn’t been the season Georgia faithful were hoping for, this win helps Bulldogs believe in Smart. Georgia hasn’t been great this year, but a freshman quarterback has been leading the way all season. Next year looks bright, as the roster and head coach will all have a ton more experience.

Kirby Smart just made a ton of progress with boosters and fans. If the Bulldogs can beat Georgia Tech too, look out.

Nov 12, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Damian Williams (11) drops back to pass against Alabama Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Bulldogs 51-3. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State Bulldogs

Mississippi State 3-Alabama 51

Whew.

Wow.

Mississippi State now sits at 4-6, but needs to beat both Arkansas and Ole Miss to reach bowl eligibility. While the shocking win against Texas A&M has to give us pause and say anything can happen, it appears Mississippi State’s bowl streak will die with a wimper.

Then again, the Bulldogs did beat Texas A&M.

Impact Moving Forward

-Absolute embarassment

This is absolutely embarrassing. Dan Mullen is an SEC football veteran, as he is now in his 8th year at Mississippi State. There simply is no justification for losing a division game by 48 points.

None.

Nov 12, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Cam Sims (17) carries the ball against Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeated the Bulldogs 51-3. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama Crimson Tide

Alabama 51 – Mississippi State 3

This was again a showcase for Jalen Hurts. A week after becoming the first Tide player to pass for 300 and rush for 100, he did it again.

Hurts threw for 347 yards and 4 touchdowns to go along with 100 yards rushing and another touchdown. Alabama flexed their muscles on defense as well, holding the Mississippi State offensive attack to an embarrassing performance.

While no one expected Mississippi State to pull the upset, this was just soul crushing.

Impact Moving Forward

-Big boost in momentum

No, this isn’t a huge victory by itself. Alabama just beat a division opponent, though, by 48 points. In a week where Washington, Auburn, Texas A&M, Michigan and Clemson lost games that were supposed to be easy wins, Alabama continued to separate themselves from the rest of the pack.

Nov 12, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies head coach Kevin Sumlin walks on the field during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M 28 – Ole Miss 29

The picture above was taken as Kevin Sumlin heard Shea Patterson’s favorite player growing up was Johnny Manziel.

We’ll just leave it at that.

Impact Moving Forward

-Toss-up

Three weeks ago Texas A&M was riding high. Yes the Aggies had a loss, but were still in prime position for a College Football Playoff berth. What was next on the schedule? Back-to-back games against the two worst teams in the SEC West.

Man I bet so many Texans hate Mississippi right now. Texas A&M is no completely out of the College Football Playoff picture with back-to-back losses to the Mississippi schools, but the schedule does let up.

Texas A&M gets San Antonio to get to 8 wins with a season finale against LSU determining if Kevin Sumlin goes into another offseason on the hot seat or not. No pressure.

Ole Miss Rebels

Ole Miss 29 – Texas A&M 28

The Rebels aren’t nearly where they wanted to be when the season kicked off, but a bowl berth sounds pretty good right now. Even after losing Chad Kelly, it is attainable after the arrival of Shea Patterson.

While Patterson got off to a slow start and credited making his first start at College Station for it, he eventually found his rhythm. And it was impressive. Patterson displayed poise and led the Rebels to a 23-point 4th quarter. The onslaught was enough to give Ole Miss a 29-28 win and third straight over Texas A&M.

Impact Moving Forward

-Toss-up

Ole Miss definitely received a huge short-term boost in momentum. Shea Patterson looked great and high school recruits no doubt want to play with him. In order to justify pulling Patterson’s red shirt this late in the season, though, Ole Miss needs to become bowl eligible.

The Rebels will have to defeat Vanderbilt and/or Mississippi State to get there. Each of those games is winnable, though nothing is for certain. If Ole Miss makes a bowl, it’ll be a wave of momentum for the program. If not? Well, then…

Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores head coach Derek Mason discusses a call with field judge Wes Booker during the second half against the Missouri Tigers at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Vanderbilt Commodores

Vanderbilt 17 – Missouri 26

I’m really not sure hot to explain this one. Vanderbilt looked really good recently, but simply failed to show up Saturday. Drew Lock looked like a quality starter, throwing where he wanted without an interception.

Vandy couldn’t slow Missouri down, which is strange to say. We know Vanderbilt can’t win a shootout, so the ‘Dores could be in trouble if their D has been exposed.

Impact Moving Forward

-Potentially devastating

Vanderbilt had a path to a bowl game this year, but very possibly blew it by losing to the worst team in the conference. The Commodores now sit at 4-6 with games against Ole Miss and Tennessee. While Vandy could wind up winning either of those games, it likely needed a W against Missouri to reach 6.

Nov 12, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Missouri Tigers head coach Barry Odom celebrates with Missouri Tigers defensive lineman Nate Howard (88) after the win over the Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field. Missouri won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Missouri Tigers

Missouri 26 – Vanderbilt 17

Good for Missouri and Barry Odom. The Tigers were able to get their first SEC football win with Barry Odom as coach. It may have been a rough season, but this was a nice way to spend November.

The Tigers aren’t going to make any crazy final flurry, but an SEC win was huge in boosting next year’s potential for Odom.

Impact Moving Forward

-The monkey is off the back

Look, I know Vanderbilt isn’t a huge win. The Commodores did beat Georgia, though, so let’s not pretend like the Commodores are nobody. In this wild year of SEC Football, this game fits well. Vandy was expected to win and gain momentum. Missouri was expected to lose, point blank.

Instead, Vandy lost momentum and has some soul searching to do. Missouri has a happy head coach with his first SEC football win.

Little has gone to plan this year for SEC football, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.