SEC Football: Three Things to Watch for in Week Nine

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

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Oct 15, 2016; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) passes the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Vanderbilt defeated Georgia 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It is time to give you our “Three Things to Watch For” this week. As you can guess, these are the three biggest storylines of the week, that you should keep an eye on. Without any further ado, here is number three!

3. How Will Jacob Eason fare Against a Nasty Florida Secondary?

Jacob Eason has been pretty average this season. For a true freshman in the SEC, average is pretty darn good. He has completed 54 percent of his passes with nine touchdowns and five interceptions. Unfortunately for Eason, his offensive line has done a poor job of protecting him. In addition, his wide receivers have struggled to get open.

Those are going to be big problems this weekend. Eason has to face the Florida Gators in Jacksonville. This will be Eason’s toughest test to date. The Gators will undoubtedly stack the box to stop Nick Chubb and Sony Michel.

That leaves Jacob Eason and his receivers with normally favorable matchups on the outside. However, when you play against Florida, there isn’t any such thing as a favorable matchup. Jalen Tabor and Quincy Wilson are both capable of locking down any of Georgia receiver one-on-one.

In other words, this one could get real ugly for the Dawgs. For the sake of my late grandfather I hope they find a way to pull it out. But it doesn’t look good.

Oct 22, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (40) celebrates as Mississippi Rebels quarterback Chad Kelly (10) looks on following a defensive stop during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi 38-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

2. Is Ole Miss Done?

The Ole Miss Rebels were supposed to do big things this season. They were coming off a Sugar Bowl victory and returned the SEC’s best quarterback. But things haven’t worked out the way that Rebel fans wanted.

First, the Rebels blew a huge lead against Florida State. Then, they did the same thing against Alabama. More recently, the Rebels have dropped back-to-back games to Arkansas and LSU. Currently the Rebels sit at 3-4 on the season.

The question is then, are the Rebels going to fold up or will they rally together. I am of the opinion that they are done for. Auburn will likely obliterate them this week, as the Rebel rushing defense is atrocious. Kamryn Pettway should have plenty of opportunities to gash the Ole Miss defense.

In addition, the Rebels face looming NCAA sanctions. That is not the sort of thing that builds morale. Hugh Freeze may or may not be in Oxford next season. He could run off to greener pastures, or he could be fired if the NCAA find that he was guilty of wrongdoing.

In short, the situation in Oxford is precarious. I for one think their cause is already lost. However, if the Rebels can find a way to beat Auburn this Saturday, then I will be singing a different tune.

Oct 22, 2016; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Jake Bentley (4) passes against the Massachusetts Minutemen in the second half at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports

1. Can South Carolina Shock the World?

South Carolina is not a very good football team this season. However, their defense has been scrappy all season. Plus, their offense may have found a new life under the direction of true freshman Jake Bentley. Bentley was exceptional against UMass. Still, they can’t actually beat Tennessee this week.

Or can they? Consider this, Tennessee almost lost to Appalachian State. Also, the Volunteers got all they wanted from the Ohio Bobcats. Thus, it stands to reason that the Gamecocks could give the Volunteers a tough game.

Furthermore, the Gamecocks are at home, which is always advantageous, particularly for a young team led by a true freshman quarterback. Finally, the Volunteers are still a walking triage unit. South Carolina, meanwhile, is healthy.

With all of that said, is it likely that South Carolina wins? Absolutely not. The Gamecocks have a slim chance at best. They will have to play perfectly. Tennessee will have to make mistakes, and South Carolina will have to capitalize on those mistakes. Still, anything is possible.

Thanks for Reading!