SEC Football : Three Things We Watched For, Week Three Recap

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

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Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Les Miles sings with running back Leonard Fournette (7) and his team following a win against the Mississippi State Bulldogs in a game at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Mississippi State 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Another week of exciting SEC Football action is in the books. There were several exciting conference games this week. Georgia squeaked by Missouri with a one point victory on a fourth quarter touchdown throw from Jacob Eason to Isaiah McKenzie. Alabama narrowly beat Ole Miss in a roller coaster ride of a game.

In addition, Mississippi State’s late rally almost led to a Bulldog victory over the LSU Tigers but fell just short. Meanwhile, in Auburn the Myles Garrett and the Texas A&M Aggies flexed their muscles against an anemic Auburn offense.

Also, there were a few obligatory trips to the bakery for some cupcakes. Tennessee again struggled against their cupcake, the University of Ohio Bobcats, but did manage to ultimately pull out a victory. South Carolina had a rough time with Eastern Carolina, before winning 20-15. Kentucky also struggled against New Mexico State. But the Wildcats got their first win of the season, 62-42.

Arkansas and Florida, by contrast, feasted. The Hogs spanked Texas State by a score of 42-3. Florida meanwhile, smothered the life out of North Texas, winning 32-0. Finally, brave little Vandy got whipped by Georgia Tech in the only Power Five out of conference game this week, losing by a score of 38-7.

A lot of interesting games happened this week. Our Southbound and Down Power Rankings is in shambles again. But that’s a story for another day. Today we recap our “Three Things We Watched For” this week. Be sure to let us know what you watched for this week in the comments below.

Sep 17, 2016; Columbia, MO, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie (16) catches a touchdown pass in front of Missouri Tigers defensive back Aarion Maxey-Penton (11) in the second half at Faurot Field. The Bulldogs won 28-27. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

3. Which Georgia Will Show Up?

The good Georgia showed up. And it was a good thing for Dawg fans. If the Georgia that played against Nicholls had come out of the tunnel the Bulldogs would be headed back to Athens with their first loss of the season. Instead, the Bulldogs improve to 3-0 overall and 1-0 in conference play.

Jacob Eason looks like a star in the making. He isn’t mobile, but he has an elite arm. He can make any throw. However, you can tell that he is a freshman. Like Alabama’s Jalen Hurts, Eason’s timing is off on his deep passes. That problem should resolve itself over the course of the season. Nevertheless, Eason had a good game against Missouri, throwing for 308 yards and three touchdowns.

Eason’s performance was the key to the Bulldogs’ success. That is because Missouri clearly sold-out to stop Nick Chubb. They were able to do so fairly well, holding Chubb to just 3.3 yards per carry on the night. Unfortunately for the Tigers, this opened up windows for Eason in the passing game.

The Georgia defense had a bit of an up and down day. They allowed almost 500 yards of total offense but did come up with three vital interceptions. What is perhaps most troubling is that the vaunted Dawg secondary allowed Drew Lock to throw for 376 yards. With all due respect to Mr. Lock, he is no Chad Kelly. And, as fate would have it, the Bulldogs are set to square off with Kelly and the Ole Miss Rebels this week. It could be a long day for the Dawg defense.

Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

2. Is A&M the Real Deal? Is Auburn?

A&M showed against Auburn that they are absolutely the real deal. The defense was stout. Trevor Knight had a big game. And the running game even got involved. Texas A&M is a very dangerous team right now.

This week, the Aggies take on another potential West contender in the form of the Arkansas Razorbacks. The Hogs have looked good so far this season. I expect A&M to win, but if they don’t the Hogs will take their place as the dark horse SEC West pick.

Auburn, on the other hand, showed that they are nothing but a pretender. The supposed offensive awakening that took place against Arkansas State was just a mirage caused by an awful defense. Sean White showed that he is an average quarterback on his best day, which is why he got the hook and was replaced with John Franklin III.

Unfortunately, Franklin didn’t look like the answer either. He is an elite athlete, but I’m not sure he’s an SEC-caliber quarterback. Auburn has a great kicker and a solid defense, but that won’t be enough to keep them out of the cellar in the toughest division in college football.

Sep 17, 2016; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers quarterback Danny Etling (16) throws a pass against the Mississippi State Bulldogs during the second quarter of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

1. Can the LSU Offense Find Balance?

For this week at least, the answer is a resounding yes. In fact, the Tigers actually had more yards passing than they had rushing this week. Danny Etling looked good, throwing for 215 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions. He also did a nice job of spreading the ball around, completing passes to seven different receivers.

Nevertheless, Leonard Fournette still got his due. He rushed 28 times for 147 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 27 receiving yards on four catches.

Let’s be clear, Mississippi State’s defense is not particularly good. However, Etling still performed very well. He will face a stiffer test this week against Auburn. Can he continue playing at a high level with Carl Lawson hunting him all game? Only time will tell.

Fortunately, Etling doesn’t have to be the focal point of the offense. That title obviously belongs to Leonard Fournette. All he has to do is play well enough to keep the defense from stacking the box. Brandon Harris could not do this. Etling has looked like he can, at least so far. If he can continue to do so then LSU could make a serious run at the SEC West title.

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