6 – Tennessee (14) – 3-0 – Down 3
Speaking of bad 3-0 teams, the Volunteers have yet to show me anything to make me believe they’re a playoff contender.
This past weekend they struggled against an Ohio team that had no business being in the game. Going into the fourth quarter it was just a two point game.
The Volunteers added a touchdown in the fourth quarter to make the final score 28-19.
The defense for Tennessee remains solid giving up just one touchdown and 318 total yards.
However, the offense continues to struggle to find any consistency.
The Vols will now be without one of their best defensive players in Cam Sutton who has a fractured right ankle.
They get their first real test of the season this weekend against Florida who has beaten them 11 times in a row.
They catch a break as Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio was injured last week and won’t play in the game.
If they want to establish themselves as the leader of the SEC East, they have to get over the hump and beat Florida at home.
Even if they get by the Gators, their next three games are at Georgia, at Texas A&M and vs. Alabama.
5 – LSU (18) – 2-1 – Even
I thought LSU had finally put things together with Danny Etling at quarterback and a dominating first half of football against Mississippi State.
Then they failed to score in the second half, leading to wonder if LSU is really a true contender in the SEC West.
Leonard Fournette showed that he was healthy rushing for 147 yards on 28 carries and 2 touchdowns.
Etling threw the ball efficiently going 19-of-30 for 215 yards and a touchdown.
I’m not sure if Les Miles just went into safe mode during the second half or what, but I need to see them play a complete game before I start believing again.
They’ll have another chance to prove themselves this weekend as they go to Auburn.
As we mentioned earlier this week, the losing coach in this game could be standing in hot water.
Next: Florida and Ole Miss