Weekend Thoughts - Week 8 - Sports Talk SEC

Weekend Thoughts – Week 8

Posted on October 25, 2021 by Kyle Gilbert Leave a comment

(Photo: Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports)

It was a slow week for the SEC, with five of its teams being on bye, but it was an eventful one even still.

South Carolina 14 (4-4, 1-4 SEC)

14 Texas A&M 44 (6-2, 3-2 SEC)

Texas A&M runs all over South Carolina for their sixth win of the year. Running backs Devon Achane and Isaiah Spiller both rush for over 100 yards as the Aggies put up 290 on the ground. Quarterback Zach Calzada also added 187 on 12 completions and threw 2 touchdowns. South Carolina was only able to muster 185 total yards and turned the ball over 3 times in the loss. It’s clear that head coach Shane Beamer has his work cut out for him as he tries to build this Gamecock program back up to its former glory.

Tennessee 24 (4-4, 2-3 SEC)

3 Alabama 52 (7-1, 4-1 SEC)

Tennessee gives Bama all it can handle, but the Tide pull away for the 15th consecutive victory over the Volunteers. This game was as close as a touchdown in the fourth quarter, but Tennessee’s inability to get off the field on third down was a killer. The Tide was 15/20 on third down in this game and Bryce Young’s playmaking was the reason why. He showed that he could do more than just throw the ball as well, running for two touchdowns to go along with two more through the air. Tennessee quarterback Hendon Hooker was a game-time decision before the game, but played very well, putting up 282 yards on 19 completions and throwing for three touchdowns. Although it was a 28-point loss, Tennessee fans have to be happy with the competitiveness that their team showed, something they haven’t seen against Alabama in a while.

Mississippi State 45 (4-3, 2-2 SEC)

Vanderbilt 6 (2-6, 0-4 SEC)

After a slow start, Mississippi State pours it on against Vanderbilt. A 10-3 game in the second quarter quickly turned into a blowout as the Commadore offense couldn’t take advantage of some early defensive stops. Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers threw for 384 yards and four touchdowns, but threw two picks as well. The Bulldogs gained 522 total yards of offense and only allowed 155 on the other side of the ball. Vanderbilt only converted one of their eleven tries on third down.

Arkansas Pine-Bluff 3 (1-6, 0-4 SWAC)

Arkansas 45 (5-3, 1-3 SEC)

The Razorbacks score 45 in the first half in win against Arkansas Pine-Bluff. Arkansas thoroughly dominated this game, gaining over 500 yards of offense and only giving up 223 to the Golden Lions. K.J. Jefferson was 10/17 for 194 yards and four touchdowns through the air and added 33 more on the ground. Wide-receiver Treylon Burks put on a show as well, gaining 145 total yards and scoring three total touchdowns. The Razorbacks averaged 8.0 yards per play and also forced two interceptions.

LSU 17 (4-4, 2-3 SEC)

10 Ole Miss 31 (6-1, 3-1 SEC)

Offensive woes doom LSU in loss to Ole Miss. The Tigers were in front for over 26 minutes in the first half thanks to great defensive play, but their lack of a rushing attack kept them from pulling away. They only gained 77 yards on 34 carries. The defense did a good job against Heisman hopeful Matt Corral, who threw for 185 yards and scored two total touchdowns, but LSU couldn’t sustain a drive after the first couple possessions. Max Johnson had a below-average day, throwing for only 146 yards, no touchdowns, and an interception. The Ole Miss run game picked up towards the end of the first half and carried them to victory. Jarod Conner led the team in rushing with 117 yards, and Jerrion Ealy and Henry Parrish Jr. both ran for a touchdown each.