Around the SEC: Week seven
It was another busy week in the SEC. One team stunned an SEC East power on the road, while an SEC West power reminded the nation why they’re No. 1. Here’s what happened around the SEC during week seven.
KNOXVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 15, 2016 - quarterback Josh Dobbs #11 of the Tennessee Volunteers during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Tennessee Volunteers at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, TN. Photo By Craig Bisacre/Tennessee Athletics
Mississippi State falls to BYU in double overtime
The Bulldogs (2-4, 1-2 SEC) and Cougars put together a shootout game (minus the points) that came down to the wire in a 28-21 BYU win.
It was all offense throughout the game, as each team accounted for more than 300 yards of offense and 20-plus first downs. However, both teams were evenly matched throughout the game.
Mississippi St struck first, but BYU countered with a touchdown of its own. The Bulldogs took a 14-7 lead into halftime, but allowed the Cougars to tie the ball game once again in the fourth quarter, pushing the game to overtime.
Both teams found the end zone in their first possessions in overtime. BYU scored quickly on the first possession of double overtime to take a 28-21 lead, then forced an incomplete pass in the end zone on fourth down to seal the victory.
Vanderbilt upsets Georgia
In one of the most shocking scores of the weekend, Vanderbilt (3-4, 1-3 SEC) went into Athens and stole a 17-16 victory from the Georgia Bulldogs (4-3, 2-3 SEC).
Vandy struck first after a 95-yard kick return to open the game set up an easy two-play drive into the end zone.
Georgia quarterback Jacob Eason completed 27-of-40 passes for 346 yards, but tossed Georgia’s only touchdown of the game midway through the third quarter to give Georgia its only lead of the game.
Georgia increased its lead by kicking a field goal early in the fourth quarter, but Vanderbilt responded with an eight-play, 75-yard touchdown drive to go back up 17-16 with 9:43 remaining. The Bulldogs’ final drive was stopped on fourth-and-one, giving Vanderbilt its first SEC win this season and first SEC road win under Derek Mason.
No. 1 Alabama rolls past No. 9 Tennessee
Coming off a thrilling overtime loss to Texas A&M last week, Tennessee (5-2, 2-2 SEC) looked to put up a fight against the top team in the nation. That fight wouldn’t last long, as Alabama (7-0, 4-0 SEC) throttled the Vols, 49-10.
The Crimson Tide put together 594 yards of total offense en route to seven touchdowns. Seven Alabama rushers combined for 438 rushing yards, the most since 1986. ‘Bama added two non-offensive touchdowns — a 58-yard interception return and a 79-yard punt return. Freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts led all rushers with 132 yards and three touchdowns, both career highs.
Tennessee’s only points came on an 11-yard touchdown drive before halftime and a field goal late in the 3rd quarter.
No. 18 Florida dominates Missouri
After not playing LSU a week ago due to Hurricane Matthew, Florida (5-1, 3-1 SEC) looked ready and focused during a 40-14 thrashing of Missouri (2-4, 0-3 SEC).
After a scoreless first quarter, Florida turned up the heat in the second 15 minutes of action. The Gators’ offense couldn’t find pay dirt, but two field goals and two pix-sixes gave Florida a 20-0 lead at half time.
The Tigers’ offense had a better second half, finding the end zone twice. However, the defense gave up another 20 points in the second half.
No. 22 Arkansas edges No. 12 Ole Miss, 34-30
After losing to Arkansas (5-2, 1-2 SEC) in back-to-back years, Ole Miss was in position to stop the streak from extending to a third year. Unfortunately, the Rebels couldn’t finish.
Both teams put together more than 400 total yards, one turnover each, and more than 20 first downs. The only key statistical difference was time of possession — Arkansas held the ball 21 minutes longer than Ole Miss.
In mirrored quarters, Arkansas took a 14-6 lead into the second 15 minutes of play, only to be out-scored 14-6 by Ole Miss in the second to go in halftime tied at 20 a piece.
The Razorbacks scored late in the third quarter to take a 27-20 lead, but the Rebels responded with their final 10 points of the game to take a 30-27 lead with nine minutes left in the game. Ole Miss’s last chance on fourth-and-16 with time running down was denied when Chad Kelly was hit while scrambling, causing a fumble that bounced out of bounds and sealed the win for Arkansas.
Edited by Nathan Odom
Featured image by Craig Bisacre, courtesy of Tennessee Athletics
