Still Don’t Know Much…
So far the LSU Tigers have (a) Shut out a weaker SEC opponent, (b) whipped a top-ten ranked team that I feel is over-rated, and (c) predictably mopped up a second-tier opponent in Middle Tennessee State. The score yesterday was 44-0. What was significant, however, was that LSU started a new quarterback and gave their starter the week off to rest a sprained ankle. Didn’t seem to make much difference in the final outcome.
With three games completed (and a sparkling record of 3-0) I submit that we still don’t realy know who the LSU Tigers are this year. Why?
Because they haven’t played anybody of note. Their only top opponent so far has been Virginia Tech, and while they are still ranked (and 2-1) I don’t think we’ll really know how good they are until they get to the later part of their schedule.
It’s fun to play the “who-beat-who” game, so lets start with LSU’s latest opponent. Middle Tennessee gave top-ranked Louisville a scare, scoring 42 points in a 58-42 loss. Last night, Kentucky (an unranked SEC team) took down this same Louisville team 40-34. The Kentucky Wildcats, more known for their basketball legacy than their football expertise, are now 3-0, but have yet to play an SEC opponent.
So, by the transitive property, LSU beats Middle Tennesee, who scared Louisville (top ten team) who lost to Kentucky (unranked). What does this mean for the Tigers who travel to Kentucky in a few weeks? I guess we’ll know more about the Wildcats after they play South Carolina (who are also 3-0 and 1-0 in the SEC) and Arkansas. Ah, but Arkansas lost to unranked Alabama yesterday. Alabama is now 3-0 and more importantly 2-0 in the SEC with victories over ranked Arkansas and patsy Vanderbilt. What a game we have shaping up for November 3rd, when former LSU coach Nick Saban gets to entertain the Tigers at Alabama. That could very well help decide the SEC West winner.
In fact the Tide are currently listed in first place with their 2-0 SEC record trumping the 1-0 SEC standing of the Tigers.
The seaon is still young. We still don’t know what sort of team we have. South Carolina (the “other” USC) next week, followed by Florida two weeks later (both home games for LSU) should provide a much better barometer for where their season is headed.
Oh, and USC (the “California” version of USC) handled top-25 opponent Nebraska in a late game last night. They will likely keep their #1 status, and LSU has no reason to move anywhere. I expect Florida to gain ground on Oklahoma and West Virginia, if not take over the #4 spot from WVA outright. Current #6 Texas will likely drop, having struggled against week opponents so far. I expect Kentucky to make a poll appearance, even if only briefly. Even Alabama might be ranked.
Welcome to SEC Football. 