Contributed by freelance sportswriter Mateo
It’s time to give some dap to the SEC for playing down and dirty ball and being head and shoulders above all the other conferences in NCAAF.
The Big 12 at the top is awesome but I’ll take the SEC’s dominating speed, finesse, athleticism, and defensive powerhouses over the spread-em-out high-powered offenses of the Big 12.
For the second week in a row the SEC has the game of the week. Nick Saban’s 8th ranked Alabama Crimson Tide travel to Athens to play the 3rd ranked Georgia Bulldogs. Expect much of the same of what took place in the Auburn/LSU matchup last week. Heavy hitting on defense with a great balance of rushing and passing from both offenses. Football fans call this the best brand of ball in the country.
The SEC justifiably has four teams ranked in the top eight. LSU is second in the SEC in rushing, averaging 220 yards per game and has only given up three touchdowns on defense all season.
The ‘Dawgs have one of the most balanced offenses in the country, racking up 450 yards per game with their talented trio of underclassman studs filling the skilled positions. Georgia’s ‘D’ is the worst out of the four ranked teams and they are allowing less than 14 points per game. The phrase defense wins championships is something the SEC takes to heart.
The Florida Gators, this year, has not been led solely by Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow. Their defense is second best in the country, allowing just 19 points in three games.
‘Bama may be the most impressive team in the SEC so far this year. They started the season ranked 22nd and are climbing steadily up the charts after kicking some ass on the road. They beat #9 Clemson, 34-10 then went into Arkansas and took them to school 49-10.
‘Bama also leads the SEC in rushing, averaging over 235 yds. per game while maintaining an iron-curtain defense, allowing an average of less than 10 points per contest. They also has one of the best offensive lines in the country so don’t be surprised if they take care of business on the road this weekend in Athens against the high-powered ‘Dawgs.
The SEC over the last few years has taken title of being the best conference in the country. Their talent pool are highly scouted by the NFL and many of the top prospects get drafted in the early rounds.
Don’t expect this trend to change anytime soon. Expect bigger things out of Tennessee who will have a new coach next year, and Arkansas under Coach Bobby Petrino who may transfer former Michigan QB Ryan Mallett to his football team.
Look out, rest of the country, the SEC is playing down and dirty football.
Mateo is the NCAA contributor for SportsClimax.COM. Mateo spends his spare time chasing his degree while slingin’ drinks at the Grotto near Western Michigan University.
Copyright © 2008 – Sports Climax