Week 1 of the 2024 season is within the books, for the SEC at the least, and it was an total shaky debut for one of many nation’s premiere conferences. Although loads of the 16 faculties beat up on lesser opponents, the SEC had a tougher time leaving an impression in opposition to extra equally matched Energy 4 foes.
In actual fact, SEC groups went 1-3 in opposition to ranked opponents in Week 1. Now, to be honest, a few these losses have been anticipated: unranked Florida misplaced at residence to No. 19 Miami, and No. 20 Texas A&M had No. 7 Notre Dame locked in a defensive battle till the Irish pulled away on the finish. However No. 13 LSU misplaced in Las Vegas to No. 23 USC as a neutral-site favourite, dropping to 0-5 in its final 5 season openers. And it is very important point out that Texas A&M was favored over the Irish.
In any other case, the SEC was spotless. A majority of these wins got here in opposition to both FCS or Group of 5 opponents, however No. 1 Georgia dealt with enterprise in opposition to No. 14 Clemson and Vanderbilt began its 12 months off with a bang by beating Virginia Tech, incomes its first win in opposition to an influence convention opponent since Nov. 19, 2022.
With all 16 SEC groups kicking off their respective seasons in Week 1, there’s lots to remove — even from the non-competitive tune-up video games. This is the nice, the unhealthy and the ugly from every SEC program within the first week of the 2024 season.
The great: Physicality wasn’t a problem for Kalen DeBoer’s debut. Some have been anxious that Alabama would lose its edge when it employed DeBoer from Washington. Although Western Kentucky was hopelessly overmatched, the Crimson Tide nonetheless appeared lots aggressive — particularly on protection. They solely had one sack, however managed seven tackles for loss and 4 quarterback pressures whereas limiting the Hilltoppers to a paltry 1.6 yards per carry.
The unhealthy and ugly: The Kadyn Proctor damage. It is by no means excellent news if you lose your franchise left sort out earlier than the primary recreation of the season even kicks off. He spent Saturday on the sidelines in road garments and a sling on his left arm after struggling an obvious higher physique ailment in warmups. Fortunately for Alabama, Proctor goes to be OK as 247Sports reviews he is week-to-week and will go well with up in opposition to Wisconsin in two weeks. Nonetheless, it was a scare that soured what was in any other case a celebration of a Saturday evening.
The great: The run recreation seems to be rejuvenized. It was fairly a re-debut for brand new offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino, whose unit appeared explosive in Arkansas’ largest margin of victory in nearly a century. Particularly spectacular was the revival of the Razorbacks’ floor assault, which struggled final season. Utah switch Ja’Quinden Jackson appeared unstoppable with 101 yards speeding and two touchdowns on simply eight carries. It appears Taylen Inexperienced will choose up proper the place KJ Jefferson left off at quarterback. 5 totally different Hawgs scored a speeding landing, and Arkansas averaged 8.5 yards per carry as a crew.
The unhealthy and ugly: It is arduous to nit-pick a 70-point win, however Inexperienced did get off a gradual begin, at the least as a passer. He missed on two of his first three makes an attempt earlier than he actually settled into the rhythm of issues. Chalk it as much as nerves in his first recreation as an SEC starter, trigger the Boise State switch appeared nice for a majority of the sport. Once more, actually arduous to seek out the rest improper with Arkansas’ efficiency.
The great: Nice begin for a new-look passing assault. All 4 of Auburn’s main receivers Saturday evening made their Tigers debut. The freshman trio of Malcolm Simmons, Perry Thompson and Cam Coleman mixed for 235 yards and three touchdowns. Every caught a move of at the least 50 yards. Then Penn State switch KeAndre Lambert-Smith 80 whole yards, with each of his catches leading to scores. Auburn definitely does not lack in explosive playmakers anymore.
The unhealthy and ugly: Once more, actually arduous to seek out fault with a 70-point win, however Auburn most likely needs to scrub up the penalties in opposition to higher competitors. The Tigers have been flagged 5 instances for a complete of 60 yards, together with two completely avoidable 15-yard private foul calls.
Florida
- Consequence: Misplaced 41-17 to Miami
The great: Freshman quarterback DJ Lagway might be a much-needed spark. Graham Mertz wasn’t precisely lighting the world on hearth previous to his debut — although he has proven all through his profession that he is able to extra — and Lagway at the least appeared thrilling when he entered the sport. He brings a dimension that Mertz merely cannot with legs and undoubtedly has some juice in his arm. He led a pleasant landing drive late within the recreation.
The unhealthy: Graham Mertz’s damage. Sure, Lagway is a flashy, enjoyable toy, and Florida ought to give him some seems to be no matter Mertz’s standing. However the Gators are going to want a veteran to navigate their bear of a schedule. Plus, regardless of how he appeared Saturday, Mertz proved in 2023 that he is one of many nation’s extra underrated passers, and he is greater than able to getting the job accomplished.
The ugly: Lots, truthfully, however Florida’s offensive line has a particular place of dishonor. Lagway did have an interception that wasn’t actually his fault. He barely had time to set his toes earlier than a Miami edge rusher was throughout him. That was a constant theme for the Gators, who could as nicely have had a revolving door defending the quarterback. Miami had three sacks, eight tackles for loss and two quarterback pressures.
Georgia
- Consequence: Beat Clemson 34-3
The great: Georgia’s working again depth is absurd. The Bulldogs had 169 yards and averaged 6.3 yards per carry in opposition to a Clemson defensive entrance stocked with NFL expertise. And that was with out projected beginning RB Trevor Etienne and No. 2 possibility Roderick Robinson. Freshman Nate Frazier appeared like the subsequent nice Dawgs again, with 11 carries for 84 yards and one landing.
The unhealthy: The offensive line appeared just a little lackluster, at the least within the early goings. That is, in fact, relative to preseason projections, which had UGA’s line trying like a Joe Moore Award winner. That’s nonetheless doable, and perhaps even possible, however the Bulldogs did wrestle a bit by way of the primary couple quarters. That speeding assault solely averaged 2.8 yards per carry at halftime and quarterback Carson Beck got here underneath some hearth by way of the third quarter.
The ugly: Gradual begins nonetheless plague the offense. It should be a part of the Mike Bobo playbook. The Bulldogs punted on three of their first 5 drives. The opposite two led to area targets, together with one which capped a 12-play, 68-yard drive that moved the ball all the way in which to Clemson’s 12-yard line. As soon as Georgia’s superior depth took over, it was off to the races. Higher offensive groups than Clemson would possibly have the ability to benefit from a sluggish first half, although.
The great: Quarterback Brock Vandagriff seems to be comfy in his first actual significant motion. Expertise was an enormous query mark for the previous Georgia switch. He tried simply 21 passes in three years with the Bulldogs, and none have been thrown in a high-stress state of affairs. Vandagriff was easy working Kentucky’s offense — even with the bizarre climate impacting rhythm — by finishing 12 of his 18 move makes an attempt for 169 yards and three touchdowns.
The unhealthy and ugly: Kentucky confronted an averaged third-down distance of 6.6 yards. Whereas the Wildcats did convert three of their 5 third-down alternatives, which is a good clip, and largely stayed forward of the chains, solely one in every of their third downs got here with 5 yards or much less of distance to the primary down marker. Not an issue in opposition to groups like Southern Miss, however that will not do within the SEC.
LSU
- Consequence: Misplaced 27-20 to USC
The great: LSU continues to be loaded at extensive receiver. Nobody ought to be shocked at this level, however this system’s means to persistently reload it doesn’t matter what it loses on the place is spectacular. Kyren Lacy appeared like a first-round expertise in opposition to USC, Aaron Anderson had a breakout recreation and tight finish Mason Taylor (not a WR, however he catches the ball) was a wonderful security valve. This was with out an injured Chris Hilton Jr. and with out coveted switch CJ Daniels making a lot of an influence.
The unhealthy: LSU’s tackling. The Tigers did look higher on protection of their first recreation underneath coordinator Blake Baker, however they should get again into the lab with regards to tackling. USC’s working backs have been in a position to combat for further yards — or simply downright escape the primary defender — extra usually than you’d wish to see from an SEC crew.
The ugly: A definite lack of self-discipline. Perhaps it was first recreation sloppiness, or perhaps it is an issue from the highest, however LSU displayed a stunning lack of self-discipline in Sunday evening’s recreation. And it price the Tigers, large time. An unsportsmanlike conduct foul took took the ball from LSU’s personal 36-yard line to its 21 halfway by way of the fourth quarter, with a possibility to empty the clock and even rating to possible shut the door on the sport. As an alternative, the Tigers went three-and-out, surrendered area place and allowed USC’s go-ahead landing — aided by an offsides name. Then, in fact, there was the concentrating on penalty on USC’s game-winning drive that put the ball on LSU’s doorstep.
The great: Mississippi State executed Jeff Lebby’s tempo very nicely. The Bulldogs have been extraordinarily environment friendly, working simply 57 performs in 21:54 of possession and scoring on all however three of their drives that did not consequence ultimately of a half or the top of the sport. They averaged a brisk 7.9 yards per play and 16.5 yards per move completion, each nice numbers for an offensive system that may be arduous to select up.
The unhealthy and ugly: The working backs did not get a ton of push within the speeding assault. Mississippi State quarterback Blake Shapen led the Bulldogs in speeding with 44 internet yards. Their longest run of the day got here from extensive receiver Creed Whittemore, who took a double-reverse 41 yards to the home. With out these two, State averaged slightly below 4.5 yards per carry. Not a horrible mark, however it ought to be higher in an offense that areas defenses out a lot.
The great: Missouri’s all-new protection made an awesome first impression. The Tigers employed Corey Batoon from South Alabama to exchange Blake Baker, who left for LSU after remodeling Mizzou’s protection into one of many SEC’s greatest. Eli Drinkwitz’s squad additionally misplaced six of its high defenders to the 2024 NFL Draft, so there was some concern a couple of main drop off. Not the most effective competitors, however thus far so good. Solely one in every of Murray State’s drives led to Missouri territory. The Tigers had two sacks, six tackles for loss, 4 move breakups and compelled a fumble, and ballyhooed switch cornerback Toriano Pleasure Jr. had a pick-six in his first recreation in a Missouri jersey. Throughout high marks.
The unhealthy and ugly: Brady Cook dinner nonetheless must work on the deep ball. He is quarterback, and he had begin to 2024 with 228 yards and one landing by way of the air. However the Tigers left some factors on the desk with a disjointed deep passing assault. Cook dinner put just a little an excessive amount of air on the ball and overthrew some open receivers, together with all-star Luther Burden III. It is a fixable difficulty that ought to get higher with the passing weeks.
The great: Jackson Arnold took main strides in his decision-making through the offseason. Within the 2023 Alamo Bowl loss to Arizona, he chucked three interceptions and accomplished simply 57.8% of his passes. He did not flip the ball over in any respect in opposition to Temple and actually did not have any unhealthy throws. Three of his eight incompletions have been because of extensive receiver drops. Arnold additionally confronted plenty of strain however confirmed super poise for it being his first common season begin.
The unhealthy: Issues concerning the offensive line have been validated. The Sooners needed to construct that unit from the bottom up after shedding 5 starters and offensive sort out Jake Taylor missed Saturday’s recreation with an damage. Beginning heart Branson Hickman additionally went down early with an ankle sprain. Nonetheless, Oklahoma acquired pushed round in opposition to what ought to have been a a lot weaker Temple entrance. The Owls had three sacks and 5 tackles for loss.
The ugly: Oklahoma’s third-down offense. The Sooners went 1-of-12 on third downs. They did convert all three of their fourth down makes an attempt, however that is unacceptable because the competitors will get higher.
The great: The passing assault seems to be manner higher than we thought, and expectations have been already excessive. Quarterback Jaxson Dart had 418 yards and 5 touchdowns by halftime. Tre Harris did Tre Harris issues, with eight catches for 179 yards and two touchdowns. It was encouraging to see different choices step up when Jordan Watkins left with damage, and given Deion Smith’s present eligibility battle with the NCAA. Wideout Cayden Lee had recreation along with his elevated alternative.
The unhealthy and ugly: Punter Fraser Masin averaged 32 yards on two punts — together with a 29-yard shank — and neither have been downed contained in the 20-yard line. It’s excellent news that Ole Miss solely needed to punt twice. It is also a sign of how dominant the Rebels have been, that that is their solely standout difficulty.
The great: South Carolina has some actual play makers on protection. Edge rushers Kyle Kennard and Dylan Stewart, a five-star true freshman, spared the Gamecocks a complete catastrophe with a pair of well timed strip sacks. Defensive again Jalon Kilgore got here up large with an interception that halted what may have been a game-winning drive for the Monarchs. O’Donnell Fortune additionally made an awesome play within the second quarter to leap a route and intercept a move ultimately zone.
The unhealthy: South Carolina did not get that very same effort from its extensive receivers. New beginning quarterback LaNorris Sellers did not have the most effective day, however it hurts his growth that he does not have a professional No. 1 choice to throw the ball to. Vandrevius Jacobs flashed and the employees is excessive on freshman Mazeo Bennett Jr., however neither dominated in a buy-game. Freak athlete Nyckoles Harbor was a non-factor. Somebody’s going to want to step up.
The ugly: The offensive line hasn’t improved in any respect. As chances are you’ll guess, this additionally contributed to Sellers’ poor exhibiting. Outdated Dominion had 4 sacks, 2.5 of which got here from Mario Thompson. The Gamecocks will face higher move rushes because the 12 months wears on, clearly, so hold Sellers’ well being in your ideas.
The great: Tennessee has high quality depth throughout the board. Josh Heupel has accomplished an incredible job rebuilding the gutted roster he inherited when he took over in 2021. Eight totally different gamers caught a move from quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who sat for your complete second half. Twenty-eight totally different gamers had at the least one sort out. The Vols will not area fairly that many gamers in opposition to extra evenly matched competitors, however they do have a professional rotation at most positions on the sphere.
The unhealthy and ugly: The move rush was quiet. Now, Chattanooga did plenty of issues that make it arduous to hurry the passer. A majority of its passes have been fast outs or slants throughout the center and the offensive line minimize blockers lots. It was gameplan in opposition to a ferocious Tennessee entrance highlighted by EDGE James Pearce Jr., who solely performed 10 snaps in opposition to the Mocs. Nonetheless, it might have been good to see the Vols with multiple sack.
The great: Texas scored a landing on all seven of its pink zone journeys. Quinn Ewers appeared much more comfy passing close to the aim line, and the Longhorns — who misplaced CJ Baxter and Christian Clark to preseason damage — acquired good efforts from their working backs in scoring distance. Tre Wisner and Jerrick Gibson every had speeding touchdowns contained in the opponent’s 20-yard line. It was spectacular to see from a crew that had a 50.8% pink zone landing fee in 2023.
The unhealthy and ugly: The defensive position was largely held in verify. Texas’ two largest losses of the offseason have been its pair of All-American caliber defensive tackles in Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat, who each went off the board inside the first 40 picks of the 2024 NFL Draft. These two gained plenty of battles for Texas’ protection and contributed to one of many nation’s greatest rush defenses. Whereas Colorado State did not get rather a lot accomplished on the bottom, the Longhorns’ defensive entrance wasn’t very disruptive. They went with no sack and solely contributed two of UT’s 5 tackles for loss.
Texas A&M
- Consequence: Misplaced 23-13 to Notre Dame
The great: The move protection appeared strong. Texas A&M confronted off in opposition to quarterback in Notre Dame’s Riley Leonard and held him to 18-of-30 for 158 yards and no touchdowns by way of the air. Although Notre Dame tried to reduce the Aggy move rush with a fast passing assault, A&M nonetheless managed one sack and 5 whole quarterback pressures.
The unhealthy: One other large one acquired away. The Aggies had loads of alternatives to open the Mike Elko period with a cornerstone win and shake the lingering narrative that they cannot get the job accomplished in large video games. They’re now 0-6 in opposition to AP-ranked opponents because the begin of the 2023 season. 4 of these losses have come by one possession.
The ugly: Conner Weigman won’t be the reply at quarterback. Notre Dame has an awesome protection and among the finest secondaries within the nation, however Weigman made some horrible throws. Each of his interceptions have been unhealthy choices. — one an overthrow into triple protection and the opposite over the center of the sphere with a defender nicely in entrance of the supposed goal. He additionally lacked zip on his passes and threw some hospital balls that would get extensive receivers harm down the road. It was very disappointing after the previous five-star signee confirmed flashes final season.
Vanderbilt
- Consequence: Beat Virginia Tech 34-27
The great: Diego Pavia is an injection of life that Vanderbilt desperately wanted. It is arduous to discover a time that the Commodores ever had this a lot juice on the quarterback place. He performs with swagger. He can influence the sport as a passer and runner and did each extraordinarily nicely in opposition to the Hokies, totaling 320 yards and three touchdowns. He could have been probably the most underrated switch portal finds this offseason. It is clear that the continuity, with each former coach Jerry Kill and offensive coordinator Tim Beck shifting to Nashville from New Mexico State, goes to assist him have a giant 12 months.
The unhealthy and ugly: Vanderbilt’s offensive line may need bother holding up for a full season. Virginia Tech had two sacks and 7 tackles for a loss, whereas the Commodores — outdoors of Pavia scrambling round — had 77 yards speeding and three.5 yards per carry. With the likes of Alabama, Texas and Tennessee on the schedule, wins on the line of scrimmage might be troublesome to return by.
MORE: SEC energy rankings after Week 1
