Tennessee- 14 vs (2) Oregon- 59
Early on in the first quarter, it appeared as if Oregon might have met its match. The Ducks did not score on their first two possessions and started off the third with a fumble that was overturned. After the overturned fumble, Oregon started building momentum. On its third and fourth possessions, it racked up 10 points. At that point, Oregon’s offense began firing on all cylinders and scored a touchdown on seven of its next eight drives. Meanwhile, Tennessee could not get its offense to click, especially in terms of passing as Jason Worley only completed 13 of his 25 passes. Tennessee was Oregon’s shot to prove they can handle SEC talent and they did so in stunning fashion.
(1) Alabama- 49 vs (6) Texas A&M- 42
Nick Saban knew what he had coming to him, but Johnny Manziel still nearly pulled out a win. Manziel accounted for 562 yards against the Crimson Tide. Yes, 562 yards just from Manziel. Although, 279 of Manziel’s passing yards can be credited to wide receiver Mike Evans. The rest of the A&M offense was only responsible for 66 yards. Clearly, A&M’s downfall was their defense. AJ McCarron was able to throw for 300-plus yards and four touchdowns for the Tide while TJ Yeldon slashed through the A&M defense for 149 yards and a touchdown. Despite the Aggie’s offense giving Saban fits, he and his offense were able to inch out the victory.
(7) Louisville- 27 vs Kentucky- 13
Early on, Teddy Bridgewater was held at bay. The Kentucky defense stepped up and played much better than anyone could have predicted, especially the front seven led by Za’Darius Smith, a junior college transfer. Although, Bridgewater finally strung together a solid touchdown drive right before the half to give Louisville some much needed momentum. In the second half, Louisville running back Sanorise Perry took control with his two touchdowns and gave Louisville it’s comfortable lead over Kentucky.
Arkansas- 24 vs Southern Miss- 3
As per usual for the Razorbacks, they dominated their opponent with their fierce rushing attack. Arkansas had 56 rushing attempts compared to a measly 11 passing attempts. Their 56 rushing attempts totaled 258 yards and all three of the team’s touchdowns. Although, Southern Miss was able to muster up an effective rushing attack as well, but not quite on Arkansas’ level. Southern Miss’ Jalen Richard averaged nearly seven yards per carry on his 14 attempts, good for 94 yards.
Auburn- 24 vs Mississippi State- 20
SEC matchups are never a disappointment and this game was no exception. With 10 seconds remaining, Auburn’s Nick Marshall connected with C.J. Uzomah for a touchdown, crushing Mississippi State’s SEC title shot dreams. Marshall was able to come through for the Tigers despite throwing two interceptions earlier in the game. Mississippi State was able to keep the score close due to the play of Dak Prescott, its dual-threat quarterback who had 346 total yards and two touchdowns.
(13) South Carolina- 35 vs Vanderbilt- 25
South Carolina took a dominating 28-0 lead to start the game, but Vanderbilt did not plan on giving up. A football game is a 60 minute event and Vanderbilt knew that. Near the end of the first half, Vanderbilt caught fire and finished the game on a 25-7 scoring run. Sadly, it blew its chances at a comeback as quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels threw an interception in the end zone in the middle of the fourth quarter. The Commodores lost their momentum and were ultimately defeated despite their impressive efforts.
(8) LSU- 45 vs Kent State- 13
It appears as if LSU quarterback Zach Mettenberger has finally improved and become the passer many thought he could be. On his 18 passes, 13 of which were completed, he and his receivers racked up 264 yards and found the end zone three times. On the ground, Jeremy Hill, who was allowed to stay on the team after a team vote, smashed through the Kent State defense for 117 yards and two scores on only 11 carries. Kent State, however, was a mess on offense without their star player Dri Archer. Archer was out due to an ankle injury suffered in week one.
(25) Ole Miss- 44 vs Texas- 23
Ole Miss opened the game with two touchdowns and it appeared that they were going to run away with the game, but Texas had not been beaten (yet). The Longhorns battles back to take a 23-14 lead. After the half, Ole Miss came alive and finished off Texas with a 30-0 unanswered scoring streak. Ole Miss’ MVP was easily Jeff Scott. Not only did he pound through the Texas front seven for 164 rushing yards and a trip to the end zone, but he also took a punt return back 73 yards for a touchdown.