SEC’s start to season finally here
For many, the college football season officially begins this weekend.
The Southeastern Conference will finally kick off after delaying its schedule because of the coronavirus pandemic, returning perhaps the strongest group of teams in the Power Five.
While the Big Ten initially postponed its fall season before reversing course and deciding to come back in mid-October, the SEC has held firm in its choice to begin a 10-game, conferenceonly slate this weekend, four weeks after the first Football Bowl Subdivision game of the season. So far, so good, as no SEC teams have had to postpone their season openers — yet.
Rattler’s first true test: Oklahoma QB Spencer Rattler dazzled in his first college start, but that was against FCS Missouri State. He’ll face a Kansas State team that, while coming off a deflating loss to Arkansas State, is still a formidable Power Five team that finished in the top 50 in overall efficiency last season.
New era at Ole Miss: The Egg Bowl rivalry became even more fun this offseason with the hiring of Mike Leach at Mississippi State and Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. Kiffin, who led Florida Atlantic to a 27-13 record and two bowl wins in his three seasons in Boca Raton, takes over a program that has been reeling from NCAA sanctions. A home game against No. 5 Florida is a rude introduction.
Army’s big chance: Sitting at No. 22 in The AP Top 25 poll, the Black Knights have a legitimate chance to finish undefeated if they can get past No. 14 Cincinnati this weekend. The Bearcats, seeking an American Athletic Conference title and a shot at a New Year’s Six bowl game, are 14-point favorites, but what could be one of the best Army teams in years will be tough to put away.
New year, new Bo? Auburn QB Bo Nix is a year older, and hopefully a year wiser after a sometimes-erratic true freshman season. There’s no nonconference schedule to ease into the season, so he’ll have to shake off some rust against No. 23 Kentucky.
Miami’s hot start: Can the No. 12 Hurricanes keep rolling? Houston transfer D’Eriq King has ignited the offense, which has combined for 78 points in the first two games. A Florida State team coming off a disappointing season-opening loss to Georgia Tech will be a tough test for offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee’s unit.
BYU is back: The No. 18 Cougars, who host Troy on Saturday night, return for the first time since their 55-3 drubbing of Navy on Sept. 7. Their game against Army was postponed last week because of coronavirus concerns. If they can play anywhere close to the level they reached in the season opener, they have the chance to run the table and be a big factor come bowl season.
Pittsburgh pride: The No. 21 Panthers defense is legitimately terrifying, checking in at No. 2 in ESPN’s SP+ efficiency rating through two games, albeit against soft competition. It might not be enough to carry Pitt to an ACC title, but if the offense comes together, the Panthers could be a stumbling block for Notre Dame, Miami or Clemson. A showdown against Malik Cunningham and No. 24 Louisville’s high-powered offense will be a fun matchup.