Barnhart’s 5 Burning Questions for Week 4

I do not learn about you, however on your humble correspondent, the primary three weeks of the 2021 soccer season have been nothing in need of a joy-filled celebration.

And if there was ever any doubt that school soccer is best, exponentially higher, when performed in entrance of a full home – the primary three weeks have proved it as soon as and for all. Soccer is supposed to be performed with followers within the stands:

 — Georgia received a 10-3 slugfest with No. 2 Clemson in Charlotte, the place the power was off the charts.

 — The magic of Florida’s Swamp returned and No. 1 Alabama needed to scratch and claw to get out of there with a 31-29 win. On the finish of the third quarter, when Florida performs the Tom Petty basic “I Will not Again Down,” it made the hair arise on my arms.

 — Arkansas upset Texas 40-21 and when it was over the scholars stormed the sphere. The unrestrained enthusiasm price Arkansas AD Hunter Jurachek and his price range a cool $100,000 but it surely despatched a message that the Hogs are headed in the proper path.

 — Auburn misplaced a tricky one at Penn State, 28-20, however the gamers will bear in mind being within the “White Out” for the remainder of their lives. It was simply an unimaginable scene. In order we shut out the month of September (did I simply write that?), let’s bear in mind what a present we now have been given. Take pleasure in, take pleasure in, take pleasure in.

Now on to this week’s 5 Burning Questions on SEC soccer:

1. Is Arkansas-Texas A&M going to be an old style defensive battle?

It certain appears to be like that manner. Texas A&M leads the nation in scoring protection (5.7 ppg) and passing protection (77.3 ypg) below DC Mike Elko. Arkansas DC Barry Odom has a knack for dialing up the proper protection and his head-to-head battle with Texas A&M Coach Jimbo Fisher, among the best play callers within the sport, will probably be your sport inside a sport.

2. Why do I get the sensation that Tennessee at Florida will probably be nearer than the specialists assume?

After watching what Florida did final week towards Alabama (244 yards dashing in a 31-29 loss), it’s tempting to say the Gators may have a simple time of it at dwelling towards their previous rival from Knoxville. However I simply have a sense that Florida goes to sag a bit of after investing a lot emotionally towards the Crimson Tide. Tennessee (2-1) cruised final week (56-0) towards Tennessee Tech and is on the lookout for a press release sport in its SEC opener below Josh Heupel.

3. Final season Mississippi State torched LSU with an SEC-record 623 yards passing by Okay.J. Costello. The 2 groups mixed for 968 passing yards.

Will Saturday’s sport look something like that?

I do not assume we’ll see these sorts of numbers, however we’ll see two groups with loads to show in Week 4.

LSU (2-1) continues to be a little bit of an unknown after dropping its opener to UCLA (38-27) and simply beating two overmatched opponents in McNeese State and Central Michigan. Belief me once I inform you it is a enormous sport for LSU head coach Ed Orgeron.

Mississippi State (2-1) was spectacular in beating N.C. State (24-10), however misplaced a tricky resolution at Memphis (31-29) final week.

It’s the SEC opener for each groups.

4. Do the Wildcats’ bounce again and handle enterprise at South Carolina?

Earlier than final week’s video games, Kentucky (3-0, 1-0) was thought of by some to be the second-best staff within the SEC East forward of Florida. However the Gators gave Alabama a run for his or her cash and Kentucky needed to rally to beat Chattanooga at Kroger Discipline. Given the advance of the Kentucky roster with quarterback Will Levis and broad receiver Wan’Dale Robinson, it is a sport the place the Wildcats handle enterprise early. Kentucky has received six of its previous seven conferences with South Carolina. It’s the first street sport of the season for the Wildcats. Kentucky hosts Florida on Oct. 2.

5. Is Georgia’s offense beginning to get higher forward of a Saturday sport at Vanderbilt?

Georgia’s protection has allowed just one landing in three video games, and that one got here towards South Carolina’s backup protection.

Factors will probably be laborious to come back by for Georgia’s opponents all season. So if quarterback JT Daniels and the Bulldogs’ offense carry on their present tempo (106 factors vs. UAB and South Carolina) we could also be trying on the most full staff in school soccer.

Georgia has an enormous sport with Arkansas developing subsequent week in Athens. If the Hogs can knock off Texas A&M that sport turns into HUGE!!!!!!!