1. @SuccessfulQuon was successful
I predicted last week that slot receiver Laquon Treadwell would make the greatest impact this season out of all the ballyhooed members of Ole Miss’ 2013 recruiting class. Thankfully, Treadwell helped my cause with nine catches – a freshman record – for 82 yards in the Rebels’ last-minute 39-35 win over Vanderbilt on Thursday.
For that, he was named the SEC’s Freshman of the Week, an honor that Treadwell undoubtedly deserves after his clutch performance in such a close contest. Ole Miss offense was stagnant in the first half, but once Bo Wallace started feeding Treadwell – who recorded eight catches in the third quarter – the Rebel attack couldn’t be stopped. Say it with me: “Thank you, Laquon!”
I expect Treadwell to make a similar impact going forward. Defenses are going to continue to double cover Donte Moncrief, and sure-handed veteran Ja-Mes Logan must be accounted for as well. That will oftentimes mean that opponents will be forced to cover Treadwell – a physical freak of nature – with a defender that pales in comparison athletically to the freshman.
And once Vince Sanders returns from injury in a few weeks, the Ole Miss passing game will become even more explosive with Moncrief/Sanders on the outside and Logan/Treadwell as inside receivers. That’ll make game planning for the Rebel offense a nightmare for opposing SEC defensive coordinators this season.
2. Which was worse – Dan Mullen’s bizarre visor hair or Mississippi State’s putrid offense?
Oklahoma State’s 21-3 win over Mississippi State Saturday in Houston was one of the top-5 most boring college football games I’ve ever had the displeasure of watching.
Scoring was at a minimum, mistakes on both sides were at a premium and a Cowboys victory was never really in question after Oklahoma State inserted quarterback J.W. Walsh into the lineup.
Really, the sole form of entertainment that could be derived from the contest came at the expense of Dan Mullen, who looked, well, um, interesting with an MSU visor as his preferred headgear. Honestly, it looked like two miniature pigtails were sticking out of the top of his head, but don’t take my word for it – do a Google search and take a look for yourself. Not a good look, Dan.
The only thing that might’ve looked worse than Mullen donning a visor was the Mississippi State offense.
After a first-quarter field goal, the Bulldog offense was shut out. After an injury to starting quarterback Tyler Russell, backup Dak Prescott entered the game and didn’t look much better. Rumor has it that Mullen phoned his old friend Tim Tebow – he’s not doing anything right now, is he? – with plans of sneaking him into the game if the Bulldog offense continues to struggle.
So, 5-Yard Bomb readers: Which was more difficult to watch – Dan Mullen’s visor hair or Mississippi State’s hapless offense?
3. Mark Richt and Georgia make the SEC look bad.
In week one, Georgia messed up big time when it violated one of the most important rules agreed upon by the SEC’s 14 member institutions: WHATEVER YOU DO, DON’T LOSE TO A TEAM FROM THE FREAKIN’ ACC! The Bulldogs’ loss – 38-35 to Clemson – not only embarrassed the conference, but it also came with further consequences. The Bulldogs lost leading wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell to a knee injury – which occurred during a celebration – and several other players, including star running back Todd Gurley, were shaken up as well. That’s not good considering South Carolina and freakish defensive end Jadeveon Clowney are coming to town. If Georgia falls to the Gamecocks, which I think they will, the Bulldogs chances of winning the SEC East become slim to none, and Mark Richt, dean of the SEC, will be sitting squarely on the hot seat once again.
4. WHAT’S WRONG WITH ALABAMA, PAWWWL???
This was supposed to be the year that Alabama’s offense finally matched the caliber of defense that Nick Saban has routinely fielded during his tenure in Tuscaloosa. But after a shaky start offensively vs. Virginia Tech – largely in part to a terrible performance by the Crimson Tide’s offensive line – many have changed their tune in regard to Alabama being a stone-cold lock to win its third consecutive national championship.
I said last week that the Crimson Tide would lose to South Carolina and Spurrier this year in the SEC Championship, and after this weekend, this scenario doesn’t seem so farfetched.
5. Week 2 SEC Picks
Last week, I went a perfect 13-0 with my SEC picks. So, buy me a plane ticket to Vegas, give me your life savings, and chances are, I’ll at least double your money. Take some time to think my offer over, and in the meantime, check out my picks for week two in the SEC:
Arkansas vs. Samford: Fun fact: Bret Bielema met his gorgeous wife Jen while playing blackjack at the Wynn Las Vegas. Bielema gambles, letting her call the plays in the second half Saturday, and the Razorbacks still trample the Bulldogs 35-10.
Auburn vs. Arkansas State: Awkward! Auburn’s Gus Malzahn faces off against the team he coached last season. The Red Wolves keep things close, but the Tigers emerge victorious 34-31.
Florida vs. Miami: The Hurricanes, led by star running back Pit Bull (aka Mr. Worldwide), become the second ACC team in two weeks to upend a top-flight SEC opponent. Give me Miami 27-23.
Georgia vs. South Carolina: Steve Spurrier’s game plan involves incessantly prank calling Mark Richt, who’s still on edge after the Bulldogs’ heartbreaking loss to Clemson. Spurrier’s sophomoric strategy proves to be effective as the Gamecocks come out on top 31-28.
Kentucky vs. Miami (OH): The bad news for first-year Kentucky coach Mark Stoops: His team is awful. The good news for Stoops? He lives in a state where it’s OK to drown your sorrows in a bottle of bourbon. Kentucky still wins it 38-21.
LSU vs. UAB: Is this the week Les Miles plays stud running back Jeremy Hill, who’s suspended for his involvement in a bar fight last spring? Miles doesn’t know – he’s been too busy catching up on his favorite cartoons – but LSU wins 49-7 regardless.
Ole Miss vs. SEMO: Who wins this riveting matchup? I’ll take the Rebels 56-14, but the bigger question pertains to whether or not stadium security will find my flask.
Mississippi State vs. Alcorn State: Pennsylvania native and noted Yankee Dan Mullen lives for in-state matchups. The beat-up Bulldogs take this one 38-10.
Missouri vs. Toledo: Wait, Missouri’s still in the SEC? OK, if you say so. The Tigers overwhelm Toledo 42-17.
Tennessee vs. Western Kentucky: Shortly after Western Kentucky upsets Tennessee 31-24, Bobby Petrino heads to the nearest Wi-Fi enabled strip joint with intentions of emailing his updated resume to Mississippi State athletic director Scott Stricklin.
Texas A&M vs. Sam Houston State: Johnny Manziel sits the second half after the Aggies build an insurmountable first-half lead over the Bearkats. Manziel downs 15 Bud Lights during the remainder of the contest, blacks out hard and wakes up to a 63-24 Texas A&M victory.
Vanderbilt vs. Austin Peay: I’d rather watch a repeating clip of Jordan Matthews projectile vomiting than tune into this uninspiring matchup. The ‘Dores body slam the Governors 35-7.
