The SEC Football Weekend In Review - Week 8 - The Battle Is Set

No. 5 LSU 48, Western Kentucky 20

I've been publicly skeptical about LSU's potential passing attack but Brandon Harris has produced in two recent games, including last weekend's win against Western Kentucky. The sophomore passed for a career-high 286 yards passing to go with three touchdowns. Leonard Fournette was held to another modest day for him, just 150 yards on the ground and a touchdown. WKU was able to keep it close as they were down just 17-13 at one point in the game but then the Tigers were able to score the next 17 points unanswered to pull away.

No. 8 Alabama 19, Tennessee 14

I felt like the Vols turned the corner after their Georgia win and I continue to believe so. The Vols went toe to toe with Alabama in their house on Saturday and almost came away with a win. I thought the bye week may kill the Vols momentum but it didn't stop them, they held a lead in Bryant-Denny Stadium with just under six minutes to play. Jalen Hurd's rushing touchdown put the Vols on top but Derrick Henry answered with a touchdown of his own with just over two minutes left to play. Henry gained 143 yards on 28 carries as Jake Coker produced another solid line, 21-of-27 for 247 yards. Both Coker and UT's Joshua Dobbs were sacked five times but Alabama was able to pull out their ninth consecutive win over Tennessee.

No. 24 Ole Miss 23, No. 15 Texas A&M 3

The conference's two best offenses found themselves in a Mississippi slug-fest Saturday night. Chad Kelly threw three interceptions and Texas A&M only put together 192 yards of total offense. Aggie quarterback Kyle Allen finished 12-of-34 for 88 yards through the air. He was 0-of-13 alone in the third quarter and was eventually replaced by Jake Hubenak. Kelly was also able to throw two touchdowns but the Rebels ability to pound the rock got their offense rolling while their defense just crushed Sumlin's attack.

Arkansas 54, Auburn 46 4OT

Arkansas and Auburn's four overtime affair on Saturday was the longest game in major college football this season, according to Stats LLC. Arkansas built a two touchdown lead at one point but the Tigers were able to rally as they hit a 41-yard field goal in regulation to force overtime. Sean White was a pedestrian 19-of-32 but he had 8 passes dropped in the game. His fourth down pass in the fourth overtime could have forced a fifth OT if it weren't for Arkansas safety Josh Liddell flying over to break it up. The deflection helped earn Brett Bielema his first win over Gus Malzahn and Auburn.

Vanderbilt 10, Missouri 3

After his first season at the helm, the Derek Mason era at Vanderbilt looked headed for disaster. It may end that way but I feel much better about it then I did just two months ago. Mason earned his first SEC win last weekend as two of the conference's worst offenses battled two of the conference's best defenses. Vandy held Mizzou to just 188 yards of total offense, the fewest yards the ‘Dores have allowed to an SEC opponent since 2006. Even more impressive/sad - the Tigers were 0-of-14 on third down conversions. With that effort Saturday, Missouri is now 3-of-41 on third down conversions over their last three games. Vanderbilt running back Ralph Webb approached 100 yards rushing and scored the game's only touchdown. It once looked like Mizzou may be an SEC East contender but now they've suffered their third straight loss.

Mississippi State 42, Kentucky 16

Dak Prescott continues to dazzle but he didn't have to carry his team last weekend as he often does. The Bulldogs were excellent in all three phases of the game against Kentucky. MSU totaled 586 total yards of offense and forced three turnovers on defense. Kentucky was able to move the ball, gaining 423 yards of total offense, but costly giveaways and an inability to put the ball in the endzone did them in. Prescott was responsible for all six Bulldog touchdowns as he threw for 348 yards and three scores plus rushed for 117 yards and three more. Kentucky led the game 10-7 after the first quarter but the Wildcats were completely dominated the rest of the way as they were outscored 35-6 in the final three quarters.