The Battle for Worst in the SEC
The SEC is considered the best conference in NCAA football with four teams in the AP Poll top 10 and 12 of the sport’s national champions coming from the conference since 2006.
However, just because the top of the SEC is elite, doesn’t mean the teams rounding out the bottom are as well.
To no surprise, this year features Vanderbilt and Missouri as the weak links of the SEC East and possibly the two worst teams in the conference all together. This Saturday, we’ll be lucky enough to be treated to the two programs facing off in a battle for last place.
At this point in the year, both teams sit at 0-3 in the SEC. Vanderbilt has played three top 10 teams, losing by a large margin in each contest. The Commodores did have a lead over Ole Miss at halftime before being blown out in the second half, though.
Missouri has also faced Georgia but took the game to the wire losing by just four points. However, the Tigers have also lost to weak opponents in Auburn and Florida in close affairs.
The two squad’s SEC results are not the only thing that place them at the bottom of the conference, though. Both teams fall towards the bottom of most statistical categories as well.
In yards per game, Missouri comes in at 11 and Vanderbilt at 13. In specifically passing and rushing yards, Missouri is ranked at 12 and nine while Vanderbilt earns 14 and 10.
Leading the two attacks are young quarterbacks. For the Tigers, sophomore Brady Cook has totaled 1,217 yards and thrown five touchdowns and six interceptions. For the Commodores, freshman AJ Swann has taken over for Mike Wright and recorded 953 yards and 8 touchdowns with no interceptions.
On defense, the Tigers separate themselves from the Commodores. Solid defensive production has resulted in a ranking of fourth in the SEC in yards given up per game compared to Vanderbilt’s dead last. Missouri also gives up the ninth most points per game with Vanderbilt giving up the most in the conference.
According to ESPN, Missouri has an 84.6 percent chance to win. Caesars Sportsbook also has Missouri as a two-touchdown favorite.
I think this contest will be a lot closer than that, though. Vanderbilt has started its SEC slate with three elite teams making its results and stats more lopsided than they will finish. Missouri has impressed in its losses but still hasn’t shown the ability to close out games. Eli Drinkwitz’s one-dimensional and boring offense hasn’t had much success and likely won’t put up a lot of points.
Neither team may have the season they imagined but this game could still mean a lot to the programs. A win pushes you out of last place in the SEC East and gives you an in-conference victory. A loss cements you as the bottom feeder of the conference.
The game will be played in Columbia, Mo. at 4 p.m. EST. It will be aired on SECN.