Around the SEC: Week 1

Oh, hello there. It’s good to see you again. Welcome to the first “Around the SEC” of the 2022 season. In case you are new here, or if you’ve forgotten due to an eight-month natty hangover, we will round up the news and notes for the other 13 teams that currently comprise the greatest conference in all the land.

Without further ado, here is what’s happening around the SEC.

• We start off talking about the league leading Vanderbilt Commodores, because this may be the only time the rest of the decade we type those words and it be factual. Vandy crushed Hawaii 63-10 behind a rushing attack that amassed 404 yards on the ground. As the only team to have played, and won, a game in the 2022 season, Vanderbilt will look to become the first SEC team to two wins when they take on Elon this weekend.
• And now we get to the portion where we find out, or don’t, about starting quarterbacks. Auburn has tabbed T.J. Finley to be the man under center to start the season. LSU head coach Brian Kelly, however, has simply informed the media that there indeed will be a starting quarterback, and that that player is known internally, but failed to divulge who it is. I am extremely here to watch the potential trainwreck of a season for both of these programs.
• In case anyone missed it, Florida’s team photo looks more like an incoming freshman class photo for a huge state school rather than a team photo. Props to Billy Napier for promoting inclusivity, but it still makes for a funny picture.
• Arkansas is ready for the first party of the season against Cincinnati this weekend. Head coach Sam Pittman wondered aloud whether his team would be bringing sweet tea or liquor to the party, and that is one of the many reasons why Pittman is a conference treasure.
• Kentucky star running back Chris Rodriguez has been hit with a multi-game suspension, head coach Mark Stoops confirmed. It is uncertain how long this suspension will be, as it stems from an offseason arrest for DUI and careless driving.
• Finally, South Carolina has renamed their live mascot as The General, replacing its old name of Sir Big Spur. Most fans are upset by this change, as the majority were hoping the new name would be Cock Commander. Seriously, a golden opportunity was missed here. Dawgs by 50 on September 17^th.

Here’s to hoping we get a picture this weekend of Puddles and Uga. Then Georgia sending the Ducks back home with a 3+ touchdown defeat. Go Dawgs!