Week 2 SEC Letter Grades: Alabama Through Florida

By Tucker Harlin

ALABAMA: C

Credit: University of Alabama Athletics

Alabama had one strong quarter to close out its 42-16 win over USF.

The other three were pretty ugly.

The fourth quarter opened with the Tide ahead 14-13. Jalen Milroe fumbled at the goal line to give the ball back to the Bulls.

But once Alabama scored its next touchdown, the Bulls kind of gave up. Alex Golesh elected to kick a 22-yard field goal as opposed to trying to tie the game at 21.

Alabama isn’t going to be blessed with that coaching decision very often this season, and it took full advantage by padding that lead late in the game.

Wisconsin won’t give it such treatment next week.

ARKANSAS: D

I really liked the way Arkansas started in Stillwater.

Taylen Green and Ja’Quinden Jackson both ran the ball very well in the first half, and Green was able to make timely throws to convert third downs when needed.

The problem? Self-inflicted wounds.

You can’t throw a pick six, muff a punt, put the ball on the ground in the backfield, miss field goals, and commit dumb penalties in critical situations and expect to win.

Arkansas did all of these things.

Maybe the fact that the Hogs took Oklahoma State to two overtimes is a sign that they’ve progressed.

But then again, Sam Pittman’s last two years at Arkansas have been marred by close losses.

AUBURN: F

This was the wasted opportunity of wasted opportunities for Auburn on Saturday.

The Tigers had a shot to prove they were capable of turning the corner as a program with what could’ve been a double digit win over Cal on Saturday and absolutely squandered it.

Auburn’s defense played well enough to win, but the offense looked much too similar to what it was in 2023.

A lack of a sound rush attack was definitely concern, but the play of Payton Thorne was horrendous.

Thorne finished the day with four interceptions, one on a crucial possession early in the game and two more late in the game when the Tigers were looking to come back and tie it.

Auburn will have a get right game next week against a pretty weak New Mexico team, but they watched this movie on the plains several times last season.

FLORIDA: A-

Credit: University of Florida Athletics

The Gators didn’t quite get an A from me because of a slower start than they would’ve liked.

The offense looked far more explosive with D.J. Lagway at quarterback as opposed to Graham Mertz. Lagway’s 456 yard, three touchdown performance was one filled with long pass plays, something more than the ball control we’re used to.

Obviously a 45-7 win over Samford is the minimum margin of victory an SEC team should post against an FCS opponent and the moment of truth for Lagway will come when Texas A&M visits the swamp next week.

But that outing is not a bad place to start for the freshman.