SEC football does really mean more:
Flash Thoughts:
Southeastern Conference football is for real.
To open the 2024 season in which the conference has expanded with Oklahoma and Texas bringing in its credibility to the league that thrives on being superior vs. the likes of the Big Ten, Big XII and the ACC.
Georgia made its case in embarrassing Clemson 34 to 3 in Atlanta to get the day going Saturday.
Nothing different down in Tuscaloosa as for being superior was Alabama. The Tide is now led by Kalen DeBoer, not Nick Saban.
Alabama manhandled Western Kentucky 63 to 0.
Auburn routed Alabama A&M 73 to 3, large shutout wins by newcomer Texas, plus Arkansas, Ole Miss, Missouri and Kentucky creates conversation on how this will be for these teams in moving onward and when the competition can be much more challenging.
Then you have the letdown of Florida getting swamped in "The Swamp" by instate foe Miami 41 to 17.
Texas A&M gave Notre Dame a good game, but the Aggies are not a true title contender as they spent a lot of money to tell Jimbo Fisher to get lost.
Those who won with one sided shutouts, showed their ability of executing a game plan to perfection.
Alabama getting a 21 to 0 lead after the first on Western Kentucky was thrilling for the so passionate Crimson Nation. This outing allows those who bleed Crimson and White deeply, to remain faithful that they will remain as a legit contender for a national championship, something that has not been with them for the last three years.
In Auburn, it was great to see Jordan Hare Stadium with a full house as everyone knew the Tigers would trample the visitor coming to the Plains from Huntsville.
I see very little gain with these well dominated wins by the half dozen in starting 2024 by shutting out their opponent.
It was seen across the country in other games. But for myself, the love of the SEC and my media association for attending plenty of SEC Media Days in the past carries deep in my heart and soul.
Will there be letdown for teams playing the first Saturday in September in representing the SEC.
Texas going to Michigan will set the tone for its the first game fans of the SEC will follow on September 6 at 11:00 a.m. CST.
Arkansas invading Oklahoma State will be a case of can the Razorbacks deal with a much established program right now than where they are.
Auburn gets California to visit Saturday, a year after the Tigers won out there.
Last year, Alabama had its hands full in Tampa, playing South Florida. The Bulls come to Bryant Denny Stadium as many will see how superior Bama will be or will not be in the 2nd game under Kalen DeBoer.
Tennessee will be in the prime time spotlight, facing North Carolina State in Charlotte at the home of the NFL's Carolina Panthers.
Mississippi State has the longest venture of the week. State will go to Arizona State with kickoff for the Bulldogs against the Sun Devils to be at 9:30 p.m. CST.
I wonder about Florida for the Gators host the Samford Bulldogs. A Florida victory is expected. How much will it be appreciated after the disappointing display seen on national TV against Miami?
Texas A&M will be a huge favorite at Kyle Field to beat McNeese State.
How hum for Georgia. The Bulldogs play Tennessee Tech between the hedges.
The season has just begun. So much discussion on how superior the SEC is now with Oklahoma and Texas coming to the party.
We will have some answers to prove a point once the games are done on September 7.
Photo of Alabama WR Kendrick Law scoring a TD vs. Western Kentucky August 31 in season opener at Bryant Denny Stadium.
Photo courtesy of Alabama media relations.
