In Case You Missed It: SEC Week 5

Brett Davis-Imagn Images

By Chris Marler

Sometimes it’s hard for a weekend to live up to the hype, especially one college football fans have been talking about for weeks. In a jam-packed day with four games featuring Top 25 matchups, here’s what you might have missed around the SEC.

Alabama owns Georgia, again

I’m not sure what mental block Kirby Smart has against Alabama, but he definitely has one. Smart is now 1-7 against Alabama since he’s been the head coach in Athens. He has just 13 losses to all other teams combined during that time.

The things that have become staples of Georgia football under Smart seem to disappear whenever Alabama is on the other sideline. Third down defense? Gone. Good coaching decisions? Bye.

Alabama is averaging 7 yards to go on 3rd down and have an 80% conversion rate.

The defense has got to get off the field in 3rd & medium+.

— The Bulldawg Report (@ReportBulldawg) September 28, 2025

Georgia faced two critical 4th-and-short situations inside the 10 last night. On one, they passed. On the other, they handed it off to a fourth-string back with just one carry all game.

Why is Cash Jones a thing? He may weigh 180 soaking wet and we expect him to pick up 1 yard against Bama??? pic.twitter.com/SefSSchnOx

— JN⚡️ (@BitcoinUFC) September 28, 2025

The most bizarre part was that on the 4th-and-short run to Cash Jones, they were down three points in the fourth quarter and would have had a 27-yard field goal to tie up with over 12 minutes to go.

Kirby defended the decision way better than the Dawgs were able to defend Ty Simpson.

South Carolina’s incredible night

South Carolina needed a win in the worst way against Kentucky, and they got one. Emphatically.

The Gamecocks won 35-13 and found their identity once again in the process. The team that couldn’t seem to tackle Ahmad Hardy to save their life a week ago did a complete 180 this weekend at home against the Wildcats. South Carolina allowed 232 yards of offense and turned Kentucky over four times.

Kentucky came into Saturday with just two turnovers all year. What was even more impressive was that their offensive line had allowed only three sacks all year, and Clayton White’s defense racked up six last night.

LaNorris Sellers was also great, completing 11-of-14 passes for 153 yards and adding another 81 on 14 carries on the ground. Sellers didn’t score a touchdown and the Gamecocks still won by 22.

BEAMER BALL IS ALIVE AND WELL 🚨

South Carolina D takes a fumble & a pick to the house on back-to-back drives! 🤯@GamecockFB x 📺 @SECNetwork pic.twitter.com/nHrqtRXVoa

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) September 28, 2025

What made the night even more special was Connor Shaw’s surprise showing before the game. Williams-Brice Stadium almost exploded when the former Gamecock QB emerged from the Cockaboose to pump up the crowd. This follows being rushed to the hospital after collapsing on the field while coaching his son’s football game less than ten days ago.