Cole Cubelic had plenty to say after a wild Week 3 in the SEC, and the SEC Network analyst didn’t hold back in sizing up every team across the league.
The biggest moments got the biggest reactions. Alabama’s “Nice win” over Florida State made the cut early in his postgame rundown.
LSU’s loss at Ole Miss drew a blunt “tough one,” while Cubelic called the Rebels’ win over Lane Kiffin’s former team “Massive for the program.” Vanderbilt’s last-second escape against NC State produced the strongest reaction of all: “Never seen anything like it,” he wrote after the Commodores pulled off the miracle finish in Nashville.
Kentucky also earned a major nod after its road upset at Texas A&M. Cubelic called it a “Massive win on the road” as Will Stein picked up his first big victory as Wildcats head coach. Oklahoma, meanwhile, got the kind of line that says plenty in just a few words after its close call with New Mexico: “Ugly but you take the W.”
Cubelic then laid out his thoughts on all 16 SEC teams in a social media blitz that hit early Monday morning. His comments ranged from sharp criticism to praise for individual players and coaching plans, with plenty of detail packed into each quick-hit assessment.
On Arkansas, he was blunt about the defensive performance: “Brutal. Defense could hold up in trenches.
Lost the edge too often. Safeties got turned around in coverage.
Pressures had a chance but coverage did not take hot receiver away. 9 did some good things on the edge. Missed tackles. 92 caused some problems inside.
Didn't…”
Florida, in his view, came out swinging from the start. “Brought the fight from the 1st snap.
More physical. 13 o credible & just as good as a blocker. One drop hurt.
OL was better. Effective on combos.
Good feel on the zone scheme. Great plan to use window dressing & get players out of position.
Screen game kept them running. …”
Kentucky’s offensive plan stood out to him as well. “Massive win on the road.
Loved the plan on off. Stubborn enough with the run.
Used play action & pre snap movement to split the defense. Nice use of formations.
Gave themselves options. Protection a bit shaky at times.
Liked how they moved the pocket. QB operates things…”
He praised Mississippi State’s quarterback for staying poised under pressure. “QB came out confident.
Don't get rattled after taking a few hits. Made some ridiculous off platform throws.
Took check downs & threw ball away. Nice touch deep.
Took shots. Hit shots. 24 really good between tackles.
Got north & south quick. WRs blocked really…”
Ole Miss drew some of his strongest language of the night. “Massive for the program.
Massive the head coach. Massive for the players.
Massive for the community. Liked quick game early to loosen.
OL has to pick up games. 5 great bouncing runs. Ran angry.
Found creases. Timely called Q runs. 4 showed ability to separate. 11 was…”
South Carolina got credit for work up front and on the edge. “6 good setting edge & rushing passer. 97 nice job playing all across the front. LBs jumped gaps a bit.
Lost some 1 on 1's down the field. Shifts may have gotten them MIs aligned pre snap. 40 good pass rush reps. 13 gives them good versatility inside on the DL.
…”
Texas, after handling business, earned a mixed but generally positive review. “Handled their business.
OL started strong, seemed to be improved. Shoulder to shoulder working together more.
Still just inconsistent. Clean up snaps.
Not always clean to 2nd level. Some better push on duo. 15 helped at the LOS.
LB run thru was a problem. Protection held…”
And Vanderbilt’s wild finish came with a line that said it all. “Never seen anything like it.
Take the W. Plenty to improve.
OL gave up too much penetration. Would still like more 28.
Box count dictated otherwise. QB actually did some really nice things.
On time & deliberate for the most part. Would like to see him protect the FB &…”
With Week 3 in the books, Cubelic’s reactions offered a snapshot of where the league stands this early in the season. The next step is even bigger-picture, with the conference race still wide open and the SEC title picture still taking shape.
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