The SEC kicked off the 2023 college football season with an unprecedented 16‑0 record, the first conference to go unbeaten in week one since 1997, signaling a new era of dominance across the league.
At the heart of that surge, LSU turned heads in Baton Rouge with a 51‑10 thrashing of Clemson, a victory that marked Lane Kiffin’s first statement as the Tigers’ new head coach.
Quarterback Sam Leavitt was the catalyst, combining 230 passing yards and two touchdowns with 113 rushing yards and two scores, showcasing a dual‑threat ability that left the Tigers’ defense scrambling.
Meanwhile, Ole Miss edged Louisville 41‑38 on September 6, a finish highlighted by a walk‑off field goal that turned a nail‑biting finish into a memorable comeback.
The Cardinals, absent from the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, provided a rigorous early test for the Rebels, whose resilience was evident in the final minutes.
Looking Ahead to Week Two
Across the nation, other ranked powerhouses—including Georgia, Texas, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Alabama, Tennessee and Missouri—also posted decisive wins, reinforcing the SEC’s early grip on the landscape.
With the US LBM Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25 still pending, the early results promise a reshaped hierarchy heading into week two, as the conference’s collective momentum builds.
As the rankings finally emerge, the SEC’s early sweep will likely shape the playoff picture, while other conferences scramble to respond to the newfound balance.