The first week of the 2011 season is in the books. We know a little more than we did when we woke up yesterday about this Tide team, and the SEC in general. Here's our take on what we saw yesterday.

AJ McCarron is slightly ahead.
Splitting time under center yesterday had mixed results for the two quarterbacks. McCarron was 14 of 23 for 226 with a pick and two TDs. Sims was 7 of 14 for 73 yards with two INTs. McCarron has been in the system longer, but Sims at times seemed more fundamentally sound. Sims goes through his progressions much slower, but AJ seems to think there's no throw he can't make. In other words, McCarron may have a slight edge, this thing isn't settled.

We're loaded at running back.
Trent Richardson got the touchdowns, but didn't wow Heisman voters with his yards yesterday. He has the strength to run over defenders, and seemed to rely on that. Eddie Lacy, on the other hand, has the size to mow you down, but also the finesse to put a spin move on you. He still has trouble holding onto the ball, though.

There is no second receiver.
At least not yet. Marquise Maze had over 100 yards, but no other receiver came close.

Defense wins games.
We knew defense would be the strength of this team, and it shows. The secondary has great speed and fundamentals, and gets to the ball quickly. With an offense that's still figuring itself out, Alabama will need to keep opponents out of the end zone to hold onto a top ranking.

Elsewhere in the SEC, things shook out about like we expected. A few things that stood out:

LSU is very good.
Despite all the off-the-field controversy, LSU manhandled a lightning-quick Oregon team. It's already pretty clear the winner of Alabama-LSU will win the SEC West.

Auburn is very bad.
They rolled Toomer's Corner after a stunning comeback at home against Utah State. Longest winning streak in the country, Auburn fans will say. But this is a gimmicky, lucky team, and a lcuky streak can last a long time before it runs out.

Georgia is Georgia.
Let the vultures begin circling Athens. Mark Richt has yet again done less with more. He recruits elite talent, dresses them up in flashy gear, and sends them onto the field unprepared. He will not be back next year.

It's early in the season.
Most of the SEC played tuneup games yesterday, so it's hard to gauge where they really stand. Teams have time to make adjustments and ready themselves for the meat of an SEC schedule. For some teams, like Auburn and Georgia, there are more questions than answers. Once league play begins, things will come in much clearer focus.