SIMEON BLAIR

KJ Jefferson passed to Rashod Dubinion for a 2-point conversion in the third overtime and Arkansas held off a furious second-half rally by Kansas for a 55-53 win the Liberty Bowl.

24 Tennessee, bigger tests start on Saturday, when they’re among five SEC teams engaging in Power Five nonconference matchups. A league that prides itself on being the best in college football gets a chance for more September statements. The football was solid league-wide, though it’s hard to read much into wins over teams like Mercer (Auburn) and Utah State (Alabama). 12 Florida and Tennessee rode nonconference wins into the Top 25, giving the SEC eight ranked teams. "So we’re excited and super juiced about it.”— Tennessee and Pitt are playing in the Johnny Majors Classic pitting two teams he coached.

The Southeastern Conference was perhaps one blocked kick away from perfection on opening weekend, with a few impressive nonconference wins and some no-brainers.

Bryce Young passed for a school-record 559 yards and five touchdowns and No. 2 Alabama clinched a spot in the Southeastern Conference championship game with a 42-35 victory Saturday over No. 21 Arkansas.