College Football Preview: Outcome of every SEC Game in Week 10

The SEC takes the main stage of college football this weekend when four of the top ten teams in the nation square off in great intra-conference matchups. No. 10 South Carolina travels to No. 8 Arkansas and the game of the year takes place in Tuscaloosa when No. 1 LSU plays No. 2 Alabama.

Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi State go out of conference to play New Mexico State, Middle Tennessee State, and Tennessee-Martin respectively.

Two of the SEC’s most down trodden teams play each other when Ole Miss travels to Kentucky. While Vanderbilt looks to keep their bowl hopes alive in Gainesville.

Auburn is on a bye this week.

No. 1 LSU versus No. 2 Alabama

Tagged as the game of the century, top ranked and undefeated LSU looks to take down divisional rival Alabama for the right to claim the top spot in the SEC West.

Not much hype is needed for this game as all college football fans are interested in the outcome of this game. The winner could end up in the BCS National Championship game and give the SEC a chance to extend their national title run to six straight years.

LSU and Alabama are mirror images of each other. Both teams are highlighted by the best defenses in the nation and play a run-first pass as needed offense. Bama is ranked number one in total defense limiting opponents to 180.50 points per game. LSU has the fourth ranked defense allowing 251.38.

The key to the game will be either team’s ability to score on the other team’s defense.

Offensively Alabama holds the edge by producing an average of 457.63 yards per game to LSU’s 372.13. The styles are similar; grind out tough yards with the running game and wear down the opposition’s defense front to control the second half.

Bama quarterback AJ McCarron leads the SEC in pass completion percentage with an average of 67 percent. Tiger’s quarterback Jarrett Lee is not far behind completing 63.2 percent of his passes. Bama averages 228.38 passing yards to LSU’s 183.13.

A methodical running attack sets up late game scoring opportunities for both teams. Either team can go three to four-deep with their rotation in the backfield. The Tide holds an advantage on paper here as well. They average 229.25 rushing yards per game to LSU’s 189.

With two teams so closely matched offensively and defensively the game could come down to special teams play. This is where LSU separates themselves from Alabama.

LSU averages 41.08 net yards per punt. The Tide averages 36.37. The difference of five yards per punt may not seem like much on paper. Over the course of the game five yards here and five yards there can make a major difference in field position and offensive play calling.

Both teams average 23 yards per kickoff return. LSU has a slight edge with one kickoff returned for a touchdown.

If the game comes down to field goals between Jeremy Shelly, Alabama, and Drew Alleman, LSU, the Tigers get the nod here as well.

Alleman has a long of 44 yards to Shelly’s 37. Both kickers have missed two field goals during the season including one missed attempt from 30-39 yards. Alleman’s other miss was an attempt over 50 yards. Miles must feel that Alleman has the range which could be important in a highly contested game like this one.

LSU is battle tested, Alabama not so much. The current BCS rankings show LSU has a strength of schedule rated ninth best in the nation. Bama’s ranking has them tied for 57th best in FBS. Five of the Tiger’s eight games have been against teams ranked at the time of their game.

Three teams on Alabama’s schedule have been ranked at the time of their game; Penn State, Arkansas, and Florida.

LSU has played three ranked teams on the road this season; Oregon, Mississippi State, and West Virginia. Tuscaloosa is an environment at night unlike any other place in college football but LSU should not be easily affected as other teams when visiting Bryant-Denny Stadium.

It is hard to pick against a Nick Saban coached team. Les Miles has a national championship trophy sitting on his mantle too. Saban just has one more than Les.

Last Year’s Outcome

LSU 24 – Alabama 21

Prediction

LSU has found a way to win all of their tough games this season, and win handily. Alabama may have the better coach and the home field advantage but…

Final Score

Alabama 17, LSU 20

No. 10 South Carolina versus No. 8 Arkansas

Arkansas takes on their fourth ranked team in the past six games when the Gamecocks visit Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday.

Based off preseason predictions both teams have struggled to meet expectations offensively and defensively this season despite their current rankings and matching 7-1 records.

In four of their past five games the Hogs have overcome double digits deficits before rallying to win. Included in those wins were sub-par performances against Ole Miss and Vanderbilt in their past two games.

South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier has had to overcome one difficult situation after another this season. Connor Shaw started the season under center for the Gamecocks only to be replaced by troubled senior Stephen Garcia in the second quarter of their first game. Garcia was dismissed from the team in week seven of the season for violation of team rules.

Shaw replaced Garcia as starting quarterback. Shaw was to count on the production of All-SEC running back Marcus Lattimore only to lose him at the end of that same week to an ACL injury suffered against Mississippi State.

Through shaky offenses, injuries, and poor defensive performances both teams are fighting for an opportunity to remain in contention for a SEC Conference Title Game appearance and a possible BCS bowl berth.

South Carolina had a bye week to prepare true freshman Brandon Wilds (Blythewood, South Carolina) for their first game without Lattimore. Wilds responded with 135 yards rushing on 28 attempts in a sluggish win over the Vols. Wilds also caught three passes for 31 yards.

Before his breakout performance against Tennessee, Wilds highest rushing totals had come against Kentucky when he rushed five times for 45 yards.

Connor Shaw has been inconsistent as the Gamecock starting quarterback. He threw for 311 yards against Kentucky but has regressed since then. Against MSU he only threw for 155 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. On the road against Tennessee he finished with 87 passing yards on 10 of 18 passing attempts.

The Hogs running game made a brief appearance for two games but took a big step back against the Commodores last week. Dennis Johnson was held to 52 yards rushing on nine attempts and was benched after fumbling the ball for the second straight game. Arkansas finished with 72-net rushing yards after quarterback Tyler Wilson was sacked three times for a loss of 21-yards.

South Carolina’s defense will get their first true test of the season against the Razorbacks. The Gamecocks defense has the sixth rated total defense in FBS but the Hogs have the ninth best passing attack in the nation.

Weakness on weakness pits Arkansas’ running game and USC’s rush defense. Can the Hogs take advantage?

The Razorbacks allowed two inferior opponents, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, to rack up 151 rushing yards and 222 yards respectively. The Hogs have to like that a true freshman is handling the ball for the Gamecocks. They have to hate that Wilds ran for 135 in his first game as a starter. They can only hope that the 28 carries last week wore him down some.

Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino has to be excited that he has made it through the most difficult part of his schedule to return home 7-1. Spurrier has to hate that his young team is Arkansas’ homecoming game.

The Razorbacks have been uninspired over their past two games but gain a spring in their step being home.

Final Score

Hogs 28, South Carolina 17

Vanderbilt versus Florida

Starting the season who would have thought that this game would hold some relevance within the SEC East standings? 4-4 Vanderbilt travels to 4-4 Florida with the winner taking possession of third place in the SEC East.

Both teams have four conference losses and appear to be going in opposite directions. Vanderbilt has played well over their past four games. Florida has lost four in a row.

The winner takes a step closer to earning a bowl bid as the SEC seventh seed. The loser of this game may miss out on a bowl game.

Vanderbilt has a top line defense to go against Florida’s failing offense, ranked 94th in the nation. Georgia was able to hold Florida to 226 total yards last week. Running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps were held to a combined 38 yards rushing in a losing effort to the Bulldogs.

Commodores quarterback Jordan Rodgers has slowly come along as a starting SEC quarterback. In his first two starts of the season he was less than spectacular throwing the ball against Georgia and Army.

Rodgers posted a quarterback rating of 17.7 against the Bulldogs and 43.1 against Army. In a heartbreaking loss to the Razorbacks, Rodgers finished the game with a 97.8 quarterback rating and had his first 200-yard passing game of the season.

James Franklin and Will Muschamp are first year head coaches with a lot at stake. Florida has their pride and reputation on the line. Vanderbilt has a young team with a successful future ahead of them.

Vanderbilt has found a way to keep games close but have not learned how to win yet. Look for Vanderbilt to keep the game close but lose another tight one in a tough environment.

Final Score

Florida 24, Vanderbilt 21

Mississippi versus Kentucky

This game holds a dubious honor for the winner… they are not the worst team in the SEC.

Ole Miss, 2-6, has shown signs of life over the past two games. Their 2011 recruiting class has started to contribute and the Rebels are getting healthier.

Kentucky, 3-5, has not turned the corner on their season to date. The offense has been one of the worst statistically in FBS, ranked 118th out of 120. The answer to the Wildcat’s woes may have been on Joker Phillips’ bench all season long in true freshman Maxwell Smith (Granada Hills, California).

Smith replaced starting quarterback Morgan Newton in the first quarter after Newton sprained his ankle against Mississippi State last week. Smith responded with a 26 for 33 passing effort for 174 yards.

Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt is on the hot seat and really needs this win. Realistically the Rebels will not make a bowl game this year for the second year in a row. Nutt needs to finish strong winning games against Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, and Mississippi State. Should Nutt stumble against any three of those teams his days in Oxford may be over.

Kentucky has a slight advantage playing at home but Ole Miss is due for a win.

Final Score

Ole Miss 36, Kentucky 24

New Mexico State versus No. 18 Georgia

If you have not heard Georgia could be in trouble this week. Chances are New Mexico State does not have much of a chance against the Bulldogs but Georgia is on upset alert.

Mark Richt suspended three of his top four running backs for violating team rules. Included in the suspensions is true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell. Crowell is fifth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 689 total yards. Top backup running back Richard Samuel suffered an ankle injury against Florida and may be lost for the season.

Georgia will count on two former walk-on running backs to provide the rushing attack for the Bulldogs this weekend.

Sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray should be able to provide enough offense for Georgia against the 3-5 Aggies. Credit is due to the Aggies who have played tough this season even if they have not played SEC caliber teams.

The Aggies have the 65th ranked defense in the nation allowing 228.25 total yards per game. Georgia has the 56th ranked offense in the nation gaining 404 yards per game.

This game could be closer than people may realize or it could be a blowout if Murray and company choose to play with a decided edge. Either way, Georgia’s defense will need to come ready to play to help bail out the offense if needed.

Final Score

Georgia 34, New Mexico State 17

Middle Tennessee State versus Tennessee

Tennessee catches a break in their schedule after a rough in-conference season when the Blue Raiders visit Neyland Stadium.

The youth movement is under way in Knoxville with sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray still out with a thumb injury. Senior quarterback Matt Simms started the first two games after Bray’s injury without much success against the two best teams in the nation, LSU and Alabama.

Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley then started true freshman Justin Worely (Rock Hill, South Carolina) against the Gamecocks, also with limited success. Worley finished the game completing 10 passes out of 26 attempts for 105 yards, looking like a true freshman starting for the first time.

Worely was not the only Vols freshman to get a start against the Gamecocks. Offensive guard Marcus Jackson (Vero Beach, Florida), safety Byron Moore (Harbor City, California), and defensive tackle Maurice Couch (Orlando, Florida) all got their first starts last week.

The Blue Raiders have played better in non-conference games this season than within the Sun Belt Conference. MTSU hung tough with Purdue only losing by three and beat lowly Memphis 38-31.

Tennessee completes their non-conference schedule against MTSU needing this win for a chance to become bowl eligible. Tennessee’s three remaining games are on the road against No. 8 Arkansas, versus Vanderbilt, and at Kentucky. Winning three of their last four games would put the Vols at 6-6 and in their third straight bowl game.

Tennessee has been worn down come the fourth quarter against SEC defenses. Dooley should be able to win one at home and get continued playing time for next year’s team.

Final Score

Tennessee 17, MTSU 13

Tennessee-Martin versus Mississippi State

A disappointing year for the Bulldogs can take another positive step forward with a non-conference win against Tennessee Martin on Saturday.

MSU is 4-4 on the season with two tough games remaining against Alabama and Arkansas. For the Bulldogs to become bowl eligible they need to beat the Skyhawks and in-state rival Mississippi to ensure their second straight bowl game appearance.

Last week against Kentucky the Bulldogs found balance with their tandem quarterback rotation. Senior Chris Relf has become the running quarterback and sophomore Tyler Russell the passing quarterback. Together the two quarterbacks combined for 264 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Relf added two rushing touchdowns. 

Tennessee-Martin is a Football Champion Subdivision team.

Look for Mississippi State to run away with this one in a much needed confidence building game.

Final Score

Mississippi State 38, Tennessee Martin 24

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SEC College Football Upset of the Week: Kentucky versus No. 18 South Carolina

How could anyone possibly think Kentucky’s inept offense could beat the immensely talented South Carolina Gamecocks? Quarterback play; even if it is Morgan Newton that Kentucky is relying on.

Second year head coach Joker Philips has been searching for his team’s offense for the last five weeks. Offensively they rank 118th out of 120 teams nationally in total offense (255.60 yards per game). Their scoring offense ranks 113th averaging 15 points per game (9 touchdowns, 9 extra points, 4 field goals). They are even poor on third down conversions averaging a 27 percent success rate (20 out of 74).

First year starting quarterback Morgan Newton, a junior, has been given the majority of the blame for the lack of offense. He has been sacked an SEC worst 17 times. His six interceptions are tied for the SEC lead with Georgia’s Aaron Murray and Ole Miss’ Zack Stoudt. Newton’s 50 percent completion percentage is an SEC worse as well.

Through all of the bad Kentucky still has a starting quarterback that they know they can rely on game in and game out; good or bad. After five games South Carolina is still in search of their on-field leader.

South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier has finally ended his on again off again relationship with fifth year senior Stephen Garcia, for now. Garcia has been suspended numerous times by Spurrier but each time Spurrier has let him back on the team and back into the starting quarterback role. When will Spurrier ever learn?

Sophomore Connor Shaw takes over for Garcia against the Wildcats. Shaw began the season as the Gamecocks starting quarterback but was quickly benched in the first quarter for Garcia after fumbling twice against East Carolina.

Shaw’s stat line for one quarter’s worth of work was 3 for 9 for 21-yards passing with no touchdowns and zero interceptions before he was taken out of the game. First game jitters could have contributed to the two fumbles Shaw committed. Spurrier jumped the gun and did not allow Shaw to get comfortable in the role as starter.

Everyone knows what South Carolina’s game plan is week after week. Feed the ball to All-SEC running back Marcus Lattimore.

Lattimore leads the SEC in rushing yards with 677 over Trent Richardson’s 622. Lattimore also leads the SEC in rushing attempts and has 28 more carries than Richardson.

Lattimore received too many carries early in the season last year and wore down before midway through the schedule. Spurrier appears to be doing the same thing again to his top rusher this season. What choice does Spurrier have?

Lattimore had 23 rushes for 112 yards against East Carolina, 27 rushes for 176 yards against Georgia, 37 rushes for 246 yards against Navy. Against Vanderbilt he had 20 rushes for 77 yards and 17 rushes for 66 yards against Auburn.

Since Stephen Garcia has been playing poorly, defenses have been putting eight in the box and shutting down Lattimore. Why would Kentucky doing anything differently in their game?

Kentucky’s linebackers Danny Trevathan and Winston Guy lead the SEC in tackles with 59 and 53 respectively. Their stats may be inflated because the Wildcat offense does not do a good job of time possession, 89th in FBS. Don’t take these guys for granted. They are gamers and they can play against Lattimore. Last year Kentucky held Lattimore to 79-yards rushing on 15 attempts in a Wildcat 31-28 win.

The Final Outcome

Shaw’s ability and performance is an unknown commodity going into this week’s match-up. Newton is a known product, even if he is not considered a great SEC quarterback.

Commonsense would have one believe that South Carolina would not lose two consecutive SEC home games. But the Gamecocks outwardly appear to be in some dysfunction in a pivotal time of the season when they should be clicking not benching.  

The Gamecock offense is in better shape with Lattimore than Kentucky is with true freshman running back Josh Clemons (269 yards rushing). But USC senior left tackle Kyle Nunn may miss his second straight game with a bulging disc. Last week true freshman Mike Matulis (Boynton Beach, Florida) struggled against Auburn.

Shaw will key on All-American wide receiver Alshon Jeffery as will the Wildcat secondary.

The Gamecocks may be without senior defensive lineman Melvin Ingram. Ingram leads the team with 7.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks.

Kentucky finds a way to keep the game close and upsets South Carolina for the second straight year 17-14.

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College Football: Picking Every SEC Game in Week 6

Six ranked SEC teams take the field this weekend in conference race shaping games. Two SEC East showdowns, one SEC West game of the week, and one cross-divisional game could dramatically shift the rest of the season after week 6 unfolds.

No. 15 Auburn versus No. 10 Arkansas

This week’s top game in the SEC is Arkansas versus Auburn. Both teams are fighting for national respect, regardless of their current rankings, and coming off upset wins. The winner lives to fight for an outside shot at the SEC West title.

Auburn is 4-1 with three last minute wins; Utah State, Mississippi State, and South Carolina. After the exodus of nearly forty percent of their 2010 roster, not much was expected of this year’s team outside of Auburn. Somehow Gene Chizik keeps finding the magical winning formula for the Tigers.

Auburn is led by sophomore running back Michael Dyer. Dyer is seeking his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season against the Razorbacks; he had four 100-yard games in 2010.

Dyer has risen to the challenge against top competition this year; Mississippi State, 150-yards rushing with two touchdowns, Clemson, 151-yards rushing, with two touchdowns, and South Carolina, 141-yards rushing and one score. Dyer has to be chomping at the bit to play against Arkansas’ rush defense knowing they gave up 381-yards rushing  to Texas A&M last week; Christine Michael 230 yards, Cyrus Grey 95 yards.

The Razorbacks are led by junior quarterback Tyler Wilson. Wilson leads the SEC in passing yards with 1,517 and is second in the SEC in with 10 passing touchdowns. Wilson is coming off a career game in which he threw for a school record 510 yards with two touchdowns against the Aggies.

The key match-up on paper is Arkansas’ passing attack versus the Auburn pass defense and Auburn’s rushing attack versus Arkansas’ run defense. Which team will be able to slow down the opposition’s strengths?

The Razorback rush defense is ranked 82nd in the nation allowing 168.20 yards per game. Auburn’s pass defense is ranked 74th in FBS as teams are passing for 232.80 yards per game.

If Michael Dyer hits 168-yards rushing the Razorbacks will be okay. Auburn’s passing attack is limited; 184 passing yards per game. The Tiger’s top wide receiver, Blake Emory, will not play this weekend. Look for the Hogs to stack eight in the box and beg Barrett Trotter to beat them with his arm.

Auburn did a great job of holding Stephen Garcia to a 39 percent completion percentage. Wilson completed 63 percent of his passes against Alabama’s third ranked defense.

Arkansas found their running game in the fourth quarter when Petrino finally ran Broderick Green and Dennis Johnson. Auburn’s rush defense is ranked 108th in the nation giving up 207 yards per game.

Arkansas puts together a complete offensive game plan and win this one 38-24.

Georgia versus Tennessee

After a 0-2 start that included a conference loss to SEC East foe South Carolina, the Georgia faithful were looking around for answers. Three wins later, a South Carolina conference loss, and a Florida conference loss, the Bulldogs find themselves in a three way tie for first in the SEC East.

Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray grabs the headlines but the emergence of true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell has allowed Georgia to have a balanced offensive attack.

Crowell has three 100-yard games already this season (South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State). His 575 total rushing yards ranks him 4th in the SEC.

Tennessee tailback Tauren Poole has yet to click with the offensive line. He has rushed for 318 yards with only one touchdown. His best performance was last week against Buffalo when he rushed for 101-yards on 17 attempts with no touchdowns.

Georgia’s pass defense has been outstanding this year only allowing 151.60 yards per game. Tyler Bray leads the SEC in touchdown passes and passing percentage but has played primarily against lesser competition.

Tennessee’s pass defense ranks 35th allowing 198.50.

Georgia’s run defense is limiting teams to 107 yards per game; Tennessee allows 139.75.

With Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter out for the year with a torn ACL, Da’Rick Rogers will see constant double team in passing situations.

Georgia’s balanced offense will eventually overwhelm Tennessee’s passing offense by winning the time of possession.

Georgia breaks their two-game losing streak at Neyland Stadium winning 28-24.

Georgia outside linebacker Cornelius Washington is suspended for two game after being arrest for a DUI Sunday night. Washington will be replaced by Jarvis Jones. Jones had two sacks against MSU last week.

Mississippi State versus University of Alabama Birmingham

A battered and bruised Mississippi State team takes their last non-conference road game of the season against the 0-4 Blazers.

UAB has found some momentum in their last two losses. They were beat soundly by the Florida Gators in the Swamp 39-0 and by Tulane 49-10. Then in two consecutive road games the Blazers found their competitive spirit in losses to East Carolina by five points and Troy by one.

Can UAB pull off an upset against the Bulldogs?

The Blazers held a second half lead over MSU last year before two late Derek DePasquale field goals lifted the Bulldogs to victory. But that was last year when MSU was in the midst of a six-game winning streak.

MSU is strong against the pass ranking 27th in the nation. The one thing UAB does fairly well on offense is pass the ball. They average 191-yards per game. Their rushing attack is 106th in the nation against lesser competition.

UAB is ranked 116th in rush defense (228.75) and 113th in pass defense (300). If the 2-3 Bulldogs cannot pull off a win this weekend they will miss a bowl game this year. MSU has winnable games left against Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin, and Ole Miss which would put them at six wins for the season. Remaining games against South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas may be too much for Dan Mullen and company this year.

Chris Relf and Vick Ballard need this game to get back on track before South Carolina comes to town. Ballard was held to 23-yards rushing against Georgia last week. Relf had 157-yards passing.

Even if MSU can pull ahead early, look for Mullen to play his guys into the third quarter and possibly early into the fourth quarter to build confidence and rhythm for his offense.

MSU wins 38-14.

Kentucky versus South Carolina

Kentucky fans circled this stretch of games on the schedule before the season started. The 2-3 Wildcats play their third straight ranked opponent when they travel to No. 18 South Carolina on Saturday. Joker Philips is hoping to end his team’s three game losing streak at Williams-Brice Stadium (Louisville, Florida, and LSU).

Philips is still looking for ways to ignite the Kentucky offense. Morgan Newton has replaced Mike Hartline under center but with very different results. Last season UK was ranked 34th nationally in scoring offense (31.20) and 27th in total offense (427.90). This season the Wildcats are averaging 15 points per game (113th nationally) and 255.50 yards of offense per game (118th nationally).

South Carolina enters the game after being upset at home by Auburn 16-13. The much publicized love-hate relationship between head coach Steve Spurrier and fifth-year senior quarterback Stephen Garcia appears to have finally ended, for now, due to Garcia’s poor play against the Tigers.

Spurrier has benched Garcia again for sophomore Connor Shaw. Shaw was the starter beginning the season against East Carolina but after two fumbles and struggling within the offense he was benched in the first quarter in favor of the experienced Garcia.

Fans that like to see power running and gifted linebackers that stuff the run will enjoy the match-up between Gamecock running back Marcus Lattimore and Kentucky’s linebackers Danny Trevathan and Winston Guy.

Danny Trevathan leads the SEC in tackles with 59 and Guy is second with 53. Lattimore leads the SEC in rushing yards with 677.

Lattimore will get as many touches as Spurrier feels is necessary for the Gamecocks to win. With Shaw under center, the Wildcats will try to pressure Shaw every chance they get. Unfortunately for UK defensive end Collins Ukwu will be out for the third straight game.

Both teams need this win. Which team is more motivated?

USC and UK are one dimensional teams relying solely on their running game. Kentucky has allowed 21 sacks (2nd most in the nation). The Gamecock defense averages 2.60 sacks per game. Long third down attempts would normally favor the Gamecocks defense.

Shaw was 3 for 9 for 21-yards passing with no touchdowns and zero interceptions before he was taken out of the game. First game jitters could have contributed to the two fumbles Shaw committed. What will Shaw be able to do against UK? If Shaw struggles will Spurrier pull the emergency switch again and place Garcia back in the game?

The Gamecock offense is in better shape with Lattimore than Kentucky is with true freshman running back Josh Clemons (269 yards rushing). But USC senior left tackle Kyle Nunn may miss his second straight game with a bulging disc. Last week true freshman Mike Matulis (Boynton Beach, Florida) struggled against Auburn.

Kentucky has more stability in their backfield with Morgan Newton under center than Connor Shaw for USC.

Shaw will key on All-American wide receiver Alshon Jeffery as will the Wildcat secondary.

Kentucky finds a way to keep the game close and upsets South Carolina for the second straight year 17-14.

Vanderbilt versus Alabama

James Franklin has had a really nice start to his Vanderbilt coaching career. He won his first three games and eclipsed the team’s total wins in 2010 (2). He also earned his first SEC conference victory over Ole Miss (30-7). Then the Commodores had a tough road trip to South Carolina that ended in a 21-3 loss.

Now Vanderbilt is trying to put their offense back together against the third ranked defense in the nation. USC held the Commodores to 77 net yards after Larry Smith was sacked six times for a loss of 42 yards. Vandy’s rushing offense only netted four positive yards in the defeat.

Smith was harassed all game by the Gamecocks. His completion numbers tell a different story. He finished the game 12 of 16 passing with one interception and zero touchdowns. He only passed for a total of 44 yards.

If Vanderbilt’s offense keeps everything within a ten yard zone against the Tide, this will be a really long day for the Commodores.

Vandy has the 11th ranked defense in FBS only giving up 279.25 yards per game. Their secondary has been ball hawks all season leading the nation with 14 picks; four against South Carolina in week 4. They limited Marcus Lattimore to 77-yards rushing and now have to take on Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy.

Alabama’s rushing offense is 13th best in the nation averaging 229.80. AJ McCarron has been efficient as the starting quarterback for the Tide only throwing four touchdown passes but has thrown two interceptions.

Vanderbilt’s defense took a hit against South Carolina when junior linebacker Tristan Strong hurt his knee and is lost for the season.

Larry Smith did not make it through the South Carolina game due to all the hits that he was taking. If Vanderbilt’s offensive line does not play better, Smith is in for another long or short game.

Vanderbilt’s offense is too inept to hang with Alabama’s defense. Vanderbilt’s defense is SEC quality but gets no support from the offense. Bama wears down Vandy and wins 38-10.

Florida versus LSU

A week ago this game looked like a possible SEC Conference Title Game preview. It still may be but the loss of Florida’s starting quarterback John Brantley puts a different spin on this SEC cross-divisional game.

The Gators will start true freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Florida) against the number one team in the nation. Driskel played the second half for the Gators after Brantley suffered what appears to be an ankle injury. In a half of play against Alabama, Driskel finished 2 of 6 for 14-yards passing.

Alabama was able to stack the box against the Gators and shut down their tandem running attack of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Both players finished the game with four rushing yards each. For the game the team finished with 15 net yards rushing.

LSU’s defense is as good as Alabama’s if not better. The Tiger’s are third in the nation in rush defense (60.40 yards per game) and only allow 12.80 points per game (9th in FBS).

Look for LSU to have a field day with Driskel and stack the box against the Gators running attack.

LSU will play their game and grind out another win. Florida’s defense will keep it close. Final score LSU 28, Florida 7.

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Arkansas Athletes in the News

He Got Pulled over for What?

Tyrell Johnson (Rison, Arkansas State) was arrested for suspicion of driving while intoxicated Tuesday morning in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings safety was stopped around 2:00 a.m. for failing to signal merging onto an interstate ramp.

Minnesota State Patrol conducted a breathalyzer test on Johnson which registered 0.12. The legal limit in Minnesota is 0.08.

No comments have been made by the Minnesota Vikings regarding Johnson’s arrest.

Just to Clarify

He was pulled over for not signaling on an on ramp? Is there any other direction to go on an on ramp? Far be it to start a controversy but it seems like the police officers were looking to make an example out of a high profile person in town.

Word to the wise, at two o’clock in the morning and a couple of drinks in, use your turn signals.

Making Room

Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Kevin Williams (Fordyce) has finished his two-game suspension for testing positive for a banned weight-loss drug. The Vikings waived defensive end Adrian Awasom so Williams would have a spot on the roster.

One and Done in Kentucky

Guard Archie Goodwin (6’4” 181 lbs) of Sylvan Hills High School in Arkansas committed to the Kentucky Wildcats this week. Goodwin let the world know via Twitter. Goodwin, a five-star recruit according to rivals.com, is rated the 12th best high school player in the nation.

Just to Clarify

One should always follow their heart as long as it makes sense. Goodwin said he would always represent Arkansas because of his love for the state. Not sure why he can’t do that in a Razorback uniform if he only plans to play on the college level for one year?

Kentucky’s men’s head basketball coach John Calipari has proven he can get to the Final Four but has not proven he can win “the big game”. Calipari’s players will have to take the memories with them because all of his March Madness success has been wiped off the books due to his teams NCAA violations at the University of Massachusetts and University of Memphis. 

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2011 SEC College Football Preview: Overview of the SEC East

This is part five in a series previewing the 2011 SEC college football season. 

Eastern Division Team Previews

Florida Gators

The Gators may be one of the more perplexing teams in all of college football going into the 2011 season. Between Steve Spurrier and Urban Meyers’ time in Gainesville (sorry Ron Zook), the Florida Gators have been built into a brand name with lots of recognition and high expectations nationally. With a new coach, new offensive coordinator, and a new defensive coordinator, the fact that Florida has 6 returning starters on offense, including senior quarterback John Brantley, and 3 returning starters on defense can be thrown out the window. Do we gage UF on Texas’ poor defense last season, Charlie Weis’ poor offenses at Notre Dame, or the quality of recruits Urban Meyer left for Will Muschamp from an 8-5 2010 team? Will the players rally around their new coach? Time will tell.

Florida only has two starting offensive lineman returning and a new system to learn, there will be some growing pains; 23 seniors gone from last year’s team. The defense may be turned loose but they are still very young and they will take some heavy lumps along the way. Talent, a new coach and system, plus a really tough schedule should make Florida a year away, or two, from getting back to their 10 win seasons.

The Gators have a couple of swing games that could make their season or break it; at Kentucky, versus Alabama, at LSU, vs. Georgia, at South Carolina, vs. Florida State. If the Gators start to slide look for true freshman Jeff Driskel to get a head start on 2012.

Georgia Bulldogs

Georgia may have the best quarterback in the SEC but who’s going to catch the ball or run the ball? A.J. Green and Kris Durham are gone. Their offensive line is a make shift bunch with only two returning linemen. Mark Richt is hoping prized recruit, running back Isaiah Crowell, can be Marcus Lattimore “like” this season and open up opportunities for Murray downfield. RBs Washaun Ealey transferred out and Caleb King failed to qualify academically. Richard Samuel a running back turned linebacker and back to running back will get some looks. RB Carlton Thomas is suspended for the first game versus Boise State. Any preseason injury or an injury to Isaiah Crowell and the Bulldogs season could be essentially over. Murray will win them some games with his arm but if you can’t run the ball in the SEC you can’t win.

The Bulldogs have plenty of talent on the defensive side of the ball with 7 starters coming back and underclassmen pushing those starters for playing time and their positions. Their secondary should be good enough to help the younger D-linemen and linebackers put pressure on opposing QBs.

Coming off their first losing season (6-7) since 1996, Mark Richt has no choice but to win this season or else. His average of 8 wins per season over the past five years is not enough for the Athens faithful. Richt has not taken the Bulldogs to the SEC Title Game since 2005 when he went 3 times out of the previous 4 years.

Their 2011 road schedule is soft; two toughest games should be at Tennessee and Florida in Jacksonville. They avoid playing Arkansas, LSU, and Alabama. The promise of Murray as a junior may not be enough for Richt’s coaching prospects in Athens if Georgia settles for another 8-4 regular season. The Bulldogs can make a statement in week one at home against Boise State. If that game turns into a bad loss… watch out!

The Bulldogs swing games are versus Boise State, vs. Mississippi State and at Tennessee.

Kentucky Wildcats

Joker Phillips had about as good of a first year at Kentucky as anyone could have hoped. The Wildcats played tough last year and were in every game they played; Florida and Pittsburgh got a little out of hand. They shocked South Carolina and gave eventual national champs, Auburn, a run for their money (37-34).

QB Mike Hartline, WR Randall Cobb, and RB Derrick Locke are gone and will be tough to replace. UK has 4 returning linemen which should help Morgan Newton find his way under center. If UK does not have a running back take control of their ground game this could be a long second season for Mr. Phillips. Look for incoming freshmen running backs Marcus Caffey and Josh Clemons to get plenty of opportunities to earn the starting position and show what they can do.

If a couple of defensive lineman can make an impact, this defense can win UK some games. Seven total starters return including 2 linebackers and the entire secondary. Co-defensive coordinator Rick Minter should be very aggressive with this group and cause turnovers and extra opportunities for the Wildcats. Linebacker Danny Trevathan is a beast and should be a great person for Minter to build around. Turning on a UK game to watch Trevathan play will be time well spent.

Kentucky has a tough SEC schedule; at LSU, at South Carolina, at Georgia. They get the Gators, Tennessee, and MSU at home. Those games should be considered trap games for the visiting teams. Their non-conference schedule should put them in position to make a bowl this year. The real question is can/could anyone not named Meyer, Saban, or God recruit at Kentucky?

South Carolina Gamecocks

Last year Steve Spurrier took advantage of the most talented freshman running back to enter the SEC since Darren McFadden was in the backfield for Arkansas… that and a weak SEC East Division. Spurrier has one mission this season, keep QB Stephen Garcia from self imploding. The final outcome of that mission will be if USC makes their second straight SEC Title Game.

The Gamecocks have a ton of talent returning, especially at their skill positions. All a novice needs to know about USC football before tailgating or a Saturday BBQ in Columbia is RB Marcus Lattimore and WR Alshon Jeffery. Saying you love those two guys will get you a cold one and a couple of new friends. Lattimore has three returning lineman who will try to pave the way for another 1,000 season for him. Who will start at LG and RT is the biggest question the Gamecock faithful have going into 2011.

Ellis Johnson is making USC’s defense into a title contending unit. Devin Taylor and true freshman Jadeveon Clowney should spend as much time in the opposition’s backfield as the head referee. Senior DT Travian Robertson will anchor the Gamecock line and give the 3 returning secondary players time to shut down opposing receivers.

Why Spurrier has not been able to develop a quarterback into an All-American is a question for the ages. In Spurrier’s first three years at USC he seemed to lack the recruiting fire or edge he once had while in Gainesville. Over the past three years he has added great talent, seemingly regained some of that fire, and the time has come to cash in on his efforts.

South Carolina has some swing games before anointing them the SEC East Champs; at Georgia, at MSU, and at Arkansas. Beating Florida last year at the Swamp had to be a relief for Spurrier. He should be able to do the same again this year at home. If USC can stay consistent and not have a let down game after a big win like last year (beating Alabama then losing to UK), this is your SEC East Champs. If Spurrier overruns Lattimore again like he did early last year, this could be a better than average year in Columbia but a true disappointment for the fans.

Tennessee Volunteers

Derek Dooley got every bit of effort out of his team in his first year in Knoxville. A four game winning streak at the end of the season could be the main motivator for this year’s team. Tennessee is still young and if they keep improving the balance of power could swing back to the SEC East next season.

Will Tyler Bray or Matt Simms win the starting quarterback position? Bray went 4-1 against weaker teams but still almost throw for 2,000 yards in those 5 games; impressive. What could he do with an entire year under center? Whoever is taking snaps will have to learn to play without WR Denarius Moore and WR Gerald Jones. Tauren Poole should be able to increase his 1,034 yard season in 2010 with three returning offensive linemen in front of him.

Defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox will have his hands full this season. Wilcox has five returning starters on defense and a bunch of underclassmen fighting for playing time. His unit played really well in the second half of the season; having an offense eat up time instead of going three and out sure helped.

Dooley gets no help from the schedule this season. His team may improve but the record will be hard to show it. His biggest coaching job may be to keep his players playing tough and staying motivated through October, similar to last season. They play versus Georgia, vs. LSU, at Alabama, vs. South Carolina and then on the road to Fayetteville, Arkansas in November. The sliver lining is three of those games are at home. The bad thing is four of those teams should be in the top 10 at some point during the season.

Vanderbilt Commodores

James Franklin could be in the cat bird seat or he really has his work cut out for him; time will tell. He inherits a 2-10 team, 1-7 in the SEC, during the 2010 season but he has 18 total starters returning. If he can make an impact with his team this could be one of the most overlooked trap games in the SEC. The problem for the Commodores is they basically play every tough team in the conference except for LSU and MSU.

Vanderbilt may be a year away from making some real noise. Their entire offensive line returns and all but one are underclassmen. They have a top quarterback recruit to break in to replace senior starter Larry Smith; Lafonte Thourgood.

If this defensive unit can stay healthy, they could win a game or two at home that everyone expects them to lose. They have a stud middle linebacker in Chris Marve and three players returning in their secondary. The defensive line will have to help stop the run or this could be a repeat season from last year. Vandy’s rush defense was ranked 100^th nationally in 2010 and 93^rd in overall team defense. A jump 40-50 spots north and this team will make a lot of noise.

In truth if Franklin wins all of his non-conference games and leads Vandy to victory over Ole Miss, this will be a pretty good season. Kentucky could be a home swing game for them. 

Predicted Order of Finish

SEC East

Team/SEC Record/Overall Record

South Carolina 6-2, 10-2

Florida 6-2, 9-3

Georgia 5-3, 9-3

Kentucky 4-4, 8-4

Tennessee 2-6, 6-6

Vanderbilt 1-7, 5-7

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