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 Preview: Outcomes of all Week 8 Games

Outside of seeing three of the top ten teams in the nation play, this is not one of the better weekends for SEC football on paper.

The headline game of the week pits No. 19 Auburn versus No. 1 LSU. No. 10 Arkansas travels to Oxford to take on their former head coach while Tennessee tries to renew their cross-divisional rivalry with No. 2 Alabama.

Kentucky and Vanderbilt go outside of the conference in hopes of keeping their bowl hopes alive and look for their offense when they take on Jacksonville State and Army respectively.

Georgia, Mississippi State, Florida, and South Carolina are on a bye this week.

No. 19 Auburn versus No. 1 LSU

Auburn head coach Gene Chizik and offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn must not like Clint Mosely. For the third weekend in a row LSU’s defense will face a first time starter at quarterback when sophomore Clint Mosely takes over for Barrett Trotter under center. Malzahn hopes Mosley can add a passing attack to compliment their potent ground game.

Mosely will take on the top ranked team in the nation on the road, a team that features the fourth best total defense in the nation. Mosely replaced Trotter as the second half starter for Auburn against Florida last week. He finished the game 4 of 7 for 90 yards passing.

What Chizik hopes to gain by starting Mosely against LSU is questionable. Yes, the Tigers need better production under center but are they wise to give a first collegiate start to a quarterback against LSU’s defense?

LSU uses a tandem quarterback rotation with Jarrett Lee and Jordan Jefferson. The Tigers also use a tandem running back set with Spencer Ware and Michael Ford. Early reports are coming out that Spencer Ware failed a drug test and may be suspended for the Auburn game. If the suspensions are enforced, sophomore Alfred Blue would receive more snaps in the Tiger offense in Ware’s absence.

Lee is the starter and the passing quarterback. Jefferson primarily runs the option when he enters the game for the Tigers; Jefferson had three pass attempts last week versus Tennessee.

LSU should have their original 2011 starting offensive line together for the first time since week three at Mississippi State.

Auburn will test the waters with Mosely and add a heavy dose of running back Michael Dyer. Auburn is already a one-dimensional team with Dyer. If Mosely cannot find his receivers this will be a long game for Dyer and the War Eagle running backs.

LSU will stack the box on defense and beg Mosely to beat them with his arm. Having already faced Oregon’s top spread option attack, Auburn’s will not fool the Tigers.

LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathieu, a.k.a. the Honey Badger, is listed as a possible player to be suspended for the Auburn game as well.

LSU is too deep for two starters to cause them to be upset.

Either way LSU wins 48-14.

No. 10 Arkansas versus Ole Miss

Houston Nutt will throw everything at Arkansas including the kitchen sink to try and win this game. Nutt’s back is up against the wall and a victory over Arkansas could take some heat off of his seat. A victory against Arkansas could change the season around in Oxford as it did in 2008.

Six Ole Miss possessions against the Tide were three-and-outs or less. During those six possessions the Rebels lost yards on each drive totaling negative 26 yards.

The Rebels gained 72 yards on the opening drive against Alabama and accumulated 69 yards the rest of the game.

Arkansas better be ready to stop the Wildcat. The Hogs defense saw Auburn’s version of the Wildcat before their bye. Can they stop the Rebels’ version?

Ole Miss is short handed on defense with two starters out and a weak pass defense; DE Joey Dorsey and CB Marcus Temple. The Rebels will have to improve upon their 10 total sacks on the season to keep Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson and his receivers out of rhythm, if possible.

Arkansas has been short handed with injuries on defense. Coming off a bye week with no ranked opponent looming overhead, the Razorbacks will be fresh and ready for Ole Miss. No trap game for the Hogs.

The Hogs will rely on the pass to help the running game and put pressure on Ole Miss as needed. The Hogs lead the SEC in passing yards and are ranked 8th in the nation in passing offense with 2,021 total yards.

Ole Miss packed the stadium last week with 61,792 in attendance when Alabama came to town. That was the fourth-largest crowd at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium for an Ole Miss football game.

Ole Miss will keep it interesting but Arkansas passing attack will be too much for the Rebels.

Petrino was embarrassed by Nutt in 2008 and 2009. Don’t look for it to happen this year with a top ten ranking on the line, a possible share of the SEC West title, and a possible BCS bowl berth at stake.

The only thing that keeps the score close is if Petrino chooses to abandon the pass in the second half to further develop the running game as he did against Auburn.

Petrino proves a point as Arkansas wins 52-23. 

Tennessee versus No. 2 Alabama

Is Tennessee up to the task to stop the second ranked Crimson Tide? Last week they faltered at home against top ranked LSU 38-7. This week they have to play a night game in Tuscaloosa.

Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley has the advantage of knowing Nick Saban’s coaching style and techniques. Dooley coached under Saban at LSU and with the Miami Dolphins.

Dooley has the disadvantage of playing against Saban’s punishing defense and an offense that features the 12th best rushing attack in the nation.  

Bama’s offensive line will create holes for Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, and Jalston Fowler against Tennessee. LSU ended up with 237 rushing yards against the Vols in Neyland Stadium. The Tide averages 241.57 rushing yards per game.

Alabama has the top rated total defense in the nation. Matt Simms got his first start of the season for Tennessee against LSU last week. This week he gets his second start of the season against Alabama. Has a starting quarterback ever had to face two tougher defenses to start his season?

One more time; night game in Tuscaloosa… good luck Tennessee.

Look for similar results as last week. Bama does not throw much and Saban will not purposely run up the score against Dooley.

Bama’s rushing offense will make the final score look like Saban was out for revenge.

Alabama wins 42-7.

Jacksonville State versus Kentucky

This game could point out how bad Kentucky really is this season. The Wildcats are 2-4 entering the weekend with a light schedule the rest of the way.

If Kentucky wins they still have a shot at making a bowl game this season. If Kentucky loses the season is over for the Wildcats.

Jacksonville State is a Football Championship Subdivision school with a 5-1 record. Their lone loss was to Chattanooga on the road. 

Kentucky ranks last in the SEC in passing yards, 10th in rushing yards, and 11th in total defense. Can the Wildcats assert their will to win over the Ohio Valley division leaders?

The Gamecocks average 31.33 points per game.

Last season Jacksonville State took Ole Miss into overtime in Oxford and beat the Rebels 49-48.

Kentucky is the only BCS team on Jacksonville State’s schedule. Look for the Gamecocks to be pumped up for this one.

Jacksonville State is coach by former Arkansas Razorback coach Jack Crowe (1990-1992).

Kentucky is coming off a bye. Did they prepare for Jacksonville State or for the Mississippi State game next weekend?

For the sake of the SEC and for Kentucky’s pride they need to beat Jacksonville State.

Jacksonville upsets Kentucky at home 21-13.

Army versus Vanderbilt

Vanderbilt’s defense has been SEC caliber all season. The offense has been disappointing.

Last week the Commodores rushed for 200 yards against Georgia and nearly pulled off the upset before losing 33-28. Has Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin finally found some form of an offense?

Army’s defense ranks 70th in the nation allowing 392.83 yards per game.

Vanderbilt’s defense ranks 26th in the nation allowing 329.83 yards per game.

Will Jordan Rodgers or Larry Smith start at quarterback for Vanderbilt? Neither player adds much to the passing attack.

Rodgers is a junior and Smith is a senior. Will Franklin get a head start on next season by taking Smith out of the starting lineup in favor of Rodgers?

Look for Franklin to use both players throughout the game.

If the Commodores are not let down by last week’s loss, look for Vandy to improve to 4-3 on the season.

Vanderbilt wins 28-18.

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College Football Review: Recap of Every SEC Game in Week 4

Georgia (1-2) vs. Ole Miss (1-2)

Georgia’s defense held the Ole Miss offense to 185-total yards during a dominating performance winning 27-13.

Nothing seemed to click for Ole Miss against Georgia except Blair Walsh’s three missed field goal attempts for the Bulldogs.

One of the strength’s of the Rebels team going into the season was their offensive line and running game. The Rebels were held to 36-yards rushing led by Jeff Scott’s 27-yards on seven attempts.

The Rebel passing attack did not prove to be much better, a problem for most Houston Nutt coached teams. Zack Stoudt finished the game 9 of 23 for 71-yards passing and Randall Mackey, the thought starter for the Rebels after spring practices, finished three of seven for 78-yards passing with one touchdown and one interception. Both Rebel quarterbacks were sacked twice.

Aaron Murray was effective for the Bulldogs. He finished the game 17 of 26 for 269-yards passing with two scores and one interception. Murray also added a rushing touchdown in the first quarter.

True freshman Isaiah Crowell got his second career start and another 100-yard rushing game. Crowell rushed 30 times for 147-yards.

Next week’s games

Mississippi State (2-2) vs. Georgia (2-2)

Mississippi (1-3) vs. Fresno State (2-2)

Arkansas (3-0) vs. Alabama (3-0)

Alabama was able to take advantage of several early Arkansas miscues on their way to an impressive 38-14 win in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama got on the board first on a 37-yard touchdown pass thrown off of a fake punt by AJ McCarron. Arkansas answered with a 10-yard Tyler Wilson touchdown pass to Dennis Johnson just before the end of the first quarter.

Bama was able to take advantage of a Wilson tipped pass before halftime returning the interception 25-yards for a touchdown making the score at half 17-7.

To start the second half Marquis Maze returned an Arkansas punt 83-yards for a touchdown. From there Arkansas’ defense seemed to wear down from Alabama’s ground attack. Alabama was able to rack up 197-yards of rushing to Arkansas’ 17-yards. Trent Richardson ended with a game high 17 carries for 123-rushing yards.

Tyler Wilson was held to 185-yards passing and two touchdowns.

Next week’s games:

Arkansas (3-1) vs. Texas A&M (3-1)

Alabama (4-0) vs. Florida (4-0)

Kentucky (2-1) vs. Florida (3-0)

Florida will get their first test of the season next week when Alabama comes to town, but so far this year the Gators have looked impressive under first year head coach Will Muschamp. They thoroughly dominated Kentucky for their 25th straight win in their series Saturday winning 48-10.

Kentucky was able to hold the Gator offense on their first two series but a Kentucky fumble ignited a 21-0 run before Kentucky kicked a 24-yard field goal ending the first quarter.

The Gators led 31-10 at halftime and were able to cruise through the second half of play. Jeff Brantley’s arm was not needed as Jeff Demps (157-yards) and Chris Rainey (105-yards) provided 262-rushing yards combined. The Gators finished the game with 405-total rushing yards.

Morgan Newton provided the majority of the Wildcat’s 300-yards of total offense. He threw for 124-yards and rushed for a Kentucky game high 50-yards.

Next week’s games:

Alabama (4-0) vs. Florida (4-0)

Kentucky (2-2) vs. LSU (4-0)

Vanderbilt (3-0) vs. South Carolina (3-0)

A mark of a great team is finding different ways to win and South Carolina did that against Vanderbilt Saturday winning 21-3.

Vanderbilt’s defense was able to stop Marcus Lattimore (20 rushes for 79-yards) and Stephan Garcia (222-yards passing, one touchdown, four interceptions) but more impressively Vanderbilt offense was held to 73-total yards of offensive by the Gamecock defense.

Vandy finished the game with negative four yards rushing after Larry Smith was sacked six times for a loss of 42-yards. Smith and Jordan Rodgers combined for 77-passing yards. Smith left the game in the third quarter but Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin refused to comment on Smith’s status after the game.

Both teams had ball control issues. The Gamecocks fumbled three times but never lost possession. The Commodores fumbled four times losing three possessions.

Next week’s games:

Auburn (3-1) vs. South Carolina (4-0)

Vanderbilt (3-1) Bye

Florida Atlantic (0-2) vs. Auburn (2-1)

Auburn’s defense finally showed up when needed Saturday stopping the Owls 30-14 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn was able to intercept Graham Gilbert three times and pick up critical third down stops when needed. Auburn’s defensive woes are not fixed by any means. Auburn gave up 306-total yards of offense to a team that was only averaging 92-yards of offense per game. Auburn also allowed the first offensive touchdown of Florida Atlantic’s season in the fourth quarter on a 12-yard pass.

Auburn’s offense did not seem motivated after their first loss of the season to Clemson last week. Michael Dyer was held to 53-yards rushing and Barrett Trotter only completed 54 percent of his passes against the Owls.

True freshman quarterback Kiehl Frazier (Springdale, Arkansas) got playing time in the wildcat offense for the Tigers. He finished the game with 31-yards on three rushing attempts but did not attempt a pass.

Auburn only had 13 more total yards than Florida Atlantic finishing with 319.

Next week’s games:

Auburn (3-1) vs. South Carolina (4-0)

Florida Atlantic (0-3) vs. Louisiana Lafayette (3-1)

Louisiana Tech (1-2) vs. Mississippi State (1-2)

The offensive and defensive struggles continued for the Bulldogs Saturday but they held on to win 26-20 in overtime against Louisiana Tech.

Mississippi State’s defense was put to the test by quarterback Nick Isham, a 17-year old true freshman from Westlake Village, California (3-star recruit, Rivals.com). Isham completed 29 of 40 passes for 228-yards with one touchdown but had two costly interceptions. Isham’s first interception ended a 60-yard drive late in the fourth quarter that could have won the game for the visiting Bulldogs. His second interception happened on Louisiana Tech’s second offensive play in overtime.  

MSU’s offense was held to 176-net yards rushing; Vick Ballard rushed for 68-yards on 18 attempts with one touchdown. Chris Relf was held to a 48 percent passing percentage. Not the type of performance Dan Mullen and the Mississippi State faithful were expecting.

Chris Relf threw a 16-yard game winning touchdown to LaDarius Perkins on their second play in overtime.

Next week’s games:

Mississippi State (2-2) vs. Georgia (2-2)

Hawaii (2-2) vs. Louisiana Tech (1-3)

LSU (3-0) vs. West Virginia (3-0)

WVU tried to make it interesting in the third quarter but LSU was too much for the Mountaineers winning 47-21.

LSU stormed out to a 27-7 half time lead behind three Garrett Lee touchdown passes. But Geno Smith put on a show throwing for 424-yards and two touchdowns against the Tigers. Smith started the scoring in the second half with his second touchdown pass of the game to Tyler Urban. Just before the end of the third quarter, WVU pulled the score to within six on a one-yard touchdown run by Dustin Garrison. On the ensuing kick Marcus Claiborne returned the kick-off 99-yards for the Tigers.

WVU outgained the Tigers in total yards 533 to 368, but the Tigers were able to get two Geno Smith interceptions and recover two Mountaineers’ fumbles to end critical drives. LSU only lost one fumble and Jarrett Lee did not throw an interception in the game.

Spencer Ware and Michael Ford continued their two back rushing attack for LSU combining for 171-yards with two Ford touchdowns.

Next week’s games:

Kentucky (2-2) vs. LSU (4-0)

Bowling Green (3-1) vs. West Virginia (3-1)

University of Tennessee

Bye

Next week’s game:

Buffalo (1-3) vs. Tennessee (2-1)

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2011 SEC College Football Preview

This is part two of a series previewing the 2011 SEC college football season.

SEC Non-Conference Games

One of the only knocks against the SEC, by college football fans outside the SEC and most of the national media members, has been the easy non-conference schedules their teams play. The last few years the SEC has taken the rest of the country head-on and they do so again in 2011.

Kudos to LSU and their staff, regardless of how the season turns out, on paper they have the toughest schedule of any NCAA team. If they make it to any title game SEC, BCS, or the Pee-Wee League Championship Game they will have earned it. They play Oregon on a neutral site and at West Virginia. Ole Miss didn’t carve out an easy non-conference schedule either. They play BYU at home and Fresno State on the road. Georgia plays Boise State at home and in-state rival Georgia Tech on the road. Even when Georgia has not played well in the SEC, they still take care of business against the Yellow Jackets.

What conference are you in again?

University of Alabama-Birmingham (Conference USA) plays Mississippi State and Florida this year while Clemson (Atlantic Coast Conference) plays South Carolina and Auburn.

SEC Non-Conference Schedule

SEC Team/Opponent/Date/Site (off-campus location)

*Boise State at Georgia, September 3, in Atlanta, Georgia

BYU at Ole Miss, September 3

*Oregon vs. LSU, September 3, in Arlington, Texas

*Alabama at Penn State, September 10

University of Connecticut vs. Vanderbilt, September 10

Auburn at Clemson, September 17

Louisville at Kentucky, September 17

LSU at West Virginia, September 24

Vanderbilt at Wake Forest, September 26

*Arkansas vs. Texas A&M, October 1, in Arlington, Texas

Ole Miss at Fresno State, October 1

*Florida State vs. Florida, November 26

* DVR’em if you can’t watch live

LSU vs. Oregon and Boise State vs. Georgia could set the pace for all end of the season BCS games in week one. LSU and Oregon have legitimate shots at playing for a national title and whoever wins could be in the BCS National Championship driver’s seat for the rest of the season.

If Boise State beats Georgia, they will use the Georgia and TCU game as reasons for a chance to play in the BCS National Championship game. Boise State makes the jump to the Mountain West this season, the good thing about this for college football fans is no more horrible BCS matchups featuring Boise State against TCU; the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl (2010). The bad news is only one of the two may get a BCS game from here on out. That should make for an intense conference rivalry from day one for those two schools.

Florida State vs. Florida could have several implications come the end of November. If Muschamp and company can reverse the mediocre play of last years Gators squad they could be an outside shot at the SEC Title game in Atlanta. Winning that game could put them in a BCS Bowl. If Florida were to beat Florida State that could give them an outside shot at a BCS National Championship game; it could happen.

Chances are this game will mean more to UF for recruiting and a higher second tier bowl than a National Championship Game or even a BCS Bowl berth. If Florida State has taken care of business against Oklahoma at home (September 17) this could be the last bump in the road before FSU reclaims their glory days and plays in the BCS Championship Game.

Who Do They Play?

Mississippi State and Tennessee lay eggs with their non-conference schedule. Tennessee plays a Cincinnati team that “hopes” to turn things around in 2011; they were 4-8 in 2010. But if Cincinnati comes up short in 2011, neither Tennessee nor Mississippi State will play a bowl team from last year or a potential bowl team from this year in non-conference play. At least MSU goes on the road twice (got to find a silver lining here).

Mississippi State

September 1 – at Memphis

September 24 – Louisiana Tech

October 8 – at UAB

November 5 – Tennessee-Martin

Tennessee

September 3 – Montana

September 10 – Cincinnati

October 1 – Buffalo

November 5 – Middle Tennessee

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SEC Media Days

The SEC Media Days line up has been announced for next week’s festivities and yours truly beloved Arkansas Razorbacks kicks off the event. If you like reading into things, the lineup is proves to be somewhat interesting. The SEC Media Days is starting off with the Razorbacks, a dark horse team to win the national championship and lock to be a top 15 team in the nation when the AP and ESPN/Coaches polls are released, followed by one of the more popular teams in the SEC, University of Florida. South Carolina kicks off the afternoon portions of Wednesday’s meetings; members of the media can wrap up the 2011 SEC Conference Championship questions before Wednesday is over!

Curious that reigning national champs, for now, University of Auburn is buried in the middle of the meetings. LSU, a potential top ranked team when the polls are released later this summer, finishes the SEC Media Days schedule.

The list of players attending is a bit unusual as well. Typically seniors are invited to SEC Media Days. This year 22 seniors have been invited while 15 underclassmen will be in attendance. Arkansas, Alabama, and Auburn are bringing two juniors each to speak on behalf of their teammates; notably absent from Auburn’s lineup is much hyped running back Michael Dyer. Georgia, Auburn, and South Carolina are bringing one super sophomore each.

Why Spurrier is not bringing Stephen Garcia, their senior starting quarterback and the key to Spurrier’s best Gamecocks squad since becoming their head coach six years ago, is amusing. Other great players not in attendance include: Georgia’s all everything junior TE Orson Charles, University of Arkansas’ WR Joe Adams and Greg Childs, Alabama’s DT Josh Chapman and LB Courtney Upshaw, and South Carolina DE Devin Taylor.

Several potential Heisman Trophy candidates will be on-hand for the meetings:

Marcus Lattimore – RB – University of South Carolina

Knile Davis – RB – University of Arkansas

Trent Richardson – RB – University of Alabama

Alshon Jeffery – WR – University of South Carolina

Other Potential Award Winning Players Scheduled to Appear

Don’t’a Hightower – LB – University of Alabama

Danny Trevathan – LB – University of Kentucky

Chris Marve – LB – University of Vanderbilt

The dates, teams, coaches, and players are listed in order of appearance:

Wednesday, July 20^th

1:00 – 3:50 p.m. ET

Arkansas – Bobby Petrino, Knile Davis, Jarius Wright, and Tenarius Wright

Florida – Will Muschamp, John Brantley, William Green, and Deonte Thompson

3:20 – 6:00 p.m. ET

South Carolina – Steve Spurrier, Alshon Jeffrey, Marcus Lattimore, and Travian Robertson

Mississippi State – Dan Mullen, Vick Ballard, Fletcher Cox, and Chris Relf.

Thursday, July 21^st

8:30 – 11:20 a.m. ET

Kentucky – Joker Phillips, Stuart Hines, Danny Trevathan, and Morgan Newton

Georgia – Mark Richt, Brandon Boykin, Ben Jones, and Aaron Murray

10:50 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. ET

Auburn – Gene Chizik, Emory Blake, Nosa Equae, and Phillip Lutzenkirchen

Tennessee – Derek Dooley, Malik Jackson, Tauren Poole, and Dallas Thomas

Friday, July 22^nd

8:30 – 11:20 a.m. ET

Alabama – Nick Saban, Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower, and Trent Richardson

Vanderbilt – James Franklin, Casey Hayward, Chris Marve, and Larry Smith

10:50 – 1:30 p.m. ET

Ole Miss – Houston Nutt, Brandon Bolden, Kentrell Lockett, and Bradley Sowell

LSU – Les Miles, Ryan Baker, Jordan Jefferson, and Russell Shepard

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