Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Professor's Picks and SEC Report

The SEC Report

Are you good at solving one of those Rubik’s Cubes?

Well, sorting out the SEC East is kind of like trying to get all those colored cubes to line up with one hand while completing a NY Times crossword with the other.

Tennessee is in control of the division after hanging on to beat South Carolina in overtime.

Should the Vols win remaining conference games over Arkansas, Vanderbilt, and Kentucky, they will be on their way to Atlanta.

If Tennessee stumbles, Georgia could win out by beating Auburn and Kentucky.


Should the Dogs lose … well, we better start spinning those cubes.

The West race is a bit clearer.

Alabama and LSU play the Miles-Saban grudge match this week. The winner controls the division.

The Tide would still have improved Mississippi State and Auburn left. LSU would have a road game with Ole Miss and a home finale with Arkansas. Third-place Auburn goes to Georgia before finishing with Bama on the Plains.

Here are our Halloween rankings … does your team get a trick or treat?

1. LSU … Treat: Bengal Tigers had week off to prepare for Bama. Trick: Scary Nick Satan awaits.

2. Alabama … Treat: Tide crushed Big Orange two weeks ago in signature win. Trick: One-eyed Purple People Eaters are heading to T-Town.

3. Auburn … Treat: Tigers still in title chase. Trick: Beware spooky Aggies trying to steal a coach.

4. Tennessee … Treat: Outfoxed the Evil Genius. Trick: Unlike Linus, fans just don’t believe in the Great Pumpkin.

5. Georgia … Treat: Gigged Gator is quite tasty. Trick: Harry High School personal foul antics looked like a silly gimmick.

6. Mississippi State … Treat: One more win for a bowl. Trick: May have to wait until Egg Bowl to get that win.

7. Florida … Treat: Still have Superman for two more years. Trick: Still have secondary for two more months.

8. Vanderbilt … Treat: One more win to dip into the Candy Bowl. Trick: Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee, Wake Forest.

9. Kentucky … Treat: Woodson probably gets invited to Heisman ceremony. Trick: Memphis is nice in late December.

10. South Carolina … Treat: Program is now a contender in East. Trick: Lucy pulled the ball away one more time.

11. Arkansas … Treat: There are always weak teams needing a payday. Trick: None of them are in the SEC.

12. Ole Miss … Treat: NWS Demons at the Grove this week. Trick: LSU and Bullies on deck.

Pigskin Picks (2007 Record: 53-15; 5-1 last week … missing Miss State over Kentucky)

LSU at Alabama (5:00 ET CBS)

See SEC Game of the Week

South Carolina at Arkansas (8:00 ET ESPN2)

Arkansas is going to win a conference this season … too bad it’s the Sun Belt. The Razorbacks beat their third SBC foe of the year with an easy 58-10 win over 0-8 Florida International. South Carolina made a terrific comeback from a 21-0 deficit at Tennessee only to lose in overtime. SC handles the run pretty well, but the disappointment from that Rocky Top loss may linger a while.
Game Ball: Arkansas

Tennessee Tech at Auburn (2:30 ET)

Auburn pounded out a close methodical 17-3 win over game Ole Miss on the Plains. The Tigers outgained Ole Miss 420-193 and kept the ball thirteen more minutes, but still had to hold off the Rebels late. Brad Lester rushed for a career-high 96 yards and Ben Tate pounded out 72 more in the victory. The Golden Eagles of Cookeville have lost four in a row and have given up more than 40 points a game in those losses.
Game Ball: Auburn

Vanderbilt at Florida (12:30 ET LFS)

The Commodores are on the verge of breaking a 25 year streak of failing to qualify for a bowl game. One more win gets Bobby Johnson’s crew into the post-season plans. Getting that win will not be easy though. First, the Dores must try to beat Florida at the Swamp … then comes a home game with Kentucky, a trip to Tennessee, and a home finale with Wake Forest. Vanderbilt is winning with a stingy defense that is ranked 19th nationally. The Gators are physically banged up and probably psychologically dinged as well after losing 42-30 to Georgia. Gator QB Tim Tebow struggled noticeably with a sore shoulder, and the Gators rarely called his number on the ground. Should those issues continue this week, expect a low-scoring game.
Game Ball: Florida

Kentucky (Idle)
Next Game: at Vanderbilt 11/10/07

Mississippi State (Idle)
Next game: Alabama 11/10/07

Troy at Georgia (1:00 ET)
Georgia played its best game of the year in whipping Florida 42-30. The Bulldogs ran and passed effectively, and controlled (for the most part) Florida’s explosive offense. TB Knowshon Moreno continued to emerge as a star, gashing the Gators for 188 yards and 3 TDs. QB Matthew Stafford was an efficient 11-17 for 217 yards and 3 TDs, and was very effective downfield. With the win, Georgia moves into a tie for the SEC East lead, but will need help because Tennessee holds the tie-breaker courtesy of the Vol’s victory over Georgia earlier in the season. The Trojans enter the game on a six-game winning streak and should be a stern test. The Trojans run the spread attack with dual threat QB Omar Haugabook and TB Kenny Cattouse.
Game Ball: Georgia

Northwestern State at Ole Miss (2:00 ET)

Thank goodness the Rebels get to play the Demons again. Against Auburn last week, Ole Miss trailed 10-3 late but had the ball deep in Auburn territory before backup QB Brent Schaeffer (in the game because of an injury to Seth Adams) tossed up an INT in the end zone. Auburn put the game away 17-3 with a late TD. The 3-5 Demons should provide a nice tonic on Halloween week, as they are 1-4 in their last five and come into this one off losses to the mighty Texas State Bobcats and the Sam Houston State BearKats. Good nicknames … bad teams.
Game Ball: Ole Miss

LA-Lafayette at Tennessee (4:00 ET)

Wonder if all those disgruntled Big Orange fans were happy or upset with the Vols stirring come-from-ahead OT win against South Carolina. You know all of Rocky Top was happy with beating Steve Spurrier, but a segment of Tennessee boosters has had its fill of Phil. Will be tough for them to run off the coach of the SEC East champs and that’s very likely what Fulmer will be at the end of November. UT is in the driver’s seat of the division, tied with Georgia but holding a tie-breaker advantage. Win out and the Vols go to Atlanta. Ricky Bustle’s 1-7 Ragin Cajuns had a week off to prepare … oh, so what - Vols win.
Game Ball: Tennessee

Tricks of the Trade

Tricks of the Trade.

No, not costumes and candy tricks and treats … the tricks of the college football scheduling trade are the discussion points this Halloween.

It must be a real treat to be #1 ranked Ohio State.

Play your first challenging opponent in the ninth game of the season. Play a non-conference schedule that includes Youngstown, Akron, and Kent. Win three tough games, do not play a conference title game, and play for the national championship. Sweet.

How about Boston College?

Play consecutive mid-season games with Army, U Mass, and Bowling Green. Play an ACC schedule against a league that may only have one or two other Top 25 teams. Yum.

Those two teams would play for a national title if the season ended this week.

That is a trick, not a treat.

Think Oregon, Arizona State, or LSU might like to trade places with Ohio State and Boston College (the teams ranked just ahead of them in the polls).

The BCS system is inherently unfair to teams from stronger conferences.

By dominating Ohio State in the title game last season, Florida proved what many knew. A one-loss SEC team is often better than an undefeated foe from a weak league. But, keep in mind the Gators only got that chance because USC lost to UCLA.

Let the drumbeat begin … an undefeated team from the ACC does not deserve a title shot over a once-beaten PAC 10 or SEC team.

Also, it is highly questionable as to whether an unbeaten Big Ten team deserves to be taken instead of such a team either.

Here are a few trick or treat ratings for the BCS conferences.

ACC: Trick … Even an undefeated league champ may not get voted into the title game. Treat … those stronger conferences may not yield a one-loss team.

Big East: Trick … U Conn in a BCS game? Treat … West Virginia will take care of that problem.

Big Ten: Trick … Ohio State finally plays decent teams. Treat … The Buckeyes own Michigan, toughest remaining foe.

Big 12: Trick … Kansas gets no respect. Treat: Oklahoma likely to face Jayhawk-Missouri winner in title game.

PAC 10: Trick … national darling USC is out of the race (probably). Treat … Oregon and Arizona State look like real contenders.

SEC: Trick … nation’s toughest conference continues to consume its own. Treat: LSU vs. Bama is a grudge match for the ages.

Around the Nation this Week

In Big Ten country, Top-ranked Ohio State welcomes dangerous Wisconsin to the Horseshoe. Michigan and Michigan State play for the Paul Bunyan trophy at the Big House.

Out West, the PAC 10 features a huge top 5 contest when unbeaten Arizona State travels to Oregon to face the once-beaten Ducks. Winner is very much in the national title picture.

The Big Twelve sees South leader Oklahoma hosting inconsistent Texas A&M, North contender Missouri playing at Colorado, and division leader Kansas welcoming Nebraska.

Florida State travels to Chestnut Hill to play unbeaten and #2 ranked Boston College.

The best game in the Big East is Cincinnati at South Florida.

Around the South this Week

The SEC has LSU playing at Alabama in a game that has more bad blood than the scariest Halloween costume. Les Miles and Nick Saban won’t be exchanging treats.

South Carolina at Arkansas should be worth watching (and has been added to the ESPN schedule).

In addition to the FSU-BC game, the ACC offers up a nice Thursday night game when Virginia Tech visits Georgia Tech. Wake Forest at Virginia is a regional telecast.

See you at kickoff!

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Step Back Non Believers

Step Back Non-Believers
Georgia vs. Florida

SEC Game of the Week
October 22, 2007
By Bob Epling

“Step back non-believers or the rain will never come.”

Class is in session Georgia Bulldog backers.

On Saturday, the beloved Bulldogs face the mighty Gators in college football’s classic border battle. The Dogs need a win almost as much as north Georgia needs rain.

Here are some ways to help make that happen (the win … not the rain – although we can hope for both).

First, let’s stop whining about the site of the game (including you Mark Richt).

Jacksonville is a neutral site and a great setting.

Beat the Gators a few times and see how fast the city turns Red and Black again.

Yes, Florida has won fifteen of the last seventeen in the series, but Georgia won fifteen and lost five in the twenty seasons prior to that. Was Jacksonville moved north into Glynn County or something all those years?

No, it’s not the site … it’s that Vince Dooley left and Steve Spurrier arrived.

Georgia had the better coach then Florida gained the upper hand. Urban Meyer has a slight edge over Mark Richt, but that can change. The game belongs in Jacksonville.

Next, let’s hush about the scheduling (this year at least).

Yes, Florida has had a bye week before the big party in fourteen of the past fifteen seasons. Florida won all fourteen of those games. The Gators did not have a bye week in 2004 and … you got it … Georgia won 31-24.

Guess what? Last week Florida played the #7 team in the nation, and Georgia … had a bye week. Enjoy.

Finally, one last gripe (I mean bit of advice).

Exhale.


Georgia will turn things around in the series.

Obsessing about the game does the team no good. Obsessing about the game does the team no good. I said obsessing about the game does the team NO GOOD! (Sorry I may be obsessing about the game).

Now that we have that out of the way, what can the Dogs do on the field to break the drought (short of getting Tanya Tucker to sing)?

Here are five steps to success.

1. Start Fast: Georgia has developed a troubling trend of starting slowly in big games (Peach Bowl vs. Virginia Tech, Sugar Bowl vs. West Virginia, a number of games in this series). The Dogs cannot afford to play catch up with the Gators.

2. Win the Special Teams Contest: Georgia has a decided advantage with PK Brandon Coutu. Florida has an edge with Brandon James in the return game. UGA needs the better Brandon this week.

3. Avoid Self-Inflicted Wounds: Fumbles, dropped passes, questionable coaching calls mark Georgia failures in this series since 1990. The coaching staff and players must show poise.

4. Hit Tim Tebow: Georgia was the first team to be effective against Tebow last year and they did it by tackling him low. Georgia should make the sophomore sensation throw because the Dogs are beat if Superman controls the game on the ground.

5. Believe: The biggest change in this series is that Georgia no longer has confidence against Florida. For Bulldogs of the Dooley years, this attitude seems nearly unthinkable.

Until Georgia (fans, players, and coaches) actually believe the Dogs will win … well, sadly they probably will not.

Step back non-believers.

Or the rain will never come.

“Some may think I’m crazy for making all these claims … I swear before this day is over you folks are gonna see some rain.” (Lizzy and the Rainmaker, Tanya Tucker 1975)

Game Ball: Georgia

(Editor’s Note: Dr. Bob Epling is a Georgia grad who initiated the “Herschel … Walker” chant at the Texas A&M game in 1980 – yes, he did - just ask him! The Dogs were 9-0 against Florida during his undergraduate and graduate years - 1978-83 and 1987-89 - so he and his contemporaries do not accept that Georgia can lose even occasionally to the Gators).

Monday, October 22, 2007

Professor's Picks and SEC Report

Get ready for another separation Saturday.

In a season that gets wackier every week, teams are constantly trying to separate themselves from the pack and move into bowl contention.

Three more teams got separated from the Top Ten this past weekend.

South Florida’s dream season got whacked in Jersey by Rutgers.

South Carolina could muster only six points against Vanderbilt to tumble from atop the SEC East.

Kentucky lost to resourceful Florida and sophomore sensation Tim Tebow.

A few more teams may be separated from the rankings this week.

The most likely victim? Try #2 rated Boston College. The Eagles fly to Blacksburg for a Thursday showdown with once-beaten Virginia Tech.

Another potential suspect … how about Ohio State? The Buckeyes travel to Happy Valley to play Joe Pa and Penn State in a prime time telecast.

Finally, watch those PAC-10 teams. Oregon hosts Southern Cal, and Arizona State welcomes dangerous Cal to Tempe.

Here is our latest analysis of BCS conferences and teams with the best bowl prospects from each.

ACC: The winner of the BC-Virginia Tech game will be the only conference team with a chance to reach the BCS title game. The loser has an unlikely shot at reaching a BCS bowl.

Big East: West Virginia is the only team that could reach the BCS title game (sorry South Florida). The Mountaineers travel to Soprano land to face Rutgers.

Big Ten: Ohio State is the only team that can get to the title game, but the Buckeyes are just getting to the meat of their schedule. Think they’d be undefeated in the SEC? Me either. OSU or Michigan should earn the BCS (non-title for UM) bowl bid … have we seen that before?

Big 12: Oklahoma has a great shot to reach the title game, but played poorly against 1-7 Iowa State. Kansas keeps rolling along. If the Sooners or Jayhawks win out, they could get to the title game. Texas has a chance at a BCS bowl bid.

PAC 10: This race is a jumble. Oregon is certainly in good shape with the ratings, but I expect USC to beat them this week. Arizona State is undefeated, and the Sun Devils, USC, and Oregon are all in contention.

SEC: LSU would likely get to the title game if the Bayou Bengals win out. Florida has a good chance for a BCS bowl, and a remote shot at returning to the title game.

At this point, I’m sticking with a title game between LSU-Oklahoma, but both are shaky.

The SEC Report

In this zaniest of seasons, the SEC is proving to be the cake taker.

Consider.

Five teams are tied in the loss column for the East Division lead. The other team (Vanderbilt) is one game back and just beat the team (South Carolina) that had been atop the standings.

The top two teams in the West (LSU and Alabama) just posted signature victories, have more bad blood between them than a Halloween horror flick, and now take a precious Saturday off to heal and prepare for their mammoth showdown game in two weeks.

Consider.

LSU avoided a loss to gritty, gutsy Auburn by throwing a last second touchdown pass. Les Miles would have had some explaining to do if the clock had run out with the Bayou Bengals needing only a field goal for the win.

Alabama’s Nick Saban, whose head seemed about one second from exploding when the Tide gave Tennessee a field goal before halftime, has toughened this bunch into a conference title contender in his first season at the Capstone. The future may be now for Bama.

Consider.

Florida’s Tim Tebow could become the first sophomore to win the Heisman Trophy. He made like Superman against Kentucky, willing his Gators back into SEC title contention.

Vanderbilt beat #6 ranked South Carolina in Columbia and it hardly seemed an upset. Like Steve Spurrier said … Vandy could have played three easy teams instead of Alabama, Auburn, and Georgia, and been right up there with Ohio State in the BCS rankings.

Consider.

In this crazy season, a two-loss team might still be in the running for a BCS title game berth.

The last team to win a title with two losses was Minnesota in 1960. That was also the only year Notre Dame started a season 1-7. Will Urban Meyer get a chance to try a Billy Donovan repeat?

Unlikely, but in this season … something to consider.

Here are our SEC Rankings:

1. LSU … Bengal Tigers escaped Auburn but were a bit lucky to do so.

2. Florida … Gutsy Gators outclassed a game Kentucky squad.

3. Alabama … Let the LSU countdown begin … 14 days, 13 days, 12 days …

4. Auburn … Tigers continued brilliant road play, but fell one second short.

5. Kentucky … Big Blue proving to be thoroughbreds, but MSU Bullies are no nags.

6. Georgia … Bulldogs have lost 15 of 17 to the Gators.

7. Vanderbilt … Commodores beat a Top Ten team and we are not really shocked.

8. South Carolina … Gamecocks can still win East, but trip to Rocky Top is tough.

9. Tennessee … Fulmer’s Vols are like a roller coaster … up and down and scary.

10. Mississippi State … Croom’s Dogs no match for a beast from the Big East.

11. Arkansas … Houston Nutt beat Ole Miss in the coaching carousel game.

12. Ole Miss … Coach O and the Rebels regressed in loss to Hogs.


Pigskin Picks (2007 Record: 48-14; 4-2 last week … missing Alabama and Vanderbilt wins)

Alabama (Idle)
Next game: hosting LSU November 3rd

Florida International at Arkansas (2:00 ET)
Arkansas won for the third time in four games by dominating Ole Miss 44-8. Darren McFadden and Felix Jones both went over the century mark rushing, and QB Casey Dick had a nice game with 3 TD passes, although he only accumulated 96 yards through the air. The Hogs have beaten up on bad teams, so they should feel right at home in the slop of the FIU game. The Golden Panthers are 0-7 after falling 28-14 to Louisiana-Monroe. Hogs make bacon in this one and move closer to being bowl eligible.
Game Ball: Arkansas

Ole Miss at Auburn (6:00 ET)
The Tigers lost a 30-24 heart breaker at LSU even though Auburn controlled the game for more than a half. QB Brandon Cox carried the offensive load for Auburn, passing for 199 yards and two scores. His TD toss to Rod Smith with just over 3 minutes left gave the Plainsmen a chance to win, but the defense could not stop LSU on the last drive. At Ole Miss, things blew up against Arkansas – literally – in a 44-8 loss. A problem with halftime fireworks caused a transformer to blow and knock out power to much of the campus. It didn’t affect the Rebel offense because they had no power to lose. Don’t know what happened to Rebs, but it was not pretty.
Game Ball: Auburn

Florida vs. Georgia at Jacksonville (3:30 ET CBS)
See SEC Game of the Week.

Mississippi State at Kentucky (12:30 ET LFS)
While State could not slow down West Virginia in a 38-13 loss, do not be surprised if the Bulldogs pull off an upset here. Kentucky has had three tough, emotional games in a row (SC, LSU, Florida) and must be mentally and physically taxed at this point. The Starkvillians are physical and scrappy, and this season anything is possible. Wildcats should be a bit too good, but …
Game Ball: Kentucky

LSU (Idle)
Next game: at Alabama November 3rd

South Carolina at Tennessee (7:45 ET ESPN)
Separation Saturday takes center stage on the banks of the Tennessee River. The winner stays alive in the SEC East race while the loser most likely can start planning for a bowl trip to Shreveport, Memphis, or Nashville. The Volunteers got trounced 41-17 by Alabama in a game sure to bring howls from the Tennessee hills, while South Carolina got shut down in a home loss to Vanderbilt. The head ball coach has had good success against Tennessee, but I’ll go with Big Orange in a tight call.
Game Ball: Tennessee

Miami (Ohio) at Vanderbilt (2:00 ET)
The Commodores need two more wins to become bowl eligible, and the 4-4 Red Hawks of the MAC just lost to Temple. Vandy jumped to a 17-0 lead in the big win over South Carolina, then held on the rest of the way for the 17-6 win. The defense was outstanding, and needed to be because the offense managed only 201 yards. Miami fell behind the Owls 24-7 in the fourth quarter but battled back before falling 24-17 in their first conference loss. No game is automatic this season, but Commodores should win.
Game Ball: Vanderbilt

Thursday, October 18, 2007

Ringing in Third Saturday

Note: In honor of all the great sports radio call-in shows around the South, here is our annual column featuring fictional (?) calls and comments from some favorite fans and emailers (this week UT and Bama backers) ... any semblance to real people and/or offensive comments contained within are purely intentional ... wait, unintentional!

“Welcome to the Big Timer call-in show everybody.

For SEC traditionalists, the third Saturday in October provides one of the biggest conference games of the year.

We know Bama and Tennessee fans always have a balanced and informed opinion about the big game so let’s get right to the phones.”

“Hey Big Timer, this is Davis from Cullman calling … Big Timer what do tornadoes and Tennessee graduates have in common?”

“Don’t know Davis, what?”

“They both always end up in trailer parks!”

“That’s funny Davis, but how do you see the game going? You realize historically Alabama and Tennessee are the SEC’s top football programs.”

“Historically, I see Phillip Fulmer looking like the pumpkin that’s on my porch that’s how I see the game going … Saban’s going to stick a candle in that big, cheatin ..”

Click.

“Uh ... thanks Davis. Keep it civil now folks. Here is Jeffrey from Halls, Tennessee.

Jeff you do know that Alabama and Tennessee boast what are considered the top two coaches in conference history – Paul “Bear” Bryant and General Bob Neyland of Tennessee.”

“Yeah yeah Big Timer ... you do know that Nick Satan is only going to be dressing 20 Alabama players for the game this weekend don’t you?

“Just twenty players … I don’t think so Jeff.”

“Yeah, he’s just dressing out twenty … the rest of em will have to get dressed by themselves!”

“Alright … that’s pretty good Jeff, but what do you think about the game?”

“I think both these coaches will be gone by next year … you know Satan would take $4 million and a penny to coach anywhere, and Fulmer better win because it’s been three years since we got to the SEC title game and 98 since we won it all … and we are sick of the excus …”

Click.

“Thanks for the positive outlook there Jeffrey … let’s go to A-Red in T-Town … what’s up Red … and what’s that A stand for?”

“It stands for Ala-damn-Bama Big Timer, what’d you think it stood for? You're always wanting to talk about history, here's some history for you … did you know that the toothbrush was invented in Tennessee?”

“No, I didn’t A-Red … how do you know that?”

“It had to be because if it’d been invented anywhere else, it would have been called the TEETHbrush ... heh heh ... and it that Fulmer fella keeps lying about our recruiting, I’ll knock his tooth out of …”

Click.

“You guys are too much Red. You know if y'all keep arguing like this it hurts the whole conference.

Let’s talk to Rock on Rocky Top. Hey Rock, both these teams are tied for their division leads in the loss column, what do you think, can one of them win out?”

“Hi Big Timer, of course Tennessee can win out are you crazy? Alabama can't because they won't win this one. Now, here's a question for you radio man ... how do you make Crimson Tide cookies?”

“I don’t know Rock, why don’t you tell us?”

“You put them in a big bowl and beat them for sixty minutes! Get it, a big bowl … course Alabama hasn’t been to one since Paul Bryant was a bear cub … why don’t all them people down there realize he is de …”

Click.

“Man oh man. Folks wake up here. This is a showcase game every year.

Sure, Florida and LSU play each other in an NFL talent contest. Near Halloween, Florida and Georgia get together at Jacksonville and host the nation’s best college football party. Finally, around Thanksgiving, Auburn and Alabama fight in an annual family feud, a real knockdown and drag out affair.

But this game is SEC royalty. Bama-UT is kind of like Tiger Woods teeing it up against Jack Nicklaus, Babe Ruth staring down Roger Clemens, Vince Lombari matching wits with Bill Belichick.

This game pits SEC royalty against each other.”

“OK, enough preaching ... we've got a neutral observer on the line.

Let's hear from Wingnut in Opelika … hi Nut, talk about this big game for us.”

“Big Timer, how can you leave Auburn out of the discussion when it comes to SEC royalty?”

Click.

Game Ball: Tennessee

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Professor's Picks

One and done.

Make that Number #1 and done.

Continuing a season long trend of upsets involving highly rated teams, top-ranked LSU lost at Kentucky last week. Second-ranked Cal joined the pratfall parade by tripping over the Beavers of Oregon State.

Next up - Ohio State.

Take roll of the upset roster this season … Michigan, USC, LSU, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Florida, Texas … quite a group.

So many teams getting upset actually serves the victims well.

Since it seems more and more unlikely a team will make it through the season unscathed, all those one-loss teams are still in title contention.

It’s difficult to see a TWO-LOSS team making it to the title game, but hey Florida is lurking just outside the Top Ten in the AP poll.

With the initial 2007 BCS rankings out this week, let’s analyze the teams from the BCS conferences with the best chances of reaching the title game in New Orleans.

ACC: Unbeaten Boston College holds the best cards in the conference, but don’t forget Virginia Tech (6-1) just yet. The Gobblers host BC in a huge game on October 25th.

Big East: South Florida is undefeated and #2 in the AP poll, so they have the league’s best opportunity, but Rutgers will be a challenge for them this week. Don’t count out West Virginia (1 loss).

Big Ten: Ohio State is in the driver’s seat, but the Buckeyes have five strong challenges left and have not beaten a really good team yet. No other team appears a title contender.

Big 12: Oklahoma is in perhaps the best shape of any team nationally to reach the title game. With a very manageable schedule, the Sooners should win out. Kansas is undefeated, but I don’t see that happening.

PAC 10: This conference gets a bit more respect than it deserves, but four teams are in the running. If any team wins out from among undefeated Arizona State, and once-beaten Cal, Oregon, and USC they likely get to the big game.

SEC: LSU still gets the nod for best title hopes, with once-beaten South Carolina and Kentucky in the East holding out hope.

If you want an out-on-the-limb prediction … how does another BCS title game between LSU-Oklahoma sound?

Around the Nation

The Thursday night matchup between South Florida and Rutgers has huge implications (strange as that might sound).

Should the Bulls get past the Scarlet Knights an undefeated season looks probable. The question then becomes whether an unbeaten USF team gets the BCS nod over a once beaten team like LSU or Oklahoma.

The Big Ten features top-ranked Ohio State hosting tough Michigan State. The Spartans (5-2) blew out a pretty good Indiana team last week, so this could be a real challenge for the Buckeyes.

USC travels to Notre Dame in a game that has historical significance if not much else this season.

Around the South

The SEC has a host of games with conference championship implications.

Auburn visits LSU for a Saturday night game. Each team has one loss in the conference and the winner is the West favorite. Tennessee is my favorite in the East at this point, but the Volunteers have a tough task in Tuscaloosa against Alabama. Florida travels to Lexington (along with the ESPN Game Day crew) for an East showdown with the Cats. Great weekend.

The ACC has quite a few non-conference games, but Florida State and Miami is always competitive, even when it is just for bragging rights like it is this year.

Professor's SEC Picks

(2007 Record: 44-12; 3-2 last week … missing Auburn and Kentucky wins)

Tennessee at Alabama (12:30 ET LFS)
See SEC Game of the Week.
Game Ball: Tennessee

Arkansas at Ole Miss (2:00 ET)
Maybe Arkansas should just start with the trick plays at the beginning of the game. Hog-tied by Auburn’s defense for the entire game, the Hogs finally scored a late touchdown to take a 7-6 lead after passes by RB Darren McFadden and WR Robert Johnson helped get them downfield. The lead didn’t last long as Auburn’s Wes Byrum kicked another game-winner in the waning seconds for the 9-7 win. McFadden saw his Heisman hopes take a dent with only 43 yards rushing. Ole Miss is like a baseball team without a closer. The Rebels can take a game into the late innings but cannot get the last out. Ole Miss fell for the third straight time to Alabama by 3 points, with each being decided on the last play of the game.
Game Ball: Arkansas

Auburn at LSU (9:00 ET ESPN)
Suddenly Auburn is the league’s hottest team. The Tigers continued their road warrior success by winning at Arkansas, and now share the SEC West lead with LSU and Alabama. The Tiger offense could do little with the Hogs, but freshman kicker Wes Byrum booted the winning field goal with 21 seconds left. The Auburn defense was outstanding, shutting down the Arkansas duo of McFadden and Jones. LSU lost at Kentucky and the season could go either way for the Bengal Tigers at this point. Combine the inability of the LSU defense to contain Kentucky with the somewhat baffling offensive play-calls in overtime and there might be a confidence crisis in Baton Rouge. Lose this one to Auburn and the SEC’s leading national contender is likely out of the BCS picture. This game should worry LSU fans because Tommy Tuberville has earned more trust than Les Miles in big games. Still, Auburn only scored 9 points against Arkansas, so go with the angrier bunch of Tigers in this one.
Game Ball: LSU

Florida at Kentucky (3:30 ET CBS)
Florida had a week off to prepare for this one and to heal the wounds of two straight losses. Florida fans should hope that Urban Meyer found some offensive rushing help to go with one man gang QB Tim Tebow. Kentucky won one of the year’s best games by upsetting #1 ranked LSU. QB Andre Woodson played himself back into Heisman contention with 250 yards passing and 3 TDs, and the Wildcats are in the thick of the SEC East race with only one conference loss. As impressive as the Cats were in whipping LSU, it’s tough to see Florida losing three straight games. Gators win and it might be by a bigger margin than we expect.
Game Ball: Florida

Georgia (Idle)
Next Game: Florida in Jacksonville 10/27/07

Mississippi State at West Virginia (3:30 ET)
We can’t accuse the Bulldogs of scheduling a cupcake can we? Of course, not sure that playing a Top Ten team and what will end up being the best Big East team will do much for MSU’s bowl hopes either. State lost a competitive 33-21 decision at home to Tennessee in the first game of a brutal schedule stretch (UT, WVU, Kentucky, Alabama). At 3-2, the Bulldogs need three more wins to get bowl eligible. The Mountaineers have bigger goals. At a quiet 5-1, the only loss coming in Tampa to undefeated South Florida, WVU is still in contention for not only a Big East title but also have an outside shot at a national title. The schedule is conducive to winning out, but they must get by MSU first. State could make a tough game of it.
Game Ball: West Virginia

Vanderbilt at South Carolina (12:30 ET)
South Carolina was the Game Day Weekly pre-season choice to win the SEC East, and as of now the Gamecocks are on top of the division at 6-1 overall and 3-1 in the conference. SC won the battle of the Carolinas last week with a hang-on 21-16 victory over North Carolina. In the game, the Roosters jumped on the Tar Heels 21-3, then got conservative and barely held on for the road win. Last season Vanderbilt beat Georgia on a late field goal, but last week saw the tables turned when the Dogs kicked the game-winner at the buzzer. The league is so deep that a Commodore win would only be a mild upset, but expect the Gamecocks to keep their streak going.
Game Ball: South Carolina

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Not Even Past

Not Even Past
Alabama at Ole Miss
SEC Game of the Week
October 8, 2007
By Bob Epling

“The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” (Gavin Stevens in William Faulkner’s Requiem for a Nun)

The Bear walked on water.

At least in that picture hanging on the wall in Arab, Alabama, he did.

A clear and dear memory I hold onto is of making many visits as a young boy to see my cousin Ricky and his family in that small northeast Alabama town near the Tennessee River. As we talked and laughed into the nights, from the pallet on the floor of Ricky's bedroom I could look up and see a framed drawing of legendary Alabama coach Paul Bryant on the wall.

The Bear walked on water.

Actually, it was a cartoon figure of a vigorous and youthful Bryant, wearing an Alabama baseball cap and windbreaker instead of his trademark houndstooth hat and suit coat, smiling confidently as he strode across the water amid dripping caricatures of mascots from the other SEC schools.

A Florida Gator splattered about. Miniature Bulldogs of the Mississippi State and Georgia breeds struggled to stay afloat. A Wildcat floundered here, a Bengal Tiger thrashed there, a Commodore slowly sank beneath the Bear, and old Colonel Rebel helplessly waved his cane against the tide.

The Bear walked on water.

You know the numbers but still they stagger. At Alabama, 232 wins (of 323 total), 46 losses, and 9 ties, that included six national titles (either outright or a share). Winning 107 games and losing only 14 during that magical stretch between 1971 and 1980.

Making the transition from a passing attack led by flamboyant quarterbacks like Joe Namath, Ken Stabler, and Scott Hunter, to a wishbone ground game with stars such as Johnny Musso, Wilbur Jackson, and Major Ogilvie.

The Bear cast a shadow that engulfed all the coaches who followed him until the seismic hiring of Nick Saban (with the notable exception of Gene Stallings), and the jury is still out on St. Nick.

Yes, the Bear walked on water.

Of course that is in the past.

The past once provided a grander time for Ole Miss too.

A time when Colonel Rebel didn’t struggle so mightily against Bama or any foe; a time before the old mascot had been killed off by campus political correctness; a time when another southern coaching giant built such a legacy that a campus stadium also bears his name.

The Golden Age of Ole Miss football lasted from 1947 to 1970, and the coach was John Vaught.

During those years, Johnny Vaught led the Rebels to an era of excitement never duplicated in Oxford. Under Vaught the Rebels won 190 games, lost 61, and tied 12. Six of Vaught’s teams won SEC titles, and three of his squads claimed shares of national championships by at least one rating system (1959, 1960, and 1962).

The Rebs of the Vaught years churned out quarterbacks like the sentences Faulkner churned out on a typewriter … smart, tricky, and hard to keep up with.

Charlie Conerly was the first.

Chuckin Charlie, as much tailback as quarterback at Ole Miss, set a national record for touchdown passes with 18 during Vaught’s first season in 1947, and went on to quarterback the New York Giants for more than a decade, winning NFL MVP honors in 1959.

Archie Manning was the last.

From 1968 to 1970, Manning quarterbacked Ole Miss with enough charisma to become the program's most storied player and a southern folk hero to many during a tumultuous time. At my house in Georgia, I even kept a newspaper clipping taped to my closet door with the words to the “Ballad of Archie Who” (by the Rebel Rousers!).

Between Chuckin Charlie and Archie Who were other great signal callers like Farley Salmon, Rocky Byrd, Eagle Day, Jake Gibbs, and Perry Lee Dunn.

Yes, the Rebels once were exciting and powerful.

Alabama and Ole Miss meet this Saturday. Bryant and Vaught will be there, but only in the spirit of those who remember.

There was a time when there were no finer southern teams and no better college football coaches leading them.

Of course, that is in the past.

Game Ball: Alabama

bobepling@yahoo.com

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Midterm Grades and Professor's Picks

The SEC Report
By Bob Epling

Midterms.

Few words grab and hold the attention of a college student more quickly than that one. Late night parties get put on hiatus for a week, video game marathons go dormant for a few days, and study binges boost sales at the local Waffle Houses and IHOPs.

Welcome to the annual SEC midterm grades from Game Day Weekly and The Campus Game.

Every year we post grades halfway through the season, and grade inflation is a dirty phrase to us.

We do not allow makeup exams. There are no excused absences in our grading scale, and don’t even ask about extra credit.

Make the grade and you might be rewarded with a New Year’s trip to New Orleans, another BCS site, or the sandy beaches of Florida.

A failing mark means staying home for the holidays, or perhaps a mid-December trip to a city where the water is not naturally salty.

Overall, this is as strong a class as we have had in a while.

Grades are posted alphabetically by division.

SEC West

Alabama: A strong student who got a bit overconfident after acing some early quizzes. Could still pull an A, but will need to finish strong. Grade: B+.

Arkansas: Answers a lot of easy questions, but falters when faced with more complex tasks. Tough assignments coming up will tell us much. Grade: C.

Auburn: A student that must have had too much fun over the summer because was not ready for the start of season. Has buckled down and come along nicely though. Grade: B.

LSU: Star student could earn some major post-graduate prizes, but barely passed last exam. Hope pressure of high expectations is not too much. Grade: A+.

Ole Miss: Just not bright enough to pass the major tests and there are plenty coming up over the next three weeks. Could still pull a passing grade, but it will be a challenge. Grade: D/C-.

Miss State: A nice hard-working type, but wonder if capable of competing with some of the honor students enrolled in these courses. Grade: B.

SEC East

Florida: A very bright student that overlooked one test then came up just short on another. Seems a bit fatigued at the midterm. Grade: B+.

Georgia: Never know what to expect with this one … looks to know all the answers one week then sleeps through class the next. Grade: C.

Kentucky: A pleasant, if mildly surprising performer, who scored a little low last week. Some tough assignments ahead. Grade: A-.

South Carolina: Cocky, but pretty sharp too. Pass a few more tests and might earn top marks for the semester. Grade: A.

Tennessee: After a sluggish start, really starting to catch one to the material. Has completed toughest tasks already, and could manage the rest of them to rank at the top of the East. Grade: B+.

Vanderbilt: Sharp as a tack, but not as gifted as some fellow classmates. Should pass, but cannot overlook any tests. Grade: C.

Pigskin Picks (2007 Record: 41-10; 7-1 last week)

Our midterm pigskin prognostications garner about a B. Top pick was probably calling Kentucky to beat Louisville (before the Cardinals imploded) or Tennessee over Georgia (Mark Richt had never lost at Neyland Stadium); worst pick was probably taking Ole Miss over Vanderbilt (Rebs didn’t show up) or Tennessee to beat Cal (Bears too fast).

Alabama at Ole Miss (12:30 ET LFS)
See SEC Game of the Week article.
Game Ball: Alabama

Auburn at Arkansas (7:45 ET ESPN)
Auburn comes into this one with as much momentum as Hillary Clinton. The Tigers showed no emotional letdown after the big Florida victory, and soundly smacked Vanderbilt 35-7. QB Brandon Cox was an efficient 14 of 17 passing for 165 yards in three quarters, and Brad Lester returned from suspension to join fellow tailbacks Ben Tate and Mario Fannin in helping Auburn outgain Vandy 324-66 in the first half. Arkansas played sloppily against Chattanooga but handled the Mocs 34-15. Darren McFadden (122) and Felix Jones (141) both went over the century mark rushing again, but McFadden fumbled twice. These two have split the past six, but Auburn has won the last two in Fayetteville. Lingering visions of D-Mac and Arkansas running over Auburn on the Plains last season may be affecting my judgment, but on a hunch I think Hogs win.
Game Ball: Arkansas

Florida (Idle)
Next Game: At Kentucky on 10/20/07

Georgia at Vanderbilt (6:00 ET ESPN2)

What if they played a game and neither team showed up? That’s what happened with these two squads last week, and it’s a good thing they weren’t playing each other. Georgia snoozed through the Tennessee game, falling behind 28-0 before losing 35-14. Both lines were completely overmatched, and the Dogs showed little fight. Vanderbilt also fell behind by four TDs and never made a contest of the 35-7 loss to Auburn. Georgia’s motivation should be to avenge a home loss to the Dores last season; Vanderbilt is playing to reach a bowl-eligible plateau … I’ll go with the Dogs just on the revenge factor and pride (if either team has any left).
Game Ball: Georgia

LSU at Kentucky (3:30 ET CBS)

Letdown alert! # 1 ranked LSU battled back for an emotional win over Florida late Saturday night, and the Tigers have to be drained. Had Kentucky not fallen to South Carolina last Thursday night, this would have been a matchup of undefeated Top 5 teams. Big Blue QB Andre Woodson suffered through a poor game against the Gamecocks, much of the performance due to SC defensive pressure. If Kentucky could not block Carolina, the Cats should certainly have problems if LSU shows up ready to play. The Bayou Bengals have a clear path to the BCS title game, but cannot overlook anybody. Expect Kentucky to scare the Tigers. Expect LSU to survive.
Game Ball: LSU

Tennessee at Mississippi State (2:30 ET)

The Volunteers played one of their soundest games in years by thrashing Georgia 35-14. It was not that close, as UT sprinted to an easy 28-0 lead and then sat on it. I believe Tennessee is the favorite to win the SEC East at this point with road games remaining in Starkville, Tuscaloosa, and Lexington, plus home contests with South Carolina, Arkansas, and Vandy. That is manageable. The Vols cannot overlook Sly Croom’s Bullies. MSU trailed UAB after three quarters, and then ground down the Blazers for a 30-13 victory. This game looked much more winnable for State a couple of weeks ago, but Tennessee sure impressed vs. Georgia. Might be close, but Vols a little too good.
Game Ball: Tennessee

South Carolina at North Carolina (3:30 ET ABC)

In my mind I'm gone to Carolina ... but North or South? Both teams come off significant victories. The Gamecocks knocked off previously undefeated Kentucky in an ESPN Thursday night game behind SEC and National Defensive Player of the Week Eric Norwood. The big sophomore defensive end from Acworth (GA) returned two fumbles for touchdowns and recorded five unassisted tackles in the 38-23 victory. The Roosters now lead the SEC East. UNC also rammed out a big win as head Heel Butch Davis beat former team Miami by 33-27 score. The victory moved the Heels to 2-4 on the year. This is a nice inter-conference pairing and could be a nice upset for the maligned ACC, but let's go with SC in a close one.
Game Ball: South Carolina

Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Born on the Bayou

Born on the Bayou
Florida at LSU

SEC Game of the Week
October 1, 2007
By Bob Epling

LSU looks like a fast freight train … just a chooglin on down to New Orleans.

Florida jumped the tracks.

A national title contender was supposed to be born on the bayou this weekend in Baton Rouge. Instead, the Gators will be chasing down a hoodoo there.

Sorry to go all Creedence Clearwater Revival on you, but last weekend’s Insanity Saturday sent me up around the bend.

Top-ranked teams were falling faster than Congress’ approval ratings.

I don’t even know what a hoodoo is, but I’m pretty sure one was dressed in white and trimmed in Auburn Blue and Orange at Florida Field this past Saturday.

Florida got derailed from the championship chase (at least for a week), when the Plainsmen outplayed the Gators and beat them 20-17 on a last-second field goal at the swamp.

Down in Louisiana, LSU can still see the light.

The Tigers handled Tulane 34-9 without much commotion, although I heard through the grapevine that the first half (which ended with LSU up 10-9) was nothing to write a song about.

That brings us to this showdown.

For weeks, college football fans have eagerly anticipated the first weekend in October.

A day Texas and Oklahoma would battle in the Red River shootout to determine a national championship contender from the great Southwest.


Colorado and Kansas State put a spell on that.

A day West Virginia and Rutgers would hold serve to continue their unbeaten marches toward a tussle that provided a Big East entry into the championship chatter.


Maryland and South Florida knocked that notion down on the corner and out in the street.

A day Florida and LSU would determine a fortunate son from the Deep South.

Well, maybe someday.

Or, maybe, as John Fogarty and the boys sang … someday never comes.

Even after the Florida loss, this figures to be the SEC regular season game of the year.

Gator quarterback Tim Tebow is more popular than orange juice and sunshine in Florida, but keep in mind he is still a sophomore and this is only his second road start. He was brilliant the first time the Gators took to the road this season, rambling for 166 yards on the ground against Ole Miss.


LSU obviously presents a stiffer defensive challenge.

Tebow would be helped if the UF rushing attack consisted of more than his simple draws and bull rushes from the shotgun formation, mixed with an occasional reverse or option to one of the Gators fleet wideouts. Tebow is terrific, but he will take punishment against LSU and could use a little ramble tamble from Percy Harvin. Shiftier than a Louisiana politician, Harvin needs twenty touches in the game.

For LSU, Matt Flynn is steady as a certificate of deposit, only he provides better returns. Flynn has all the experience Tebow lacks, and his athleticism is underrated. The Tigers also boast a big, mobile, and talented backup in Ryan Perrilloux. He provides a nice change of pace to Flynn, and often enters for short yardage or goal line plays.

The Tigers backfield is deeper than Lake Pontchartrain. Jacob Hester, a hybrid fullback-tailback, gets the bulk of the work, but Keiland Williams, Charles Scott, and Trindon Holliday also get touches. Holliday is a particular long-distance threat.

LSU should hold a significant edge on defense.

The Tigers front seven and secondary are more experienced than their reptilian counterparts, and if the LSU offense can find seams in the Gator pass defense like Auburn was able to do, it might be another night of “who’ll stop the rain” for Florida.

Both teams are coming off less than stellar games.

You know about the Florida loss, but the LSU offensive line gave up six sacks, had four false starts, three holds, and a personal foul against Tulane.


Our bayou buddies know the term … Poo-yee!

So, showdown Saturday is not perfect.

But, LSU can stay that way with a win.

For Florida, there’s a bad moon on the rise.

Game Ball: LSU

bobepling@yahoo.com

Note: This week marks the 38th anniversary of the first SEC football game to be televised at night. Alabama beat Ole Miss and the great Archie Manning 33-32. Both teams wore special designs on their helmets commemorating 100 years of intercollegiate football. The Tide won, but Manning set an SEC record with 540 total yards.

Professor's Picks for SEC Week 5

The SEC Report
By Bob Epling

Expect the unexpected.

Hey, it’s college football.

We probably should have expected an Auburn team that has a better road winning percentage than the Harlem Globetrotters to show some pride and salvage a season headed south.

This week features blue-hot Kentucky at South Carolina for a Thursday night game. Georgia travels to Rocky Top for an SEC-East elimination game, and Florida travels to the bayou for the conference game of the year against LSU.

Here are the weekly ratings. See you at kickoff!

1. LSU … Bengal Tigers might have looked ahead just a bit, but remained unbeaten headed toward Florida showdown.

2. Kentucky … Can Andre Woodson maintain the magic at Columbia?

3. Florida … sluggish first half and inspired Auburn knocked defending champs off for second year in a row.

4. South Carolina … Gamecocks offense smelling like a rose with Smelley at QB.

5. Georgia … Dogs showed great firepower in smashing Ole Miss.

6. Auburn … big jump for Tub’s Tigers after showing pride and poise at the Swamp.

7. Tennessee … Big Orange waits on Dogs at Rocky Top after idle week.

8. Arkansas … Houston called off the Hogs in the second half and still put up 66 against North Texas.

9. Alabama … Tide offense struggled in an ugly first half as Bama eventually fell to FSU.

10. Vanderbilt … Commodores sloppy but won game they should have over E. Michigan.

11. Miss State … blocked punt blunts Bullies at Carolina and leads to tough loss.

12. Ole Miss … Rebels outplayed Georgia for more than a half, but then collapsed.


Pigskin Picks (2007 Record: 34-9; 6-2 last week)

Houston at Alabama (3:00 ET)
Bama fourth quarter surge could not pull out the win in sluggish loss to FSU. The biggest problem was running the football. The Tide managed only 89 yards on the ground, and posted just three first downs and 78 total yards in the first half. QB John Parker Wilson passed for 240 yards but it took him 53 attempts to accumulate that amount. Houston lost a 37-35 thriller in C-USA Saturday night. The Cougars missed two late field goals to fall to 2-2 on the season. Expect the Tide offense to get rolling again this week.
Game Ball: Alabama

Chattanooga at Arkansas (7:00 ET)

Darren McFadden did not carry the ball in the second half and still rushed for 138 yards and 2 TDs in a 66-7 win over the Mean Green. Fellow TB Felix Jones added 132 yards another pair of scores as the Hogs grinded out 507 yards – in the first half! The Moccasins boast a great nickname and very little else. They fell to Southern Conference foe Citadel by a 46-14 score to drop to 1-3 on the season. If the Bulldogs of the Citadel can run on the Mocs, do you think D-Mac and Felix might be able to?
Game Ball: Arkansas

Vanderbilt at Auburn (12:30 ET LFS)
The Florida victory was huge for Auburn and should do wonders for the Tigers’ confidence level after earlier losses to South Florida and Miss State. QB Brandon Cox rediscovered his touch, throwing for 227 yards. Ben Tate (65) and Mario Fannin (62) provided enough rushing support to keep the Gators off balance, and Rod Smith caught nine passes for 102 yards. The Tiger defense deserves the most credit. Will Muschamp’s crew held Florida to 312 yards, around 200 less than normal. Vanderbilt continued to look solid in beating Eastern Michigan. WR Earl Bennett hauled in 9 more passes, and Vandy is within three wins of landing a bowl bid for the first time since 1982. While I’m tempted to go with the upset, the Commodores are unlikely to beat the Tigers.
Game Ball: Auburn

Florida at LSU (8:28 ET CBS)
See SEC Game of the Week article.
Game Ball: LSU


Georgia at Tennessee (3:30 ET CBS)
Georgia won a tough game with Ole Miss by the misleading score of 45-17. The Bulldogs pounded out 327 yards on the ground to move to 4-1. TB Thomas Brown was the star with 180 yards that included TD jaunts of 50 and 41 yards. Flashy freshman Knowshon Moreno added 90 more on the ground. Tennessee took the week off to prepare for the game and comes into the contest with a 2-2 mark. This is a strange series with the home team struggling. Georgia has a remarkable road record under Richt and he has never lost at Neyland Stadium. I keep expecting Tennessee to break out with a big win, so let’s give them one more call - but don’t bet on it.
Game Ball: Tennessee

Kentucky at South Carolina (7:30 ET Thursday ESPN)
A great Thursday night matchup featuring two teams trying to reach the top of the SEC East. Kentucky’s confidence level is through the roof, and Andre Woodson continues to play himself into Heisman contention. He passed for 5 TDs in a 45-17 win over a pretty good Florida Atlantic team, although his NCAA-record streak of passes without an interception ended at 325. South Carolina was the Game Day Weekly pre-season choice to win the SEC East and the Roosters are still in contention. QB Chris Smelley moved into the starting job over Blake Mitchell and responded with 279 yards and two TDs against State. The Carolina defense overcame the loss of LB Jasper Brinkley and held a strong-running MSU team to just 45 rushing in the first half. This game is the start of a brutal stretch for Kentucky so Cats better win. Here’s saying they will.
Game Ball: Kentucky

Louisiana Tech at Ole Miss (2:00 ET)
Got to see the Rebels at Sanford Stadium in a loss to Georgia and was more impressed than the 45-17 score might indicate. Ole Miss took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter, then drove to the Georgia 1-yard line before botching a handoff that would have given them a two touchdown lead. Just as impressive was the opening drive of the second half. Trailing 17-10 at intermission, the Rebs used 18 plays and more than 9 minutes to tie the game. After that score, the Georgia rushing game took over and the Ole Miss defense wilted. La-Tech brings Dooley’s Dogs (Derek Dooley) to the Grove. Tech is 1-3 after falling to Fresno State and has also played Cal and Hawaii. Ole Miss should be too tough, but this is not a gimme.
Game Ball: Ole Miss

UAB at Mississippi State (2:30 ET)
Sylvester Croom’s Bullies struggled on offense at South Carolina, but still battled to take a second-half lead before losing on the road. At 3-2, this is a crucial game for future bowl chances, and State should be able to overpower the Blazers. UAB fell to 1-3 under new coach Neil Calloway, losing 38-30 to Tulsa. QB Sam Hunt threw for 2 TDs, and the Blazers rolled up 403 yards on offense, but it was not enough. State can’t overlook anybody, but should be solid enough to beat UAB.
Game Ball: State