SEC Game of the Week
Tennessee (1-1) at Florida (2-0) 3:30 PM CBS
Why to Watch: While this might not decide the SEC East title, it'll go a long way to shaping the pecking order, and it'll go a very, very long way into possibly determining the immediate futures of the two power programs. Florida is the defending national champion. Of course, you knew that already, but the college football world appears to be ready to push the Gators aside and jump all over USC, Oklahoma, or LSU as the heir to the throne. Meanwhile, all the Gators have done is crank out 108 points in two tune up games, while showing off the same speed and explosion it had last year. Of course, playing Western Kentucky and Troy isn't going to earn much in the way of respect, and strangely enough, beating Tennessee might not do it either. The Vol fans ready to move on from the Phil Fulmer era are looking for any ammo possible to usher in a new era, and a third straight loss to Florida, a 1-2 start, and yet another year without a BCS bowl bid might just do it. This Tennessee's last big stand. Oh sure, it could lose to Florida, get hot, and still pull off the East title with a little bit of help, but that's not the point for a program that's expected to be playing for national titles. If nothing else, the Vols should provide a heck of a battle in a series that's produced nothing but close games and high drama over the last three years.
Why Tennessee Might Win: It's not like the Florida defense has been pushed over the first two weeks. That's sort of why it's vital to schedule cupcakes early on, so all the young players can get their feet wet and figure out what they're doing, but it's a whole new animal when dealing with a team like Tennessee in the SEC opener. The Volunteer offensive line has done a good job so far of protecting Erik Ainge, and the senior has come through with a strong start to the year considering he's breaking in a new starting receiving corps. Florida, with all its speed and athleticism, has been merely average at getting into the backfield and generating consistent pressure. If Ainge is getting time, he'll pick apart the green Florida defensive backfield.
Why Florida Might Win: Tennessee's defense has decided to take the first few games off. Granted, Cal has one of the nation's most explosive offenses, but Southern Miss was also able to throw effectively. The Vols are currently dead last among SEC teams in scoring defense and have struggled way too much against the pass. Tim Tebow has been almost perfect in his first two games, playing like a seasoned veteran in near perfect command of the offense. As long as he's not making any big mistakes, the Florida offense should have few problems going on long, sustained marches.
Who to Watch: Florida can ill afford to lose veterans and leaders for a big game like this, and it lost a key player when Andre Caldwell sprained his MCL against Troy. Sophomore Riley Cooper, who led the team with four catches for 122 yards and two touchdowns in the win over Western Carolina, will step in and the passing game likely won't miss a beat. Easing the loss of Caldwell for the UF passing game is the loss of Tennessee starting CB Antonio Gaines for the season with a torn ACL. His loss means Tebow will do everything possible to throw at freshman Eric Berry, who started off the year at strong safety. One of the team's top prospects, he has NFL written all over him, but he'll be tested early and often.
What Will Happen: While it seems wrong to call this Tim Tebow's coming out party, it might be the game that officially signals that this is his team. Florida's young defense will give up a few big plays, but it'll win more than its share of battles, while the Gator offense will continue to hum. This will be the game that exposes the current talent gap between the two programs.
CFN Prediction: Florida 31 ... Tennessee 20 ... Line: Florida -8
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 5
Mississippi State (1-1) at Auburn (1-1) 12:30 PM GamePlan
Why to Watch: After Auburn suffered a 26-23 overtime loss to South Florida, coming on the heels of a rough 23-13 win over Kansas State, there's a full-blown panic attack kicking in on The Plains. The offense has been lethargic, the defense has been fine, but nothing special, and the team doesn't appear to be remotely close to being an SEC champion. The ship can quickly be turned around with an easy win over Mississippi State, but that'll be easier said than done against a feisty defense and a decent running game. Auburn has owned the series in recent years winning six in a row by a combined score of 208 to 55.
Why Mississippi State Might Win: The Auburn offensive line was supposed to be a sore spot coming into the season, and it hasn't disappointed. The pass protection has been mediocre at best, and was eaten alive by George Selvie and the USF defensive front. Much of the focus has been on how QB Brandon Cox has struggled, but he simply hasn't had any time. If MSU can take advantage of the problems and get a steady stream of pressure into the backfield, the Tiger offense will sputter and cough yet again.
Why Auburn Might Win: Mississippi State hasn't seen a turnover it didn't like to give up. QB Michael Henig couldn't stop throwing it to LSU defensive backs, doing it six times, while the Bulldogs lead the nation with nine giveaways (tied with Oregon State). Auburn hasn't been great at forcing turnovers in the first two games, but if the defensive pressure can force Henig to hurry his passes just a little bit, the interceptions will be there for the taking.
Who to Watch: Auburn DE Quentin Groves could've turned pro early and made a lot of money, but he chose to come back for his senior year and now is on the verge of making gobs and gobs of money. Along with being third on the team in tackles, he's been a holy terror as a pass rusher highlighted by two sacks against Kansas State that effectively put the game away. He didn't get a sack against South Florida, but he sure made his presence felt with ten quarterback hurries and three tackles for loss. If he's wreaking havoc in the MSU backfield, expect at least three Henig interceptions.
What Will Happen: Auburn pitched a shutout in the last two games against the Bulldogs, and while that won't happen this time around, the D will come up with several turnovers to overcome another shaky offensive performance.
CFN Prediction: Auburn 20 ... Mississippi State 13 ... Line: Auburn -13
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 3
Western Carolina (0-2) at Georgia (1-1) 1:00 PM GamePlan
Why to Watch: If you're really fired up to see the Georgia backups and how the overall Bulldog depth is, then this is the game for you. Western Carolina followed up a 52-6 loss to Alabama with a 45-21 hiccup against Eastern Kentucky. For Georgia, what was initially considered a tune up game before going to Alabama has become a hangover outing after a rough 16-12 loss to South Carolina. This is going to be an inconsistent Bulldog team for a while, and it could use this light scrimmage to get the offensive line more live reps and work on the passing game..
Why Western Carolina Might Win: Is Steve Spurrier suddenly coaching the Catamounts? The only possible chance WCU has of keeping this closer than 40 points is it the veteran offensive line can crank out a few long drives. The running game has been non-existent over the first two weeks, but the passing game, in comeback mode, hasn't been bad. WCU has to hope Georgia isn't trying.
Why Georgia Might Win: WCU hasn't been able to do anything against the run so far. Alabama cranked out 313 yards and six touchdowns, while EKU barreled for 326 yards and five scores. If Georgia's offensive line ever wanted to get into a lather, this will be the game as it should be able to pound away as much as it wants to. Making matters worse is a turnover problem. WCU has given it away six times and doesn't have a takeaway.
Who to Watch: With injuries being a problem for the Georgia running back corps, particularly Kregg Lumpkin, it's been up to redshirt freshman Knowshon Moreno to carry the load over the first two games. After a workmanlike 70-yard day against Oklahoma State, he ripped off 104 yards on 14 carries against South Carolina, and was the only offensive player who was doing much of anything. Until everyone gets 100% healthy, he'll be the focal point of the attack, while Thomas Brown, who's back in the mix, will continue to ease his way into more work.
What Will Happen: Georgia will feel much better about itself after about a quarter.
CFN Prediction: Georgia 48 ... Western Carolina 0 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 1
Arkansas (1-0) at Alabama (2-0) 6:45 PM ESPN
Why to Watch: With Auburn appearing to be mediocre, and Ole Miss and Mississippi State being Ole Miss and Mississippi State, it's not a stretch to call this a one game SEC West playoff to see who can be the main challenger to the LSU. Oh sure, beating Vanderbilt in the SEC opener was a nice appetizer for Nick Saban, but now the real work begins as his Bama team faces Arkansas and Georgia before a two-game conference break against Florida State and Houston. For Arkansas, a skeptical nation that never really bought into the SEC West champions last year needs more convincing. Oh sure, the running game is great, and the defense certainly did its part against Troy, but if the team is a real, live SEC title contender, it has to find a way to win a game like this. With four straight home games coming up before facing Ole Miss and FIU, it's not crazy to think that a win here could spark an 8-0 start before facing South Carolina.
Why Arkansas Might Win: Oh sure, Alabama's run defense has been a brick wall so far, but Arkansas isn't Western Carolina or Vanderbilt when it comes to running the ball. This isn't a ball control Hog offense; this is an attack that strikes from everywhere on the field. While being a home run hitting running team might seem strange, it's more than a little scary for an Alabama team that hasn't been able to bust out all the weapons quite yet. The big plays in the passing game haven't been there, which has been a bit mystifying considering the receiving corps was considered the strength coming into the year. Arkansas knows it can mount a quick comeback any time it hands the ball off to Darren McFadden or Felix Jones, but the Tide has yet to show the pop needed when threatened.
Why Alabama Might Win: Yeah, yeah, yeah, every team has the same gameplan against the Arkansas offense, and no one is able to do much about it. This year's Alabama defense might be a little bit different. The Arkansas running game might be out of this world, but the one dimensional attack will stay that way with top receiver Marcus Monk still out after undergoing two minor knee surgeries. A defensive coach like Saban feasts off of teams that aren't balanced, and he'll be able to put everyone and their sisters up on the line until one of the Arkansas receivers shows he can make a play, and QB Casey Dick can show he can beat a top defense.
Who to Watch: The big concern for Alabama coming into the year was the running game, and that's been the team's biggest strength so far. That could quickly change now that top Arkansas defensive end, Marcus Harrison, is back in the fold after being suspended for the season opener. While he might not have his game legs quite yet, his return makes an already nasty Hog defensive front something potentially special.
What Will Happen: You want to see a crowd in a lather? Bama's SEC home opener under Saban should be a wild scene, but Arkansas is used to playing in front of crazed fans. Dick will try more downfield passes than normal to try and loosen things up, but Bama will have none of it. The defense will do just enough to keep McFadden and Jones from going crazy, while the Tide will finally show off a little bit of offensive balance. Expect a big-time fight to the finish in what should be one of the day's most entertaining games.
CFN Prediction: Alabama 24 ... Arkansas 20 ... Line: Alabama -4
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 4
South Carolina State (1-1) at South Carolina (2-0) 7:00 PM GamePlan
Why to Watch: While the world will gloss over this game as an easy blowout for South Carolina, it's a game of historic and symbolic significance, as it's the first time the two programs have ever faced each other. The historically black South Carolina State will get its first shot at the big boys just a few miles down the road. On the field, the Gamecocks get a breather after a 16-12 win at Georgia that made an SEC East statement. With a trip to LSU next week, and a chance to make some thunderous national noise, SCSU will be used to as a scrimmage to make everything is working well. The Bulldogs lost to Air Force 34-3 in the season opener before beating Bethune-Cookman 24-13.
Why South Carolina State Might Win: Talk about your letdowns, after beating Georgia and with LSU ahead, you'll have to forgive everyone around the USC program if the bags are already packed for Baton Rouge. Considering how much the offense struggled in the first two weeks, that could be a major mistake. Another big problem is a Gamecock run defense that's allowing 190 yards per game. The Bulldogs don't throw, but they can certainly run.
Why South Carolina Might Win: SCSU won't be able to throw for more than 100 yards on the Gamecock secondary, so as long as the front seven is actually trying, it should be able to tee off. How bad are things for the Bulldog passing game? The pass protection has been non-existent, which has caused the quarterbacks to scramble, which has added up to 178 passing yards combined in the first two weeks.
Who to Watch: If South Carolina has any dreams of beating LSU, it needs Blake Mitchell and the passing game to be able to open things up more than they were able to against Georgia. Mitchell was fine at controlling the tempo and making the short to midrange throws, but 20 of 31 for 174 yards isn't going to cut it next week. Even at the expense of appearances, USC has to throw and keep throwing just to get Mitchell, who was suspended for the season opener, more live reps.
What Will Happen: South Carolina will need about 20 minutes to wake up, and then it'll be over by halftime.
CFN Prediction: South Carolina 38 ... South Carolina State 0 ... Line: No Line
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 1
Ole Miss (1-1) at Vanderbilt (1-1) 7:00 PM GamePlan
Why to Watch: It's only September 15th, but a bowl game is on the line for the winner. Actually, to be more accurate, the loser will probably be eliminated from post-season possibilities with the meat of the SEC schedule ahead for each. Ole Miss got by Memphis in the opener before getting blown past by Missouri, but there have been positive signs thanks to an improved offense and the best passing game the program has seen since Eli Manning was slinging it around. Vanderbilt has had high hopes coming into the year, thanks to a talented offense and a slew of veterans on both sides of the ball, but the excitement crashed with a resounding thud last week in the 24-10 loss to Alabama. The Commodores can't afford to give away home games, especially to a mediocre team like Ole Miss. The Rebels can't afford to give away losses, period. If nothing else, this should be close. Seven of the last eight games between the two have been decided by a touchdown or less.
Why Ole Miss Might Win: For the first time in years, Ole Miss can keep pace with a passing game that should be able to keep the Vandy safeties off of the line. The more room for BenJarvus Green-Ellis to rumble, the better. The senior took his game to another level last week against Missouri, running for 226 yards and a touchdown on a workmanlike 33 carries. The Commodore run defense got shoved around by Alabama last week and is sure to key on Green-Ellis from the start. Ole Miss QB Seth Adams will see plenty of single coverage to exploit.
Why Vanderbilt Might Win: The Ole Miss secondary hasn't decided to start the season. Memphis QB Martin Hankins bombed away for 343 yards and a touchdown, while Missouri's Chase Daniel threw for 330 yards and five touchdowns. To be fair, the Rebels did a great job of picking off Hankins, forcing four turnovers, but they should have a nightmare of a time with Earl Bennett, who was held in check by Bama last week but should be a lock for 100 yards. The junior caught ten passes for 179 yards last year, but he might have a hard time matching that again since ...
Who to Watch: .... Vandy starting QB Chris Nickson is questionable, at best, after suffering a hamstring injury against Alabama. Sophomore Mackenzi Adams has all the tools to eventually become a great one, but he needs plenty of seasoning before he'll be consistent. In limited action so far, he's completed 13 of 24 passes for 108 yards and a score, while rushing for 44 yards against Richmond. If he struggles, and assuming Nickson isn't ready, the offense could be turned over to Richard Kovalcheck, the Arizona transfer who has the best arm of the bunch.
What Will Happen: The Vanderbilt pass defense will keep Adam from having a huge day. While Green-Ellis will get his yards, he won't be able to control the tempo enough to overcome the Vandy passing game. Bennett will go for 150 yards with a late score proving to be the difference.
CFN Prediction: Vanderbilt 26 ... Ole Miss 20 ... Line: Vanderbilt -5
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 2
Louisville (2-0) at Kentucky (2-0) 7:30 PM ESPN Classic
Why to watch: This has a chance to be a classic, even if the only three-pointers will be kicked on grass instead of shot behind an arc. Better known for their indoor rivalry, the Cardinals and Wildcats meet with as much anticipation as this game has had in years, and on a national scale, it takes on far more significance than anything the two have done on the hardwood in a long time. While Louisville has won seven of the last eight in the series, most convincingly, Kentucky believes it’s narrowed the gap, and is poised for a breakthrough. After last season’s 5-1 finish and an Andre Woodson-led offense that’s scored at least 50 points in each of this year’s first two games, this is a confident, loaded team that should be able to keep up in a shootout. Considering Louisville’s Brian Brohm is being touted as the number one quarterback prospect for next year’s NFL draft, and Woodson is considered No. 1A, this could be an all-timer of a matchup that’ll be replayed for years to come. Expect about 800 passing yards between the two teams, close to 100 points, and big play after big play after big play in a game that could define the rivalry and the direction of the two programs.
Why Louisville might win: The competition hasn’t been stout, but the Cardinal offense has been downright silly through two weeks. Louisville is averaging almost 700 yards and 65 points a game, moving the ball as if it’s on a constant power play. Brohm has been red-hot, completing 68% of his passes for 77 yards and nine touchdowns and no interceptions in two games. Adding balance has been RB Anthony Allen, who’s coming off a school-record 275 yards rushing in the win over Middle Tennessee. Although Kentucky is an obvious upgrade in competition for the Cards, it doesn’t have enough elite defenders to slow down this locomotive once it gets rolling.
Why Kentucky might win: The Louisville defense got exposed in a huge way by the Blue Raiders. This was the same Middle Tennessee that was impotent a week earlier in a loss to Florida Atlantic. The Cardinals allowed 42 points and 555 yards, most of which came when the game was still competitive. If the poor tackling and breakdowns in coverage aren’t addressed immediately by Mike Cassity, Woodson and his sidekicks, WR Keenan Burton, RB Rafael Little, and TE Jacob Tamme, will score early and often. UK has one of the few teams in the nation with the firepower to match Brohm and company yard for yard.
Who to watch: Where in the name of Elvis Dumervil has Peanut Whitehead been? Louisville’s sophomore defensive end with the massive upside and quick first step has been absent so far this fall. On a unit that has just one sack in 2007 and must pressure Woodson, it’s incumbent upon Whitehead and linemate Maurice Mitchell to begin making some noise off the edge this weekend. On the flip side, Louisville has yet to give up a sack. If UK can’t get to Brohm, a 400-yard passing day will be a near lock.
What will happen: All of the ingredients are in place for this Saturday’s game in Lexington to be a memorable one. In a slugfest that’ll be highlighted by fireworks, the quarterback that has the ball last will win. Brohm will have the ball last, bolstering his Heisman brag sheet.
CFN Prediction: Louisville 52 ... Kentucky 40 ... Line: Louisville -7.5
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ...4.5
Middle Tennessee (0-2) at LSU (2-0) 8:00 PM GamePlan
Why to Watch: What appeared to be a brutally ugly mismatch before the season began has now turned into a brutally ugly mismatch with a little bit of intrigue after Middle Tennessee's offense cranked out 555 yards of total offense and 42 points on Louisville last week. Meanwhile, LSU spent last Saturday night making its claim for the top spot in the rankings after stomping on Virginia Tech 48-7. With South Carolina up next, the Tigers might suffer a little bit of a mental letdown, but with all the parts working, it might not matter. For Middle Tennessee, anything less than a 40-point blowout will be a success. Next week, Western Kentucky will look like it's running in sand compared to what the Blue Raiders are about to deal with.
Why Middle Tennessee Might Win: Alright, so how did the offense work so well against Louisville? It was able to get its running backs in space and they took off for a few really, really big plays. DeMarco McNair took a short pass 78 yards for a touchdown, Phillip Tanner ran for a 79 yard score, and the ground game ended up averaging 10.3 yards per crack. Make no mistake about it; Louisville can run, and MT still came up with the home runs. If LSU has a few mental breakdowns, and misses a few tackles, it could be shocked at how speedy the Blue Raider skill players are.
Why LSU Might Win: Yeah, Middle Tennessee put up some huge numbers against Louisville, but it only scored seven points in the second half once the Cardinals decided to tackle and chose to mentally check into the game. On the other side of the ball, Middle Tennessee's run defense has been shockingly awful. Considering there's actually a few NFL prospects on the front wall, Florida Atlantic shouldn't have been able to run for 216 yards. Louisville's Anthony Allen cranked out 7.9 yards per carry on a 275-yard, two touchdown day. LSU will want to work on its passing, but it'll hang the ball off 55 times and go home with a blowout win.
Who to Watch: For those Tiger fans waiting to see Ryan Perrilloux under center for more than just garbage time, this should be your chance. Starting QB Matt Flynn missed a little practice time with a dinged up ankle, and while it's nothing remotely serious, it might be just enough to get his butt on the bench the second the game gets out of hand. Perrilloux has completed seven of eight passes for 105 yards and three touchdowns, and has run for 33 yards and a score, in limited action.
What Will Happen: Middle Tennessee will try to air it out and will look for every opportunity to take some chances. LSU will get more than its share of turnovers on the way to a cakewalk of a win. The reserves will play most of the second half.
CFN Prediction: LSU 48 ... Middle Tennessee 10 ... Line: LSU -41
Must See Rating: (5 Britney at the VMAs - 1 Big Shots) ... 1.5
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