Some stellar matchups tomorrow. The question in the ‘Bama-Florida game is: who can be better throwing the ball in case the running game isn’t going so well, A.J. McCarron or John Brantley. Auburn starts a brutal October facing the South Carolina Gamecocks, who really aren’t that great, but still a challenge for the defensively challenged Tigers. Here’s a look at those two games with predictions along with previews of other SEC games and some major national implication games in the ACC and Big 10.
(Last week: 6-3; Overall: 31-12)

No.3 Alabama @No.12 Florida; 7 PM, CBS

Alabama will work its power running game. Florida will try to outrun the ‘Bama defense. Alabama’s defense is better than Florida’s. Can the ‘Bama defense slow down Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps, a couple of the fastest guys in the country if not the world? I think the Tide has enough speed on defense to do that. They’re pretty fast, too. Tide needs to make John Brantley have to beat them down the field in the passing game. DeQuan Menzie, Dre Kirkpatrick, Mark Barron and Robert Lester are up to that challenge after shutting down the Arkansas passing game last week. Rainey and Demps are not big at all, so they could take a pounding. Haven’t seen much out of Charlie Weis’ s passing game to know if it’s any good. On the flip side, Florida will probably load up to stop Trent and Eddie, so A.J. McCarron may be called on to throw the ball down field some, too. Still think Trent will get his yards and possibly break an explosive play or two; if not in the running game the passing game on some short screens. Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze should be ready to step up. McCarron just needs to get them the ball. But the Tide may not need it if Trent and Eddie can get it done on the ground. Florida is decent on defense, not great. Will Muschamp is an excellent defensive coach, so he’ll have some pretty complex schemes ready for Jim McElwain and his offense. I look for Maze to do something again on a punt return. That punt return last week for 80 yards was the best punt return I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s special.

In the end, Alabama should be fine on offense. If McCarron has to make some throws he should be OK with that if he gets time. I think Trent and Maze should make some big plays again. Defense is just too good and will administer a pounding on Demps and Rainey. There probably will be a spy or two out there with Hightower on Rainey or Nico Johnson on Demps; something like that. Alabama will most likely be missing C.J. Mosley, and that hurts. But there is good depth at linebacker. Mosley is an excellent player and S uses him in all of his defensive packages, so guys like Jerrell Harris, Trey DePriest, Adrian Hubbard and Alex Watkins will have to play well. Like the Tide to be good on offense and power over the Gators’ defense in the end. The defense is outstanding and if they can stop Rainey and Demps eliminating their explosive plays, Tide’ll be fine.

Alabama 24, Florida 17

Auburn @No.10 South Carolina; 2:30 PM, CBS

AU is struggling, somewhat on offense and definitely on defense. They were a little bit better last week although it was Florida Atlantic, and even FAU gained over 300 yards of offense on Auburn. FAU had only scored three points before the Tigers game all year. They scored 14 on AU. Auburn did have three ints last week and freshman Jermaine Whitehead returned one for a TD. Still, the defense is just not there yet. There’s youth and something is not working. They couldn’t understand the schemes and that’s why Chiz and Ted Roof simplified things. But South Carolina has two big time weapons in Marcus Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery and though Stephen Garcia has been bad this year, he is capable some games of making some big plays in the passing game. The South Carolina defense is decent. Melvin Ingram and freshman Jadeveon Clowney are excellent defensive ends. They’ve got some other pretty good players. They played well against Vandy last week, but that’s not saying much. Vandy and Qb Larry Smith are awful on offense.

I just don’t see Auburn doing enough to beat SC. I say it every week, but it’s true: Lattimore and Jeffery will make some big plays. Garcia needs to get Jeffery the ball. He’s an NFL player and probably a high draft pick next April. Lattimore may be the number one pick in 2013. Auburn just not strong enough on defense and I don’t think Michael Dyer can do enough to offset the defense. Barrett Trotter has Phillip Lutzenkirchen back and that helps. If he can get the ball down field to Lutz and Emory Blake, Auburn could move the football with Dyer’s running mixed in. But it won’t be enough. Like Auburn to be competitive, but too much Lattimore will wear them out.

SC 28, Auburn 21

No.14 Texas A&M vs. No. 18 Arkansas (at Jerryville in Arlington, Tx); 11 AM, ESPN

See Arkansas rebounding here though Aggies a pretty good football team and are favored by 2 1/2. Arkansas was manhandled by the Tide last week, but can score points on Aggies’ defense. Can Arkansas stop the Aggies though? This should be a track meet between a couple of high powered offenses and not very good defenses. Like ‘Hogs to prevail.

Arkansas 31, A&M 27

Mississippi State @Georgia; 11 AM, ESPN3 and ESPN Game Plan

What looked like such a promising season for State has gone south quickly. Injuries to the offensive line have been a factor. Defense hasn’t been very good either. When I saw the State offense in their spring game, I thought this team could be something special. Turns out they were running against a Swiss Cheese defense which made them look a lot better. The ‘Dawgs on the other hand are on an upward trend. Isaiah Crowell is excellent. Crowell has more yards as a freshman than Herschel Walker did at this point (four games). He’s not Herschel yet, but he’s a pretty darn good tailback. Aaron Murray is a very solid SEC quarterback and sometimes spectacular. Found some pretty good wide outs to throw to now. Like Crowell and Murray to get it done between the Hedges.

‘Dawgs 35, State 27

Kentucky @LSU; 11:21 AM, SEC Network

LSU shouldn’t have a problem with this game as long as they’re humble going in. LSU gets overconfident at times and struggles because of it. Les Miles reinstated Jordan Jefferson to the team after his charges were downgraded to a misdemeanor. He’s probably going to get off those charges, too. That’s really a questionable decision by Miles. I think a poor decision.  Not only is this bad policy to let a player back on the team who committed assault and battery and helped put four guys in the hospital–that’s really pathetic– but it’s also bad for team chemistry. Jarrett Lee has done a stellar job as quarterback, and, as long as he plays like this, should be firmly entrenched as the starter. Miles shows no personal character in this situation. But, whatever. These players seem to get a lot of chances these days. It seems like one or even two offenses are free passes; at least in some programs. Don’t think Saban would allow this. Chiz kicked off four players immediately. Maybe Jefferson can help them, but I think he could also hurt them. I’m sure the players like him, but he could be a detriment. Miles shows it’s all about winning and character doesn’t matter. That’s pretty sad. Anyway, like LSU to win pretty handily. Kentucky is pretty bad.

LSU 42, Ky 14

Buffalo @Tennessee; 11:30 AM, ESPN3 and Game Plan

Not much to talk about here. UT should be fine as they tune up for a visit by ‘Dawgs next week in an SEC East showdown at 6 PM on one of the ESPN Networks.

Vols 42, Buffalo 10

Ole Miss @Fresno State; 8:15 PM, ESPN2

Houston Nutt about to fall off the cliff in Oxford. He’s just not getting done. Defense not very good and quarterback situation is terrible. Fresno a pretty good team that can score some points. Like Ole Miss to go to 1-4 this week.

Fresno State 45, Ole Miss 28

National headliners:

No.13 Clemson @ No.11 Virginia Tech; 5 PM, ESPN2

Clemson on fire right now. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins is the most exciting player in college football. This kid is just a freshman and he’s lightning fast–looks as fast as Rainey and Demps-and catches everything. Quarterback Tajh Boyd is playing at a very high level with a lot of confidence. Clemson defense is decent, not great. But the Hokies have another solid team with a great running back in David Wilson and another solid back in Josh Oglesby. Quarterback Logan Thomas, a redshirt sophomore, has a cannon and looks like he could be outstanding. Danny Coate is an excellent possession receiver and and D.J. Coates is their big play guy. Jayron Hosley is their playmaker in the secondary and an explosive player on punt returns. Like Va Tech at Lane Stadium to get it done barely. Clemson has been very impressive this year.

Hokies 28, Clemson 27

No.8 Nebraska @ No.7 Wisconsin; 7 PM, ABC

Huge national championship implications although it’s early and a lot can change. Nebraska has a good running game with running back Rex Burkhead and qb Taylor Martinez. Their defense, usually a strength of the team under Bo Pelini, has been shaky. Wisconsin’s Russell Wilson will be tested this week. I like the guy a lot and I think he can have a great season. He’s been great so far albeit against weak competition. Running backs Monte Ball and James White are outstanding and wide receiver Nick Toon is phenomenal. Defense is good enough. Don’t think they’re a national championship defense, but they’re OK. Offensive line big and strong again. Should be a nice matchup. Like the Badgers to get it done at Camp Randall.

Badgers 28, ‘Huskers 24

(Dont’a Hightower needs to be all over the field on Saturday Night.)

A.J. McCarron had a great stat line on Saturday: 15-of-20 for 200 yards and two tds with no ints. He played an excellent game and managed the game well and made some key plays. His throw to tight end Michael Williams on the fake field goal was beautiful. I think the Tide ought to use Williams more in the passing game. It looks like Jim McElwain is trying to do that, so it’ll be interesting to see how that develops.
Marquis Maze’s punt return was possibly the play of the year. Maybe the best punt return I’ve ever seen in my life. Think Marquis will be playing on Sundays. Maybe he’ll be back for another year though before that happens.

Watched Florida-Kentucky and Florida is a pretty good team. I don’t think they’re great. Kentucky didn’t score many points (10), but they did move the ball against the Gators’ defense. Had 300 yards of offense. Pretty decent. Don’t think Gators’ defense is anything special. Their dlinemen are pretty good, but their dbacks are a little questionable and I think can be had. So McCarron has a shot to play big this Saturday with a 7 PM kickoff at the Swamp on CBS. Trent and Eddie should do well. Trent is like Marcus Lattimore; I think better. He’s unstoppable and seems to have a little more speed than Lattimore allowing him to go the distance 75 or 80. Eddie a solid backup. They’re a great combination.

Florida’s offense is led by Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey. Those guys have world class speed and when they’re in the open field they’re next to impossible to catch. Demps ran for 157 last Saturday and Rainey 105. Rainey is having an awesome season. Of course, that was against Kentucky and the Tide defense is a much higher level. Probably the highest in the country. Florida has not faced a good defense yet. Tennessee was OK, but UAB and Kentucky and Florida Atlantic are not good barometers of where your offense is. John Brantley is a decent quarterback, but if I was Alabama, I would crowd the line and make Brantley throw. He’s not a great passer. Competent but nothing special.

I like Alabama in this game. It won’t be real easy for them, but they’ve just got more talent than Florida. The Swamp will make it harder, it’ll be rocking on a Saturday Night, but I think this team has the maturity and poise to handle the crowd. Will have prediction on Friday.

AU has problems. Thought it was mostly on defense and it still is for the most part, but the offense struggled against Florida Atlantic as well. Barrett Trotter was 16-of-28 for 178 yards, two touchdowns and one pick. He played OK and Michael Dyer ran for  65 yards. They just didn’t look in sync. There was something missing there. Trotter pretty decent, not great. Dyer good, can be great at times. I don’t know what’s happened to Onterio McCalebb. He’s kind of disappeared. Phillip Lutzenkirchen was out and that hurt. He should be back Saturday.

But the defense is the main problem and will be the problem all year until Ted Roof can figure out what will work for these kids. The defense allowed 307 yards but got three interceptions, one for a TD by Jermaine Whitehead which was a beauty. But it gave up 307 yards to a team that had only scored three points in its previous two games. Roof has a lot of issues on his defense. The coaches on defense are simplifying their schemes which I don’t know if that’s the right thing to do or not. Maybe with this group it is. They’re young, but they need to get it by now if they’re going to have a decent season. The dlinemen need to get better at rushing the passer and clogging up the line of scrimmage on running plays and the dbacks need to figure out how to cover better. They look like they have a ways to go before they figure it out. Maybe this weekend they can come out of it; but it looks a little precarious at this point.

South Carolina looked terrible against Vandy on offense. Stephen Garcia is a basket case and Steve Spurrier only makes it worse by constantly harassing him. Garcia has to improve if SC wants to do well and have a shot at the East. They still have Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery, two players who will win games for you. But they’re struggling on offense. Vandy intercepted Garcia four times, and while Vandy’s defense is good, Garcia made some glaringly bad decisions.I think Spurrier’s attitude towards him hurts his confidence even more and makes him play worse. The game’s at Columbia and Lattimore and Jeffery could be the difference. Garcia just needs to throw it in Jeffery’s direction and he’ll catch it. The AU defense is struggling so much; they just don’t look like they can improve greatly in a week. But have not totally made up my mind. South Carolina’s defense is nothing special. Vandy was inept on offense, but Georgia scored 42 on SC and Navy ran for over 400 yards against them. Not sold on SC’s defense. Will have that pick Friday as well.

Watched LSU against West Virginia and was impressed with LSU. Morris Claiborne and Tyrann Mathieu are outstanding cornerbacks and electrifying return guys. Claiborne had a 99 yard kickoff return for a TD and Mathieu looked like he was about to break it on every punt return. The Tigers’ defense did give up over 460 yards of passing to West Virginia, so that should be a concern for DC John Chavis and Les Miles. Their defensive line, like Alabama’s, is a little suspect, and their linebackers and dbs are probably not as good as Alabama’s at this point. They’re pretty good, but I wouldn’t say great besides Claiborne and Mathieu. They have a lot of good players, but they didn’t get any pressure on West Va qb Geno Smith. He had a massive amount of time in the pocket and completed 38-of-65 for 463 yards though LSU intercepted him twice. The West Va line handled the Tigers’ dline well. So that is an issue for the Bengal Tigers.

Jarrett Lee is pretty good. His running backs are good, not great, and the receivers are not dominating players. Russell Shepard is back at wide out, so that should help. Everyone is gearing up for the Nov. 5 showdown in Tuscaloosa between LSU and Tide, but there is a lot of football left. LSU is at home against Kentucky this Saturday.

Aconcern for Alabama is linebacker C.J. Mosley. That’s a deep position on this team, but Mosley is an outstanding player. He’s questionable for Saturday with an injured elbow. The positive news is Chris Jordan, a senior lb with a lot of ability, looks like he’s close to getting back; maybe this weekend. Nico Johnson is an excellent player and he is a co starter with Mosley and guys like Trey DePriest and Jerrell Harris will need to step up their play. Dont’a Hightower playing at an extremely high level right now. Courtney Upshaw not dominating in the pass rushing right now. Probably should pick that up. Guys like Adrian Hubbard and Alex Watkins can also help at linebacker.

Defensive line a question mark. Jesse Williams looks like he’ll be a good player this year, but some other guys like Josh Chapman and Damion Square need to raise their games. Dbs in great shape.

Oline needs to keep improving. Thought they did a great job against Arkansas. Not sure Arkansas’ defense is that good, so we’ll see against a bigger challenge at Florida.

Wide receivers are playing fine. Would like to see Darius Hanks step up more. It’s catching the ball by committee right now. Maybe Hanks and Maze can step up and be the leaders of this group. I think they have it in them.

Some other key games this Saturday include Nebraska at Wisconsin at 7 PM on ABC. That looks like a tivo job  there. Huge game in the Big Ten. Think Wisconsin is for real and Nebraska is pretty good. Going to watch taped Wisconsin game and Bo Pelini Show to know more for predictions Friday.

Another big game is Clemson at Virginia Tech. Both teams believe they can get in the national championship picture and a victory here would increase their prospects. Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins is one of the most exciting players in the country this year as a true freshman. He is dynamic. That game is at 5 PM CT on ESPN2.

State is at Georgia at 11 AM on Game Plan in a pretty big game for both teams. State trying to rebound from a tough start and prove they are a legitimate football team and Mark Richt can’t afford to lose this game as usual.

Will have more later in the week.

(A.J. did a nice job on Saturday; another challenge awaits him and the offense Saturday.)

Arkansas @ ‘Bama-It doesn’t get any better than this. 2:30 PM on CBS. It’s the high octane, throw it around Petrino offense versus the aggressive, blitzing, playmaking S defense. It should be a classic. Auburn should be fine this weekend and get some good work in before a very challenging Oct starting with a game against South Carolina in Columbia. Here’s a look at this weekend’s SEC matchups and a couple of national tilts.
(Last week 5-5, 25-9 overall)

No.14 Arkansas @ No.3 Alabama: 2:3o PM, CBS: Big article in the News today on how S and Kirby play defense. They’ll have their hands full this Saturday with Tyler Wilson, Joe Adams. Greg Childs and others in the Arkansas areal arsenal. S is all about defense and he loves explosive plays and touchdowns in the red zone, but he really doesn’t take the time to concern himself with the offensive “process.” He knows what he wants, he recruits the studs to do it and he wants Jim McElwain to figure it out. McElwain has not been blessed with an Aaron Murray or a Tyler Bray, but Greg McElroy was pretty solid and A.J. McCarron has a chance. A.J. will be tested this Saturday as I’m sure Ark will try to load up the box to stop Trent and Eddie. So A.J. will have to make some plays. Maze and Hanks will have to step up and take a leadership role and make some plays to help this offense move the football. A Trent or Lacy burst for 70 or 80 would help. It’s hard to stop those two even if you load up. And while the Arkansas passing game is potent, the Alabama dbs are one of the two best units in the country along with LSU. I’m not sure which one is better at this point. We’ll know more this weekend. The thing about S and Kirby is when you are at the line of scrimmage on offense and you audible, the ‘Bama defense will counter audible and change defensive formations. In other words they out think you and have the four and five star players to stop you. Arkansas has their work cut out on offense.

I say Alabama does enough on offense and the defense does enough to neutralize the Ark passing attack and neutralize Ronnie Wingo running the ball. Robert Lester got hurt last week, but he’ll probably play. DeQuan and Dre will be tested at the corners. Dont’a and Courtney need to dominate and both lines need to play well. Oline will have to work hard to open holes for Trent and Eddie and give McCarron protection to find his receivers. McCarron needs to make good decisions and not throw interceptions and conversely, ‘Bama needs to get turnovers on defense. This game could be decided by how well the ‘Bama defense plays. It’ll be a battle, but I see the Crimson Tiders getting it done and moving forward to Florida at Gainesville undefeated.

Tide 28, Arkansas 24

Florida Atlantic @Auburn: 6 PM, ESPN Game Plan, ESPN3: Honestly, I didn’t do much research on this one. Just looked at the point spread and it’s 33 1/2 and that’s all the affirmation I needed. This is an important game for the Tigers, though. Now they’re thinking they need to get to a bowl game and they need to gain some confidence particularly on defense. Chiz says he’s going to “simplify” on defense. Didn’t think it was too complicated to begin with. Thought they really didn’t do enough blitzing against Clemson. But apparently these youngsters haven’t gotten it yet. The offense should be OK, but needs to keep improving throwing the ball downfield and getting Michael Dyer more touches. Some guys need to step up on this defense. Somebody needs to take a leadership role. T’Sharvin Bell would be a possible leader along with Nosa Eguae. And the Tigers have got to tackle better. That’s paramount if this team wants to have a good season and play in a decent bowl game. There’s a lot to get better at and this week they need to do that to get ready for that brutal stretch in October. Tigers needs to be focused and ready to execute against Florida Atlantic. We’ll see what happens.

Auburn 48, FA 14

Georgia @ Ole Miss: 11:21 AM, SEC Network: This is a critical game for Mark Richt and his quest to right his ship and maybe get some people off his back. He has to win this game. Ole Miss is reeling and has no quarterback. Houston Nutt is in trouble. I think Isaiah Crowell is going to step out in the game for Georgia. He’s shown signs of greatness and his numbers in high school were astonishing. He looks like a Lattimore-Dyer type of running back. He should do well against a questionable Ole Miss run defense. Georgia gets it done and Richt keeps his SEC East hopes and job security alive.

‘Dogs 31, Rebels 17

Vandy @No.12 South Carolina: 6 PM ESPN2: Spurrier has had trouble with the ‘Dores over the years. His record is 4-2, but the games have been decided by an average of four points. The ‘Dores are a confident team right now. They’re playing with a lot of energy and passion. James Franklin and his staff have these guys hungry and in the best shape of their lives. There’s just a new mindset in Nashville. The ‘Dores think they can win this game. Marcus Lattimore is all world and the ‘Dores have to contain him somehow and not let him go off for 200+. I’m tempted to pick Vandy, not only because I went there, but also because I think they’re a pretty good football team especially on defense. But with Lattimore and Alshon Jeffery, that’s asking a lot in Columbia. The key for Vandy on defense is making Stephen Garcia throw the ball. He makes mistakes when pressured. Vandy has a pretty good dline which is aggressive and will get after the quarterback. The secondary already has 10 picks this year and they’re excellent. South Carolina hasn’t shown that they are very good on defense, but can Vandy quarterback Larry Smith throw it downfield? That’s the big question mark. I think this is going to be an awesome game, and I’m going to pick the upset. The Vandy defense gets it done and the Vandy rushing attack and Smith do enough.

Vandy 24, SC 23

No.15 Florida @ Kentucky: 6 PM, ESPN: Florida a pretty good football team. Not sure they’re great. We’ll find out more this weekend and in the upcoming weeks with games coming up against Alabama @ home Oct.1, @ LSU Oct. 8, vs Auburn in Gainesville, Oct. 15 and, after a bye week, Georgia @ Jacksonville, Oct.29. This is not a totally easy game for them, because it’s at UK, so we’ll see how they play. Chris Rainey, like Lattimore, is all world. He definitely has world class speed and he runs pretty well between the tackles. Their defense is athletic, but they make a lot of mistakes with penalties. They had six pass interference calls on them against UT last week. UT lost star receiver Justin Hunter during the game with a knee injury and that hurt their chances. Kentucky really struggling after losing to Louisville last week. Florida should take care of business this week and get ready for a war with the Crimson Tide.

Gators 42, Ky 14

Louisiana Tech @ Ms. State: 6 PM, ESPNU: State needs to get back on track. Not sure what they’re going to do with Chris Relf. I guess he’ll start, but Tyler Russell is a good quarterback, so we’ll see what Mullen does. State has to have this to get back on track and make some noise. They have a good team; they were just devastated by the Auburn loss and then just ran out of gas in the second half against LSU. They need to right their ship.

State 42, La Tech 28

No.2 LSU @ West Virginia: 7 PM, ABC: This should be a war between a stellar defense and a wide open, high scoring offensive attack. Geno Smith playing very well at quarterback for WVU. Morgantown will be rocking. The question is can Jarrett Lee, much like A.J. McCarron, do enough to help his team win? LSU’s offense is average. West Virginia’s is outstanding. LSU is good enough on defense to hold the WVU offense down some and they do enough offensively to come home with the W.

LSU 28, WVU 27

National games:

No.11 Florida State @ N0.21 Clemson: Florida State’s qb, E.J. Manuel, is probably out, but this redshirt frosh, Clint Trickett,  did a pretty good job in relief last week against No.1 Oklahoma. Tajh Boyd played lights out against Auburn and his freshman wr Sammy Watkins looks like he’ll be as good as Julio Jones and A.J. Green. Clemson playing with a lot of confidence after last week’s victory. I still like Florida State’s defense and some of their playmakers on offense. Florida State sneaks by in Death Valley.

FSU 24, Clemson 21

N0.7 Oklahoma State @ No.8 Texas A&M: It’s the wide open OSU offense versus a pretty decent A&M defense and a pretty good A&M offense against a suspect OSU defense. Like  A&M’s qb Ryan Tannehill and the 6’4″, 225 Jeff Fuller at wide out just barely over Cowboys’ qb Brandon Weeden and all world wide receiver Justin Blackmon. I’m giving A&M and the 12th man the edge in a shoot out.

A&M 35, OK State 34

(Dont’a Hightower and ‘Bama defense will have their hands full with Tyler Wilson and Hogs’ offense.)

Huge game for ‘Bama this weekend. Have faith in their back eight to get it done. Tyler Wilson and his slew of receivers are a tremendous challenge, but I think the Tide defense is up to the task. Will preview and give my prediction tomorrow. A.J. certainly needs to step up. I like the way he played against North Texas. I know Arkansas is a different and harder defense than what A.J. has seen so far, so we’ll see how he handles it. Running game and defense and some key passing by A.J. will win this. Arkansas would like nothing better than to spoil Tide’s season and they have plans of their own. They want to play for national honors as well and win the conference. I don’t think their defense is great, but A.J. hasn’t seen an SEC defense yet, so it will be a major challenge for him. His managing of the offense and some clutch passing will help his team win. That’s an if. The oline is good. I know they have their struggles at times, but I like their talent and size. I think they can handle Ark’s defense. Trent and Eddie need to step up big time in this game and Hanks and Maze will be big along with guys like DeAndrew White, Brandon Gibson and Christian Jones. It’s going to be a war. I like the Crimson Tide’s defense better, but I like Arkansas’ offense better. Those wide receivers are just so dangerous. Greg Childs, their stellar wr and maybe the leader of that talented corps, was out last week with a family issue. He’ll be back. Dre and DeQuan will be tested early and often. Lester and Barron have to play big. Linebackers need to make plays all over the place and dline needs to get some pressure. Sure S and  Smart will mix in a lot of blitzes with different outside and inside blitzes to rattle Wilson. Tide needs to be able to play better offense to get this victory. A.J. has to produce in the passing game and Trent and Eddie have to get it done on the ground. Of course, the line will have a big say in that. I trust Barrett, Vlachos and teammates. Think they can produce. 2:30 CT on CBS. Prediction tomorrow.
AU has pretty much a gimme this Saturday with Florida Atlantic. 6PM on ESPN Game Plan. Need to get the defense headed in the right direction. A friend of mine told me the Tigers didn’t blitz up the middle enough against Clemson. They need to put more pressure on the good quarterbacks. This will be a good training week for that. That defense is worrisome. Thought Tigers would beat Clemson. Trovon Reed’s punt return out of the end zone and Trotter’s int in the fourth quarter were key turning points in the game. I thought Trotter played pretty well. Made one mistake, but he was just trying to make a play. The defense puts so much pressure on the offense because they can’t stop people. There’s youth on defense. But they must scheme better with more blitzes and they need to work on their tackling. It’s not good right now. Just need to regroup this Saturday. Need a good effort with a lot of improvement, particularly out of the defense. Michael Dyer playing exceptional. He needs more carries. Receivers looked pretty good. Liked what I saw out of Travante Stallworth. Blake caught a TD, but was kind of quiet and I don’t think Lutz got a pass thrown his way. That needs to change. Reed hasn’t proved much yet. He needs to get going. They were so high on him in the spring that I expected a game breaker, but he hasn’t shown that ability yet. He needs to step up.

But it’s mainly the defense. The offense is going to be fine. Malzahn will have them ready and they will execute. Gene Chizik and Ted Roof need to do something about their defense. The first thing they need to do is get these guys to tackle. Then they need to install some more coverages and blitz packages. The defensive line needs to get better, too. Corey Lemonier and Jeffrey Whitaker were four star players; they should be playing better. Nosa Eguae has not done much either. He was stellar at the end of last year. That needs to change. Hopefully they can get it started this weekend and then get ready for a tough October where they go to South Carolina (Oct.1), then to Arkansas (Oct.8), then host Florida (Oct. 15) and then go to LSU (Oct. 22). That’s brutal with an inexperienced squad in places. So they’ve got to grow up quickly. But I think AU fans need to be realistic. You didn’t expect an SEC championship when you lose 24 or however many seniors there were. It’s just not happening this year. But the team can be the best they can be and maybe pull out some they’re not supposed to. They can figure some stuff out Saturday then prepare for SC.

Other games:

Vandy @ SC: 6 P.M. ESPN2. Are the Dores for real? We’ll find out Saturday. They’re certainly a lot better under James Franklin. SC just got by Navy, and I watched that game and Navy is a good football team. Could have beaten South Carolina. Just too much Marcus Lattimore (37-246). If Vandy can just keep him to around 1oo-120 yards and not let him go off and make Garcia try to beat them, that would be a big help. Dores’ offense has to throw the ball down the field also. It’s a big challenge for a team that hadn’t won much in a while and is trying to prove themselves under a new, focused, intense coach. Could be interesting.

LSU @ West Virginia, 7 PM, ABC: Another challenge for LSU. West Virginia has a great offense. LSU has a great defense, but their offense is just not there. I don’t think Jarrett Lee–though he’s better than I thought he’d be–can really help this offense flourish. Their running backs, Spencer Ware and Michael Ford, are tough, but they’re not game breakers. The receivers are pretty good. They’ve got pretty good skilled players, but a suspect quarterback. This is a challenge in Morgantown. The Mountaineers will be fired up to knock off LSU. It’s going to be a tough for the Bengal Tigers. I haven’t decided yet on who I’m picking–I’ll pick tomorrow–but I could go with the upset. Think the LSU defense is excellent, but the offense is anemic at times. Don’t know if they can score enough to beat this team. Their defense will have to carry them.

Georgia @Ole Miss, 11:21 AM, SEC Network: Georgia has to have this game. Mark Richt really needs this. Houston Nutt needs it pretty badly, too. Both guys jobs are on the line this year. Ole Miss looks sunk at quarterback. Georgia, in my opinion, is a good football team despite the 0-2 start. Thought they lost to an outstanding Boise State team and kind of blew it against SC. They need to get this done.

Florida @ Kentucky, 6 PM, ESPN: Florida needs to keep their momentum going after last week’s convincing victory over UT. Chris Rainey looks like the offense at this point. He is a dominant player. The rest of their offense needs to catch up. Not sold on John Brantley yet. If somebody can stop Rainey, it’ll be interesting to see if Brantley can get it done. Stopping Rainey is pretty hard. He is one of the fastest guys in college football and he’s tough. Gators make a lot of mistakes though. They always have. Penalties and some turnovers. Can’t call them great yet. Not sure they are. They still have some proving to do. Kentucky pretty hapless. Gators should take care of business in Lexington.

Louisiana Tech at State, 6 PM, ESPNU: State should win, but just don’t know how they’re going to bounce back from two difficult games. Not sure Chris Relf will be the starter. They have to regroup or the season will be lost. After losing to Auburn and getting pretty much dominated by LSU in the second half, they’re in some trouble. Thought they could be an underdog in the west and maybe do some pretty special things. Doesn’t look that way now. Mullen is going to have to right this ship. Don’t know much at all about La Tech. Will know more tomorrow.

Off: Tennessee

A.J. McCarron is under the gun this Saturday.

Huge game for Auburn, glorified scrimmage for Alabama and an SEC war in the Swamp along with a key national game at Tallahassee that could improve one of the two team’s chances to make a deep run this season. Fasten those seat belts, here we go. Week 3 in college football and the SEC particularly. Should be a fun Saturday.
This week’s picks (Last week 8-4 including LSU win over State last night; overall 20-4):

No.21 Auburn @ Clemson: 11 AM, ABC:

I watched Clemson play Wofford last week and wasn’t overly impressed with them though Wofford I will say was a pretty scrappy FCS team. Clemson’s quarterback, Taj Boyd, is a pretty decent passer and running back, Andre Ellington, is an excellent physical specimen who can break tackles and break the long one. Had a 74 yard beautiful td run against Wofford. They’ve got a wide receiver, freshman Sammy Watkins, who looks like a special player. He can catch a lot of balls and is a good deep threat for them. He’s something else. Their other outstanding receiver is DeAndre Hopkins; they call him “Newk.” Boyd made some nice passes against Wofford, so he’s capable of playing well. A little inconsistent at times. They can put up some points. Offensive line is decent, but Wofford got after’em pretty well. Not a dominant line. They’ve got SEC athletes on defense. Their defensive end, Andre Branch (6’5″, 260), is their best player. Not great on defense. Think AU will put some points up against them.

Final analysis: With Michael Dyer, Emory Blake and Phillip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn has the weaponry to get this done. I think AU’s defense will be better this week. The coaches have been high on Chris Davis in the secondary. He’s playing well as is Demetruce McNeal. The secondary is coming around. Defensive line growing. Backers pretty decent. I just think Barrett Trotter and company can put up some points against this Clemson defense and the defense can keep Clemson in check enough to pull out this victory and move to 3-0 with a huge win on the road. The streak will move to 18 tomorrow afternoon.

Auburn 31, Clemson 24

North Texas @ No.2 Alabama: 6:30 PM, ESPN Game Plan:

Not a lot of analysis needed for this game. I’m sure S wants A.J. to keep improving as they prepare for a huge game against Arkansas next week. Just play well on offense, show continued improvement on the defensive line and mainly stay healthy. Darius Hanks will be back, so that’s going to help not only tomorrow, but more importantly, next Saturday. ‘Bama gets tuned up for Hogs with a rout.

‘Bama 56, North Texas 3

Ole Miss @ Vandy: 11:21 AM, SEC Network:

This game to me depends on Ole Miss running back Brandon Bolden’s health. He’s an exceptional running back but has a slight fracture in his ankle sustained against BYU two weeks ago and he’s questionable for the game. But I think he’s going to play. If he plays I like Ole Miss’s chances better. But the ‘Dores are playing some defense now and if Larry Smith can give them anything they have a shot to knock off two point favorite Ole Miss. Vandy should get running back Warren Norman back in the lineup which should help. I say Vandy’s defense shuts down a suspect Black Bears? offense and their talented secondary gets some picks off quarterback Zack Stoudt, and offense and Larry Smith can do enough to get the Commodores over the hump. Vandy is jacked up for this game and it’s at home so that’s a big plus.

Vandy 20, Ole Miss 17

Coastal Carolina @ Georgia noon, ESPN Game Plan:

Georgia needs to snap back after a couple of tough losses. I think they’re a pretty good football team. They got hit pretty hard in the mouth by Boise State in the first game, but gave South Carolina everything they wanted. They have a schedule where they could make a run. They should get back on track this weekend.

Georgia 45, Coastal 10

Tennessee @ No.16 Florida, 2:30 PM. CBS

I want to pick Tennessee. I think they can do it. After watching their game against Cincy last week, their offense is special. Good offensive line, great quarterback in Tyler Bray and the best two receivers in the country. Arkansas may have more depth, but Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers are awesome. They are playmakers with great speed, great hands and explosiveness on the edges. Tauren Poole is a very fine running back. Maybe not as good as Trent, Lattimore or Dyer but pretty darn good. Florida has the explosiveness with Chris Rainey. The guy is amazing. He’s tough and when he gets on the edge and in the open field, it’s a pretty sure thing he’s taking it to the house. Jeff Demps didn’t do a lot last week, but he’s may be the fastest guy in the country. He’s got world class speed. Like Florida’s defense a little better than UT’s. If this was in Knoxville, I’d pick Tennessee. But it’s in Gainesville and I’m still going to pick UT anyway in a major upset.

UT 35, Florida 31

Tulane @ UAB: 3 p.m., Legion Field, No TV:

UAB looked like they got blown out by Florida last Saturday, but a key play in the game came when UAB was down 13-0 in the second quarter and Bryan Ellis threw a beautiful 38 yard touchdown pass to running back Greg Franklin. It was called back on what looked like to me was a phantom illegal motion call. It would have been 13-7 and would have totally changed the momentum of the game. UAB is a pretty good football team. Linebackers Lamanski Ware and Marvin Burdette are good football players and I like Ellis at quarterback. They were missing two key players last weekend in running back Pat Shed and defensive end Elliott Heningan. They should be back this weekend. I think the Blazers can have a pretty good season this year. They’ve got a lot of athletes and to me look like they can be good on offense and pretty decent on defense. They just need to avoid the mistakes that have always plagued them in the past; penalties and turnovers. If they can do that, they can win six or seven games and go to a bowl game. Need Shed back at running back. Franklin did a good job, but Shed is a really good player and Franklin would be a good second option. Have some playmakers on the outside, too. Like UAB to do well this weekend.

UAB 35, Tulane 28

Navy @ No.10 South Carolina: 5 PM, ESPN 2

Gamecocks should be OK here though the Naval Academy is a scrappy team that can get you with their triple option. South Carolina has to guard against a letdown after big Georgia win. Think Navy can keep it close, but at the end, it’s too hard to stop Marcus Lattimore. He just wears you down and Garcia can do enough. All he has to do is throw it up to Alshon Jeffery and he’ll catch it. JaDaveon Clowney looks like he’ll be a big time player for Gamecocks this year at defensive end. The number one player out of high school in 2011 is primed for some big things this year. Gamecocks need to improve their defense if  they want to be a special team.

South Carolina 35, Navy 24

Louisville @ Kentucky: 6 PM, ESPNU

Charlie Strong has had tough sledding so far at the ‘Ville. Quarterback Morgan Newton of Ky has all the talent, he just needs to put a complete game together. Got better in the second half last week against Central Michigan in a 27-13 victory. Kentucky should do enough in this game and it’s in Lexington, so that helps. Charlie Strong is a great defensive coordinator. Hopefully, he’ll prove to be a good head coach. He’s got a ways to go.

Kentucky 28, Louisville 14

Troy @ No.14 Arkansas, 6:30 PM, ESPN Game Plan

Troy is always a scrappy, tough team, but Arkansas should be able to control this game. Troy might play them tough as Hogs may be caught looking ahead to next Saturday at Tuscaloosa. Arkansas passing game will be too hard for Troy to stop. Tyler Wilson is going to be a good quarterback this year and excellent in some games. Wide receivers just keep coming at you. Ark has to establish a running game to prove they can show some balance, because if they don’t the Alabama dbs will be licking their chops for next Saturday.

Hogs 45, Troy 14

National Spotlight:

No.1 Oklahoma @ No.5 Florida State: 7 PM, ABC

What a blockbuster the third Saturday of the season. Haven’t gotten a chance to see Oklahoma but have done a lot of reading and viewing on them on ESPN and know that Landry Jones and Ryan Broyles are special. Kenny Stills is a special receiver, too, and Dominique Whaley, although I haven’t seen him, is talked about as a special running back. They’ve got the arsenal now. They lost their stellar linebacker, Travis Lewis, to an injury before the season that will keep him out until at least Oct. 8. They’ve got another guy in there, Corey Nelson, who is pretty good. But I expect this game to be about offense. Florida State’s quarterback, E.J. Manuel, is a Cam Newton like player. He has the 6’5″, 245 pound size, he’s got a good arm and can run. He’s pretty accurate, too. They’ve got  playmakers at wide receiver in Rashad Golston, Bert Reid and Greg Dent. They like to throw it more than run it. Defense looks very athletic. Timmy Jernigan, their defensive tackle, is a beast at 6″3″, 297. I really like what Jimbo Fisher is doing at FSU. He’s got them on course to be the Florida State of the glory years in the ’90’s under the legend, Bobby Bowden. He’s recruiting phenomenally and the players love him. He’s a great coach who I’m sure can really motivate. I think he’ll out motivate Bob Stoops, who is a solid coach, but I don’t think he’s great. Don’t believe he’s a great motivator. Everybody pretty much is picking OU, but it’s at Doak Campbell Stadium and I think FSU has had this game penciled in since they got blown out last year. They also have the talent to pull off the upset.

Florida State 41, Oklahoma 38

(Michael Dyer tries to move Auburn’s winning streak to 18 and FSU’s E.J. Manuel tries to upset the Sooners)

Will have a lot more Thursday with predictions.
Liked what I saw out of A.J. McCarron. 19-of-31 for 163 yards and one TD. Thought he was pretty exceptional. Once Tide gets Darius Hanks back this weekend and have him in the game next weekend against Arkansas, McCarron should have a good arsenal to throw to with Marquis Maze, DeAndrew White, Kevin Norwood, Brandon Gibson and the emerging Michael Williams. I liked Williams, the tight end, last year when I saw him make a beautiful touchdown grab against Florida on a reverse pass from Maze. Think the guy is highly underrated and could really help ‘Bama in the passing game. He’s about 270 pounds and there’s no doubt he can block. But I also think he can be a weapon in the passing game. Maze is a mix of Tyrone Prothro and Javy Arenas. He’s the total package. His punt return against Penn State from deep in Tide territory for something like 40 yards was the turning point of the game according to S. Maze is a game changer and is going to keep doing this all year. It looks like the Duron Carter situation is not going to get any better. I just don’t think the guy is going to play this year. It’s too bad. He probably would have helped a lot. But I think they might try to redshirt him and have him next year. Would have been nice this year. I guess it’s not totally over, but it’s looking slimmer and slimmer that he’ll play.

Trent and Eddie solid, defense, especially back eight, are phenomenal. Need to keep improving on the front three. Will have time to develop in practice this week and in game against North Texas. North Texas 0-2. Should be a walk in the park.

Auburn game was unbelievable. Couldn’t tell who made the play at the goal line until I found out later it was backup Ryan White. Wow, what a tackle. Gave Chris Relf no chance to score. Thought Relf should have passed, but it did look like AU had everything covered. Great stop by the defense at the end of the game. The defense is a work in progress, but the material is there. There are a lot of good but inexperienced athletes, and I don’t care what anybody says, there is no substitute for experience. It’s just a basically new set of defensive players. A leader needs to step up. I think T’Sharvin Bell or Jake Holland could be that guy. Both of them could do it. Jonathan Evans looks like he’s a real effort player and Eltoro Freeman made some plays on Saturday. Demetruce McNeal made that beautiful pick six for a touchdown against Relf in the first quarter that put Tigers up 14-0. I like the potential of these guys. If they can keep scrapping, it could be a very interesting, exciting season. I think this team is a fun team to watch. I believe Chiz is having fun with this group. They’re young, but they’re hungry. A lot of them were members of last year’s team, so they know how to win. That is a pretty big thing. Barrett Trotter threw one bad pass that was intercepted for a TD, but I think he’s doing very well so far. I like him. Offensive line was much more physical last week. Mike Dyer had a big day with 150 yards and two tds. He’s really blossoming into a superstar. Emory Blake, what can you say. The guy’s a winner. He wins games for you and he’s a big play guy. Like Maze at Alabama he can change games for his team. Really think this guy is tremendous. Lutzenkirchen just keeps getting it done. Caught another touchdown last week. Reminds me of Jason Witten of Dallas Cowboys. I think Lutz can be that good. Blake and Lutz have futures in the game after college.

All in all, I like this team a lot. Defense needs to shore up, but the sky’s not falling. Nobody predicted this team to beat Ms. State, me included, and they did. I think they’re going to beat Clemson and move to 3-0, then host Florida Atlantic before a huge trip to South Carolina on Oct. 1. This is a very interesting team. I love the way they play offense, and I’m certainly not giving up on the defense.

South Carolina and Georgia was wild. Wow. Spurrier pulled out all  the tricks and the phenomenal Marcus Lattimore led his team to victory running for 176 yards on 27 carries and one score in SC’s 45-42 victory. Didn’t see the fake punt as I was either watching ‘Bama or Vandy game, but a defensive tackle running what something like 70 yards. That’s incredible. Georgia is actually pretty good. Their defense needs some work, but Aaron Murray is great and Isiah Crowell looks like he’ll be a very good back this year. I don’t think he’s Marcus Lattimore as a freshman yet, but there is plenty of season left. Looking forward to Oct. 1 when Lattimore and Dyer square off. That could be a track meet. It will be a classic. Gamecocks play Navy and Vandy before AU, so they can’t look ahead. Neither can Auburn. Clemson will be tough.

State-LSU would have been bigger Thursday Night if State had beaten Auburn, but it’s still an important game. Just don’t know if the State defense can stop the Bengal Tigers and LSU can really play some defense. Chris Relf and Vick Ballard better be ready to get hit a lot. State could win, but like LSU a little better. Think the defense is stellar and offense is good enough with a great running game featuring Spencer Ware and Michael Ford, who both scored two touchdowns against Northwestern State last Saturday and had big games against Oregon in the opener. Excellent running backs. Jarrett Lee will do enough to manage this team. I think he’s pretty good actually. Don’t think Jordan Jefferson would have been that much better. Lee is probably more consistent than Jefferson. So things are setting up for LSU, Arkansas and Alabama to have big years. Somebody out of that three will be playing for the national title. Like Alabama because they host both Arkansas and LSU at home, but we’ll see how things develop over the weekend. It’s week to week in the SEC. Auburn could be interesting. They’re going to be better than people thought.

Tennessee at Florida should be a good game. Florida and Tennessee are both starting to interest me. They look like pretty good squads. East not as bad as people thought. Pretty decent teams in the East. Not the West, but solid.

Also, remember No.1 OU at Florida State Saturday Night at 7 on ABC. Still doing research and development on games. Predictions on Thursday.

This week’s SEC matchups (All times Central):

Thursday: No.3 LSU @ No.25 Miss. State 7 PM ESPN

Saturday:

No.21 Auburn @Clemson, 11 AM, ABC

Ole Miss @ Vandy, 11:21 AM, SEC Network

Coastal Carolina @Georgia,  noon, ESPN Game Plan

Tennessee @No.16 Florida, 2:30 PM, CBS

Navy @No.10 South Carolina, 5 PM, ESPN2

Louisville @Kentucky, 6 PM, ESPNU

North Texas @No.2 Alabama, 6:30 PM, ESPN Game Plan (we can get it on some channel)

Troy @No.14 Arkansas, 6:30 PM, ESPN Game Plan

Gamechangers: Emory Blake (left) and Marquis Maze.

Should be a terrific Saturday of football though nerve wrecking for Tide and Tiger fans; particularly AU fans. Tide goes to historic Happy Valley to face Joe Pa and Penn State while Tigers host explosive Mississippi State. Here’s a look at what to expect tomorrow along with the weekly picks.

Record for the season: (12-0)

Mississippi State @Auburn; 11:20 AM CT, SEC Network (Channel 21 in Birmingham)

State playing with a lot of confidence right now. Chris Relf is a new quarterback under Dan Mullen and Vick Ballard is a force at tailback. Relf very accurate now and has that Cam size at 6’4″, 240. Ballard had 166 yards last week against Memphis and three scores. Great power and deceptively fast. State with a solid offensive line and some pretty good weapons on the perimeter. Defense is pretty decent. AU will hope for better results from the running game. Michael Dyer and Onterio McCalebb will have to step up their play this week. Offensive line will have to be better. This group hasn’t played together much and  they’re trying to jell. I’m a believer in Barrett Trotter. I think he’s going to be a good quarterback for AU. Has a lot of poise and is accurate. Emory Blake is a stud and Lutzenkirchen catches everything in sight and gets in the end zone.

The defense is the issue for the Tigers. They’re young overall, and while they have great athletes, they’re still learning how to play the college game. How well they contain Relf and Ballard will determine the outcome. They can’t really stack the box totally because Relf is good enough now to beat you through the air, but I would think they would do that more than not. Need to get some pressure on Relf. Jeffrey Whitaker, Nosa Eguae and linemates will have to step up and linebackers will have to be very active, making a lot of plays. Think outside linebacker Jonathan Evans will be available. AU needs him. MLB Jake Holland is going to be a really good player and he should have a good game tomorrow. Just don’t think Tigers are there defensively yet. They’re potentially a better defense than last year’s, but not yet.

Final analysis: In the end as much as I’d like to pick the Tigers, AU fans, I’ve got to go with the team that looks a little better on both sides of the ball. Auburn will score points. The offense looks like it’ll be good this year. Just think State will do a little more. AU’s defense a work in progress. While State’s defense isn’t great, they will do a little better than Tigers’D. Tigers are a young team who could surprise people this year and look primed for a big 2012, but this is an early one and I’ve got to go with the more experienced team. Expecting a good game though.

Miss State 31, Auburn 27

Alabama @Penn State; 2:30 PM CT, ABC

The question here is: can A.J. McCarron and maybe Phillip Sims do enough to help the Tide beat the Nittany Lions? I think they will. This is a typical Penn State team with a good running game and solid defense led by linebackers Mike Hull and Mike Yancich. Penn State always has a great linebacker name and Yancich is another in the great line of linebackers at Penn State. Silas Redd ran for 104 yards and two tds last week for Lions. They run a two quarterback rotation. Rob Bolden, the more athletic qb, was 6 of 12 for 37 yards last week, while Matt McGloin, the better passer, was six of eight for 77 yards. Bolden was sacked twice last week and McGloin once, so PSU line could be vulnerable to Courtney Upshaw and others.

Like the Tide defense to get it done as usual. Mark Barron looks like an All American and first round draft pick. Dont’a is back in his form from two years ago, which was dominant. Upshaw, C.J. Mosley, the emerging superstar Trey Depriest, Nico Johnson and Jerrell Harris are outstanding players. Barron, Robert Lester, DeQuan Menzie, Dre and the emerging Vinnie Sunseri are all All-SEC, All-American players. Defensive line still a little bit of a work in progress, but will get better as season progresses. Will be interesting to see them line up against Penn State Oline tomorrow. Josh Chapman, Damion Square and rest of front will be challenged.

On offense, Trent, Eddie and Jalston will have their work cut out for them. Penn State will probably load up the box, so Barrett Jones and William Vlachos and line mates will have to be physical. McCarron and Sims (if he gets in much, I expect him to play) will have to do something through the air. Marquis Maze is looking like a next level player. Kind of a Javy on offense. Great punt returner, too. Will be interesting to see if Duron Carter gets some chances. He’s got that size at 6’4″, 210, so his impact would help. DeAndrew White looks like he’ll be excellent. McCarron needs to rely on Trent and Eddie out of the backfield for some swing passes and screens. Tide’s going to have to be somewhat creative on offense because Penn State will be geared up to stop the run.

Final analysis: The Tide just too good on defense for the Nittany Lions. Nittany Lions will make a game of it at Happy Valley; they’re a solid football team. But Trent, Eddie and Fowler will probably make a big play or two; particularly Trent. McCarron will have enough help where he can just be a little better than adequate and get his team over the top. Sims will probably play. It’ll be interesting to see how S and Jim McElwain play that rotation out. I like one quarterback, but you just got to go with what works. If McCarron is not getting it done, maybe they go to Sims. Sims is a little bit of a liability at this point. Still think offense does enough and defense should be pretty dominant.

S, 24, Joe Pa, 14

South Carolina @Georgia; 3:30 PM CT, ESPN

Dogs’ backs are against the wall and I hate to say it, but Mark Richt is treading on very thin ice right now. He really needs this game, but I don’t think he’s going to get it. Stephen Garcia is back after serving a first quarter benching by Spurrier a week ago. South Carolina scored 56 against East Carolina but gave up 37, so that should be concerning to Spurrier. Still like the Lattimore and Jeffery combination. Both as prolific together as any running back/wide receiver combination in the country. Lattimore rushed for 112 last week against East Carolina and three touchdowns. Jeffery caught 5 passes for 92 yards, an average of 18.4 yards per catch. Garcia just needs to get the ball to those two and they’ll take care of the rest. Aaron Murray is a good quarterback, but I don’t think he has enough to work with and Kellen Moore shredded the Georgia pass defense last week. Don’t think Garcia is Kellen Moore, but he can be pretty good. He’ll play well enough. Should be a pretty high scoring affair. Just like Lattimore and Jeffery to be the difference.

South Carolina 35, Georgia 30

UAB @ Florida; 6 PM CT, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN3

UAB opens in a hostile environment against another talented team. They play well against good opponents, but Jeff Demps, Chris Rainey and others may be too much for the UAB defense to stop. Offense will be pretty productive this year with Bryan Ellis at qb. Will miss Pat Shed at running back tomorrow night; he’s a good player. Sophomore Greg Franklin will have to pick up the slack with help from junior Dontavious Jackson. Like UAB’s linebacking corps led by 6’2″, 225 pound olb Lamanski Ware. The offensive line looks better. If they can give Ellis some protection, he may be able to work on the Florida secondary. The size factor is a difference on Florida’s offensive front versus UAB’s defensive front. Florida averages 300 on oline while UAB dline  is 275 at both tackles and 230 at one end but 250 at the other end. That’s an advantage to the Gators. If Demps and Rainey get room to run, particularly on the outside, it could be a long night for the Blazers’ defense.

I think the Blazers will be competitive. Beating Florida is tough in the Swamp though it’s been done some lately. I see the Blazers giving the Gators a good game, but coming up a little short at the end. Blazers need a good season, so there’s a lot of season left if this doesn’t turn out the way they want it to.

Gators 42, Blazers 31

Cincinnati @ Tennessee; 2:30 PM CT, ESPN2

This is an interesting one. Cincy beat Austin Peay last week, 72-10, while the Vols handled Montana, 42-16. The Vols aren’t there yet. They’re so young this year. Cincy looks like a pretty legit team. Like them to pull it off. Tyler Bray should be a very good quarterback this year, but Vols can’t stop Cincy offense.

Cincy 35, UT 27

Central Michigan @ Kentucky; 11 AM CT, ESPNU

Kentucky didn’t look very good against Western Kentucky last week only winning 14-3. They go back to another easy game as they play a Central Michigan team that only beat South Carolina State 21-6. Not sure if Morgan Newton will be a real effective quarterback in the SEC. Maybe these first few games will get him prepared. He has all the physical tools and has looked good at times. Kentucky should pull this one out, though.

Kentucky 31, Central Michigan 14

Southern Illinois @Ole Miss; 5 PM CT, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN3

Ole Miss is struggling. After losing to a pretty good, highly competitive BYU team, they lost both Brandon Bolden and Enrique Davis to injury for this week. Bolden has a slight fracture of his ankle, but according to the Ole Miss beat writer for the Jackson Clarion Ledger, he should be back for Vandy next week. Davis should be OK, but they’re going to have to rely on Jeff Scott at running back and quarterback Zack Stoudt who did a pretty good job replacing Barry Brunetti last week. Ole Miss might struggle a little bit tomorrow, but should come out on top over the Salukis.

Rebs 28, Salukis 20

New Mexico @Arkansas; 6 PM, ESPNU

Look for Hogs to have a big day. Tyler Wilson is going to have a great year. Running back not as explosive without Knile Davis, but good enough with Ronnie Wingo and others. Wide receivers are as good as anybody in the country. I’d go as far as to say they’re the best receiving corps in the country. They just keep coming at you with Greg Childs, Jarius Wright, Joe Adams and about four or five more. Should be a track meet for the Hogs tomorrow night.

Ark 62, Lobos 14

UConn @ Vandy; 6:30 PM CT, CSS

I watched UConn this morning before work and was pretty impressed. Oline goes 306 across  the front and their running back, Lyle McCombs, ran for 141 yards and four TDs last week against Fordham. Fordham not that good, but thought UConn looked pretty solid. Senior running back D.J. Shoemate will be back this week and he adds another threat in the backfield. They run three quarterbacks which is unusual. Johnny McEntee is the best passer and Scott McCummings the best athlete. Vandy will have to deal with that big offensive line and their running game. It’ll be tough. Vandy should probably load up in the box and hope their secondary can do a better job of covering than they did last week. Thought secondary would be a strength of this team, and I still think they’re pretty good, but got shredded last week by Elon’s Aaron Mellette, who caught 12 passes for 180 yards. Mellette is the real deal though. He’ll be playing on Sundays next year. Wish I could pick my school, but don’t have enough trust in quarterback Larry Smith and suspect offensive line and receivers. UConn going to be a little better. Another heartbreak in Nashville.

UConn 27, Dores 24

Northwestern State @LSU; 7 PM, ESPN GamePlan, ESPN3

LSU may have a little let down after last week, but it won’t matter. Some of’em can take naps during the game and win this one. Just trying to get better as they head into a huge matchup next Thursday Night in Starkville against State. That’s a must see. 7 PM ESPN.

LSU 49, Northwestern State 3

(Emory Blake (left) and Marquis Maze are key players tomorrow for their respective teams.)

Alabama 48, Kent State 7
There’s a quarterback issue/problem in Tuscaloosa. A.J. McCarron looks like the better player; Phillip Sims looks pretty clueless. But is McCarron good enough to lead this team to an SEC championship? He was 14-of-23 for 226 yards and one td along with two interceptions. OK numbers, but the ints are a problem for S and the coaching staff. Sims was seven-of-14 for 73 yards, no TDs and two ints along with a lost fumble. I’m not sure there was total separation between the two in Saban’s mind, but it’s pretty clear that McCarron is the better option going into the Penn State game. But S makes it sound like the competition is still ongoing. He’s not giving up on Sims because McCarron has not proved to be a reliable starter yet either. This team needs a quarterback like Greg McElroy, who was perfect for the offense two years ago that won the national championship. McElroy didn’t make mistakes and was a leader. He was the consummate game manager. McCarron and Sims haven’t shown that yet, though McCarron looks like the better player at this point. Not seeing a lot of leadership out of these two. They’re young and inexperienced so I guess that’s natural. McCarron should obviously start, but I have a feeling S will try and use Sims some this Saturday. If McCarron struggles, Sims will definitely come in. I have to be honest, I interviewed McCarron in high school and he wasn’t the sharpest pencil in the box. Not sure if his Wunderlic will be north or south of Cam Newton’s 21. The difference between him and Cam besides physical talent is Cam’s high football IQ. McCarron not there yet. He played against Briarwood in the state championship game in 2008 and didn’t do much. His senior year at St. Paul’s in Mobile without some good weapons on his team, the team wasn’t that great. I just don’t know about him. He has the physical tools, but not sure about his mental game. He’s better than Sims, that’s for sure at this point.

Trent and Eddie Lacy and the offensive line, and, without a doubt, the defense, are going to have to carry this team for two or three games before one of these quarterbacks steps up and takes charge. Trent was OK against Kent State, but he’ll be fine. Lacy looked very good. Marquis Maze had a great game at wideout with 8 catches for 181 yards and a TD. It’ll help when Darius Hanks gets back, too, in the third game against North Texas and particularly in game four versus Arkansas. DeAndrew White looks like a good player. Duron Carter may provide some help out wide this weekend. Supposed to be a very talented guy and a big target at 6’4″, 210. Defense was solid and that young linebacker, Trey DePriest, looks like a heckuva player to go along with the veterans at linebacker and in the secondary.

Penn State won 41-7 over Indiana State but they seem to be having qb problems as well. Robert Bolden, their sophomore, is battling it out with veteran Matt McGloin and they’re not settled there, so the ‘Bama defense could be primed for a big game against the slower, less explosive Penn State offense. Penn State will be a solid team that can run the football. Silas Reed rushed for 1o4 yards and two tds against Indiana State. The Nittany Lions ran for 245 yards in the game. Bolden is a good athlete and can run. Didn’t run for many yards last Saturday, but he’s capable. The defense is led by linebackers Mike Hull (7 tackles last Sat) and Mike Yancich (6 tackles). They also got two interceptions last week, so McCarron and Sims, if he’s in, need to take care of the football. This will be a challenge, but I expect Trent and Lacy to have good games and the defense– Courtney Upshaw, Dont’a Hightower, Mark Barron and the other talented, physical players–to make a lot of plays; sacks, ints and fumbles. They should help the Tide get over the top. Tide better than the Nittany Lions. It’s at Happy Valley so that makes it a little tougher. Tide a 10 point favorite.

The quarterback issue is something that needs to be worked out if Alabama wants to win a lot of games, win the SEC West,  and make a run to the Sugar Bowl for the national title. LSU looked very good on Saturday Night over Oregon. They have a very good running game with Spencer Ware (26-98, 1 TD) and Michael Ford (14-96, 2 TDs). Jarrett Lee looks more than capable of leading this team. He’s a fifth year senior and has that leadership intangible about him. He was 10-of-22 for 98 yards and one TD. He’ll get better. I think LSU is in just as good of hands with Lee as they would be with Jordan Jefferson.

Arkansas won 51-7 and Tyler Wilson was 18-of-24 for 260 yards and two touchdowns with no ints. Arkansas’ receivers are all world. State won 59-14. Of course, State has a huge game at Auburn this weekend. State is a 6 1/2 point favorite. They look really good with Chris Relf at qb and Vick Ballard at running back. The SEC West is going to be a war this year. Any of those four teams can win it. And I’m not totally counting out AU yet. They need to win this weekend. Arkansas plays at ‘Bama on Sept 24, LSU comes to Tuscaloosa on Nov.5 and State hosts Alabama on Nov. 12. And the Iron Bowl is Nov. 26. Should be a good test this Saturday for Tide in Happy Valley. Game at 2:30 on ABC.

Auburn 42, Utah State 38

Was watching the Alabama game and had taped the Auburn game to watch right after, but caught the last five minutes and it was awesome. What a comeback by Barrett Trotter, Emory Blake and company. Barrett showed so much poise late. He finished the game 17-of-23 for 261 yards and three touchdowns. The Auburn receiving corps is fine with Blake, Lutzenkirchen and Travante Stallaworth among others. Like that group. Blake was the player of the game. What a recovery on the onsides kick. I wish they’d change the rule in college where a player on the kicking team can run with the ball after he catches the kick. Seems like a dumb rule that the player is ruled down at the spot. They need to change  that. College football needs to upgrade that rule. Blake may have scored, but for sure would have gone a long way down the field. Great kick by the kicker, Chadler Brooks, as well. Loved how Auburn set up that kick. That was a very smart onsides kick play. Michael Dyer and McCalebb didn’t have great games. They need to get better. Tre Mason looks like a very exciting player and could be a big help in the backfield. Ninety seven yard kickoff return. Wow. That was awesome. Again, have to stay healthy at running back. Oline trying to come together. There is talent there, but they’re young and getting used to college game. Do like Reese Dismukes. Think he’ll be a great one at center for the next three or four years. The Oline is  a work in progress, but there is talent there to have a good year.

Defense could be problemetic. There is plenty of talent over there, but Utah State seemed to have their way on the line of scrimmage. Still think there are good players there with Jeffrey Whitaker, Corey Lemonier, Nosa Eguae and Dee Ford. Linebacker looks thin. Secondary needs to grow up pretty fast. Saw where lb Jonathan Evans got hurt. Hopefully he’s OK and will be ready to go against State. Eltoro Freeman didn’t play. Not sure when he’ll be back and not sure if he’ll ever reach his potential that was expected when he came in, but he could help if he steps up his play. Jake Holland played well at MLB. Darren Bates was pretty good at OLB. It’s another work in progress. There are some good players just not a lot of experience. The Tigers are really going to have to step it up this weekend. The game is at home so that gives them a chance. I think Trotter is going to be a very good quarterback. Dyer and McCalebb are going to have to be better this weekend. State defense is pretty decent. They lost their d coordinator, Manny Diaz, to Texas, so they’re probably not where they want to be yet. I think they’re pretty decent on defense, not great. They’ll get defensive tackle Fletcher Cox back this weekend so that should help them on line of scrimmage. State is a good football team. I was very impressed with them in the spring game and they looked pretty impressive against Memphis on Thursday. Auburn has their work cut out for them. Expecting a pretty high scoring game, but you never know when two good SEC  teams meet. A lot of times defense proves to be the difference. But I think Relf and Ballard are going to put up some points and I think Trotter and company can do so as well. Should be an interesting, exciting game. 11:20 AM on SEC Network

Another blockbuster is South Carolina at Georgia @ 3:30 PM on ESPN. Stephen Garcia had to come in and rescue Spurrier over the weekend against East Carolina. I guess Spurrier was trying to send Garcia another message by not starting him. Apparently, Connor Shaw had outplayed Garcia in fall practice, but Shaw does not have very good arm strength. I watched Shaw in the spring game and wasn’t very impressed.Garcia brought’em back to win 56-37. The SC defense didn’t play well, but I think they’ll get better. Georgia needs this one. Mark Richt really needs it. They’re at home, so that helps them. But I like SC to win. Just think Lattimore, Garcia and Jeffery are too good for the Dawgs. I expect some points to be scored in this one.

Will have  previews and predictions on Thursday.

(McCarron really needs to step it up against Penn State; Trotter needs to take his game up a notch, too, this Saturday against State.)

I’m not downplaying the seriousness of the off field matters at schools throughout the country. There are some rule breakers and they need to be penalized for their actions. But, let the NCAA deal with it, so we as sportswriters and fans can concentrate on the games. Some great matchups this weekend, and of course, our two state schools go at it and try to get a jump start on the season. Here are my analyses and predictions for Week 1.

Saturday, Sept. 3

Kent State @ No. 2 Alabama (11:20 CT, SEC Network, WTTO in Birmingham, Channel 21): Alabama should be No.1 in my opinion because I think the talent is better in Tuscaloosa on defense than in Norman and though Oklahoma may have the edge at quarterback and wide receiver, Alabama will be fine at those positions. Defense wins games and ‘Bama will play some defense this year. The key story line for this game is how will the quarterbacks do. They’re both going to play a lot. Nick Saban will probably be looking for separation if there is going to be any, then he can go with one over the other. They may both be impressive. Should be interesting. Another plot line is how will Trent do as the man? I think he’s going to be outstanding this year. He already has been, but this could really be a special year for Trent. Maybe a Mark Ingram-2009 type year that ends up in NYC at the Heisman ceremony in December. It’ll be interesting to see how the wide outs play. Marquis Maze should be very good this year and I’m looking forward to seeing DeAndrew White play. We’ll see if Duron Carter can make it into the rotation this weekend. He’s got that big body (6’3″ 215), so he could be a prime target for Sims/McCarron this season. Haven’t done a lot of research on Kent State. Pretty non- descript team. Should be a glorified scrimmage really. Like Saban and Tide to roll as they get ready to go to Happy Valley next week and face Penn State.

‘Bama 52, Golden Flashes 3

Utah State @ No.23 Auburn 11 a.m. ESPN 2:

Like the Tide, AU has a pretty easy game here. It will be interesting to see how Trotter does at qb. Defense is relatively young, but, besides Nick Fairley, should be more talented than last year. It’ll be interesting to see how some of the wide receivers play and how the tandem of McCalebb and Dyer perform. Both need to stay healthy this year that’s for sure. I noticed in both last year and the year before, AU stayed healthy in 2010 and ‘Bama did in 2009. That’s huge. Particularly for AU at running back this year. Tigers should get a warmup for a big game with State next week at home. Utah State will throw the ball a lot, so it’ll be interesting to see how T’Sharvin Bell and the young secondary responds. I’m looking forward to seeing how the entire defense plays. Offensive line will be intriguing to watch also. Reese Dismukes, the true freshman, takes over at center. Watched him in the spring game and liked him a lot. He’s going to be a stellar offensive lineman for the Tigers in the upcoming seasons. Can he do it this year? Ryan Pugh and Lee Ziemba were very effective as true freshmen on the oline, and I think Dismukes may be more talented than both of them. We’ll see how the line comes together. It’s just going to be fun to see how the defending champions play this year. I think Gene Chizik really likes this group. They’ve seen excellence and know what it takes to be great. Should be a fun year. Difficult schedule, but a solid win over Utah State should get Tigers going and get them ready for State.

Auburn 48, Utah State 10

Tonight:

Mississippi State @ Memphis ( 7 p.m. CT, SportSouth):

State should be in good shape here. I’d love to watch’em, but for some reason they’re not on. Chris Relf and Vick Ballard should have big nights. Memphis is like UAB. They really have a tough time achieving success. Hopefully, the Blazers can turn it around this year and make a run at a bowl game. Neil Calloway is going to need it. State should handle Memphis pretty easily.

MSU 45, Memphis 3

Kentucky vs Western Kentucky (8:15 P.M., ESPNU):

The Wildcats should be fine this week. They’ve got some new faces with Morgan Newton leading the way at quarterback. Think Joker Phillips is a good coach and can keep them going on a solid path. Maybe another bowl game. Can Ky ever reach elite level? I think Phillips is recruiting well, but Ky has never been an upper echelon team. Still they can play with the likes of Georgia, Florida and now SC some years. They beat SC last year. So they’re capable of doing some good things. Shouldn’t have any trouble tonight.

Ky 49, Western Kentucky 21

Saturday:

Brigham Young @Ole Miss (3:45, ESPN):

Should be a fun one here. Brigham Young is a good football team. Ole Miss trying to bounce back from last year’s 4-8 debacle. I like BYU here. I don’t know a lot about them, but like they always play solid, fundamentally flawless football. They’re pretty wide open on offense and play pretty good defense. Ole Miss prone to turn the ball over and make mistakes. Going with BYU in a great game.

BYU 34, Ole Miss 31 OT

Montana @ Tennessee (5 p.m. ESPN Game Plan):

Think UT is going to be OK this year as Derek Dooley keeps building. There are a lot of young players for the Vols this year, but Dooley is not making any excuses. He wants to win this year and not talk about rebuilding. Should be fine this weekend. Tyler Bray looking to have a big year for Vols at qb.

Vols 48, Montana 10

East Carolina @ South Carolina (6 P.M. CT ,ESPN Game Plan):

Stephen Garcia has a lot to prove. Not only is he working on his sixth chance at staying on the team, his team has a shot to make it to the SEC title game and a shot at winning the SEC. He has two great playmakers around him in Lattimore and Jeffrey, so there is no excuse for him not to perform. Spurrier is putting some pressure on him saying he won’t decide on who will be the starting quarterback until Friday. But Garcia is better than Connor Shaw. They need him to play well. When it gets to real big games, we’ll see how the historical head case performs. He should be fine this Saturday.

South Carolina 42, East Carolina 10

Florida Atlantic @ Florida (6 P.M. ESPNU):

Will be interesting to see how John Brantley does under new OC Charlie Weis. He should be better. Gators will have no problem here, but it’ll be interesting to see if they’ve improved under Will Muschamp.

Gators 52, Florida Atlantic 7

Missouri State @ No.15 Arkansas (6 P.M. ESPN Game Plan):

Hogs should be fine here. Should be a blowout. Losing Knile Davis is definitely a blow, but Hogs should be good until they meet up with ‘Bama in week four in Tuscaloosa. If they get some momentum going early, could be very interesting when they enter Bryant-Denny on Sept. 24.

Hogs 56, Missouri State 7

Elon @ Vandy (6:30 P.M., CSS):

James Franklin is trying to change the culture as the last five coaches have tried to do. The key is Larry Smith at qb. It’s put up or shut up time for him. If he struggles early, Franklin should really consider going to backup Jordan Rodgers. This is Smith’s third year to try and perform. He has failed pretty miserably the last couple of years. If his line can protect him and the running game, which should be pretty good, performs, then there are no more excuses. Vandy should be fine this Saturday. Maybe Smith can have a big game and build up some confidence.

Vandy 49, Elon 10

No.3 Oregon vs No.4 LSU ( in Dallas, 7 P.M. ABC):

This is a blockbuster game one for both squads. I like LSU’s defense to slow down LaMichael James and company enough and Jarrett Lee to perform well. Frankly, I think he’s better than Jordan Jefferson. Jefferson has blown a great opportunity. He is trying to get reinstated to his team through his lawyer. But he definitely won’t play this week. Look for running back Spencer Ware to make his mark. LSU more talented than Oregon. I like the Bengal Tigers to pull off the mild upset. Miles somehow pulls these type of games out.

LSU 31, Oregon 27

No.5 Boise State @ No.19 Georgia (7 P.M., ESPN, Georgia Dome): This is a good setup for Georgia playing pretty much a home game. But I like Kellen Moore and company to get it done once again. Boise is so well coached and Moore is a total winner. Georgia has a good team this year and freshman Isiah Crowell could be the Marcus Lattimore this season of the SEC and nationally, but I like Boise to pull it out in a great game.

Boise State 34, Georgia 31

(S and Chiz get ready to go.)