No.1 Alabama (11-0) @ No.4 Auburn (10-1)

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Pat Dye Field (87,451)

2:30 PM CT

CBS

Verne, Gary, Wolf, Timmy B in studio

Alabama leads series 42-34-1

Last time out: 2012: Alabama 49-0

Coaches: Nicholas Lou “Nick”  Saban (overall: 165-55-1 in 18 years; @ Alabama: 74-13  in seven years, three national championships @ Bama); Arthur Gustav (Swedish origin, but sounds like a member of the Luftwaffe) “Gus”  Malzahn III (18-4 overall; 10-1 at AU)

Line: Alabama by 10 1/2

Key stats:

Alabama:

Offense: Rushing: T.J. Yeldon 164-1,022, 6.2 yards per carry, 12 TDs; Kenyan Drake: 88 carries 661, 7.5 ypc, 8 TDs; Passing: A.J. 190-277 (69%), 2,399 yards, 23 TDs, 5 ints. Receiving: Christion Jones: 35-342, 9.8 yards per catch, 2 TDs; Kevin Norwood: 33-493, 14.9, 6 TDs; Amari Cooper: 30-437, 14.6, 3 TDs; DeAndrew White: 27-382, 14.1, 3 TDs; O.J. Howard: 12-246, 20.5, 2 TDs.

Defense: Leading tacklers: C.J. Mosley 88 tackles, 46 solos, 42 assisted, 9 tackles for loss; Landon Collins; 51 tackles 51, three tackles for loss, 1 int for 89 yards and a TD against Tennessee; Trey DePriest: 47 tackles, five for loss of 11 yards. a sack.

Leading sack guy: A’Shawn Robinson 5 for 29 yards. Robinson also has six tackles for loss of 31 yards, second to Mosley.

Ha Ha Clinton Dix leads the team with Vinnie Sunseri with two ints. Sunseri is out for the season.

Alabama leads the country in scoring defense allowing only 9.3 per game. They are third in total defense allowing 263.9 yards per game. They are second in the country in red zone defense allowing opponents to score only 60 percent of the time that they’re in the red zone. They are fifth in rushing defense allowing 91.27 per game and eighth in passing defense allowing 172 yards per game giving up seven TDs. They have 10 interceptions as a team. Alabama is 35th in the country in turnover margin with 17 gained and 12 lost.

Auburn:

Rushing: Tre: 208-1,153, 5.5, 17 TDS; Nick: 123-823, 6.7, 9 TDs; Cameron Artis-Payne 86-568, 6.6, 5 TDs; Corey Grant: 56-557, 9.9, 5 TDs. Passing: Nick: 108-185 (58.4%), 1,530 yards, 9 TDs, 5 ints. Receiving: Sammie Coates: 30-687, 22.9 yards per catch, 5 TDs; Ricardo Louis: 23-291, 12.7, 2 TDs; Quan Bray: 17-177, 10.4, 3 TDs.

Defense: Chris Davis: 55 tackles, 39 solos, 16 assisted; Cassanova McKinzy: 53 tackles, 31 solos, 22 assisted; Robenson Therezie; 50 tackles, 34 solos, 16 assisted; Jermaine Whitehead: 47 tackles, 30 solos, 17 assisted. Tackles for loss: Dee Ford: 11.5-83 yards. Gabe Wright: 7-28. Carl Lawson: 6.5-20. Sacks: Dee: 8-78. Interceptions: Robenson Therezie: 4-99 yards; Ryan Smith 3-4 yards. Auburn is 30th in scoring defense allowing 22 points per game; They’re 54th in rushing defense allowing 153 yards per game; they’re 100th in pass defense allowing 253 yards per game; They’re 70th in total defense allowing 406.9 yards per game. they’re 28th in tackles for loss, Alabama is 100th. They’re 49th in sacks with 24; Alabama is 83rd with 18. They’re 50th in turnover margin with 17 gained and 15 lost.

Should be an electric atmosphere in Jordan-Hare tomorrow. One of the most electric in the rivalry’s history.  This is the biggest Iron Bowl since Sullivan-Beasley vs Musso in 1971. Will we have another Punt-Bama-Punt scenario, a Bo over the top in the form of Tre Mason, “the kick” scenario with Cade Foster, “the drive:” scenario from 2009 this time with A.J. at the helm possibly earning serious Heisman votes with a stellar performance? Any of this could happen.

But I just like the Alabama offense to get it done both on the ground and through the air against a hard-working good defense, but not a dominant defense facing a dominating offense. AU has had a fantastic season and there is a lot to be proud of in 2013. A very good New Year’s bowl is in the offing.But I don’t think the AU defense can stop A.J., T.J., Kenyan, Kevin Norwood, Amari, Christion and a an offensive line that has put it together as the season’s progressed even  though Ryan Kelly is questionable at center. Chad Lindsey has done a nice job in his place and Kelly could very well play. Dee Ford and Gabe Wright will make some plays for sure, and AU may come up with some turnovers. But Bama’s defense is the best in the country, though Michigan State is pretty good too. But if I’m in a huge game, I want C.J. Mosley, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Trey DePriest and Landon Collins on my side. Nick could have trouble in the passing game this time, though I think Auburn can move the ball, Gustav will figure something out, but I don’t think AU can score enough to keep up with the Tide. I love this Auburn team, but they just don’t have enough defense against this Bama team that has put together another epic season. It’s all on the line at AU. This should be an excellent game for a good while, but I like the Tide to advance to the SEC Championship game with a little too much offense and more lock down defense than the Tigers.

Bama 42, AU 30

Other scores:

Record last week: 8-6; overall 110-32 (77%)

SEC:

Today

LSU 42, Arkansas 21

Nationally:

Today:

Oregon 52, Oregon State 27

Saturday:

Missouri 49, A&M 42

Dawgs 31, Tech 27

South Carolina 38, Clemson 31

Florida State 45, Florida 14

Vanderbilt 34, Wake Forest 27

Kentucky 28, Tennessee 24

National games:

Ohio State 42, Michigan 38

North Carolina 45, Duke  34

Wisconsin 41, Penn State 28

Stanford 34, Notre Dame 24

Virginia Tech 31, Virginia 27

USC 42, UCLA 38

Arizona 42, Arizona State 41

NFL Scores:

Bears 31, Vikings 30

Arizona 34, Eagles 31

Cam 24, Bucs 21

Peyton 34, Chiefs 27

Saints 34, Seahawks 30

Iron Bowl

Saturday, 2:30 PM CT

at Auburn, Jordan-Hare Stadium, (87,500)

 CBS

Verne, Gary, the Wolf with the call

Bama by 10 1/2 right now

Keys to the game:

1. The lines of scrimmage for both teams.

A. Can the Auburn o line led by Reese Dismukes, Alex Kozan, Greg Robinson, Chad Slade and company control the Alabama defensive line and open up holes for Tre Mason, Corey Grant and Artis-Payne. Fulback Jay Prosch will be important as well, really important, as he takes on the many times unblockable C. J. Mosley and, Trey DePriest. Can Prosch allow Mason and Grant to get by those two stellar players. The wide receivers will have to get the job done on the outside to allow Grant and Nick to run on the perimeter. Also will the line be able to protect Nick and Jeremy Johnson, if he’s in there, in the passing game. Playing Johnson would be an interesting twist Gus could throw in there.

B. Can the Bama line control the formidable AU defensive line? Can center Ryan Kelly, guards Anthony Steen and Arie Kuondijo, and tackles Cyrus K and Austin Shepherd  handle Dee Ford, Gabe Wright, Carl Lawson, Montravius Adams, Nosa Eguae and Elijah Daniel. This will be a major determinant of the outcome of the game. If T.J. and Kenyan Drake have holes to run through they will pile up the yardage. I look for Derrick Henry to maybe get some playing time as well. If A.J. has  time to throw he will be able to connect with Christion Jones, Amari Cooper, the always dependable and explosive Kevin Norwood, DeAndrew White and Kenny Bell. Look for O.J. Howard to get in the act too, if A.J can have time. The Auburn line has to pressure A.J. It’ll be interesting to see if AU defensive coordinator Ellis Johnson throws in some blitzes to rattle A.j. some.

2. The Alabama and Auburn secondaries: Will be on high alert. Auburn will try to hit some big plays with Sammie Coates and Ricardo Lewis, so Deione Belue, Bradley Sylve, Cyrus Jones and the other corners will have to be at their best. Ha Ha and Landon will need to be there to guard against the long ball. On the other side, Chris Davis and Ryan Smith will be severely tested. This is where AU really needs to get a pass rush to help these guys in coverage. Jerome Whitehead and Robinson Therezie will need  to lock down deep and come up and make plays. Interceptions could play a key role in this game.

3. Turnovers, as always, will play a big role in the outcome. T.J. and Kenyan and Henry, if he’s in, will have to  take care of the football for the Tide. A.J. needs to not only make plays in the passing game, he will need to manage the game well. Same for Tre and Corey and of course Nick. Nick has done an excellent job of avoiding turnovers and that will be critical Saturday.

4. Kicking game and special teams will play a role. A Chris Davis punt return or a return in the punting game or kickoff return game by Christion Jones would be game changer. A Cade Foster or Cody Parkey field goal or a couple will mean a lot. Cody Mandell and Steven Clark could determine key field position in the punting game. All important players.

There are always a lot of factors  that determine the outcome of a game, any game, and in a game of this magnitude, you need to take care of business in most all of the areas I listed. Should be a thriller on the Plains Saturday. Ready for it to get here.

Will have more and my prediction on Thursday.

Another huge game Saturday Night is A&M @ Missouri at 7:45 PM ET/6:45 CT on ESPN. Missouri wins and they go to the SEC championship game in Atlanta, a week from Saturday, Dec. 7 in the Georgia Dome in Atlanta at 4 PM ET/3 CT on CBS. If Missouri loses, South Carolina will go to the championship game to face Alabama or Auburn. Missouri playing really good football right now with quarterback James Franklin back and an offensive arsenal and a defense led by defensive end Michael Sam that is playing stellar. Excellent football team here. South Carolina plays Clemson at home at 7 PM ET/6 CT on ESPN2 Saturday. Should be an excellent game there as well. Some classic rivalry games this week beginning Thursday Night with Ole Miss at State, in what should be a very interesting and exciting game. That game will kickoff at 7:30 PM ET/6:3o CT on ESPN. Texas plays Texas Tech Thursday Night at 7:30 ET/6:30 CT on Fox Sports 1. Georgia-Georgia Tech play Saturday at 3:30 PM ET/2:30 CT on ABC. Florida State travels to Florida for a Saturday noon ET/11 AM CT start on ESPN. Duke in a key game at Chapel Hill to face Carolina. If Duke wins they earn a spot in the ACC championship game and if FSU doesn’t have Jameis Winston, which is possible, Duke could knock them off. The Jameis Winston situation is very disappointing if true.

Bears 31, Rams 30

Panthers 28, Dolphins 17

Colts 30, Cards 27

Giants 34, Cowboys 28

Broncos 31, Patriots 28

Niners 31, Skins 24

I thought the replacement refs had retired? On the last play of the game last night on  Monday Night football with the Patriots on the Panthers’ 18 yard line, Tom Brady threw a pass intended for tight end Rob Gronkowski. Carolina linebacker Luke Kuechly was holding Gronk and he couldn’t come back to the ball and catch it in the end zone.  Rookie Robert Lester, from ‘Bama,  intercepted the ball in the end zone which sealed  the Panthers victory over the Patriots, 24-20.

But it wasn’t over. Back judge Terrence Mills had thrown a flag for interference. But after conferring with side judge Greg Meyer and umpire Garth (Wayne’s World?)  DeFelice, Mills picked up the flag. The ref consultant whom ESPN asked to explain the ruling took up for the refs and said Gronk couldn’t have gotten to the ball; that the ball was uncatchable. Of course he couldn’t get to the ball; he was being held by Kuechly. Bakeman gave no explanation for it and just said there was no foul and the game was over. In one of the most important games of the year, the refs proved their incompetence again. These guys are fine at times, but they blew a very important call that could have easily given the Patriots a shot at winning the game. The Pats would have had the ball on the one on the last play of the game. A game can’t end on a defensive penalty.

In Bakeman’s jumbled explanation of the call, he said “in essence” three times in a paragraph. What you do? It’s over and can’t be changed.  The Panthers and Patriots both played a terrific Monday Night game, but the call was blown and the Patriots were robbed of a highly significant victory in their quest of getting home field in the playoffs. The Chiefs are now 9-1, the Broncos are 9-1 and the Pats and Colts are 7-3. The Bengals are 7-4. It was a huge game for both teams. The Panthers are now 7-3 and are one back of the Saints in the NFC South with two games against the Saints in December. The Saints are 8-2. Cam played an awesome game and threw the game winning 25-yard TD pass to Ted Ginn Jr. with 1:09 left in the game. Cam finished the night 19-of-28 for 209 yards, with three TDs, no interceptions, and a 125.4 passer rating. Those are excellent numbers. Brady was 29-of-40 for 296 yards with one TD and one interception, Lester’s on the final play of the game. His passer rating was 91.2.

Excellent victory for the Panthers, tough for the Patriots. Patriots had all their playmakers back on offense, but Carolina plays really good defense and the Patriots just can’t get it done on defense when it counts. Brady and company moved the ball well on the Panthers, particularly in the second half, but he does that on everybody. But Cam and the Panthers made a few more plays when it counted. And Clete Bakeman’s crew sealed the Patriots’ fate on a pathetically bad call, which was actually called, but rescinded by back judge Terrence Mills. If nothing else, it was defensive holding on the play. Interference was certainly in play too.

The Panthers are an excellent football team. They have a chance to go deep this year, very deep,  with their defense and if Cam can play like that. Cam also ran it seven times for 62 yards including a beautiful third down run for 24 yards when it looked like he was sacked twice. He played so well. Patriots are good on offense, but they don’t look like they play enough defense to go the distance. Peyton @ Brady Sunday Night on Sunday Night football on NBC. Can’t wait for that.

On December 23, 1972, the Pittsburgh Steelers, trying to become a factor in the NFL after years of futility, had finished an excellent regular season and faced the Oakland Raiders in the AFC playoffs. With less than 30 seconds remaining and fourth down with the Steelers in possession of the ball, quarterback Terry Bradshaw heaved the ball downfield for John “Frenchy” Fuqua, his running back. Safety Jack Tatum came up and belted Fuqua just as the ball arrived. The ball allegedly bounced off Tatum’s shoulder pads (which was confirmed later) and was floating to the ground. Amazingly Franco Harris, the running back who was trailing the play, pulled in the ball right before it hit the ground and raced for the end zone. He scored and the Steelers won an amazing game 13-10 over the Raiders. The Steelers didn’t win the Super Bowl that year, it went to the undefeated Dolphins, but it set up the Steelers for greatness as they went on to win four Super Bowls in the ’70’s and establish one of if not the greatest pro football legacy of all time.

Well, the immaculate reception happened again on Saturday and it took place on the Plains. On fourth and 18 and 30 seconds left, the great Nick Marshall threw it deep for Ricardo Louis, who told Nick to get him the ball. Two Georgia defenders, Josh Harvey-Clemons and Trey Matthews looked like they were going to either intercept it, or just knock it down, but Harvey-Clemmons tipped the ball away from Matthews who was waiting for the interception and it jumped in the air over the two defenders. Louis never took his eyes off the ball and as the ball floated in the air for a second or two Louis ran under it gathered it in and ran it in for one of the most incredible plays in college football history as the Tigers moved to 10-1 with the 43-38 victory over the Dawgs. It was magical at Auburn. Wow, it was electric. AU snatched victory from what sure looked like defeat and kept their magical season alive and now await  the Crimson Tide who will come  into Jordan-Hare Nov. 30 at 11-0 for all practical purposes and play the Tigers in a titanic tilt with SEC and national championship aspirations on the line.

Gus Malzahn has magic. There is no doubt. Alabama struggled to get by a State team that played really inspired football. ‘Bama coming off the big LSU victory just couldn’t get it together on offense, winning 20-7 over the Bulldogs. They turned it over four times, with fumbles  by T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake and two interceptions thrown by A.J. We’ll see how the Tide regroups this week and gears up for the biggest Iron Bowl in many years.

Here are previews and predictions for another riveting season in the league. Some excellent matchups this weekend as the teams start making their push for the postseason.

Last week: 5-3; Overall: 38-21 (64%)

Baltimore Ravens (4-5) @ Chicago Bears (5-4)

Soldier Field, Chicago (61,500)

1 PM ET/noon CT

CBS

Jim Nantz and Phil Simms

Weather: Strong storms possible, 63 @ kickoff, 80% rain chance, Wind SSW @ 26

Line: Bears by 3

Jay Cutler is on the shelf again, so the Bears will rely again on highly capable Josh McCown. He led the Bears to victory over the Packers on Monday Night football a couple of weeks ago. But this weather does not look like it’s going to help the quality of play by the offenses. Joe Flacco signed an offseason deal that pays him $20 million this year and signed a six year, $120 million dollar contract after the Super Bowl victory last season, which included a $29 million signing bonus. Wow. He struggled in week 10 in a key Ravens win over the Bengals, 20-17, throwing two touchdowns, but also had two interceptions and a lost fumble. It could be ugly in Chicago Sunday offensively. The Bears are without corner Charles Tillman and linebacker Lance Briggs, who are both out with injury. If you know who’s going to win this game, let me know. I’ll go with the Bears.

Bears 14, Ravens 10

Washington Redskins (3-6) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-5)

Lincoln Financial Field, Philly (68,532)

1 PM ET/Noon CT

FOX

Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, EA

Weather: Few showers (30%), 64 @ kickoff, Wind SSE @ 10 MPH

Line: Eagles by 3 1/2

Chip Kelly’s done a good job in Philly. Classic rivalry. Eagles looking to get a leg up in the NFC East as everybody else is faltering, though the Giants are showing some life. Eagles’ qb Nick Foles, who has taken Michael Vick’s spot, has thrown for 10 TDs in the last two games and hasn’t thrown an interception all season. Foles threw seven TDs against duh Raiduhs two weeks ago. That’s impressive. Can RGIII and the Redskins get it back together? The Redskins have to have this game. I don’t think they’ll get it.

Eagles 35, Skins 28

Detroit Lions (6-3) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-6)

Heinz, Field, Pittsburgh, Pa. (65,050)

Time: 1 PM ET/ Noon CT

FOX

Thom Brennaman, Brian Billick and Laura Okmin

Weather: T-showers (60%), 60 degrees @ kickoff, wind S @ 15 MPH

Line: Lions by 2

Matthew Stafford is playing tremendous football right now and he’s got a stud in Calvin “Megatron” Johnson to throw to, and a line that has given up the fewest sacks in the league (10 times). I don’t see the somewhat dysfunctional Steelers knocking a hot Lions team off, even though it’s in the Steel City. Could be a lower scoring affair though with the weather.

Lions 24, Steelers 21

San Francisco 49ers (6-3) @ New Orleans Saints (7-2)

Mercedes-Benz Superdome, N’awlins (69,719)

Time: 4:25 PM ET/3:25 CT

FOX

Joe, Troy, Pam

Weather: Perfect, indoors, perfect for Breesy

Line: Saints by 3

Drew Brees completed 34-of-41 passes last week for 392 yards and four touchdowns against no interceptions in a 49-17 Saints victory over the Cowboys. Breesy had a passer rating of 139. Heady stuff there from Drew. Meanwhile Colin Kaepernick was 11-of-22 for 91 yards no touchdowns, an interception and a 42 passer rating against the Carolina Panthers, in a 10-9 San Francisco loss. The Saints defense isn’t as good as Carolina’s because Carolina’s is prolific. But the Saints are pretty darn good on defense under first year dc Rob Ryan. The Niners are a lot better on defense than the Cowboys, but I still see Breesy hooking up with Jimmy Graham and some of his talented receivers including stellar rookie Kenny Stills, and making some things happen in the passing game. Maybe Mark Ingram will step up big time and give the Saints what they need most; a potent running game. I see the Saints getting it done here. Sean Payton is back on the sidelines this year and that makes all the difference in the world to his football team. Terrific matchup of coaches in Payton vs Jim Harbaugh. Like Payton and Drew to get over the top in this one. Like Drew over Kaepernick, though Kaepernick does have Mario Manningham back which should help him, but Vernon Davis suffered a concussion last week, so not sure about his availability.

Saints 28, Niners 24

Green Bay Packers (5-4) @ New York Giants (3-6)

MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, Jersey (82,566)

4:25 PM ET/3:25 CT

FOX

Kenny Albert, Daryl “Moose” Johnston and Goose

Weather: 61, Cloudy, wind SSE @ 9 MPH

LIne: Giants by 5

Eli has gotten it together somewhat and so have the Giants as they have moved back into  the NFC East hunt. Packers on their third option at quarterback in Scott Tolzien, who threw for 280 yards, a TD and two ints last week against the Eagles, a 27-13 loss. Tolzien is a pretty decent player, but I like the G-Men to get the job done at home and continue to sneak their way back into the race.

Giants 31, Pack 24

Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) @ Denver Broncos (8-1)

Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver (76,125)

8:30 PM ET/7:30 CT

NBC Sunday Night Football

Al, the great Cris Collinsworth, Michelle and Carrie

Weather: 39 @ kickoff, Clear, wind, NW 12 MPH

Line: Broncos by 8 1/2

It’s kind of surprising for an undefeated team to be this much of an underdog. But the record is kind of deceiving for the Chiefs because they haven’t beaten a team with a winning record. Still, they’ve got an excellent defense and lead the league in sacks with 36, so Peyton, who is banged up some, and his line better be on high alert. Also, Alex Smith is doing a great job running the offense and Jamaal Charles is an excellent running back. But I see the Broncos, with Jack Del Rio in charge in place of John Fox who is recovering from a heart condition, to be in good shape here. Peyton will step up and the Denver defense will step up. The Broncos don’t lose much really not anything with Del Rio in charge. He’s an established coach and an excellent defensive coordinator and leader. Not a total buyer of the Chiefs yet, but they do some things well like play defense and run it. But I think the Broncos are better.

Broncos 31, Chargers 21

Is it Monday Night yet?

New England  Patriots (7-2) @ Carolina Panthers (6-3)

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC (73,778)

8:30 PM ET/7:30 CT

ESPN, Monday Night Football

Mike Tirico, the Great Jon Gruden and Lisa Salters

Weather: 44 degrees @ kickoff, clear, wind, WNW @ 10 MPH

Line: Panthers by 2 1/2

Tom Brady threw for 432 yards, four TDs, no ints, and had a passer rating of 151.8 against the Steelers two weeks ago. That’s superb. Of course, you run out of superlatives when talking about Tom Terrific. His four TD, no interception performance against the Steelers was his 15th time in his career to do that tying him with Breesy for most in NFL history. Wow, is the NFL ever a quarterbacks’ game. This should be an excellent game because the Panthers can play some defense now. Cam didn’t do much great last week against the Niners, but has won five in a row and are very, very hot. Cam just needs to be the best he can be and let the defense try to figure out Brady. That’s a tall order particularly with Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola back catching passes for Brady, particularly Gronk. I’m going to go with the slight upset here and pick Brady and company to get it done in Charlotte over a good Carolina team. Not sold that Cam has arrived yet.

Patriots 28, Panthers 24

The Deep South’s oldest rivalry resumes tomorrow at 2:30 PM CT on CBS as the resurgent and red hot Auburn Tigers face their fierce rival the Georgia Dawgs on the Plains. AU playing great offensive football, particularly running the ball, and Nick Marshall has shown an ability to make big plays in the passing game as well as with his legs. Georgia has been snakebitten this year with injuries, but appears a little healthier. Bama will try to keep the Cow Bells at bay tomorrow night in Starkville at 6:45 PM CT and keep their drive for an SEC title alive and well. Here’s a look at tomorrow’s games along with predictions.

Last week: 12-4; Overall: 88-23 (79%)

Standings are BCS:

Them Dawgs (No.25, 4-2 SEC, 6-3 overall) @ No.7 Auburn (5-1, 9-1)

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Pat Dye Field, Auburn, Al. (87,451)

Time: 2:30 PM CT

Network: CBS

Verne, Gare Bear and “Coerch (at halftime), why are you so bad right now? “

Weather: 65 @ kickoff, 0% rain, wind ESE 9 MPH

Line: AU by 3 1/2

AU playing extremely well and just pounding the ball down opponents’ throats. The Dawgs have been pretty good stopping the run this year, so Nick will probably be forced to do something with his arm. Auburn’s defense has done a nice job this year and is second in the SEC in tackles for loss with 73. Auburn will have to neutralize Aaron Murray and the passing attack. Chris Rumph is a guy to watch on the perimeter along with Michael Bennett, Rontavious Wooten and maybe Chris Conley if he can go. Chris Davis and Jonathan Mincy will be tested on the corners. Todd Gurley is still hobbled by an ankle but will play. His backups, J.J. Green and Brendan Douglas have gotten better. Tight end Arthur Lynch is going to play, he’s practiced all week, and he should be a factor for the Dawgs. Jay Rome is also a highly capable tight end. So Georgia has the offensive artillery to do some damage. Auburn needs to figure out ways to get to Murray and disrupt his timing. I’m looking for a pretty high scoring affair with a key turnover or two deciding the game. Georgia’s won six of the last seven, but I see the team that is playing better football right now getting it done and moving on in their quest for an SEC title.

Auburn 38, Georgia 34

No.1 Alabama (6-0, 9-0) @ Mississippi State (1-4, 4-5)

Davis Wade Stadium, Starkville, Ms. (55,802)

Time: 6:45 PM CT

ESPN

Brad, Todd, Holly

Weather: 63 @ kickoff, 20% rain, wind, SSE @ 9 MPH

Line: Bama by 24

It’s always hard for the Tide, or any team for that matter to get up the week after a game like the LSU game. But it’s important, so they have to. I expect the Tide to play well and keep the momentum going. ‘Bama should be able to run and pass pretty well though Mississippi State’s defense is pretty decent. The key is I don’t think Dak Prescott and the State offense will be able to do much against the ‘Bama defense, unless they can find a way to get the ball over Deion Belue’s head. Belue is the weakness of the team. Otherwise, ‘Bama should be OK here, though State put up a lot of points against A&M. Like the Tide to win, but for it to be close for a a couple of quarters.

Bama 45, State 14

Florida (3-4, 4-5) @ No.10 South Carolina (5-2, 7-2)

Williams-Brice Stadium, Columbia, SC (80,250)

7 PM ET/6 CT

ESPN 2

Tess, Matt, and Maria

Weather: 61 @ kickoff, 10 % rain, wind ENE @ 2 MPH

Line: SC by 12 1/2

South Carolina could be in the driver’s seat in the East if they can take care of business tomorrow, Georgia loses to Auburn and MIzzou loses either next week @ Ole Miss or the following week at home against A&M. All three are highly possible scenarios. Will Muschamp got the vote of confidence from AD Jeremy Foley this week and I think the President of the university weighed in on it too. We’ll see how committed they are if the season is even more disastrous after South Carolina this weekend and FSU @ home in two weeks. Florida has really been destroyed by injuries this year, but at the same time, the offense has been pathetic for the last two years. I thought Brent Pease was a good hire for Muschamp, but his offenses are not getting the job done. They’re terrible. Tyler Murphy is not getting it done at quarterback and the offensive line and skilled players are not up to par. The defense is doing their best, but it has to be extremely frustrating to keep going with an offense that’s this bad. All that said, I like the Gamecocks to get the job done here and move on to a possible SEC East title. I picked them before the season to play ‘Bama in the title game, so hopefully that works out. They play host to Clemson in two weeks in what will be a fun and highly entertaining matchup. Gamecocks need to win here and get some help from Auburn, Ole Miss and/or A&M.

SC 35, Florida 20

Kentucky (0-5, 2-7) @ Vanderbilt (2-4, 5-4)

Vanderbilt Stadium, Nashville, Tn. (40,550)

11:21 AM CT

SEC Network (WTTO-Channel 21 in Birmingham)

Bob, Andre, Cara

Weather: 63, mostly cloudy, 10% rain, wind, S 13 MPH

Line: Vandy by 12

Vandy has now beaten Georgia and Florida in the same year for the first time ever. James Franklin has accomplished a lot of firsts in Nashville in his three years at the helm. The highly emotional coach, he is really getting the job done. His recruiting class is ranked 21st in the country. If he stays at Vandy, he can accomplish some unprecedented things for the highly acclaimed academic university that has been unfortunately maligned over the years because of the lack of success on the football field. That takes a lot away from the many academic and humanitarian accomplishments of a prodigious  university. But Franklin has changed the perception of the football program. He said when he came in that the football program was going to reflect the greatness of the university. And he’s doing that. With games against Kentucky (tomorrow) and @ Tennessee next week and Wake at home in two weeks, Franklin has another shot at leading VU to another eight win season and potentially nine with a bowl win. Mark Stoops is trying to build something at Kentucky, which has probably forgotten that there is still some football left with their talented basketball team getting into their season. They like to win big at Kentucky, but unfortunately for Stoops, it’s on the hardwood not the gridiron. So he’s got an uphill battle ahead of him. He’s recruited well, but tomorrow may be a long day for his team. Vandy on a huge high after winning at Gainesville last week. The defense is really coming alive and redshirt freshman quarterback Patton Robinette, he with a perfect 36 on his ACT score in high school, is playing very good football and leading the team well along with the awesome Jordan Matthews at wide receiver and a stellar small in height but powerful in stature, and quick as a hiccup Jerron Seymour at running back. Like the Dores to take care of business this week and continue on their ascendence in the college football and SEC landscape.

VU 34, UK 20

Troy (5-5) @ Ole Miss (6-3)

Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, Ms. (60,580)

Time: 11 AM CT

ESPNU

Weather: Mostly cloudy, 63 @ kickoff, 10% rain, wind SSE 14 MPH

Line: Ole Miss by 28

The Rebels have gotten back to playing stellar football. The offense is clicking, the defense is figuring it out, and they’re trying to finish with nine victories on the season, as Hugh Freeze leads his team back to challenging for SEC titles in the upcoming years. After Troy, which can be a challenge for heavily favored teams as Troy is competitive, Ole Miss has Missouri at home in a huge game then go to State to finish off the season. Troy is scrappy and plays good offense. Just don’t think they can stop the high octane offense of the Rebels.

Rebels 48, Troy 24

 Key national games:

No.12 Oklahoma State (5-1 Big 12, 8-1 overall) @ No.24 Texas (6-0, 7-2)

Darrell K. Royal- Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, Tx. (100,119)

Time: 2:30 CT

FOX

Gus Johnson, Charles Davis, EA in the studio

Weather: 79 @ kickoff, partly cloudy, 0% rain, wind S @ 14

Line: Ok State by 3

With all the talk about Mack Brown resigning or getting fired, the Longhorns have gotten right back in the thick of things in the Big 12 and can really make a statement with a victory tomorrow over the Cowboys. With that said, I still don’t trust Brown and the Longhorns. Their defense is very questionable and they barely got by a swiss cheese defense in West Virginia last week, 47-40 in overtime, though the scrappy and potent offensively Mountaineers did beat the Ok State earlier this year, 30-21.  But Ok State is a lot better now and I see them winning the Big 12, yes beating Texas and Baylor. It starts tomorrow at Austin as the Cowboys try to get in the BCS bowl conversation. Not the national championship discussion, but a Fiesta Bowl opportunity.

Ok State 41, Texas 35

No.16 Michigan State (5-0, 8-1) @ Nebraska (4-1, 7-2)

Memorial Stadium, Lincoln, Ne. (74,000)

2:30 PM CT

ESPN2

Weather: 63 @ kickoff, Mostly sunny, 10% rain, wind SW @ 15

Line: Sparty by 6

The Spartans lead the country in total defense (210 yards per game) they’re third in scoring defense (11.6 ppg), they’re first in pass efficiency defense, and first in rushing defense (43.4 yds per game). Maybe the Big Ten is down a little this year, but those numbers are still impressive. Like the Michigan State defense to get it done again in Lincoln. For some reason I don’t trust Bo Pelini when it counts and I do trust Mark Dontonio.

Michigan State 28, Nebraska 20

No.4 Stanford (6-1 Pac 12, 8-1 overall) @ USC (4-2, 7-3)

LA Coliseum, LA, Caly (93,607)

7 PM CT

ABC

Brent, Herbie, Heather

Weather: Partly Cloudy, 61, no rain, of course, wind S 4 MPH

Line: Cardinal by 4

Stanford is still in the national championship hunt after their huge victory over Oregon last Thursday night, but the Trojans are a major hurdle to Stanford’s aspirations  the rest of this  season. Stanford is going  to have to win out and hope to get some help from some other teams. But they’ve got to take care of business in LA, and it’ll be a challenge. The Trojans are playing very well on offense and the defense is playing inspired. Coach O has’em believing. But I still don’t trust him completely, and I do trust David Shaw and his football  team. Quarterback Kevin Hogan is a very good player and he will help this team keep on winning along with the physical, stout defense of the Cardinal. Like this to be close, but see the Cardinal notching the victory.

Stanford 31, USC 28

Also:

Ohio State 58, Illinois 21

FSU 56, Syracuse 14

UCLA 38, Washington 34

Virginia Tech 28, Maryland 10

Baylor 52, Texas Tech 35

East Carolina 56, UAB 27

Miami 31, Duke 30

Louisville 45, Houston 31

Boise State 52, Wyoming 28