Take Me Out To The Brawl-Game?

   So the schools in the Athens (Ga.) area shut down Friday in deference to the Georgia-Florida game.

   The next day.

   In another state.

   This is big, and we're not just talking school administrators' overreaction to a few absentees. Can you remember the last time an SEC game not involving an unbeaten team has generated such a build-up?

   Both have potent offenses, with the league's premier quarterbacks -- Tim Tebow and Matthew Stafford -- at the helm. (Which one would you prefer on your team?)

   Florida's defense is rated tops in the SEC despite starting no seniors, Georgia's not far behind.

   If that's not enough, there's the carryover from last year's controversial end zone dance by the Bulldogs after a touchdown. (Coach Mark Richt says he green-lighted it, but only for the 11 players on the field, not the entire roster.) Florida has not forgotten.

   By the way, these are the heaviest penalized teams in the league. Given the emotions, expect flags to fly about all day in Jacksonville.

   Do you anticipate "extracurricular activity," as the announcers say?

   It's tough to confidently pick a winner. (The gamblers are clear, supporting Florida as a 6 1/2-point favorite, which seems a bit high.)

   From our perspective, too close to call. Who's your winner?

   

    

    

Rating Non-League Schedules: And The Toughest Goes To ...

   With blather about BCS rankings soon to reach a crescendo, much of the debate deals with teams' schedules outside of their league. The degree of difficulty can be a make-or-break for school vying for big bowls.

   Though the season is far from over, many SEC schools have concluded their non-league agenda. So, let's rate each member's outside-the-family games, from easiest to hardest.

   12.) Kentucky: Louisville (good), Middle Tennessee (OK), Western Kentucky (just out of Division 1, formerly known as 1-AA), AA), Norfolk State (Division I). Too many creampuffs.

   11.) LSU: Troy (decent), Tulane (not), North Texas (maybe the weakest on the top level), Appalachian State (Div. 1, but a good one). Not a single stiff test in the bunch.

  10.) Alabama: Clemson (overrated at start of season), Tulane and Western Kentucky (see above), Arkansas State (weak). Sure miss the Bama-Southern Cal classics.

   9.) Ole Miss: Wake Forest (underachiever), Memphis (OK), Louisiana-Monroe (weak), Samford (Div. 1). The Deacons turned out not to be Demons.

   8.) Mississippi State: Georgia Tech (very good), Middle Tennessee (see above), Lousiana Tech (weak), Southeast Louisiana (Div. 1). Big drop-off after the Yellow Jackets.

   7.) Tennessee: UCLA (relative softie in BCS), Northern Illinois (OK), UAB and Wyoming (both pushovers). If not for these, Phil Fulmer might be gone already.

   6.) South Carolina: Clemson (disappointing), North Carolina State (ACC punching bag), UAB (weak), Wofford (Div. 1). Credit to Gamecocks for its par of ACC foes.

   5.) Auburn: West Virginia (very good), Southern Miss (weak), Louisiana-Monroe (weak), Tennessee-Martin (Div. 1). Big drop-off after the Mountaineers.

  4.) Georgia: Georgia Tech (very good), Arizona State (disappointing), Central Michigan (decent), Georgia Southern (Div. 1). When season kicked off, Bulldogs might have been No. 1.

   3.) Vanderbilt: Duke (ascending), Wake Forest (see above), Miami Ohio (weak), Rice (weaker). Credit to Commodores for two ACC schools, though one (Duke) unexpectedly tough.

   2.) Florida: Florida State and Miami (getting better), Hawaii (rebuilding), The Citadel (Div. 1). Two in-state rivalries always puts the Gators near the front.

   1.) Arkansas: Texas (doesn't get harder than this), unbeaten Tulsa (surprise!), Louisiana-Monroe (see above), Western Illinois (Div. 1). Splitting your non-league games is not good.

   Thoughts on the list? Have we overrated anyone? Underrated?

   Overall, it seems as if the SEC has gone soft. Hard to blame schools, given that the league schedule is such a gauntlet. Still, challenging non-conference matchups are few and far between.

   Agree? Or should SEC teams go the easy route?

 

   

And Then There Were Three (We Think)

   What do Alabama and Obama have in common, besides their similarity in name?

   Both are close enough to the prize to taste it.

   The Crimson Tide can clinch the West with a victory in its next league game. Won't be easy -- at LSU Nov. 8 -- but the Tigers are struggling ay quarterback and have allowed a 50-spot to Florida and Georgia.

   Is it in the bag for Bama?

   Even with a loss to LSU, the Tide should walk over Mississippi State and slap around fading Auburn, which would put them in the league championship game against . . .

   Florida? Georgia? We should find out Saturday in a monster match-up between the league's most explosive offenses and inventive coaches.

   Urban Meyer placed a gag order Sunday on the Gators, which speaks loud and clear on the importance he places on the game. Don't expect Mark Richt to follow suit -- he doesn't want to be seen as an imitator -- but he surely will warn the Dawgs to watch their words.

   The main pollsters and the BCS people differ on the worth of the teams. AP (writers) and USA Tuday (coaches) view the Gators better -- by three slots, in AP's case. The BCS prefers Georgia, in front of Florida by two spots.

   Who do you like?

   Those anticipating the SEC championship can start gearing up for the winner versus Nick Saban's crew. Maybe President Obama will toss the coin.

     

     

A Nutt Job At Ole Miss

    The media build-up to the Ole Miss-Arkansas game was supposed to make us feel sorry for Houston Nutt, who was chased out of Arkansas last season and replaced by the scurrilous Bobby Petrino.

   Not that any neutral fan should pull for Petrino, seeing as how his handling of the midseason abandonment of the Atlanta Falcons is an unforgivable sin.

   But let's not pity Nutt, who signed on Ole Miss' dotted line about the same day he received a hefty buyout from the Razorbacks. Nutt hit the lottery, and he did leave the Razorbacks' cupboard all but bare.

   Who among all you non-Rebels and non-Razorbacks hoped would win this game?

   Having said that, Nutt has made Ole Miss competitive this season -- and likely headed for a bowl.

   Still, nearly all head coaches wear out their welcome. No need to pity them when they get paid a princely sum to move on.

   By the way, any Petrino defenders out there?

   

     

Wil-BRRR: Danger Wearing Striped Shirt

   In his day, Kentucky linebacker Wilbur Hackett was a ferocious tackler. Hackett garnered such respect from his coaches and teammates that he was named captain, the first black player so honored in the SEC.

   Twenty-eight years after his last college game, Hackett showed he can still level a quarterback. He was officiating the South Carolina-LSU game Saturday when the Gamecocks'  Stephen Garcia began scrambling toward the goal line. Hackett, the umpire moved into Garcia's path and drove his right shoulder and forearm into the unsuspecting quarterback. An LSU player easily finished off the tackle.

   The SEC office judged that Hackett merely was protecting himself. Maybe so, but as one of the million-plus viewers of the 12-second clip on YouTube, I would swear this was no accident.

   I'm sure Hackett panicked momentarily and let instincts take over. No striped shirt in his right mind would interfere with the play.

   But you couldn't tell from the video, which makes Hackett appear as the aggressor.

   The Wildcats could sure his him Saturday against Florida. 

   Take a look. What do you think?

It's A Locke: Kentucky's Done

   While Alabama nation is beside itself over the knee injury to SUV-sized nose guard Terrence "Mount" Cody, he is projected to miss only two games. (The first is against Tennessee, which deserves a break.)

   The real painful SEC down-and-outer is Kentucky tailback Derrick Locke, gone for the season with a knee injury. One week after the Wildcats bade a teary goodbye to top receiver Dicky Lyons Jr., they must replace their foremost ball-carrier. Kentucky has no shot at Florida on Saturday.

   Will the Wildcats win another game? 

BCS Buzz: No Love for Florida, LSU?

   Jumping off the page with the first BCS rankings released Sunday is Florida, fifth in the new Associated Press poll, at No. 10. LSU also was treated less kindly by the BCS (13th) than by AP (11th).

   Outraged, Gators and Tigers fans?

   Strength of schedule partly explains it. A panel of college football watchers with CBS Sportsline regards Florida's schedule as the nation's 39th toughest and LSU's the 75th most difficult. Georgia, which is higher in the BCS (seventh) than AP (ninth), has the fifth most challenging schedule, in Sportsline's eyes.

   Also, the Bulldogs can claim six wins, one more than the Gators and Tigers. (All have one loss.)

   So, how does that explain Alabama at No. 2 with the 53rd-ranked schedule by Sportsline?

   Well, the Crimson Tide have won seven games without fail. And they get credit for a neutral-field victory over then-No. 9 Clemson, severely overrated in retrospect.

   And, let's face it, the Alabama name carries cachet with old-timey pollsters.

   Of the Tide's remaining schedule, only LSU looks scary. So, as shaky as Bama has been lately (see next item), its No. 2 BCS recognition is understandable. 

   One thing is clear: Nobody but Texas belongs at No. 1.

   Agreed?

    

Survive and Advance: What It's All About

   With the Florida Gators sunning themselves all weekend, the league's other three title aspirants won. Two of the trio staged muted celebrations, having cast doubts as to whether they have gotten off-track entering the season's second half.

   Nick Saban, a natural worry wart, is justifiably concerned that Alabama cannot finish off opponents on life support. Ole Miss, down 24-3, was a long completion from beating the Crimson Tide.

   Should Alabama be smiling coming out of this game?

   Georgia hits the road for a month with little momentum from a 10-point win over Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs have come a long way -- in the wrong direction -- from their preseason No. 1 ranking.

   Is too much expected of Georgia because of its lofty rating before the first kickoff?

   LSU will take a win at South Carolina any way it can. Steve Spurrier, who exhibits signs of  Tourette's Syndrome when asked anything about his quarterbacks, says he may have placed too much responsibility on first-time starter Stephen Garcia. If so, the Tigers thank him for that.

   Georgia vs. LSU on Saturday could, but not necessarily would, reduce the championship contenders to three. So, last weekend's hopefuls are happy for the W, no matter how it came about. 

   Who do you like in this possible elimination game?

Bobby P-Nutt Angle Enlivens Ole Miss vs. Arkansas

   Though both lost Saturday, Bobby Petrino at Arkansas and Houston Nutt of Ole Miss have their squads on the upswing. The Razorbacks led Kentucky until collapsing at the end, one week following its upset of Auburn. The Rebels scared the beejesus out of Alabama, two weeks after dunking Florida.

   Until then, the game's only theme was Nutt returning to Arkansas, where he fled after last season. At stake now for the winner is the designation of "SEC Team Not To Be Taken Lightly."

   How will the Arkansas contingent welcome home Nutt? Did he depart on good or bad terms?

   

   

      

An Upset Special (Maybe)

   I don't look for an upsetting Saturday in the SEC. But no weekend ever fully plays to form, so let's look for a potential you-gotta-be-kidding-me outcome.

   In four of the five games, the home team is favored by at least a touchdown.

   Ole Miss over Alabama (favored by 12)? Nah. The Crimson Tide healed from a bye week, and the Rebels won't catch anyone by surprise again after ambushing Florida.

   Vanderbilt over Georgia (favored by 10 1/2)? The Commodores might feel insulted at being Georgia's homecoming foe for the 21st time, but that alone won't wake up a dormant offense. 

    Mississippi State over Tennessee (favored by 7 1/2)? Could be. But I sense the Volunteers rallying 'round the round-ish Philip Fulmer and winning one that they should.

   Arkansas over Kentucky (favored by 12 1/2)? Now we're talking. The young Razorbacks grew up at Auburn, and you know how kids can be affected by growth spurts. The Wildcats often fade this time of year when injuries compromise their depth, and they've suffered some biggies of late.

   Which game do you feel an upset coming?

   As for LSU-South Carolina, the visiting Tigers are 2 1/2-point favorites. I see them rebounding from the shameful game at Florida. The Gamecocks, who have won four straight but not in wow fashion.

   How do you call this one?  

Coaching Carousel Swinging By Nashville?

   Bobby Johnson has a substantial head start as SEC Coach of the Year. He is a South Carolina native and a Clemson alum who once coached there. It's only natural that his name would bubble up in speculation about the Tigers replacing Tommy Bowden.

   Vanderbilt is the po' boy of big-time southern football, with resources limited by the Ivy League-ish school and the nature of eclectic Nashville. Johnson might be the sort of coach who welcomes the low-pressure atmosphere, where a bid to any bowl is cause for celebration. 

  Still, if Clemson knocks, wouldn't he have to open the door for a listen?

   At Auburn, Tommy Tuberville is battening down the hatches to keep incoming recruits from backing out. If possible, he should name an offensive coordinator (beyond an interim tag) to signal the high schoolers on whether he intends to stick with the spread offense. Words to that effect don't mean much; only action will.

   Should Auburn be concerned about holding onto its recruiting class?

   And aren't you looking forward to the next gathering of the Bowden boys? Former Auburn coach Terry wrote that brother Tommy deserved to be fired at Clemson. Hey, Bobby, you better sit them at the opposite ends of the table. 

   

Kwazy Kwarterbacks Situation

   When Vanderbilt sends out MacKenzi Adams against Georgia, half of the SEC teams will have changed quarterbacks already this season by coach's decision. Chris Nickson is ailing, but this switch was driven more by performance.

   At South Carolina, Stephen Garcia is Steve Spurrier's QB for a day -- two weeks after the demoted Chris Smelley was named league Offensive Player of the Week.

   At Auburn, not only did Kodi Burns bump aside Chris Todd on the first unit, but the redshirt has been removed from true freshman Barrett Trotter, who was projected to sit until next season.

   It would be fitting if Kentucky's Randall Cobb, who has split time between quarterback and wide receiver because of shakiness behind center with the Wildcats, could figure out how to throw a pass to himself.

   What gives with SEC QBs this season?

   Which do you prefer at Vandy, South Carolina, Auburn and Kentucky?

    

Bowden History Repeats Itself (Sort Of)

   Tommy Bowden's resignation-under-fire at Clemson reminded me that it was 10 years ago when brother Terry was sacked by Auburn. Bridging these events was Tommy Tuberville deflecting the heat on him by dismissing offensive coordinator Tony Franklin last week.

   Tommy's situation is remindful of what may keep Phil Fulmer safe at Tennessee. Clemson will pay its Bowden $3,5 million to walk out the door, a frightening sum in a so-called amateur sport. The Vols, it has been reported, would have to cough up $6 million to ease out Fulmer.

   Are you outraged by these sums?

   And why don't the athletic directors catch any guff for poor decisions?

   The ADs at Clemson and Tennessee extended their coach's contracts after last season. Suddenly, in Clemson's case, a guy forgot how to coach in such a short span?

   An extension like this is almost an incentive for Tommy to take off. Why put up with the pressure and the criticism from fans when you can pocket a fortune and not work?

   In this area, college football needs a Mr. Fix-It.

Teams Left Knee-Dy By Injuries

   We don't usually spend much space talking about injuries because they curse all teams, but two busted knees on Saturday could have a devastating impact.

   Georgia offensive tackle Vince Vance went down on his 21st birthday (which probably spoiled his first night with a legal drink). He was the third Bulldogs left tackle to be so inflicted, and they could go against Vanderbilt with three freshman starters up front. That is no recipe for a national title push.

   How do you see this affecting Georgia and the protection for Matthew Stafford?

   And the heart of Kentucky, spunky wide receiver Dicky Lyons Jr., is done, probably forever. It wasn't so much that he carried the limited passing attack, but his fearlessness and spirit cannot be replaced. I see bad things for Kentucky the rest of the way.

   Can Lyons be adequately replaced in the lineup and the locker room?

What We Learned, No. 1: Alabama Should Be No. 2

   Calm down, Crimson Tide fans. So what if the Longhorns leapfrogged Alabama onto the top rung of the AP poll?

   You're still No. 2. That's where you wanna be in mid-December, when the BCS Championship contestants are determined. Hold your turf, and you're in. 

   Beside, a bye week rarely has worked out better. Not only did depth-challenged Alabama get a much-needed blow for its young roster, but the three teams closest to the Crimson Tide in the Top 25 tumbled.

   It would be a nice story had Bama, barely mentioned in preseason title talk, would have crested at No. 1. But my vote goes to Texas, terrific in unseating Oklahoma. In a head-to-head, as it stands now, the Tide's passing offense with close-to-the-vest QB John Parker Wilson would not be potent enough to capitalize on Texas' kiddie corps secondary. The Longhorns' offense is varied enough to score even on Bama's vaunted defense.

   Who would you like in this matchup? Would Alabama-Texas satisfy you as the national title game?

   

What We Learned, No. 2: Two Big QBs Give Teams Big Edge

   In a league with a dearth of quarterbacks (see No. 5), Tim Tebow and Matthew Stafford stand out. Not because of their prodigious height, but their high football IQs.

   Tebow, who was so geeked up before the LSU game that he seemed to need a tranquilizer, helmed a masterful team effort by Florida in a 51-21 win. The Gators doused growing skepticism about their worth with a performance that returns them to the national title discussion.

  And when Percy Harvin's ankle heals, they might have to outlaw Florida's fleet receiver. Nobody will be able to cover him.

   How do you rate the Gators' chances to reach the BCS Championship game?

   Stafford, whose statistics rarely reflect his achievements, enjoyed his first 300-yard passing game in a worse-than-it-looks 26-14 win over Tennessee. The Bulldogs had red-zone problems' otherwise, they looked golden.

   Tebow or Stafford: Who's your favorite?

   Florida vs. Georgia is around the corner. Who do you like?

   

What We Learned, No. 3: Vandy And A Visor Are Hurting

   It was only a matter of time that Vanderbilt, leading the SEC East despite owning the worst combined offensive and defensive statistics in the league, would fall back to earth. Not surprising that it happened on the road, even at so-so Mississippi State. 

  Normalcy thus returns to the division, meaning the Florida-Georgia outcome likely will determine the champ. The Commodores are still a gaudy 5-1 but likely to sink out of the Top 25 before the season's end. Enjoy it while you can, Vandy.

   Do you think the Commodores were overrated at No. 13?

   South Carolina, meantime, is 5-2 but nowhere near a national ranking. Steve Spurrier beat his trademark visor mercilessly -- darn near strangling it -- while the Gamecocks committed four turnovers, missed four field goals and misfired on open passes that he and S.O.S. Jr., the offensive coordinator, called.

   After the game, Spurrier Sr. named Stephen Garcia the starting quarterback next week. Hey, kid, don't buy tickets for the whole family yet. Last week, the Ol' Ball Coach elevated Garcia, then changed his mind a few days later.

   Is Garcia the guy? Can he haul the Gamecocks into the Top 25?

   

What We Learned, No. 4: Hey, Phil, Make Room For Tommy

   It may be unfair to rip on Tommy Tuberville for Auburn's anemic offense (193 yards, one offensive touchdown) while playing a few days after he jettisoned coordinator Tony Franklin.

   I'm going to, anyway. Why not wait, T.T., until the bye next Saturday, which would allow you more time to tweak the sorry-so-far spread? The mid-week staff switcheroo was a disruption that might have titled the scales toward Arkansas.

   There isn't much room on any seat when the rotund Phil Fulmer occupies it, but he'll have to slide over so Tuberville can plop down on the coaching hot seat.

   Does he deserve to be there?

   As for Tennessee, the 24-12 score against Georgia hides the fact that the Volunteers were dominated. (One rushing yard? Oh, my.) As Larry Munson would say, the Bulldogs crushed them with a hobnail boot. Barring a turn-around this year, if The Big Orange Pumpkin is back next season, the only plausible explanation is his costly $6 million buyout.

   Would you contribute to it, Vols fans?  

What We Learned, No. 5: SEC Often Offensive With Ball

   Criticism from Big 12 backers that the SEC has too many popgun offenses is increasingly valid. Kentucky, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Auburn and Tennessee all lost primarily because of pathetic attacks. Even in victory, South Carolina's was sorry.

   The quarterbacks' revolving door dilemma is evidence of offensive ineptitude. More than half of the teams have a time-share situation or cannot settle on one guy.

   If you have been dazzled by Texas, Teas Tech, Oklahoma and Missouri, you can understand why the SEC's defense-trumps-all argument is shaky. Year in and year out, the jury of football gods would rule in your favor. This year? Guilty of offensive blahs.

   Have you watched much Big 12? What do you think a hypothetical 12-game matchup (1 vs. 1, 2 vs. 2, etc.) would show?  

Another Awesome Saturday In The SEC

While wondering if the league's spotty quarterback play will doom its hopes of sending a rep to the BCS Championship Game, here are my thoughts on this weekend's games, listed in chronological order.
--South Carolina at Kentucky. Doubt that the Gamecocks' 31-point explosion at Ole Miss means their offensive headaches are cured. Chris Smelley remains at QB against a stout Kentucky defense that could force Steve Spurrier to go to his bullpen yet again.
--Vanderbilt at Mississippi State: Sure, the 'Dores are unbeaten, but they've built their record on a shaky foundation. They rank last offensively in the league, 10th on defense. Fortunately, they confront a team with a walk-on QB, Tyson Lee, in his second start. Look for another narrow Vandy triumph.
--Tennessee at Georgia: The buzz in Athens all week was the Bulldogs' being the nation's most penalized team. Oh, the horror! The Vols should be so lucky. Their offense is dead in the water. Two players were suspended. They are grateful to get outa town, where the natives are restless, but would prefer another destination than Athens.
--Arkansas at Auburn: An off-the-radar game has drawn the spotlight with Auburn's firing of offensive coordinaor Tony Franklin. Not to be overlooked are the Tigers forcing to employ two freshmen in the secondary. If the Razorbacks are ever gonna win, this is the time.
--LSU at Florida: It's no fun playing Florida under the lights in the Swamp. But the Tigers' formidable defense gets the nod against Urban Meyer's spread offense, which has lost the element of surprise. Florida's title hopes could go up in smoke.

Let's Be Frank(lin): Did Tuberville Fib About Tony?

   There are two plausible scenarios about how the firing of Tony Franklin as Auburn's offensive coordinator Tony Franklin unfolded.

   (1.) Head coach Tommy Tuberville lied from Sunday till Tuesday when he lauded Franklin's work and said no staff changes were being considered.

   (2.) Something happened behind the scenes the past day or two that soured their relationship, either personal or philosophical.

   Here's what I think: Tuberville asked Franklin to alter his game-planning, perhaps to use less of his cherished spread offense. Or it could have been contrasting opinions on which quarterback, Chris Todd or Kodi Burns, to employ.

   Tuberville is now saying that the spread ain't dead at Auburn, which stands to reason because next year's recruiting class is tailored for that offense. So, it's peculiar that he dumped one of the foremost champions of the spread, Franklin being considered as knowledgeable as anyone about it.

   I can see Franklin unwilling to compromise. I can see Tuberville exercising his authority with a my-way-or-the-highway response.

   Given Auburn's No. 104 offensive ranking (out of 119 teams) in Division 1, a shakeup was foreseeable. Still, canning a coordinator in midseason is highly unusual. I eagerly await Franklin's take on this because we're not likely to hear the whole story from his former boss.

      

Kids Say The Darndest Things

Rumors floating that Florida quarterback Tim Tebow is playing hurt apparently made their way to Baton Rouge.
LSU defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois was quoted as saying, "If we get a good shot on [Tebow], we're going to try our best to take him out of the game,. With his size and his heart, it's hard to get a clean shot. I think every lineman wants to get a good hit on a Heisman Trophy winner."
The comments surely made their way straight to the bulletin board in the Gators' locker room. Just a little extra spice for a game that hardly needs it, Florida and LSU being the past two national champs.
Usually, college players popping off have no ramification. Still, let's see if a Gator slips in a chop block Saturday on an unsuspecting Jean-Francois. Whatever happens, Ricky, c'est la vie!

Auburn players: Whassup With The Offense?

The second-guessing in Auburn land of offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has extended to some of the players.
"Your guess is as good as mine," Ben Tate said after Franklin all but abandoned the tailback's effective carries early against Vanderbilt and resorted to his cherished spread offense.
"We got our confidence going and, all of a sudden, go completely away from it," center Ryan Pugh said.
There is no questioning the validity of the spread, and Franklin is a pioneer of sorts. With two league losses, Auburn could justify focusing entirely on the spread for the rest of the season in preparation for '09.
Still, the Tigers blew a chance to remain in the SEC West chase by not sticking with the standard running attack it employed to go ahead of Vandy 13-0 before falling 14-13.
If you were in Franklin's shoes, what would you do?

What We Learned, No. 1: Vandy Is A Dandy

   A few years back, these eyes watched in Athens as undermanned Vanderbilt ambushed Georgia with a clever game plan from coach Bobby Johnson. Dude can coach, as evidenced by the Commodores' 5-0 record and, more significantly, 3-0 standing in the SEC.

   No, Vandy isn't the nation's 13th best team, as the AP poll would have you believe. The Commodores, after all, have trailed in every game.

  But they deserve to be rated. Besides, who can blame the voter who bumps them up a notch or two on his ballot because they are the feel-good story of the season? This is the school that folded its athletics department into the university administration (in part so it couldn't get away with stuff, as football heavyweights are wont to do.)

   Where is Vandy on your ballot?

   Johnson has even figured out how to juggle two quarterbacks, Chris Nickson and Auburn-beater Mackenzi Adams.

   Go ahead and ship that Coach of the Year Trophy to Nashville. 

   Who, at this stage of the season, can beat him out?  

What We Learned, No. 2: 'Bama Needs The Bye

   Alabama remains No. 2 in the AP ranking, 23 slots higher than it started this season. Sorry, Crimson Tide nation, but Texas should have leapfrogged you.

   The Tide looked shaky against Kentucky, unable to put away a visitor with a butter-fingered quarterback in his first road game. They stagger into an off week, a welcome respite for a young team with little depth.

   I'm gonna retract a bit of my recent huzzahs for John Parker Wilson, who seemed less in control than in previous games.

   Where would you rank the Tide?

   Speaking of the polls, LSU's bye week cost it a spot as the Tigers dipped to No. 4. With Vandy climbing six positions, your SEC can claim five of the top 13 -- and, counting Auburn, six of the top 20. 

   How would you compare the SEC with the other power league, the Big 12?

What We Learned, No. 3: Auburn's Spread Mighty Thin

   Auburn threw a surprise at Vanderbilt, operating in a standard offense during the first quarter. The Tigers scored twice and were stopped at the goal line on their other possession.

   So what does coordinator Tony Franklin do? He reverts to his beloved spread attack. Auburn fails to score the rest of the way.

   Yes, surely the Commodores made adjustments. And surely Franklin figured that, with a comfy lead, he could work on the offense dear to his heart.

   But the results speak loud and clear. Auburn's power running attack was groovin' early. The Tigers should have stayed with it, or at least mixed it in with the spread.

   What should Auburn have done? Stick with what brung 'em a lead? Or commit to improving the spread?

    

What We Learned, No. 4: Something Amiss In The Swamp

   Yes, Florida gutted Arkansas 38-7, but the Gators figured to put the Razor-hacks away sooner than the fourth quarter after their debacle a week earlier against Ole Miss.

   Tim Tebow, suffering from Heisman hangover, was so subdued late in the game that coach Urban Meyer coaxed him into a mid-air chest bump. Amazing to say that a quarterback guilty of one pick all season has declined, but it's true for Tebow.

   Do you see the same thing I'm seeing with Florida?

   Next up: LSU, which kicked back over the weekend and watched things unfold in its favor (a s0-so Florida, a so-so Alabama, a so-long to Auburn). I don't the Reptiles' chances against the Tigers.

   What's your take on the game? 

What We Learned, No. 5: QB Dilemmas Solved? Maybe

   Chris Smelley and and the Gamecocks lacerated Ole Miss for 405 yards and 31 points even though Rebels defensive coordinator Tyrone Nix was on South Carolina's staff last year. What should have been an inside edge became an outright clinic by USC and, perhaps finally, a halt to Steve Spurrier's season-long quarterback merry-go-round. Spurrier made the proper call in switching from Stephen Garcia to Smelley in midweek.

   Are you Gamecocks all on board with Smelley?

   Too early to tell at Tennessee, given that the Volunteers begged only 13 points off Northern Illinois in a narrow win. First-time starter Nick Stephens was steady in place of Jon Crompton, but he must crank it up against Georgia this week. 

   Do you think Stephens is the guy for the Vols?

   The Bulldogs enjoyed a week off, allowing running back Knowshon Moreno and others to heal. which makes it doubly tough for Tennessee, its season teetering on the brink.

   What's your take on the UT-GA tilt?

   

Kentucky: Wildcats or Mildcats?

   Kentucky opened with a win against a rebuilding rival barely an hour from campus, then whomped three easy opponents at home. Nobody, probably not even the Wildcats themselves, know how good they are.

   It's discovery time Saturday in Tuscaloosa against Alabama, arguably the nation's most impressive team to date. It's the first out-of-state game for Kentucky. The first on the road for quarterback Mike Hartline. The first test for the nation's stingiest defense in points allowed.

   The key for Kentucky: Be ready to play pronto. The Crimson Tide has allowed nary a first-quarter point, scoring 74. 

Stop The Presses: Vandy In Mega SEC Game

   No, the ESPN GameDay crew did not break down in Nashville on the way to one of its usual SEC destinations. It's the site of Auburn vs. Vanderbilt, the first SEC game there between top 25 foes since 1984.

   The Commodores, ranked 19th, have so impressed Tigers defensive tackle Sen'Derrick Marks that he said of their running backs' speed, "You don't see too many white guys like that."

   Vandy has been virtually all-run, so coach Bobby Johnson must diversify against Auburn's vaunted defense. Interesting to see if the locals pack the stadium and prevent the Tigers' traveling army of fans from invading.

     

From The Frying Pan Into . . .

    Poor Arkansas. In the midst of a treacherous four-game swing, they get a Florida team coming off a home loss to Ole Miss. Coach Urban Meyer practiced the Gators late into Sunday night.

   That might be sufficient preparation for the Razorbacks, outscored 101-24 in the past two weeks by Alabama and Texas. Coach Houston Nutt, who fled for Ole Miss, left Arkansas high and dry with a string of subpar recruiting classes. Bobby Petrino is making do with leftovers.

   The Gators' loss deters them from looking ahead to LSU next week. So this is lousy timing for the Razorbacks, who need a break.

Make Up Your Mind, Steve

   Steve Spurrier is notorious for changing quarterbacks from one week to the next. Now he's gone beyond that, apparently pulling a switcheroo in mid-week.

   After listing Stephen Garcia as the starter Saturday at Ole Miss, the South Carolina coach has reverted to Chris Smelley. Garcia, the people's choice, evidently did not dazzle in practices. Good thing the Gamecocks boast the nation's No. 1 defense.

   Oxford figures to be rockin', what with the Rebs back home after stunning Florida. Ole Miss, a few snaps away from being 5-0 instead of 3-2, is aiming for third place in the SEC West.

   

    

Big, Bad 12: Challenge To The SEC

   From the Great Midwest comes the claim that its Big 12 Conference is superior to the SEC and all others.

   The heartland makes a good case. It boasts four teams among the premier seven in the AP poll, including No. 1 Texas. Like the SEC, half of its dozen teams cracked the top 25. Average Big 12 ranking: ninth. Average SEC ranking: 10th.

   There's no dispute the Big Ten has some bad-ass offenses. Among the nation leaders in passer ratings, its quarterbacks hold down Nos. 2 through 5. Its teams are second, third and fifth in scoring, first in rushing and top two in passing.

   In the leagues' lone head-to-head meeting all regular season: Texas 52, Arkansas 10.

   SEC teams are showing less offensive flash than normal, with Florida, Auburn and South Carolina stuck in second or third gear. The league's reign as defensive dominatrix continues unabated, but when the Big 12 steps to the podium and debates its worth as No. 1 in the nation, it's difficult for the SEC or anyone else to counter convincingly.