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.