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?