Woe is Georgia, South Carolina

   Florida was the sole league winner in the three SEC vs. ACC instate rivalry games.

   Georgia, ranked No. 1 nationally to start the season, did not even wind up No. 1 in its state. Georgia Tech beat the Dawgs 45-42 on Saturday with only one complete pass.

   Its option offense befuddled the Bulldogs, who had two weeks to prepare but looked as if they'd spent two minutes learning the intricacies. Because Georgia's defense seemed helpless during all three losses this season, coach Mark Richt must think long and hard about replacing defensive coordinator Willie Martinez.

   Should Martinez be fired?

   How would you sum up Georgia's 9-3 season?

   South Carolina, with Hall of Fame coach Steve Spurrier, couldn't outfox Clemson interim Dabo Swinney, whose chances of full-time status was uncertain . . . until the Tigers' 31-14 trouncing Saturday.

   The Gamecocks' offensive master went through 12 games, five of them setbacks, without developing a quarterback. The loss in the finale gives Clemson a leg up on statewide recruiting battles.

   Has Spurrier lost his touch?

    

Rain May Make Saturday Predictions All Wet

   Predicted rain across the Southeast on the final Saturday of the regular season could impact games to different degrees.

   --For No. 1, Alabama, its power running game should not be thrown off against Auburn. The Tigers' only winning scenario is a 17-14 type of game, but they would have trouble hitting that total under sunny skies. Weather edge to Alabama.

   Worried, Crimson Tide fans?

   --For Tennessee, showers could put a damper on Philip Fulmer Appreciation Day and help Kentucky, which can get off the bowl fence with a victory.

   Now, for the three intrastate rival games:

   --Georgia Tech, which hardly ever passes, could benefit the most. The Yellow Jackets, who employ a post-modern wishbone offense, would welcome a slippery field against Georgia, which throws the 'skin extremely well.

   --Multi-faceted Florida is unlikely to be affected by any inclement weather, short of a blizzard. That won't happen in Tallahassee against Florida State.

  --With South Carolina, who knows? Steve Spurrier will X-and-O to the death to beat Clemson, but the Tigers have greater incentive assuming they want to remove the interim tag from coach Dabo Swinney.

    Which of the three SEC teams is most likely to stumble against their stately neighbors?

   Then there is the SEC-ACC brain bowl, Vanderbilt vs. Wake Forest. These are smart people, right? So they'll figure out how to cope with rainy conditions.

   One more thing: Can Florida climb higher than No. 2 with a butt-whipping of the Seminoles?

    

    

Oh, Meyer: Gators Playing Like a No. 1

   Let's be honest. If you were a college football pollster ranking teams based on how good they are now, is there any doubt?

   Florida, baby.

   The Gators are destroying teams, most recently South Carolina in Steve Spurrier's worst defeat ever. Urban Meyer says this team is superior to '06, which happened to win a national title.

   How do you compare the two?

   The numbers defy belief. My favorite: In the first quarters of the past six games: Florida 101, Foes 0.

   The Gators whipped the Gamecocks and their No. 1 defense (in the SEC)  by a half-hundred.

   Two AP ballots set aside the fact that Alabama and Texas Tech are unbeaten and had the Gators on top.

   Tough to argue with them. Right? 

Take a (Short) Breath This Weekend

   The SEC schedule is absent a blockbuster, can't-miss (unless you have a hot date) game. But one is alluring and three others significant.

   --South Carolina's Steve Spurrier returns to the Swamp with a decent bunch whose sole loss in the last six games was to LSU. He will combat Florida's raucous crowds by alternating quarterbacks, allowing the ol' ball coach to convey the play on the sidelines.

   Some staggering statistics speak to Florida's dominance in its past five outings. Here's one you may not have heard: In the first quarters, it's the Gators 80, opponents zero.

   On the subject of stats, the Gamecocks boast the league's primo defense. For Florida, that will be a red cape being waved in front of a bull.

   Do the 'Cocks have a chance?

   --Surprise: Alabama has been whupped two straight by Miss'ippi State. In their past three encounters, the Crimson Tide is without an offensive touchdown. Bama has locked up the SEC West title, but a defeat would shatter its national title aspirations.

   Is there any way Bama can lose?

   --Georgia can push Auburn to the brink of getting shut out from the bowls. The Tigers would dip to 5-6, with Bama left on the schedule. Now that Phil Fulmer is toast Tommy Tuberville is the only SEC coach whose job hands in jeopardy. 

   Should Tuberville be replaced if the Tigers go 5-7, or even 6-6?

   --The prize to the Kentucky-Vanderbilt winner is bowl eligibility, though the loser will get another chance. Each plays Tennessee later.

   Meantime, the Volunteers are idle -- officially. It only seems that they have been the past several weeks.

   Excited about a no-loss Saturday, Vol fans?

   --    

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?

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?

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?  

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. 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?

   

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.  

Job Openings Galore!!!

   If I give you one guess which SEC coach declared every starting position on offense up for grabs, you should have the right answer pronto.

   Only Steve Spurrier, who has never cracked the coaching handbook that is the Bible of most peers, would have the nads to put every starter on notice four games into the season. But these are desperate times for the punchless Gamecocks.

   Spurrier watchers: Do you think he means it? Or is he just trying to rattle the cage?

   Actually, two spots opened up by themselves with the suspension of a running back and a guard as punishment for missing too many classes. The way this group has been playing, I wonder if the class is Football 101. 

Not On Hot Seat, But Hot Under The Collar

   When accomplished college coaches Steve Spurrier and Bobby Petrino returned to the amateur ranks after bombing in the NFL, they were embraced as prodigal sons, back where they belong.

   Maybe so, but the boss men at South Carolina and Arkansas belong in a decompression chamber today as their seasons got shakier on Saturday.

   The Gamecocks won, but only by 23-13 over Wofford, the tiniest Division 1-A school that puts on the pads. Afterward, Spurrier pondered trying what would be his third starting quarterback, Stephen Garcia, next week. "In a rut," is how the ol' ball coach described his offense, even though it rang up 30 first downs.

   What's up with the offensiveguru? Has he lost his touch?

   Arkansas allowed three plays for over 60 yards apiece and threw interceptions left, center and right in the hammering by Alabama. Two narrow wins over creampuffs plus one loss to a tough-as-cheap-steak team adds up to a wretched start.

   Are the football gods getting back at Petrino for skipping out on the Falcons in midseason last year?

   

   

Hate 'em or hate 'em: Woe is Steve and Bobby

   One is a NASCAR-type bad guy in college circles. The other's name is dirt in the NFL.

   Many SEC observers are likely taking glee in the tough times of Steve Spurrier and Bobby Petrino, who face lo-o-o-o-ng seasons without a reversal of fortunes.

   Spurrier has dropped seven of eight games at South Carolina. The culprit this year is offense, where his influence is greatest, given that the accomplished strategist calls three-fourths of the plays. For the most part, he turns over the defense to his coordinator.

   "Blocking and throwing and catching has been our biggest problem," says Spurrier, whose wisecracks and occasional jabs at others suggests he enjoys wearing the black hat. "We haven't had a consistent running attack or a consistent passing attack. How's that?"

   Not good, especially since he views the roster as his most talented yet at the school.

   Worse, the Gamecocks have shelved receiver Kenny McKinley, their main threat, for at least another week with an injury. As consolation, the next opponent is Wofford.

   Then there is Arkansas, which could face four straight Top 10 teams for the first time in NCAA history in a single season. The Razorbacks confront No. 9 Alabama this week, followed by a makeup with No. 7 Texas, then No. 4 Florida and No. 10 Auburn.

   Under new coach Bobby Petrino, who fled the scorned Atlanta Falcons in the middle of last season and probably shut the door on future head jobs in the NFL, the Razorbacks had hoped to rev up for the scary run with blowout wins. But they eked past Western Illinois and Lousiana-Monroe by a combined five points.

   "Change is hard on everybody, and particularly seniors," said Petrino, explaining the slow start. "They've got to work on buying in."

   Outside of their own communities, few tears are being shed for Spurrier and Petrino. Perhaps the pair should look forward to Nov. 8, when one is sure to win. It's Arkansas vs. S.C. in Columbia.

   What are your feelings toward the two coaches? Love to see 'em suffer?

   

No Dawg-Pounding in Columbia

Steve Spurrier stomped. Grimaced. Kicked imaginary objects. Squeezed his cap. And that was just in one series.
The ol' ball coach can't stomach letting an upset get away, and South Carolina had Georgia reeling. First down at the Bulldogs' 2, late in the day, he called a toss sweep that ended with a fumble to the other guys. A subsequent drive to the UGA 27 came up pointless, too. Final score: 14-7.
Spurrier must feel he's on a treadmill -- running fast, going nowhere. The Gamecocks have a close-but-no-cig habit against superior foes.
Honestly, do you feel a tad bit sorry for Spurrier? Or, given that he called about two-third of the plays, no pity?
Light a stogie for Mark Richt, a phenomenal 26-4 in away games since enlisting with Georgia. It was his staff's brilliant quarterback keeper call for Matthew Stafford to set up the Dogs' sole TD that spelled the difference.

Game of the Week I

You're a South Carolina fan. You hear about five players engaging in a lunchroom brawl Thursday that involved flying chairs and turned-over tables.
Your first thought: Everybody OK? Your second thought: Oh, no, are any of these guys starters?
Sigh-of-relief time. No injuries reported. And no regulars involved, which means no significant suspensions for the Georgia game.
Turns out, the quarrelsome quintet was provoked by non-student intruders, so none will likely be sat down. (Still, whatever happened to walking away from a fight?)
So, it's back to the business of the Gamecocks showing more fight on the field. This rivalry tends to produce close, tense games. Steve Spurrier had two extra days to drill his anemic offense after a Thursday night setback to Vandy, but it may not be enough time against a ferocious defense.
Don't expect the ol' ball coach to fire his play-caller. That would be Steve Spurrier Jr.

Taking No Quarter(back)

   For being such a dominant league, the SEC launched its season with surprisingly many unsettled quarterback roles. This week, one case was solved (for now) while at least two others remain in a time-share situation.

   At Auburn, coach Tommy Tuberville gave the nod to Chris Todd after saying Kodi Burns looked lackadaisical. Todd put up a pair of good/bad zeroes against Southern Miss -- no TD passes, no picks. The coach's apparent thinking: Better safe than sorry.

   Is Todd the right guy for Auburn?

   At South Carolina, Steve Spurrier plans to employ Tommy Beecher and Chris Smelley, which suggests he is uneasy with both. If I were one of them, I might prefer to have Saturday off, seeing as how vaunted receiver Kenny McKinley is idled by injury.

   Is it about time for the ol' ball coach to choose one?

  Same at Kentucky, where Rich Brooks is playing eeny, meeny, miney, mo between Mike Hartline and Randall Cobb. They will trade off Saturday. Unlike the Gamecocks, who face mighty Georgia, the Wildcats have a few weeks to sort things out, what with Middle Tennessee State and Western Kentucky on the sked.

   Who should it be at Kentucky?

A-'Dore-ing: Vandy Has Spurrier Singin' The Blues

   Before kickoff Thursday in Nashville, South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier visited The Country Music Hall of Fame, where one of his faves, Kenny Chesney, is honored. Hours later, the Chesney hit "Don't Blink" became the Gamecocks' unwanted theme song.

   As in, "Don't Blink" or you will miss Carolina's brief stay in the top 25 poll.

   The Gamecocks, advancing to No. 24 this week, will vanish after a second straight loss to Vanderbilt, this time 24-17. The ol' ball coach exudes so little confidence in his offense that he orders punts and safe play calls not designed to earn a first down.

   The 'Dores had not whupped a ranked team at home in 16 years. Good for them.

   Some SEC subscribers mock Vandy for its relatively lower -- some would say "sensible" -- emphasis on football. Me, I admire it and pull for the 'Dores when they are not playing my team.

   How do you look at Vandy? To be laughed at? Or admired? 

Yankees, Go Home -- And Don't Take Our Pies

   The ESPN Thursday crew was in the dark when a member quizzed them on which culinary treat was the traditional complement to RC Colas in the South. The announcers exposed a lack of cultural knowledge by not having a clue that nothing washes down a Moon Pie better than an RC. After all, there are festivals and road races named after the classic combo. Hey, nitwit network, next time send some true southerners to call an SEC game.

   Ah, Moon Pies. Do you still eat 'em? Do you miss 'em? Or, good riddance?    

Thursday (Extra) Special With 'Cocks vs. 'Dores

   For an opening course to the banquet that is college football, the South Carolina game on ESPN was all wilted lettuce and rotten toppings. Steve Spurrier admitted to embarrassment with his pop-gun offense and, for one who changes quarterbacks like others do underwear, already is considering a switch. It's normally difficult to find serious fault with a 34-0 win, but the Gamecocks offense snoozed for three quarters against a North Carolina State team that struggled to complete a pass -- from center to quarterback.

   More impressive (presumably, since it was not on TV) was Vanderbilt's shellacking of Miami (Ohio). A field-goal 'dog, the Commodores controlled clock behind a quarterback (Chris Nickson) who ran for nearly twice as many yards as he threw, and coasted.

   Their different paths to victory make for an intriguing early-bird special next Thursday in Nashville. Recall that Vandy whomped the Gamecocks 17-6 last season in Columbia.

   Can you detect a whiff of upset?