South Carolina struggled with Vanderbilt’s aggressive zone blitz defense. The Gamecocks had only 282 total yards including 128 in the first half. The Gamecocks gained only 26 yards rushing on 22 attempts. South Carolina failed to score a touchdown for the first time in 19 games. They have not scored a touchdown in six quarters. The offensive line, which has allowed a SEC-high 26 sacks, allowed seven sacks and five false start penalties. Both quarterbacks Chris Smelley and Blake Mitchell struggled. For the second straight game, the Gamecocks were 1- of- 12 on third down. The South Carolina defense played well enough to win by limiting Vandy receiver Earl Bennett to two catches for 24 yards and shutting out the Commodores for the final three quarters. Strong safety Emanuel Cook had 11 tackles to lead the defense for the fifth time in six games. The Vols won by a touchdown last year and South Carolina won by one point in 2005. South Carolina has not scored a touchdown in six quarters.

Coach Steve Spurrier said his offense must return to running the ball more with tailbacks Mike Davis and Cory Boyd, who had only 11 carries in the loss to Vanderbilt. After playing both Mitchell and Smelley, Spurrier said Tommy Beecher might get a look because he can run well. However, Smelley is likely to start. The Gamecocks are No. 9 in the SEC in total offense (340 ypg) and scoring offense (25 ppg). Spurrier said the receivers are struggling to get open. He added that Kenny McKinley is one of the few playmakers. South Carolina has won eight- of- 10 road games. South Carolina has the best pass defense (145 ypg), but struggles to stop the run. Heath Batchelor is the latest player to try out at guard. Spurrier said five different players have tried out at guard this week. He also said he grew up being a Tennessee fan, but during his senior year the Vols were not a fit so he went to Florida and Ray Graves.

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL AT ARKANSAS: The Hogs throttled Ole Miss with 100- yard games each from tailbacks Darren McFadden and Felix Jones and three touchdown passes from quarterback Casey Dick, who was 11- of- 17 for 96 yards. Arkansas scored touchdowns on its first three possessions. Arkansas held Ole Miss to only 182 yards passing. Defensive back Matteral Richardson intercepted two passes, cornerback Jerell Norton and defensive end Adrian Davis had picks. The Hogs had six sacks against Ole Miss and seven in the Auburn game. Receiver Marcus Monk could play this weekend.

The Hogs should pick up an easy win Saturday against winless FIU, who lost last week to Louisiana-Monroe. Coach Mario Cristobal is in his first season at FIU. Quarterback Wayne Younger has thrown for 954 yards and rushed for 245.

OLE MISS AT AUBURN: The Rebels are 0- and- 5 in the SEC for the first time since 1984. Quarterback Seth Adams was benched in the third quarter after throwing his fourth pick. Brent Schaeffer replaced him. Adams has thrown 10 picks during the Rebels 1-2 home stand. Coach Ed Orgeron said he would stay with Adams at quarterback against Auburn. Tailback BenJarvus Green-Ellis led the Rebels with 84 yards. Defensive back Jamarca Sanford is expected to return this week. Freshman Chris Strong is moving from linebacker to defensive back. Greg Hardy leads the SEC with eight sacks and 15.5 tackles for loss. Linebacker Tony Fein had a career-high 15 tackles last week against Arkansas. The Rebels are allowing 232 ypg rushing in the past five games.

Auburn scored 17 points and gained 169 yards in the first half against LSU. In the second half, they were limited to 127 yards and seven points. The Tigers ran for only 40 yards in the second half and converted only two of six times on third down. Quarterback Brandon Cox finished with 18- of- 28 passing for 199 yards and two scores. Defensive end Quentin Groves had a sack in the first half that tied him with Gerald Robinson for the career lead with 26. The Tigers have had little trouble with Ole Miss the past three seasons.

The Tigers have struggled in the third quarter scoring only 27 points. In SEC games, they have only 10 third quarter points. Tailback Brad Lester caught two big passes in the final touchdown drive. Coach Tommy Tuberville said Lester would be more involved in the passing game. Tuberville also said the chop block from offensive linemen Chaz Ramsey and Lee Ziemba that took LSU defensive lineman Glen Dorsey out of the game will not be tolerated. Receiver Robert Dunn missed the LSU game due to a suspension. He was back at practice early in the week and apologized to the team. Tuberville praised receiver Montez Billings, who had six catches for 78 yards.

FLORIDA VS GEORGIA: The Gators have won two of the past three meetings, 15- of- 17 and 17- of- 23. This is meeting No. 85 for the teams. Georgia leads the SEC in red zone offense having scored 23- of- 24 times. The Bulldogs are No. 4 in the SEC averaging 19 points per game. Georgia leads the SEC in punting (38 yards per kick). The Bulldogs are No. 7 in SEC in total offense (362 yards per game) and No. 4 in total defense (319 yards per game). Georgia is No. 2 in the SEC in penalties committing only 43 yards per game. Tailback Knowshon Moreno is averaging 88 ypg. Georgia has no receivers in the top ten in SEC stats. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is 11-4 as a starter. Georgia is allowing 137 ypg rushing, but the Bulldog defense has been vulnerable to teams that run right at them like Tennessee and South Carolina.

Bulldog defensive tackles Jeff Owens (his ankle is nearly 100%) and Geno Atkins and ends Marcus Howard and Roderick Battle will have to contain Gator quarterback Tim Tebow. Georgia has lost one fumble this season and only four picks. Last season, Georgia’s opponents score 80 points on their turnovers. This season, opponents have scored only 10 points and they won both games. However, Georgia is No. 118 in takeaways (six). Last year, they had 30 takeaways. Florida has committed only seven turnovers but, like Georgia, has forced the fewest (eight). Richt said the scout team quarterback this week could be a linebacker or fullback. Freshman tailback Caleb King could see action. He is still a redshirt candidate. Tailback Kreg Lumpkin is out until the bowl game and Thomas Brown may not return until Nov. 10.

Florida Coach Urban Meyer said he was pleased with the team’s perimeter blocking and unselfishness against Kentucky. Meyer said receiver Percy Harvin (795 all-purpose yards or 113 ypg) has the quickest first step that he has seen and that Harvin is one of the strongest players on the team as evidenced by his blocked a 225 pound linebacker on one play. He wants to see tighter coverage from the secondary and more play- making. Defensive back Major Wright had surgery on a broken thumb and Riley Cooper had surgery on a broken finger. Offensive lineman Carlton Medder has a heel injury that makes him questionable. Receiver Bubba Caldwell (back), defensive tackle Clint McMillan (shoulder), and cornerback Wondy Pierre- Louis are questionable with various injuries. Cornerback Markihe Anderson had 46 snaps. Meyer is concerned about fourth down defense after Florida has allowed nine- of- 10 conversions on fourth down the last two weeks. Defensive lineman Torrey Davis, who played extensively for McMillan, has come along well. After the 61-yard kickoff return, Meyer said he wants to get Brandon James more into space. Markus Manson is close to returning to action. Meyer said the Manson situation at cornerback hasn’t developed as he would like. Receiver Jarred Fayson struggled to hang on to the ball. Defensive back Jacques Rickerson also struggled to cover receivers. Defensive end Jermaine Cunningham had 7 tackles and 2.5 sacks.

There are some in the media who are criticizing quarterback Tim Tebow (18 carries per game) for hogging the ball. Tebow has throw 10 passes for 40 or more yards and he leads the nation with a 177.5 quarterback rating (17 touchdowns and three picks). The Gator offense has scored 42- of- 78 times this season (53% leads the league). Florida’s offense didn’t commit a turnover for the third time this season. The offensive line has allowed only five sacks this season, second best nationally. Florida’s defense is struggling on fourth down. Opponents have converted 11- of -14 fourth downs against the Gators. LSU and Kentucky converted 9- of -10. Kentucky threw for 415 yards and Ole Miss passed for 310 yards on the Gators. Florida is last in the league allowing 257 ypg.

2006 Georgia vs. Florida game-Florida forced five turnovers in their second straight win. Florida jumped out to a 21-0 lead. Georgia cut the lead to 21-14 but couldn’t get any closer. Quarterback Matthew Stafford was 13- of- 33 for 151 yards with two picks. Florida leads the series 15-2 going back to 1990.

MISSISSIPPI STATE AT KENTUCKY: The Bulldog defense struggled against West Virginia as the Mountaineers scored on their first five possessions. State quarterback Wesley Carroll was 18- of- 35 for 169 yards. Carroll has 109 pass attempts without a pick. The Bulldogs gained only 212 yards against West Virginia. State has lost to four ranked opponents this season. State is also wearing down because of the competition in the past few weeks. Tailback Anthony Dixon had rushed for a SEC-high 184 carries for 755 yards, fifth in the league.

Wildcat quarterback Andre Woodson completed 35- of- 50 passes for 415 yards for a career high five touchdowns in the loss to the Gators. Florida also sacked him six times. Receiver Dicky Lyons, Jr. had eight catches for 124 yards including three touchdowns. The Wildcats have beaten the Bulldogs two straight years by a combined nine points. Linebacker Micah Johnson had knee surgery on Monday and will miss the game. There is concern that after big games against South Carolina, LSU and Florida that the Cats will have a big letdown. Receiver Kennan Burton (sprained knee) and tailback Tony Dixon (sprained ankle) are questionable for the game. Linebacker Wesley Woodyard leads the SEC averaging 11 tackles per game. Defensive end Jeremy Jarmon is No. 3 in the SEC with 6.5 sacks on the season. Kentucky has allowed two 300-yard rushing games, 261 to LSU and 171 to Florida.

MIAMI (OHIO) AT VANDERBILT: The Commodores 17- point lead in the first quarter of the South Carolina game was their biggest margin in the initial period since they were ahead of Army by 18 points in November of 1991. Vandy had not beaten a team this highly ranked (USC was No. 6) since they beat LSU in 1937. A win over Miami of Ohio (4-4), who lost to Temple by a touchdown Saturday, would give the Commodores five wins, one shy of bowl eligibility. Defensive back D J Moore picked off two South Carolina passes. One led to a field goal while the other stopped a South Carolina scoring drive. Moore, who was recruited late by South Carolina, led the team with eight tackles. Since the beginning of the 2005 season, Vandy has won 6- of- 13 road games. Prior to that time, they won 6- of- 30.

Miami Ohio is coached by Shane Montgomery in his third season. Senior running back Austin Sykes has rushed for 378 yards this season. Quarterback Daniel Raudabaugh threw for 314 yards on 33- of- 57 passing last week.

LSU IS OFF: Quarterback Matt Flynn connected with receiver Demetrius Byrd with one second left for the winning touchdown pass. LSU rallied from a, 17-7, deficit with 16 unanswered points before Auburn scored its last touchdown. The Tigers have won 18 straight home games after the win over Auburn. LSU gained nearly 500 yards on the Auburn defense. Receiver Early Doucet caught six passes for 93 yards in the second half of the Auburn win. Flynn set personal high marks in with 34 attempts and 22 completions. LSU gained 187 yards with the sacks taken out of the rushing total. They averaged 5.1 yards per carry. The Tigers are 10-3 under Les Miles in games decided by eight points or less. LSU is averaging 225 yards per game rushing and allowing only 126 ypg rushing. The LSU at Alabama game will kick off at 5 pm on CBS.

ALABAMA IS OFF: At one point in the first half, Tennessee led the Tide, 14-10, before Alabama went on a, 31-3 run. The Tide is off after upsetting Tennessee. Alabama’s win was even more impressive due to the suspension of offensive linemen Antoine Caldwell and Marlon Davis, defensive back Marquis Johnson, running back Glen Coffee and defensive back Chris Rogers for improper receipt of textbooks. The reshuffled offensive line with B J Stabler did well. The Tide used the pass to set up the run. Grant ran for 104 yards, which set a new freshman running back record passing Kerry Goode’s 1983 mark. Wilson completed 32- of- 46 passes for 363 yards, all single game marks. The completion mark tied the single game record set by Gary Hollingsworth against Tennessee in 1989. Wilson threw to receiver D J Hall 18 times and connected on 13, which is a school record. The previous record was set by David Bailey twice in 1969 and 1970, both times against Tennessee. He also gained 185 yards, the third best in single game mark in Tide history. Hall is tied with Tide great Ozzie Newsome with 16 touchdowns. He is two away from the career mark set by Dennis Holman. Hall has three straight games with over 100 yards in receiving against Tennessee. The receivers had 66 yards after the catch in each half. Alabama set the tone with on onside kick to begin the game. The Tide had the ball for 37 minutes compared to Tennessee’s 22. Alabama gained 510 total yards with 286 yards coming on first down.

Alabama has won consecutive home games over Tennessee for the first time since 1989 and 1991. The Tide ran 84 plays, the most since the Arkansas game in 2001. Freshman defensive back Kareem Jackson had two big picks for the Tide. Jackson made the play of the game by picking off an Ainge pass as Tennessee was driving in the third quarter. Leigh Tiffin connected on four of five field goals.

ACC NOTES

BOSTON COLLEGE AT VIRGNIA TECH: Quarterback Matt Ryan led the Eagles to a comeback win over Virginia Tech. He threw a 24-yard touchdown pass to running back Andrew Callender with only 11 seconds left in the game. Ryan (25 of 52 for 285 yards) threw two touchdowns in the final 2:11 after virtually doing nothing before hand. The first score capped a 91-yard drive when Ryan threw to Rich Gunnell for a 16-yard score. This was the ACC’s highest ranking for two teams (BC is No. 2 and VT is No. 8 in the BCS standings) ever on a Thursday night. Both teams had had 12 days to prepare.

VIRGINIA TECH: The Hokies are 13-3 on Thursday night games. The three losses have been to BC. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor didn’t play due to an ankle sprain. Hokie starter Sean Glennon threw was 15-of-25 for 149 yards in the loss. He threw for 258 yards and two scores in the win over Duke last week. Tailback Braden Ore ran for 97 yards on 20 carries.

CLEMSON AT MARYLAND: Tiger running back James Davis has guaranteed a win against the Terps. Clemson ran for 341 yards in the win over Central Michigan. The Tigers are last in the ACC in sacks. Clemson was seven- of- seven in the red zone against CMU. Quarterback Cullen Harper threw for five touchdowns in the win over CMU. He became only the fifth quarterback in ACC history to do so more than once. Receiver Aaron Kelly had 295 yards receiving in his last two games. Clemson is No. 10 in total defense. They have held their opponents to under 300 yards in five- of- seven games this season. Maryland is No. 51 in total defense (358 ypg). Last year, Maryland beat Clemson, 13-12, on a last second field goal. With all the injuries to the Maryland offensive line, ends Phillip Merling and Ricky Sapp should dominate.

MARYLAND linebacker Erin Henderson, who returned after an injury, made 18 tackles in the loss to Virginia. Henderson leads the ACC with 12.2 tpg. Tailbacks Lance Ball and Keon Lattimore are averaging 150 ypg combined. Maryland is No. 98 in total offense averaging 330 ypg and Clemson is No. 30 averaging 434 ypg. Jordan Steffy (concussion) could be ready to play this week. Whether it is Steffy or Chris Turner, the injuries on the offensive line are a problem. Maryland’s top two guards Andrew Crummey and Jaimie Thomas are out with broken fibulas.

DUKE AT FLORIDA STATE: Coach Bobby Bowden has 370 wins compared to Penn State’s Joe Paterno with 369. The Noles defense struggled late against Wake Forest and Miami in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Geno Hayes, who has 12 TFL in his past five games, said some of the fatigue comes from being tired due to so many three- and-outs by the offense. Drew Weatherford, who is 17-10 as a starter, will once again take over at quarterback for Xavier Lee who has seven turnovers in his past two games. Tailback Antone Smith gained 114 yards on 22 carries. Defensive tackle Budd Thacker was out because of a “university issue” and toe injury, but he has been cleared to play. Andre Fluellen, another defensive tackle, has an elbow injury and torn ligaments in his ring finger. Fluellen, who missed the Miami game, is hoping to be back for Duke. Freshman guard Rodney Hudson, who has a sprained knee, is hoping to play some against Duke. Receiver Greg Carr has a cast on his wrist due to a sprain, but he insists that he will play. FSU’s defense is No. 19 nationally against the run.

DUKE: In his last five games, quarterback Thaddeus Lewis has thrown for 1325 yards and 14 touchdowns. His most dependable receivers are Eron Riley and Jomar Wright. Outside linebacker Vincent Rey is averaging 11 tackles per game. Duke is No 98 in total defense allowing 438 ypg and FSU is allowing 319 ypg (No. 24). The Blue Devils are No. 118 in rushing.

NORTH CAROLINA AT WAKE FOREST: Quarterback T J Yates has thrown for 1671 in seven games. Coach Butch Davis has refuted rumors that he would leave North Carolina for Arkansas. Contrary to rumor, his contract doesn’t have an out for him to go to Arkansas.

WAKE FOREST: Tailback Josh Adams gained 131 yards rushing against Navy. He has rushed for 271 yards in his past two games. Receiver Kenneth Moore caught 15 passes against Navy. He has caught at least 11 passes in two of his last three games. Wake has won four straight with its typical disciplined play.

VIRGINIA AT N C STATE: The Cavs are going for their eight straight win. Virginia is No. 101 in total offense averaging 326 ypg. They are No. 21 in total defense allowing 314 ypg. In the win over Maryland, Mikell Simpson totaled 271 all-purpose yards. The Cavs have consecutive one point wins. Quarterback Jamell Sewell threw for 243 yards. Defensive end Chris Long had 10 tackles and two quarterback sacks.

GEORGIA TECH IS OFF: Tailback Tashard Choice’s knee surgery went so well that he might only miss the Virginia Tech game. If he misses the Virginia Tech game next week, it will be the first one he has missed since transferring from Oklahoma.

MIAMI IS OFF: The Canes rallied to beat FSU on the strength of a seven play, 83- yard drive led by quarterback Kirby Freeman after Kyle Wright left with an injury. Freeman hit tight end Dedrick Epps on a nice pass for the touchdown. They scored twice in 11 seconds. Linebacker Colin McCarthy scored on a 27-yard fumble recovery. Defensive tackle Josh Holmes might be out for the season. Cornerback Glenn Sharpe and receiver Lance Leggett are questionable for the N C State game with injuries. Miami had success running the football in the second half, which was a key to the game. The Canes had four turnovers, give up a defensive touchdown and still win with 37 points. Shannon said Wright will play against N C State if healthy. Freeman helped himself. Receiver Lance Leggett is working to overcome a foot injury, but defensive tackle Antonio Dixon is still out.

OTHER GAMES

OHIO STATE AT PENN STATE: The Buckeye defense held Michigan State, a good running team, to only 58 yards. The defense has allowed two meaningful touchdowns all year. Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer was held to 12- of- 23 passes with an interception. Michigan State got pressure on quarterback Todd Boeckman. The series is tied at 11 each. Ohio State leads 5-3 in Happy Valley. The Buckeyes have won 26 straight regular season games.

Penn State has turned around their season after consecutive losses to Illinois and Wisconsin. Penn State leads the nation in sacks and is second in tackles for loss mainly due to sophomore end Maurice Evans, who has 33 tackles and 10.5 sacks. Last three games, he has seven sacks in three games. Quarterback Anthony Morelli needs to have a big day. He has 16 touchdowns and 7 picks. The Nittany Lion offensive line has allowed 16 sacks. Penn State linebacker Dan Connor, Sean Lee and Tyrell Sales must stop the Buckeye running attack with a banged up Chris Wells. Starting defensive tackle Jared Odrick is out for the season with an ankle injury, which puts more pressure on redshirt freshman Ollie Ogbu and sophomore Chris Baker.

USC AT OREGON: The Trojans won last year, 35-10. Quarterback John David Booty threw in practice without a splint on his broken middle finger. Mark Sanchez has taken most of the snaps with the first team this week and he will start. USC is No. 89 in turnover ratio. The Trojans are No. 4 nationally in rush defense with defensive tackle Sedrick Ellis and linebacker Keith Rivers leading the way. Freshman tailback Joe McKnight has 20 carries for 140 yards in his last two games. For the first time since Nov. of 2001, USC is an underdog in game. Oregon is a three-point favorite. Offensive lineman Sam Baker (hamstring) is hoping to play. Tailback Chauncey Washington remains the starter despite Stafon Johnson’s return to health and the emergence of McKnight.

Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon has completed 70% of his passes. He has thrown 16 touchdowns and three picks. Running back Jonathan Stewart (149 ypg in the conference) has gained 940 yards in seven games, averaging seven yards per carry. Oregon is No. 2 in scoring offense averaging 46 ppg and total offense 550 ypg. Starting tackle Tavita Thompson has been declared ineligible for an unknown reason.

BRENT BEAIRD IS A SPORTS WRITER FOR MYCLAYSUN IN ORANGE PARK, FLA. HE ALSO WRITES FOR RIVALS.COM, SAMSPORTSLINE.COM AND GATOR BAIT MAGAZINE. HE CAN BE HEARD ON SPORTS RADIO 1010 XL.