The Tide is coming off their best overall performance of the season in beating Tennessee by 24 points. Alabama’s defense shut out Tennessee in the second half. Alabama receiver D. J. Hall leads the SEC averaging 95 yards per game. Alabama is not sure if Glen Coffee, Marlon Davis and Antoine Caldwell, Marquis Johnson and Chris Rogers will be eligible to play. LSU starts 17 players that Saban recruited. ESPN GameDay will be in Oregon for the Arizona State vs. Oregon game not in Tuscaloosa where Alabama has a 3-7 record when the show comes to town. Linebacker Ezekiel Knight appears to be healthy from his ankle injury.

SOUTH CAROLINA AT ARKANSAS: This has been a close series as of late. Last year, Arkansas won by six points, South Carolina won by four in 2005 and the Gamecocks won by three in 2004. South Carolina had 15 more first downs, nearly 200 more yards of offense and ran 16 more plays than Tennessee. They also had four turnovers compared to Tennessee’s one. Quarterback Blake Mitchell was 31- of- 45 for 390 yards with one pick and one touchdown. Tailback Cory Boyd ran for 160 yards on 20 carries and receiver Kenny McKinley caught 14 passes for 151 yards. In the second half, the Gamecocks outgained Tennessee 355- 112 yards. Overall, South Carolina outgained Tennessee 501-317 yards. South Carolina allowed only one sack compared to seven against Vanderbilt. Redshirt freshman Heath Batchelor saw plenty of action at right guard. Captain Munnerlyn led the Gamecocks with 11 tackles and Emanuel Cook had 10.

Mitchell will start against Arkansas. Chris Smelley, who struggled against Tennessee, has been demoted to third team. The Hogs are No. 11 in SEC rushing yards (121 ypg) and No. 10 in rushing yards allowed per game (169 ypg). South Carolina quarterbacks have been sacked more times than any other teams in the SEC (29 for minus 184 yards). Despite two straight losses, South Carolina has still won 9- of- 12 games.

Arkansas needs one more win to be bowl eligible. This is an important four game (road trips to Tennessee and LSU and a home game with Mississippi State) stretch for the Hogs. The Hogs did what was expected in their rout of Florida International. Nathan Emert, who was 13- of- 25 for 154 yards and one score, received more time at quarterback after Casey Dick sustained a concussion and sore ribs. Tailback Felix Jones had 89 yards and Michael Smith chipped with 88. Darren McFadden gained 61 yards and scored four times. The Hogs took advantage of seven FIU turnovers. Receiver Marcus Monk, who saw his first action after two knee surgeries, caught a 13- yard scoring pass. Coach Houston Nutt is 6-3 against South Carolina. The Hogs are first in the SEC in ppg (40), rushing offense (287 ypg), total offense (450 ypg), pass efficiency defense (85 ypg) and opponents third down conversions (26%). Arkansas has several players back from injury including receivers Robert Johnson and London Crawford, tight end Lance Thompson and Dick. Defensive back Jerrell Norton has picked off passes in four of his last five games.

VANDERBILT AT FLORIDA: The Gators have won the last three in this series, but it hasn’t been easy. The Gators have won by only a touchdown in the past two games. Jarred Fayson had his best game as a Gator against Georgia. Tailback Kesthan Moore struggled with two fumbles. The offense gained 343 yards and was 4- of- 19 on third down. The defense allowed Georgia to convert 10- of- 13 third downs. Defensive back Wondy Pierre-Louis also struggled despite his big pick six. Georgia’s 40 points was only the fifth time the Gators had surrendered 40 points since the 1996 Fiesta Bowl against Nebraska. A total of 19 Gators have made their first career start this season. Defensive tackle Javier Estopinan is out for the rest of the season with an ACL injury. Terron Sanders, another defensive tackle, is out for a few weeks with a high ankle sprain. The Orlando Sentinel reported that running back Chevon Walker and safety Jamar Hornsby were not on the roster for the Georgia game. Walker is tending to personal issues, but Hornsby and Jacques Rickerson will be available this weekend. Quarterback Cam Newton is still recovering from a sprained ankle. Florida has given up at least 20 points in seven straight games. Florida is No. 93 nationally in pass efficiency defense.

The Gators are still working on establishing a running game. After Moore fumbled twice, receiver Percy Harvin and Brandon James were used as tailbacks. Redshirt freshman Mon Williams was going to be a feature back, but he blew out his knee. Chris Rainey had trouble adjusting to the offense and was lost for the season with an injury. Offensive lineman Mike Pouncey will be moving to defense. Receiver Louis Murphy is second on the team with 26 catches for 402 yards. Harvin has 36 catches for 604 yards. Receiver Riley Cooper (finger) should be back even though he has been limited in practice. Freshman safety Major Wright (broken thumb) should be able to play, but he might not start. Kyle Jackson and Dorian Munroe are also in the mix. Freshman defensive tackle John Brown will not play so that he can concentrate on academics. Florida’s defense has allowed nearly 1,000 yards of offense to Kentucky and Georgia. The Gator’s could have three freshmen, four true sophomores and a redshirt freshman on defense this week. The defense is on pace to allow the third most yards in history. They are allowing 358 ypg. In 1992, they allowed 368 ypg and in 2003 they gave up 367.

Vanderbilt is one win away from being bowl eligible after beating Miami of Ohio. The Commodores haven’t played in a bowl game since 1982. Receiver Earl Bennett, who caught eight passes for 85 yards, broke the SEC career mark for receptions set by former Kentucky receiver Craig Yeast. He has 215 for his career. Vanderbilt rushed for 290 yards. Tailback Cassen Jackson- Garrison led Vandy with 75 yards. Jared Hawkins gained 61 yards on 10 carries. Quarterback McKenzi Adams was 9- of- 14 for 108 yards before he left with a chest injury. Previous starter Chris Nickson took over for Adams and directed the Commodores on a scoring drive. Vandy’s defense held Miami of Ohio to only 26 yards rushing. Linebacker Jonathan Goff made 11 tackles. The Commodores, who had four turnovers, allowed only three points and 86 total yards in the second half. Vandy leads the SEC in sacks.

TROY AT GEORGIA: Quarterback Matthew Stafford was 11- of- 18 for 217 yards and three scores in the win over Florida. Tailback Knowshon Moreno ran 33 times for 188 yards and three scores. He also caught two passes for 17 yards. It was the best day for a Georgia back since Verron Haynes ran for 201 yards in 2001 against Georgia Tech. Coach Mark Richt said he would limit Moreno’s action after he has carried the ball 61 times in the past two games. The offensive line had its best performance of the season allowing only one sack. Georgia’s defense allowed Florida only 13 second half points. They sacked Tim Tebow six times and held him to minus yards rushing (-15). On the season, Georgia has allowed only 60 second half points. Senior defensive end Marcus Howard had two of Georgia’s six sacks. Georgia is 10-2 under Mark Richt after a bye. The linebackers played well with Dannell Ellerbe (seven tackles), Marcus Washington (six tackles) and Rennie Curran (five tackles). Georgia has decided to redshirt Caleb King after some speculation that he would play against Florida. Rivals100 running back Dontavious Jackson, who is from Franklin, Ga., has committed to the Bulldogs. Redshirt freshman free safety Reshad Jones will probably start in place of the injured Kelin Johnson (knee).

Troy beat Arkansas State last week for its sixth straight win. The Trojans started the season with losses to Arkansas and Florida. Troy’s biggest win to date had been over Oklahoma State. The Trojans offensive threats are tailback Kenny Cattouse and quarterback Omar Haugabook and receiver Gary Banks. Troy’s pass rush has been effective with 9.5 sacks against North Texas and five against Arkansas State.

NORTHWESTERN STATE AT OLE MISS: The Rebels are looking for win No. 3 on the season after losing to Auburn. The Rebels are assured of their fourth straight losing season and third under Coach Ed Orgeron. Quarterback Seth Adams was only 11- of- 24 for 88 yards. The offense gained only 193 yards. Ole Miss ran for only 93 yards. He was hurt in the fourth quarter and Brent Schaeffer replaced him. Linebacker Tony Fein had 16 tackles. The defense allowed 231 yards rushing. The key play late in the game was Schaeffer throwing a pick in the end zone on the Auburn 20 when he should have thrown the ball away. Defensive lineman Greg Hardy, who didn’t play against Auburn, has been suspended for the rest of the season for violating team rules. Orgeron said Monday that Adams would continue to be the starting quarterback.

Northwestern State (3-5) lost to Texas State last Saturday. NSU’s defense is allowing nearly 40 points per game, 200 yards rushing per game and 400 yards of total offense. Junior tailback Byron Lawrence is the biggest offensive threat for the Demons.

LOUISIANA LAFAYETTE AT TENNESSEE: Tailback Arian Foster led the Vols with 75 yards on 19 carries in the win over South Carolina. Quarterback Erik Ainge was 26- of- 44 for 216 yards with one touchdown and one pick. Receiver Lucas Taylor was the leading receiver with four catches for 57 yards. Freshman safety Eric Berry had 12 tackles, returned a fumble 52 yards to set up a touchdown and took an interception back to the South Carolina 44 to begin another scoring drive. The Vols have scored two touchdowns in the second half of SEC games. In the second half of SEC games, Tennessee has been outscored, 93-36. In the last two games, the Vol defense has allowed 1,011 yards. In eight games, the defense has allowed 25 touchdowns. The record under a John Chavis defense is 34 in 2004. In the last two games, the defense has been on the field 173 snaps. In the last three games, Ainge has completed less than 50% of his passes and has not thrown for over 100 yards in the second half of any of the games.

In Vol Coach Phil Fulmer’s first 11 years, Tennessee was 42-3 in November. The past two seasons they are 6-5. Saturday is the first time all season that the offense has had a lineup change due to injury. The secondary has had six different starting lineups. Tackle Eric Young is out of the rest of the season with a torn quad tendon. Defensive back Marsalous Johnson is also out with a torn meniscus in his knee. Since the start of last season, the Vols have lost cornerbacks Inky Johnson, Antonio Gaines and Johnson to injury, cornerback Roshaun Fellows to dismissal and safety Demetrice Morley to academics. Dennis Rogan, who has been moved from safety to corner, will have an opportunity to return punts this week. Defensive lineman Demonte Bolden and running back LaMarcus Coker have been suspended for Saturday’s game.

Louisiana Lafayette (1-7) had the week off after beating Florida Atlantic in overtime. ULL, who gives up 38 points per game, has allowed 28 points (South Carolina) or more in every game this season. Quarterback Mic Desormeaux averages 110 yards rushing and 138 yards passing per game. Derrick Smith is the team’s leading receiver with 35 catches for 583 yards.

TENNESSEE TECH AT AUBURN: Tiger running back Brad Lester gained 97 yards on 23 carries in the win over Ole Miss. Auburn ran for 233 yards on 48 carries. Receiver Rod Smith caught eight passes for 111 yards. Quarterback Brandon Cox, who slightly separated his shoulder in the game, completed 16- of- 26 passes for 189 yards. Cox has thrown for five touchdowns and one pick in the last six games. Defensive end Antonio Coleman had four tackles, three tackles for loss and two sacks. Coleman has nine tackles for loss in his last four games. Freshman kicker Wes Byrum will miss the Tech game with a quad injury. Receiver Robert Dunn will play this week after missing two games due to suspension. Defensive end Quentin Groves has been moved to linebacker with Craig Stevens nursing an ankle injury. Along with Stevens, Lester is struggling with a groin injury and offensive lineman Ryan Pugh has an ankle injury. Patrick Lee has intercepted a pass in four of his last five games.

In answering questions about the possibility of him going to Texas A & M if Dennis Franchione is fired, Tiger coach Tommy Tuberville said he signed an updated contract after the 2004 season that pays him $2.4 per year. He has a $6 million buyout. Tuberville said Cox will start, but backups Kodi Burns and Blake Field will play. Fifteen freshmen have played this season, far more than the Tigers have normally played the past few years. Only eight freshmen are redshirting this season.

Tennessee Tech, coached by former UAB coach Watson Brown, lost to Samford last Saturday, 59-52. Senior tailback Derek White is their main rushing threat. Tech is first in the OVC conference in total defense nearly 450 yards per game. Senior Larry Shipp is a dangerous kick returner. The quarterback position has been a revolving door. Lee Sweeney is back from a knee injury.

MISSISSIPPI STATE IS OFF: The Bulldogs forced a season high six turnovers in their win over Kentucky. State has three road wins and is one victory away from being bowl eligible. The Bulldogs haven’t won three road games since 2000. State intercepted Kentucky’s Woodson three times in the second half and sacked him three times. The Bulldog defense held Kentucky to 89 yards rushing and 230 total yards. Linebacker Jamon Hughes led State with nine tackles and defensive lineman Avery Hannibal had three tackles for loss and two sacks. Christian Ducre ran for a career high 119 yards on 19 carries including a 34-yard touchdown. Freshman quarterback Wesley Carroll was 17- of -28 for 152 yards and two scores. State has 11 drives of 10 plays or more. They opened the game last week with drives of 14 and 17 plays. State is 3-0 when holding opponents to under 100 yards rushing. Carroll has thrown 137 passes without an interception. State is 4-0 when scoring 25 points.

KENTUCKY IS OFF: The Wildcats have lost two straight after the Mississippi State defeat. Kentucky is out of the divisional race, but they can still make a bowl game. Woodson was 24- of- 42 for 240 yards with two touchdowns and three picks. The Wildcat defense allowed State to run for 200 yards. Kentucky struggled without receiver Keenan Burton, and tailbacks Rafael Little and Tony Dixon who were out with injuries. Free safety Marcus McClinton is out for the year with a broken scapula.

ACC NOTES

FLORIDA STATE AT BOSTON COLLEGE: Quarterback Xavier Lee has been suspended for two games due to violation of academic policy. He will practice with the team, but not travel to either of the next two games. Drew Weatherford, who played well against Duke, will start. Bowden said Christian Ponder has received the majority of the second team reps. Receiver Richard Goodman is out with a fractured ankle. Sophomore linebacker Marcus Ball is back from a high ankle sprain. Offensive lineman Rodney Hudson is returning from a sprained knee. Defensive tackle Andre Fluellen is back to 85% after sitting out the past two games. FSU allowed only 222 total yards and nine yards rushing in the win over Duke. Defensive tackle Bud Thacker had three tackles in the Duke win. Tailback Antone Smith, who is coming off an ankle injury, has run for 260 yards in his last two games. Cornerback Patrick Robinson has picked off a pass in four straight games. FSU has designated this as a sod game.

BOSTON COLLEGE leads the nation in pass interceptions and rush defense. Quarterback Matt Ryan averages 306 yards per game, No. 11 nationally. However, Ryan struggled with pressure from a good defense like Virginia Tech. The rushing game struggled against Virginia Tech partly due to poor blocking from the running backs. Andre Callender has six touchdown runs and four scoring catches in his last five games. Can FSU, ranked No. 92 in rushing offense, run the ball on BC’s rush defense ranked second nationally against the run. Hokie running back Brandon Ore ran for nearly 100 yards last week. BC is No. 1 in interceptions with 18; second in rush defense (55 ypg) and No. 3 in turnover ratio (+ 1.38). Fullback Jamie McClusky has returned to practice after missing the last month with a knee injury.

CLEMSON AT DUKE: The Tigers have split the last eight meetings at Wallace Wade Stadium. Receiver Rendrick Taylor will likely play after recovering from a slightly torn hamstring. Taylor’s presence is important after the Tigers lost Jacoby Ford (14 rushes for 172 yards and 17 catches for 310 yards) last week to a broken ankle. Senior left guard Chris McDuffie sustained a sprained left ankle against Maryland. Against Maryland, tailbacks James Davis and C J Spiller had 51 touches for 272 yards.

MARYLAND AT NORTH CAROLINA: Maryland has lost consecutive games to Virginia and Clemson. The Terp defense is struggling with tackling. Clemson gained 249 yards rushing and 428 total yards. Maryland has allowed at least 178 yards rushing in five of the last six games. The Terps are tied for last in the ACC in sacks with 12. Linebacker Erin Henderson has 33 tackles in his last two games. Quarterback Jordan Steffy has not played since September.

North Carolina is led by freshman quarterback T J Yates, who is No. 10 in rushing offense (101 ypg), but No. 5 in passing (239 ypg). Yates has 12 picks on the season. He has nine picks and two touchdowns in his last five games. The Tar Heel offense is averaging only 16 points over the last six games. UNC is starting five freshmen on offense. Running back Anthony Elzy and Johnny White might be able to gain some ground on the Terps who have allowed 175 yards on the ground, the past three games.

N C STATE AT MIAMI: Quarterback Kyle Wright, who is 18-9 as a starter, is still wearing a protective boot due to an ankle injury. He also has a sprained knee. If Wright can’t go, then Kirby Freeman will start. Coach Randy Shannon said on Wednesday that if the game was played then, Freeman would start. If Miami wins its last four games then it will play for the ACC title. Receiver Lance Leggett is questionable with a foot injury. Senior Darnell Jenkins is the top receiver with 22 catches for 466 yards. Sam Shields is second with 16 catches for 226 yards. Freshman Craig Cooper leads the team with 564 yards rushing. Tailback Javarris James carried the ball 113 times for 416 yards. The offensive line has not allowed a lot of sacks (13). Miami has 24 sacks on the season. The Canes have allowed 21 ppg, 188 yards passing and 136 yards rushing. Due to injury, the Canes are utilizing a three-tackle system with Teraz McCray, Joe Joseph and Vegas Franklin. Tackle Antonio Dixon may return in the next two weeks from a knee injury. Miami has beaten N C State four straight times. Right defensive end Calais Campbell, who some consider a disappointment this season, is second on the team in tackles with 70, but he had only five sacks.

The Wolfpack, who have five wins, are coming off a big win over Virginia. State had 431 yards of total offense. Sophomore Jamelle Eugene gained 112 yards. He ran for 101 yards against FSU. For the second straight week, the offensive line protected quarterback Daniel Evans well enough for him to throw for over 300 yards. In the last two games, Evans has completed 55- of- 90 passes for 682 yards with six touchdowns and two picks. The Wolfpack had six sacks and six quarterback pressures. The defensive line has averaged six sacks per game the past two weeks. Receiver Donald Bowens caught 11 passes for 202 yards. He has 16 catches for 295 yards in his last two games. Cornerback DeAndre Morgan and strong safety Javon Walker, both freshmen, have moved into the starting lineup.

WAKE FOREST AT VIRGINIA: Wake has won six straight games. Demon Deacon receiver Kevin Marion leads the nation with a 33 yard average per kickoff return. He had an 83 and 98- yard returns in last week’s win over North Carolina. Wake has scored nine non-offensive touchdowns. Running back Josh Adams has 353 yards rushing in the past four games. Quarterback Riley Skinner was 12- of- 15 in the win over North Carolina last week.

Virginia lost last week after winning seven straight games. The Cav defense allows only 19 ppg. Sophomore running back Mikell Simpson ran for 81 yards last week in the loss to N C State. Quarterback Jameel Sewell threw for 260 yards last week against the Wolfpack. Defensive end Chris Long has 11 solo sacks this season, third nationally.

WISCONSIN AT OHIO STATE: Quarterback Todd Boeckman, who completed 19- of- 26 for 253 yards and three touchdowns in the win at Penn State, has 21 touchdowns and eight picks. He has a 164.3 passer rating, No. 3 nationally. Receiver Brian Hartline caught four passes for 69 yards and a score. Brian Robiskie, another receiver had four catches for 59 yards and a score. Chris Wells gained 133 yards on 25 carries. He is only four yards away from 1,000. Ohio State is looking for Big Ten win No. 21 straight on Saturday. That would break the mark set by Michigan from 1990-92. The Buckeye defense is allowing only 8.8 ppg and 214 yards per game.

Wisconsin is looking for its third straight win over the Buckeyes and the fourth straight win at Ohio Stadium since 1996. They have outscored their last two opponents-Northern Illinois and Indiana- 77-6. Running back P J Hill sustained a lower leg bruise in the Indiana win. If he can’t play then freshman Zach Brown will.

RUTGERS AT UCONN: The Husky defense held Louisville’s Brian Brohm to 228 yards and picked him off twice. UConn held USF scoreless in three of five trips to the red zone.

ARIZONA STATE AT OREGON: The Sun Devils have dominated the second half of games this season. They outscored Cal 17-0 in the second half. ASU’s defense limited running back Justin Forsett and picked off two of quarterback Nate Longshore’s passes. The ASU defense is No. 9 against the run allowing 89 ypg rushing and first in the league in pass efficiency defense. Through eight games, they have outscored their opponents, 153-29, in the second half. Cal threw for 231 yards in the first half, but only 63 in the second. Arizona State threw for 45 yards in the first half and 174 in the second. Keegan Herring and Dimitri Nance combined for 181 yards and three scores in the Cal game. They have taken up the slack after tailback Ryan Torain fractured a bone in his left foot. ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter sprained his thumb against Cal, but he will play. Dennis Erickson is 2-4 against Oregon and 0-2 in Eugene.

OREGON cornerback Matthew Harper picked off two Mark Sanchez passes in the win over Southern Cal. Jarius Byrd and Walter Thurmond are also outstanding cornerbacks. Quarterback Dennis Dixon, tailback Jonathan Stewart and the Duck offense led the conference in most categories. The Ducks average 280 yards rushing. Oregon has scored 50 points in four of the last six games. The Oregon defense held Southern Cal to 17 points and forced three turnovers.

NEBRASKA allowed 216 yards to Texas tailback Jamaal Charles in the fourth quarter. The Huskers have lost four straight games, its longest streak since 1961.

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.