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SEC HISTORY: For the first time in league history, five teams are in the AP top ten. Georgia is No. 3, Florida is No. 4, LSU is No. 6, Alabama is No. 9 and Auburn is No. 10.
SEC DEFENSES: This past weekend, SEC defenses allowed 8.2 points, 259 total yards,186 passing yards, 73 rushing yards, 2.5 yards per carry and forced 18 turnovers.
LSU AT AUBURN: The Tennessee at Auburn game has been selected as the CBS game. Coach Tommy Tuberville has won 27 of his last 33 SEC games. He has won 9 of his last 12 against top 10 teams. Auburn has 11 turnovers in three games. Auburn has five touchdowns, but only one passing. Auburn is No. 11 in passing offense. Auburn’s spread problems come from an average quarterback and receivers. Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin said the offense must be simplified. The defensive line rotation consists of nine players. Auburn’s 12 penalties in the Mississippi State game consisted of nine offensive line violations (five false starts and four holding). The coaches are discussing when to insert quarterback Kodi Burns, who has played little since lacerating his leg during the Louisiana-Monroe game. Tailback Brad Lester, the second leading rusher, is back at practice after spraining his neck in the Mississippi State game. Auburn’s offensive line has allowed only three sacks and LSU is last in the league in tackles for loss.
The last time Auburn won a game by scoring only three points was a, 3-0, win at Miami in 1974. Auburn tailbacks and quarterbacks continue to fumble the ball at the worst possible times. They lost three fumbles, including two in the fourth quarter in the win over Mississippi State. Quarterback Chris Todd was 14- of- 26 for 154 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Tailback Ben Tate led the Tigers with 92 yards rushing including a 32- yard run that sealed the game with 2:00 remaining in the fourth quarter. Tiger offensive lineman Ryan Pugh was called for holding in the end zone giving State its only points of the game. The Tigers were flagged 12 times in the game. In three games, the Tiger defense has held opponents to 3- of- 46 attempts on third down. Auburn is No. 1 in the SEC in scoring defense allowing only 5 points per game. The Tigers are also No. 9 inrushing defense allowing 53 yards per game and No. 10 nationally allowing 213 total yards per game. They have yet to allow a point in the first half. Tuberville said linebacker Tray Blackmon played his best game of the season against Mississippi State.
LSU tailback Charles Scott, who had 160 yards rushing in the opener, led the Tigers with 102 yards on seven carries in the win over North Texas. Scott, who is averaging 11 yards per carry, had touchdown runs of 43 and 39 yards. Receiver Trindon Holliday scored on a 92- yard punt return. He also had a 59 yard return which set up another touchdown. LSU had 216 yards rushing, 209 passing and 218 on returns. Quarterback Andrew Hatch was 10- of- 17 for 125 yards and Jarrett Lee was 10- of- 18 for 84 yards. LSU starting linebacker Darry Beckwith left the game with a knee injury. He will not play against Auburn. Jacob Cutrera will replace him. Beckwith might be back by the Florida game. LSU has won 29 straight Saturday games at home. Coach Les Miles said freshman quarterback Jordan Jefferson will not be redshirted.
ESPN GameDay will be at Auburn. In the last four years, the Auburn/LSU series has been decided by a combined 14 points. Both teams have won two games each in the past four years. LSU won last year on a 22-yard touchdown pass with :01 left in the game. LSU hasn’t scored in double digits at Auburn since 2000.
GEORGIA AT ARIZONA STATE: Georgia scored the go-ahead touchdown against South Carolina in the third quarter on a four-yard score by tailback Knowshon Moreno. South Carolina had three opportunities to tie the game in the fourth quarter, but was denied every time. The Gamecocks drove to the Georgia 2-yard line midway through the fourth quarter. The drive ended when Bulldog linebacker Rennie Curran, who had six tackles, one sack and a forced fumble, knocked the ball away from South Carolina tailback Mike Davis as he was trying to dive over the pile and Asher Allen recovered in the end zone. On South Carolina’s last drive, Georgia defensive back Reshad Jones intercepted Gamecock Chris Smelley inside the Bulldog 10-yard line. Punter Brian Mimbs, who averaged nearly 50 yards per punt, kicked a 77 and 51 yard punts.
Quarterback Matthew Stafford was 15- of- 25 for 146 yards in the South Carolina game. Yet, his biggest contribution might have been with his feet. Stafford, who was credited with only 15 yards due to sacks, gained 47 rushing yards including a crucial 30 yard run for a first down in the second half. Moreno ran 20 times for 79 yards. Freshman receiver A. J. Green caught three passes for 61 yards. The Bulldog defense held South Carolina to only 18 yards rushing. Georgia has played 69, 68 and 61 players in order to prepare for the Arizona heat. Defensive end Roderick Battle is doubtful with a strained neck.
Bulldog defenders are very concerned about stopping ASU quarterback Rudy Carpenter, who leads the Pac-10 in active yards with 8,973. Georgia has struggled with a consistent pass rush. Coach Mark Richt said guard Vince Vance could slide over to left tackle for Kiante Tripp, who slightly hurt his knee on Tuesday. Richt also said as many as 10 receivers will continue to play.
Arizona State was shocked by UNLV, 23-20, in overtime last Saturday night. The No. 15 ranked Sun Devils were a 22 point favorite. UNLV had lost 21- of-22 road games coming into Saturday night’s game. Sun Devil quarterback Rudy Carpenter was 13- of- 23 for 242 yards with two scores and an interception.
FLORIDA AT TENNESSEE: Florida’s home game against Ole Miss has been selected as the Raycom 12:30 p.m. game. Receiver Percy Harvin said he’s 100%. Coach Urban Meyer has said that he wants to use tailback Emmanuel Moody more in this game. Coach Urban Meyer and defensive line coach Dan McCarney are trying to light a fire under defensive end Carlos Dunlap, who had two sacks and three total tackles in the Miami game. Dunlap and Justin Trattou are battling for the starting spot opposite Jermaine Cunningham, who has a team-high 3.5 sacks. McCarney also said defensive tackle Lawrence Marsh needs to have a big day stopping the run. Vol runners—Lennon Creer, Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty—all have more yards than any Gator rusher. The Vols average 5.9 yards per carry, but Florida’s opponents’ average only 2.0 yards per carry. Saturday will be the first meeting between former Gator assistant Stan Drayton and Meyer. The Gator head coach wished Drayton well when asked about the move this week.
Injuries-linebacker Dustin Doe (groin) is probable. Receiver Carl Moore (hip pointer) and offensive lineman Jim Tarrt (shoulder) will also play. Defensive tackle John Brown had surgery to correct a broken hand. McCarney said Brown is nowhere near the two-deep depth chart. Defensive tackle Torrey Davis is practicing, but he will not play this week. Running back Mon Williams, who is buried on the depth chart, is working some at weakside linebacker, but Meyer said the move is not permanent. Kick return Brandon James could be a factor in the game because punter Chad Cunningham has struggled this season.
TENNESSEE: In three games against Tennessee in the first half, the Gators have 257 yards rushing on 54 carries and the Vols have 25 yards on 36 carries. In games against Urban Meyer, Tennessee is averaging only 15 points per game. In three games against Meyer, Tennessee is only 14- of- 43 on third down. The Gators are 19- of- 43 on third down conversions against Tennessee. Three of the last five Tennessee quarterbacks have beaten Florida on their first career start against the Gators.
Tennessee has lost the past three straight games to Florida after winning the previous two contests. In home games against Top 10 foes this decade, Tennessee is, 1-7. The only win was against Cal. In the past two Florida games, the Vols’ biggest running play was six yards. The team with the most rushing yards has won 16 of the past 18 games. In the four of Fulmer’s wins over Florida, the Vols have averaged 39 rushing attempts and 190 yards rushing. In the last four losses, Tennessee has averaged 48 yards rushing and only 25 rushing attempts.
Vol defensive line coach Dan Brooks is hoping Demonte Bolden, Dan Williams and Walter Fisher have enough experience to make a difference in this game because their backups Donald Langley, a redshirt freshman and Victor Thomas, a sophomore, have very little experience. Receiver Gerald Jones has been lauded by the coaches for his talent and intelligence. Coach Phil Fulmer said Jones drew up a play recently on the chalk board similar to what one of the staff would do. Jones, a sophomore, had 160 total yards against UCLA, and he caught two passes for scores against UAB. He is probably the team’s biggest playmaker. In 20 third downs of six yard or more, Jonathan Crompton is 5- of- 15 for 70 yards and three picks.
The Vol running game accumulated 266 yards in the win over UAB. Tailback Arian Foster gained 100 yards on 12 carries. He is less than 500 yards away from becoming the career rushing leader passing Travis Henry. Lennon Creer carried eight times for 93 yards and two scores. In the first half, Tennessee ran 10 times for 52 yards. In the second half, they ran 26 times for 210 yards. Crompton was 19- of- 31 for 240 yards with two touchdowns and two picks. Receiver Lucas Taylor caught nine passes for 132 yards. The Vols outgained UAB 548- to- 275 yards. UAB is the No. 119 rated defense in the nation.
Defensive back Eric Berry picked off a pass in the game, his fifth in the last seven games. The Vols have seven picks in the first two games. Linebacker Ellix Wilson has led the team in tackles for the first two games. Vol coaches still have a lot to work on this week including correcting two Crompton picks, eight penalties, average punting and a near 25 minute lack of scoring in the middle part of the game. Tight end Luke Stocker caught two passes, but he dropped three others that would have resulted in first downs. Safety Demetrice Morley was suspended for the first quarter after missing a class and team meetings. The home opener was the most poorly attended Vol game in years. The announced attendance was 98,205, but the crowd was closer to 85,000. Four of the five SEC East opponents have a week off before playing Tennessee. Tight end transfer Brandon Warren caught two passes in the UAB win. One went for 42 yards. The Vols have only one true freshman (fullback Austin Johnson) on the two-deep chart. Crompton sat out practice Tuesday with a sore ankle.
ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS: Offensive lineman Marlon Davis is back with the first team after struggling with a hamstring injury in the Tulane game. The Tide had an easy time against Western Kentucky. Alabama’s defense allowed its first offensive touchdown of the season, but the Tide offense picked up the pace especially with the return of offensive lineman Andre Smith from a knee sprain. Quarterback John Parker Wilson was 17- of- 27 for 215 yards with two scores and one pick. Alabama totaled 557 yards of offense. Tailback Glen Coffee led the Tide in rushing with 97 yards. Receiver Julio Jones led the team in receiving with five catches for 66 yards. Alabama’s defense is allowing less than two yards per rush. Tide fans can take some solace that the Tulane win might be more significant after the Green Wave nearly upset East Carolina.
If Alabama had not hired Nick Saban, Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino was the backup plan according to Saban’s agent Jimmy Sexton. The Alabama at Georgia game has been selected by ESPN for a 7:45 pm kickoff. Defensive back Justin Woodall was selected as one of the Player-of-the-week (POW) for his interception, forced fumble and big hits. Courtney Upshaw, who also saw action at linebacker, received a similar award for special teams play. Jones was the SEC freshman of the week. Despite seven first-time starters on defense, the Tide is No. 1 in rush defense, No. 9 in scoring defense and No. 13 in total defense. One of the more interesting matchups in the game is Alabama noseguard Terrence Cody against Hog center Jonathan Luigs, the Remington award winner last year. The Tide leads the SEC in third down conversions.
Last year against Arkansas, the Tide won at home with only eight seconds left when Wilson connected with Matt Caddell for the winning touchdown. Arkansas beat the Tide in double overtime in 2006 in Fayetteville. In that game, current Tide kicker Leigh Tiffin missed three field goals and an extra point. Alabama hasn’t won in the state of Arkansas since 2002. Arkansas has won three of the past five years in the series.
Arkansas didn’t play last week after its game against Texas was postponed. Hog quarterback Casey Dick has completed 47- of- 75 for 641 yards and four scores. Dick has thrown for more than 300 yards in the first two games, a Hog record. The Hogs are near the bottom of the SEC in scoring defense (25 points per game) and total yards allowed per game (301). Alabama and Arkansas have played the most freshmen in the nation. Alabama is up to 15. Michael Smith is solidly the No. 1 tailback. The coaches are hoping receiver London Crawford could have a breakout game. The Arkansas at Texas game has been chosen by ABC for a 3:30 pm kickoff.
VANDERBILT AT OLE MISS: The Commodores are No. 26 in the AP poll. They have not been ranked since 1984 when they were No. 19. Quarterback Chris Nickson is averaging 5.5 yards per carry. Tailback Jared Hawkins has 242 yards rushing in three games.
The Commodores beat a solid Rice team by outscoring the Owls, 17-0, in the second half. Nickson was only 7- of- 16 for 71 yards, but he made up for his lack of passing production with 85 yards rushing and two scores. Tailback Jared Hawkins led the Commodores in rushing with 107 yards. Owl quarterback Chase Clement threw for 299 yards, but he had only one touchdown. Cornerback D. J. Moore had 169 all-purpose yards including a 67-yard punt return that set up a score. He also returned a pick 31 yards and two kickoffs for 54. Moore, who ran the ball twice for 37 yards, made four tackles and broke up a pass.
Ole Miss scored 31 straight points over the last three quarters and shut out Samford in the second and third quarters to coast to an easy win. Quarterback Jevan Snead was 13- of- 24 for 224 yards and two picks. The Rebels ran for 196 yards. Mike Wallace led the receivers with four catches for 101 yards. The Rebels have beaten Vandy three times in the past five straight seasons. Defensive lineman Greg Hardy, who led the SEC in sacks last year, is back at practice. He could play in spot duty this Saturday. Hardy has recovered from a stress fracture in his foot. Snead is the only quarterback in the SEC that has yet to be sacked in a game.
MISSISSIPPI STATE AT GEORGIA TECH: Coach Sly Croom said he might play another quarterback against Tech after starter Wesley Carroll struggled against Auburn. The Bulldogs were 0- of- 14 on third down in the loss to Auburn. State gained a total of 116 yards and six first downs. Quarterback Wesley Carroll was 10- of- 25 for 78 yards. State’s biggest play came from punter Blake McAdams who pinned Auburn inside the five yard line in the fourth quarter. McAdams punted 10 times. On the ensuing series the Bulldogs scored a safety after a holding call. Croom went for fourth- and- 15 on his own 48 yard line with 3:48 left in the game instead of trying to punt the ball and pin Auburn deep. Carroll was flushed out of the pocket and threw an incompletion. Tailback Anthony Dixon is struggling with a groin injury.
Georgia Tech has been one of the surprise teams of the ACC. Tech upset Boston College and nearly beat Virginia Tech last week. Quarterback Josh Nesbitt, who rushed for 151 yards and threw for 109 more against the Hokies, has been a great fit for Paul Johnson’s offense. Tech gained 278 yards rushing against the Hokies. However, leading rusher Jonathan Dwyer gained only 28 yards on 10 carries. On the Hokies last drive, Tech committed two personal foul penalties to keep the chains moving. Defensive lineman Vance Walker was hurt late in the game. The Yellow Jacket defensive line was pushed around by the much maligned Hokie offensive line. Still, Tech is allowing only 3.7 yards per play and allowing eight sacks in three games but the defense is allowing opponents to convert 45% on third down.
WOFFORD AT SOUTH CAROLINA: The Davis fumble late in the Georgia game seemed to sum up the recent history of the series. Including this past Saturday’s game, South Carolina players have fumbled three times in crucial spots against Georgia this decade. In 2002, fullback Andrew Pinnock fumbled the ball when the Gamecocks were driving to win the game. In 2006, quarterback Blake Mitchell tried to leap over a pile of Bulldog players and fumbled the ball at a crucial time in the fourth quarter. Spurrier has lost six straight SEC games, easily the longest of his career. Receiver Moe Brown made some inroads in trying to be the No. 2 receiver behind Kenny McKinley after he caught seven passes for 130 yards and one score. Quarterback Chris Smelley was 23- of- 39 for 271 yards with one touchdown and one pick. The Gamecocks beat Wofford, 27-20, in 2006. Wofford runs a flexbone offense that averages 400 yards rushing per game, No. 1 in the nation.
Defensive back Captain Munnerlyn rebounded against Georgia with six tackles and two sacks. Linebacker Jasper Brinkley had seven tackles and a sack. The running attack gained only 18 yards on 16 carries. Spurrier said Stephen Garcia would remain the No. 2 quarterback behind Smelley. South Carolina has lost 11 straight games on CBS. The Gamecock pass defense is No. 1 in the nation. Overall, South Carolina is No. 9 in yards allowed. Tailback Taylor Rank was on the scout team Monday. Spurrier said he will concentrate on sophomore Brian Maddox and freshman Eric Baker.
KENTUCKY IS OFF: The Wildcats had the wildest finish of any SEC team. Wildcat cornerback Robbie McAtee tackled Middle Tennessee receiver Eldred King on the 1-yard line to save the win for the unbeaten Wildcats. The tackle came at the end of a 61- yard desperation pass from MTSU quarterback Joe Craddock that nearly won the game. In a reversal of fortune, Kentucky quarterback Mike Hartline, who was 28- of- 47 for 254 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions, came off the bench after last week’s hero freshman Randall Cobb was hurt while playing receiver in the first quarter. Cobb, linebacker Micah Johnson and defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin are all out with high ankle sprains. Kicker Lones Seiber missed four field goals. The victory was the seventh time in 21 games that Kentucky has rallied to win.
ACC NOTES
WAKE FOREST AT FLORIDA STATE: Wake has only three players on their depth chart who have not been redshirted. Quarterback Riley Skinner has completed 75% of his passes with five touchdowns and no picks. Alphonso Smith is one of the better cornerbacks in the nation. Smith, who will likely be matched up with FSU receiver Greg Carr, is also active on special teams. Kicker Sam Swank won the Ole Miss game.
The Noles have beaten their first two opponents by a combined score of, 115-7. Defensive coordinator Mickey Andrews said he is not happy that the defense has caused only two turnovers in the first two games. Nole defenders dropped three picks against Chattanooga. Wake could have an advantage in the kicking game especially since Zach Hobby is only 1- of- 4 in field goal attempts with two missed extra points.
A total of 36 players from the 2006 team that lost, 30-0, at home to Wake are still on the team. Last year, the Noles got off to a, 4-1, start before losing at Wake. Defensive tackle Budd Thacker and receiver Preston Parker return to the lineup after suspensions. Parker might not automatically return punts since Tony Carter has done a nice job averaging 23 yards per return. Both D’Vontrey Richardson, who has had two 50-yard runs, and Christian Ponder have demonstrated a strong arm with the ability to hit receivers in stride. Tailback Antone Smith has had moments of explosiveness. The receivers, especially Corey Surrency, have had their moments, but they have also dropped some footballs. Linebacker depth is improving. Defensive end Everette Brown could be a force rushing the passer. The kicking game struggled against Chattanooga.
MIAMI AT TEXAS A & M: Cane defensive player Chavez Grant said playing Texas A & M doesn’t put any fear in their hearts. The defense has yet to create a turnover this season. Coach Randy Shannon has taken tailback Graig Cooper off punt return duties due to his heavier load at running back and replaced him with freshman Thearon Collier. Receiver Jermaine McKenzie is over his knee injury. Dwayne Hendricks has moved ahead of Antonio Dixon at tackle. Shannon said backup quarterback Jacory Harris will play in both halves.
Aggie starting quarterback Stephen McGee (shoulder sprain) and running back Mike Goodson were injured in the win over New Mexico last Saturday. The Aggies lost to Arkansas State and nearly lost to New Mexico. Backup quarterback Jerrod Johnson played well. The defensive coordinator is Joe Kines, who held the same job at Alabama. The Aggies are adjusting slowly to Sherman’s pro style attack. The Aggies defense has been woeful in stopping the run. Jordan Pugh and Jordan Peterson are two good physical defensive backs who could bottle up the Cane receivers.
SOUTH CAROLINA STATE AT CLEMSON: For the first time since 1943, three redshirt freshmen played on the offensive line due to injuries. Tailback C. J. Spiller gained 61 yards on 10 carries in the win over N. C. State. Coach Tommy Bowden said he has not been pleased with the defensive line and linebackers this season. Fifth year senior defensive tackle Dorrell Scott has endured double-teams and has had little production this season.
VIRGINIA TECH AT NORTH CAROLINA: In the win over Georgia Tech, Tyrod Taylor was 9- of- 14 for 48 yards. He added 15 carries for 48 yards. Tailback Darren Evans established himself with 94 yards on 19 carries. The young receivers are struggling. Defensive back Macho Harris is getting 15-20 snaps per game on offense. Dustin Keys hit the game winning field goal with 4:40 left in the game.
UNC is, 2-0, for the first time since 2000. The Tar Heels won the turnover battle against Rutgers, 4-1. Quarterback T. J. Yates, who was 14- of- 22 for 221 yards and three scores, continues to mature. Return specialist and receiver Brandon Tate has emerged as a dangerous weapon. An improving Tar Heel defense will have to defend Taylor.
EASTERN MICHIGAN AT MARYLAND: The Terp defense held Cal to 2- of- 11 on third down. Cal came in averaging nearly 300 yards per game, but gained only 38 yards. The defense which had no sacks in the first two games came up with five. Da’Rel Scott gained 87 yards rushing. Chris Turner was 15- of- 19 for 156 yards with two scores and no picks.
UCF AT BOSTON COLLEGE: UCF have been low on receivers due to injuries but Richard Jackson, a Notre Dame transfer who has been granted instant eligibility will play. Rocky Ross, who is from Jacksonville, leads UCF in receiving with 11 catches for 148 yards and a score.
BIG 12 NOTES
BUFFALO AT MISSOURI: The Tigers lead the nation in total offense. They have scored 52 points (twice) and 69. Buffalo quarterback Drew Willy might be able to put up 300 yards of passing offense. Jeremy Mclain caught six passes for 172 yards last week. Buffalo is a serious candidate for the MAC title. They have beaten Temple and played well against Pitt.
RICE AT TEXAS: Rice is coming off a loss to Vanderbilt. Quarterback Chase Clement, who has over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns, could give the Longhorns some problems. Rice could take advantage of the young Texas secondary with receivers Jarrett Dillard and James Casey. The problem is Rice allows 33 points and more than 400 yards per game on defense.
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.
E-MAIL BRENT AT brentbeaird@comcast.net
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