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LSU AT FLORIDA: The Tigers were off last week. Coach Les Miles’, 38-6, record ties Alabama’s Frank Thomas for the most wins of an SEC coach after 44 games. Linebacker Darry Beckwith, one of LSU’s defensive leaders, will play next week after recovering from a twisted knee. In 14 road games against ranked teams, Coach Les Miles is, 10-4. Defensive tackles Charles Alexander and Rickey Jean Francois and linebackers Beckwith and Kelvin Sheppard should all play against Florida. All four players were kept out of practice last week. Jarrett Lee, in his first road start, will begin the game at quarterback. Miles said this week that Andrew Hatch will also play. LSU only allows only 70 yards rushing per game or 2.3 yards per carry. The Tigers average 207 yards rushing. Against Tennessee, the Gators stacked the line and forced Jonathan Crompton to beat them. Lee will have more success and put more pressure on the Florida secondary. LSU has forced only three turnovers. The LSU defense is only No. 70 in the nation in tackles for loss and No. 78 in sacks. LSU won last year, 28-24. The Gators won in 2006.
The Gators might have as many as five players back from injury: Will Hill (hamstring), Jim Tartt (shoulder), Marcus Gilbert (ankle), Ryan Stamper (ankle) and Kestahn Moore (hamstring). Hill and Stamper are back at full speed. Tartt practiced some Wednesday, but Carl Johnson might have to start. Running back Emmanuel Moody might not be back until the Kentucky game on Oct. 25 with a high ankle sprain. Receiver Percy Harvin sprained his ankle, but he should be good to go for Saturday. Defensive tackle Omar Hunter (ankle) will not play. The coaches are still deciding whether or not to redshirt Hunter. Quarterback John Brantley, who was 2-of-3 for 19 yards, played in the fourth quarter for Cam Newton, who has an ankle sprain.
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Coach Urban Meyer said Jeff Demps (103 yards) and Chris Rainey (103 yards) might get more snaps because of their home run ability. Demps and Rainey were the first two Gator backs to rush for more than 100 yards in a game since 2007. Receiver Louis Murphy had a team high five catches for 70 yards. Harvin had three catches for 37 yards and six rushes for 37 yards. The offensive line had eight penalties for 65 yards. Redshirt senior tackles Jason Watkins and Phil Trautwein both struggled for the second consecutive week. The offense averaged 7.7 yards per play, scored all three times it was in the red zone and converted all three fourth down opportunities. Cornerback Joe Haden had 11 tackles and a pick. Linebacker Brandon Spikes led the team in tackles with 41.5. Florida is No. 6 in SEC rush defense (99 ypg), No. 6 in pass defense (165 ypg) and No. 7 in total defense (265 ypg).
After five games last year, Tebow completed 85 of 122 passes for 1,297 yards with 11 touchdowns and two picks. He rushed for 89 times for 433 yards and six scores. This year, Tebow has rushed for 157 yards on 61 carries. He has completed 79 of 128 passes for eight touchdowns and one pick. Last year, the Gator averaged 42 points and 457 yards per game. This year, they are averaging 36 points and 390 yards per game.
Gator offensive line coach Steve Addazio has been mentioned as a candidate in a letter from former ‘Cuse running back Ron Konrad to replace Syracuse coach Greg Robinson, who is almost sure to be fired at season’s end. Addazio coached at Syracuse in 1995-98. Florida running backs coach Kenny Carter should be given some credit for Vanderbilt’s success since he was their recent recruiting coordinator.
TENNESSEE AT GEORGIA: A Vol win would be No. 150 in Coach Phil Fulmer’s career. Tailback Arian Foster, who has not scored a touchdown this year, is only 347 yards away from the school rushing record. Foster, who had not spoken to the media in a month, said earlier in the week that he would only grant a request for an interview to a reporter who could speak Pterodactyl, an imaginary dinosaur language. Foster finally spoke to the media after Wednesday’s practice. Middle linebacker Ellix Wilson has returned to the lineup after missing the Northern Illinois game with a shoulder injury. Both Gerald Jones and Eric Berry have practiced taking direct snaps from center this week. Britton Colquitt returns to action after being suspended for half the season. The Vols are No. 115 in net punting and have had two punts blocked. Tennessee is averaging only 10 points per game in the past three games. Coach Phil Fulmer has suspended offensive linemen Ramone Johnson and Darius Myers for lack of academic effort and violation of team rules. Tennessee is still struggling on third down converting only 32%. However, the Vol defense remains the top unit in the SEC allowing only 244 yards per game.
New Vol quarterback Nick Stephens was 11- of- 18 passes for 156 yards and one score in the win over Northern Illinois. Stephens, who played the entire game at quarterback replacing Crompton, connected with Denarius Moore on a 52- yard score in the third quarter. Tailback Arian Foster led Tennessee with 73 yards rushing. Montario Hardesty got seven carries and Lennon Creer none. The Vols converted only 3- of- 13 third downs and picked up only nine first downs. Tennessee was held to 69 yards rushing on 32 carries. Overall, the Vols gained 220 yards, 9 first downs and 13 points. The Vols moved four times inside the Northern Illinois 20- yard and failed to score a touchdown and missed a short field goal. Tennessee’s offense has scored 17 points- or- fewer in four of five games.
Georgia will be foaming at the mouth to avenge last year’s, 35-14, beat down from Tennessee which might have kept them out of the SEC title game. The Vols have won the past two years. Coach Mark Richt is, 9-1, after an open date. The Bulldogs, who have committed 53 penalties compared to 21 for their opponents, are averaging 88 yards of penalties per game. Georgia is still struggling to get consistent pressure on the passer.
The Bulldogs have several injured players such as tailback Knowshon Moreno (elbow), receiver Kris Durham (high ankle sprain), linebacker Dannell Ellerbe (knee sprain) and tight end Tripp Chandler (shoulder) who needed a week of rest. Ellerbe is out so Darryl Gamble would replace him. Moreno gained only 30 yards in the loss to Tennessee last year. He has only rushed for 79 yards against South Carolina and 34 versus Alabama in league play. Brannan Southerland (foot surgery) is back at his fullback position. Richt said both Cordy Glenn and Chris Davis will play left guard. Defensive end Roderick Battle is back after missing three games with a neck sprain. Receiver Tavarres King is back at full speed after an ankle sprain. Freshman running back Richard Samuel has found a new role as the No. 1 kickoff returner. He didn’t play against Alabama. Receiver Tony Wilson had season ending foot surgery. Backup receiver Walt Hill has been dismissed from the team for a violation of team rules. Suspended safety Donovan Baldwin has also been dismissed from the team and will transfer to another school.
Tight end Bruce Figgins said his shoulder is also holding up. However, with Chandler and Figgins dealing with injuries, Kiante Tripp might play more at tight end. In a move that many missed, Tripp has been moved to third string tight end. He came to Georgia as a defensive end, but was moved to the offensive line. Tripp started the first three games. He injured an ankle in the South Carolina game and doesn’t play against Arizona State. He played one play at tight end against Alabama.
SOUTH CAROLINA AT KENTUCKY: The Gamecocks have won three straight games. Nine receivers caught passes in the Ole Miss win. Coach Steve Spurrier said he wants to do something to revive the Gamecock rushing attack that is averaging only 110 yards per game. Redshirt freshman receiver Jason Barnes has caught 10 passes in the past two games. The Ole Miss game was the first time the defense had created more turnovers than the offense had committed. The South Carolina defense is allowing only 245 yards per game. South Carolina’s pass defense is ranked is No. 2 nationally in pass defense and Kentucky is No. 3. The Gamecocks’ 16 turnovers led the SEC.
Gamecock quarterback Chris Smelley was 22- of- 32 for 243 yards with three touchdowns and one pick in the win over Ole Miss. Tailback Mike Davis ran 19 times for 73 yards. The Gamecock defense limited Ole Miss to a field goal in the second half. Redshirt freshman receiver Jason Barnes caught seven passes for 76 yards and two scores. Receiver Kenny McKinley returned to action after nursing a hamstring to catch four passes for 58 yards. Emanuel Cook had 14 tackles and returned a fumble 52 yards. South Carolina beat Ole Miss for the first time since joining the SEC in 1992. The Gamecocks have beaten Kentucky eight straight years. Coach Steve Spurrier is, 15-0, against Kentucky. The Gamecock offensive line will have to protect Smelley from one of the best defensive lines in the nation.
Kentucky receiver DeMoreo Ford and linebacker Michael Schwindel are doubtful for the game both with injured shoulders. Right guard Stuart Hines was scheduled to undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair a torn knee cartilage. Coach Rich Brooks expects receiver/quarterback Randall Cobb and defensive tackle Rickey Lumpkin (both high ankle sprains) to play. Running back Derrick Locke was not bashful about giving his opinion on what is wrong with the offense. Locke said the coaches are not committed enough to the running game. Kentucky ran 20 times for 35 yards in the Alabama. Kentucky averages 142 yards rushing or No. 9 in the league. The Wildcats are No. 1 in scoring defense allowing only 78 points per game. They have allowed only three touchdowns all season.
Wildcat quarterback Mike Hartline was 20- of- 42 for 241 yards with two scores and one pick in the loss to Alabama. Hartline took advantage of a busted coverage in the Tide secondary to hit receiver Ford on a 48- yard touchdown pass late in the game to pull the Wildcats to within the final margin of three points. Kentucky gained only 35 yards rushing. Last year, South Carolina won, 38-23.
VANDERBILT AT MISSISSIPPI STATE: The Commodores still lead the nation in turnover margin. Both quarterbacks Chris Nickson and Mackenzie Adams have taken equal snaps in practice this week. Still, Vandy is No. 116 nationally in passing. Vandy starts the season, 5-0, for the first time since 1943. The Commodores are aiming for a bowl game for the first time since 1982 when they went to the Hall of Fame Bowl. The win over Auburn meant Vandy beat a ranked team for the first time since 1956 and the first time they beat Auburn since 1956. Vandy has won three straight SEC games for the first time since 1982. The Commodores haven’t opened a season, 6-0, since 1928. Vandy’s defense has allowed only 333 yards per game this season. The Commodores lead the league with 16 sacks. Vandy is 18-of-19 in the red zone, the best in the SEC.
Vandy quarterback Chris Nickson hurt his shoulder in the second quarter and Mackenzie Adams, who was 13- of- 23 for 152 yards and two scores and ran for 54 yards on 13 carries, replaced him and led the Commodores to victory. The Commodore defense shut out Auburn during the final three quarters. Vandy has rallied from behind to win every game. Brett Upson pinned Auburn on the 3-yard line on a 55- yard punt with 2:16 left in the game. On the next series, Chris Todd threw a pick to Myron Lewis. Upson kicked four punts inside the Auburn 20-yard line. Vandy, led by Nickson and Mackenzie, gained only 106 yards rushing. Bryant Hahnfeldt missed two field goals. Vandy’s defense held Auburn to 5- of- 16 on third down. Linebacker Patrick Benoist had a game high 13 tackles with two for losses and broke up a pass. The Bulldogs were off this week. State beat Vandy in 2003 and the Commodores won in 2004.
MISSISSIPPI STATE: The Bulldogs have lost three straight games. Quarterback Tyson Lee starts his first game at quarterback. Coach Sly Croom said he won’t have a short leash. Defensive back Derek Pegues is back at practice after dealing with a bruised shoulder. Croom said this week that receiver Brandon McRae, who has 28 catches for 263 yards and two scores, is the team’s best playmaker.
ARKANSAS AT AUBURN: Tiger offensive coordinator Tony Franklin has been fired. Franklin was given a vote of confidence on Tuesday. Franklin was in the first year of a two year deal that paid him $280,000 per year Players have openly questioned the direction of the offense. Franklin was hired in December to direct the offense after the firing Borges, who is still being paid by Auburn. Coach Tommy Tuberville said he is still committed to the spread offense. Coach Steve Ensminger, who will not be the offensive coordinator, will be in the box calling plays. Tuberville said he will also have more say so in play calling.
How will the firing affect recruiting? Auburn has 26 verbal commitments and 13 are offensive players. Four are running backs, four are receivers and one is a quarterback. Tiger commitment Rodney Scott, a running back from Dixie County, said it was a positive for him because he wants to see Auburn run the ball more. Kendall Kelly, the No. 16 receiver according to Rivals.com, said it was more important to know what kind of offense the Tigers were going to run next year.
Bobby Petrino and Tuberville meet for the first time on the field since the 2003 attempted coup when Auburn officials (school president William Walker, athletic director David Housel and some board of trustees) and Petrino tried to take over Tuberville’s job. Both coaches have taken the high road about the incident. Privately, Tiger assistant coaches would like nothing better than to beat Petrino.
Tuberville said Kodi Burns might get the start at quarterback this Saturday. Mario Fannin has been moved back to running back from receiver. Auburn is No. 104 in total offense. The offense has only scored five touchdowns in four SEC games. Conversely, the defense is ranked No. 7 allowing 248 yards per game. Tate has 501 yards rushing. The defense is allowing only 11 points per game. Defensive lineman Sen’Derrick Marks (ankle) and defensive back Jerraud Powers (hamstring) are listed as day-to-day. Powers will likely not play, but Robert Dunn, who hurt his ankle against Tennessee, is slowly getting back into action.
ARKANSAS has lost its last three games to Texas, Alabama and Florida by a combined score of, 139-31. Hog coaches are working on attitudes. Defensive end Adrian Davis said in Monday’s press conference that the team didn’t have the confidence that it could come back in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Casey Dick has been sacked 18 times this season and 10 in the last three games. Starting cornerback Lamar Love underwent thumb surgery and is out for at least two games. For all the preseason talk of Arkansas being an explosive team they have averaged only 17 points per game, No. 109 nationally.
Despite the loss to Florida, Hog coaches said they believed the team improved in the Florida loss. The Hogs gained 361 total yards against Florida. Arkansas had nine penalties for 75 yards. Quarterback Casey Dick was 24- of- 38 for 220 yards with one score. He was sacked four times. Tailback Michael Smith ran 20 times for 133 yards. He also caught six passes for 43 yards. Freshman receiver Joe Adams caught five passes for 68 yards. Linebacker Wendel Davis had 11 tackles.
Tailback Ben Tate, who gained 108 yards on 27 carries, was the only bright spot for the Tigers. Todd was 8- of- 16 for 70 yards with two scores and one pick. The Tigers had 11 penalties for 81 yards. Auburn gained only 82 yards in the final three quarters and netted four yards rushing in second half. Receiver Rod Smith’s four catches put him over the 100 catch mark in his career. He has 103 catches, which ranks him No. 6 in school history. Kicker Wes Byrum’s missed extra point was the difference in the game. Auburn won at Arkansas last year, 9-7. The last time Arkansas beat Auburn was 2006.
ALABAMA: The Tide is off this week after beating Kentucky. Since joining the SEC in 2000, Nick Saban is 7-4 after a bye week. Alabama has outscored it opponents, 88-0, in the first quarter. Tailback Glen Coffee gained 218 yards on 25 carries including a 78- yard scoring run. It was the most rushing yards for a Tide running back since Shaun Alexander ran for a school record 291 yards against LSU in 1996. Coffee is averaging 118 yards per game. Alabama ran for 282 yards. The Wildcats had only been allowing 73 yards rushing per game. Kentucky still has yet to beat the Tide in the state of Alabama. Quarterback John Parker Wilson, who reverted to 2007 form, was 7- of- 17 for 106 yards and one pick. The Tide put together a 15 play, 8:10 drive ending in a 24-yard Leigh Tiffin field goal that iced the game. Alabama had 10 penalties for 92 yards and three turnovers. The Tide defense held Kentucky to only 5- of- 17 third down conversions. Tide cornerback Kareem Jackson picked off Kentucky’s Hartline late in the third quarter to change momentum. Linebacker Rolando McClain picked up a Hartline fumble in the first quarter and returned it for a four yard score. Alabama might not see a better cornerback this season than Kentucky’s Trevard Lindley.
OLE MISS: Defensive lineman Greg Hardy was taken out of last Saturday’s game because he was not giving enough effort. He had one tackle in the first half and was taken out in the second. Hardy led the league in sacks last year, but his personality clashed often with former coach Ed Oregon. The Rebels, who have already matched last year’s win total of three, are off this week after losing to South Carolina. Ole Miss committed three crucial turnovers in the loss including a fumble by quarterback Jevan Snead, who was 21- of- 32 for 243 yards with one pick and one touchdown. Dexter McCluster caught six passes for 99 yards and ran an additional 40 yards, but his fumble on the South Carolina six- yard line in the third quarter was one of the turning points of the game. McCluster also fumbled on the Vanderbilt one yard line earlier in the season.
ACC NOTES
CLEMSON AT WAKE FOREST: Clemson underachieving season continues after the Thursday night loss to Wake Forest. The Tigers are now two games behind the Demon Deacons. Clemson had 10 first downs, 198 net yards including 21 rushing yards and seven penalties. The offensive line has been reshuffled. Mason Cloy and Cory Lambert, both starting guards were knocked out of the game. C. J. Spiller was injured in first quarter and sat out the rest of the game. Quarterback Cullen Harper has thrown six picks and three touchdowns. Tiger fans would like to see more of backup quarterback Willy Korn. They are averaging only a littler more than 14 points per game against Division I foes. Coach Tommy Bowden is, 7-3, against Wake.
Kicker Sam Swank had a strained quad muscle that prevented him from playing in the game. Wake despite the loss to Navy is still unbeaten in the ACC. Wake has taken command in their division with a win over FSU and Clemson. Receiver D. J. Boldin, who is back from a hand injury, caught the winning touchdown Thursday night.
NOTRE DAME AT NORTH CAROLINA: Notre Dame is not ranked for the first time with a 4-1 record ever. In the win over Stanford last week, quarterback Jimmy Clausen was 29-of-40 for 347 yards and three scores. Notre Dame is averaging only 103 yards rushing. They are averaging 250 yards per game passing. In the past two games, Clausen has thrown for 622 yards, six touchdowns and no picks. Notre Dame’s defense has yet to allow more than 23 points in a game. Defensive end Pat Kuntz and safeties David Bruton and Kyle McCarthy have played well on defense.
NORTH CAROLINA is ranked for the first time in seven years. In last weeks win against UConn, quarterback Cam Sexton was 9-of-16 for 117 yards and one score. The defense, ranked No. 19 in pass efficiency, intercepted three passes and linebacker Bruce Carter blocked three kicks. The defense has intercepted 12 passes. UNC tackles Marvin Austin, Aleric Mullins, and Cam Thomas could pose problems for Notre Dame. Starting quarterback T. J. Yates is still out with a broken ankle. Tailback Greg Little leads UNC with 85 yards per game. Receiver Hakeem Hicks is averaging 66 yards per game. Most of the players on the roster are contributing.
EAST CAROLINA AT VIRGINIA: Cav quarterback Marc Verica is averaging nearly 200 yards passing per game. Verica, who was 25- of- 34 for 226 yards, led UVA to a, 31-0, win over Maryland with two touchdowns passing and one rushing. Cedric Peerman, who ran for 110 yards against the Terps, is averaging 66 yards per game rushing. Mikell Simpson is averaging 40 yards rushing per game. East Carolina quarterback Patrick Pickney is averaging 174 yards per game passing.
GARDNER-WEBB AT GEORGIA TECH: The Yellow Jackets shut out Duke. True freshman quarterback Jaybo Shaw completed nine passes to Bay Bay Thomas for 230 yards. Tailback Jonathan Dwyer ran for a career best 159 yards. Tech has 224 rushing and 230 passing. Gardner-Webb is No. 3 nationally in Division I in stopping the run.
UCF AT MIAMI: Both teams have, 2-3, records. This is their first meeting. Quarterback Robert Marve is averaging 204 yards per game. Tailback Graig Cooper is averaging 80 yards per game. Receiver Kayne Farquharson is averaging two catches and 42 yards per game.
Marve was 17- of- 40 for 122 yards with two picks and no touchdowns in the loss to FSU. Jacory Harris was 3- of- 7 for 32 yards. Cooper led the team in rushing with only 31 yards. Travis Benjamin, who had 274 all-purpose yards, led the Canes with 71 yards on three catches. Miami had 10 penalties for 85 yards. The Canes scored 36 points in the second half. Benjamin caught a 51 yard touchdown pass from Cooper. Sean Spence returned a Ponder pick for a touchdown. Miami’s defense allowed 440 yards and no sacks. The Canes converted 2- of- 15 on third down while FSU 11- of- 17. Miami has lost 12- of- 14 ACC games.
Linebacker Colin McCarthy is out for the year with a shoulder injury. With Romeo Davis injured also, freshmen Arthur Brown, Kylan Robinson and Jordan Futch have to step up. Also defensive lineman Eric Moncur might be out for the rest of the year with a leg injury. Andrew Smith, Marcus Robinson and Adewale Ojomo have to step up. Tailback Javarris James (ankle) might be able to play against UCF. Offensive lineman Reggie Youngblood might also be out for the rest of the year. Thearon Collier might be able to play after recovering from a chest injury. Receiver Leonard Hankerson is doubtful with a leg injury. James is still doubtful with a high ankle sprain. Linebacker Jordan Futch is out with a head injury.
UCF quarterback Michael Greco is averaging only 53 yard passing and 24 yards rushing. He rotated in the SMU game with Rob Calabrese. Tailback Ronnie Weaver, who gained over 100 yards against SMU, is averaging 66 yards rushing. The UCF defense has allowed 15 touchdowns in the last four games.
VIRGINIA TECH: The Hokies are off this week. Last week the Hokies beat Western Kentucky by two touchdowns. Quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw for 125 yards passing. Tech held WKU to only 49 yards passing. Hokie starting tailback Kenny Lewis, Jr. was lost for the year with a ruptured Achilles.
FLORIDA STATE: The Noles are off this week after beating Miami last week. Tailback Antone Smith gained 92 yards on 27 carries and scored four times in the Miami win. He became the first player to score four times since Greg Allen against Louisville in 1982. FSU gained 281 yards on the ground compared to 51 for Miami. Receiver Tawain Easterling (three catches for 41 yards) made several big plays (a big block on Smith’s last touchdown run and fielding the onside kick) in the game including a crucial third down catch in the third quarter. Bert Reed led the Noles with three catches for 43 yards. Quarterback Christian Ponder ran 19 times for 144 yards. He was 14- of- 31 for 159 yards with one score and two picks. Graham Gano kicked a 53-yard field goal. FSU had the ball 85 plays to Miami’s 63. FSU had four turnovers to Miami’s three. FSU had 12 penalties for 98 yards. Michael Ray Garvin is back at practice after sustaining a mild concussion.
Offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher deserves credit for realizing Miami was better on the line so he made his quarterback into a weapon by running the ball. Fisher also took advantage of the Canes secondary playing off the ball and their inability to tackle. Later in the game, the cornerbacks were moved closer to limit the passing game and the linebackers paid more attention to Ponder.
While at LSU, Fisher’s offense averaged more than 150 yards per game rushing. Ponder was involved in a car accident Wednesday, but he was not hurt. Fullback Joe Surratt is no longer a member of the team. FSU ranks in the top four in the ACC in 17- of- 19 major offense and defensive categories.
MARYLAND: The Terps are off.
DUKE: The Blue Devils are off.
N. C. STATE: The Wolfpack is off.
BOSTON COLLEGE: B. C. is also off.
OKLAHOMA VS TEXAS: The Longhorns are No. 96 in pass defense allowing 244 yards per game. OU is NO. 15 in pass defense allowing 159 yards per game. Texas is No. 52 in turnover margin and OU is No. 20. OU is No. 11 in total defense (256 ypg) and Texas is No. 28 (295 ypg).
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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