Tagged: Kentucky Wildcats
2012 University of Arkansas Baseball Schedule
Overall Record: 9-1
SEC Record: 0-0
Date/Opponent/Site/Time/Result
Feb. 17, Villanova, Faytetteville, 11-5 
Feb. 18, Villanova, Faytetteville, 13-1
Feb. 19, Villanova, Faytetteville, 17-1
Feb. 21, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 8-7
Feb. 22, Northwestern State, Faytetteville, 6-2
Feb. 24, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 7-3
Feb. 25, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 4-3
Feb. 26, Valparasio, Faytetteville, 9-10 (L), 10 innings
Feb. 28, BYU, Faytetteville, 5-0
Feb. 29, BYU, Faytetteville, 8-1
March 2, Texas Tech, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.
March 3, Houston, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 12:00 p.m.
March 4, Texas, Houston, Texas, Minute Maid Park, 11:00 a.m.
March 9, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
March 10, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
March 11, Binghman University, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
March 13, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 6:05 p.m.
March 14, Gonzaga, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
March 16, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 17, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 3:00 p.m.
March 18, Alabama*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
March 20, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 21, Nevada, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
March 23, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 6:30 p.m.
March 24, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 2:00 p.m.
March 25, Mississippi State*, Starkville, Miss., 12:00 p.m.
March 30, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.
March 31, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 7:00 p.m.
April 1, LSU*, Baton Rouge, LA, 1:00 p.m.
April 6, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 7, Georgia*,Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
April 8, Georgia*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
April 10, Oklahoma, Norman,OK, 6:30 p.m.
April 13, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 14, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
April 15, Kentucky*, Fayetteville, 12:05 p.m.
April 17, Stephen F. Austin, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 20, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 6:30 p.m.
April 21, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 4:00 p.m.
April 22, Ole Miss*, Oxford, MS, 1:30 p.m.
April 24, Oral Roberts, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
April 27, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.
April 28, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 6:00 p.m.
April 29, Florida*, Gainesville, FL, 2:30 p.m.
May 1, Missouri, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
May 2, Missouri, Fayetteville, 3:05 p.m.
May 4, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 7:00 p.m.
May 5, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 12:00 p.m.
May 6, South Carolina*, Fayetteville, 1:05 p.m.
May 10, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:30 p.m.
May 11, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 6:35 p.m.
May 12, Auburn*, Fayetteville, 2:05 p.m.
May 15, Louisiana Tech, North Little Rock, Ark., 7:05 p.m.
May 17, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.
May 18, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 5:00 p.m.
May 19, Tennessee*, Knoxville, Tenn., 1:00 p.m.
May 22-27, SEC Tournament, Hoover, Alabama, TBA
June 1-2, NCAA Regionals, TBA
June, 8-10, NCAA Super Regionals, TBA
June 15-25, College World Series, Omaha, Neb., TBA
* SEC Game
North Little Rock game will be played at Dickey-StephensPark
All Fayetteville games are played at Baum Stadium
All game times are CST
Razorback Ticket Office: 800-982-4647 (HOGS)
College Football Recruiting: Where did the Elite 11 Quarterbacks Sign
In July, Pepperdine University was the site for the prestigious Elite 11 camp. The Malibu setting with thePacific Ocean in the background featured 24 seniors-to-be instructed by 2001 Super Bowl winning quarterback Trent Dilfer.
With the 2012 National Signing Day now in the past this article will breakdown which universities signed Elite 11 campers, how recruiting services ranked the quarterbacks at the end of their respective seasons, and cover the significance of attending the Elite 11 camp for perspective college quarterbacks.
The camp has been a stepping stone for many high school quarterbacks on their way to college fame and NFL stardom. The previous attendees include Matt Leinart (2000), Kyle Orton (2000), Vince Young (2001), Mark Sanchez (2004), Josh Freeman (2005), Matthew Stafford (2005 MVP), Ryan Mallett (2006), Tim Tebow (2006), Andrew Luck (2007), Landry Jones (2007), and Aaron Murray (2008).
When a quarterback performs well at the Elite 11 camp not only do college coaches notice but so do NFL scouts. Dilfer proudly let it be known that of the 32 starting quarterbacks set to start for their respective NFL teams before the 2011 season, 22 of those quarterbacks attended this camp.
The camp continues to turnout top performers. Four of the top 12 picks in the 2011 NFL Draft competed at Elite 11 camps including Cam Newton, Panthers, Blaine Gabbert, Jaguars, Jake Locker, Titans, and Christian Ponder, Vikings.
With so much attention paid to this particular camp one can see how fierce the competition is among the players to win top honors.
When the 2011 Elite 11 camp was finished three players shared MVP honors- Jameis Winston from Hueytown, AL, Neal Burcham from Greenbrier, AR, and Tanner Magnum from Eagle, ID.
The next eight quarterbacks were ranked in the following order:
- Jeff Lindquist, Mercer Island, WA
- Chad Voytik, Cleveland, TN
- Zach Kline, Danville, CA
- Shane Dillion, El Cajon, CA
- Chad Kelly, Buffalo, NY
- Zeke Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY
- Bart Houston, Concord, CA
- Austin Appleby, North Canton, OH
The camp counselors, composed primarily of college quarterbacks, awarded the campers with their own set of awards, some in jest the rest on pure talent.
The counselors selected Magnum, Winston, and Burcham in their top five performers along with Gunner Kiel and Patton Robinette.
Honors bestowed to attendees included:
- Connor Brewer – The best in any system
- Travis Wilson – The quickest release
- Zach Kline – The strongest arm
- Tanner Magnum – The most accurate
- Cyler Miles – The most athletic
- Grant Roach – The most coachable
- Jameis Winston – The Best deep ball
- Jake Rodrigues – The best footwork
- Preston Dewey – The best touch
- Tyler O’Connor – The most poised
- Nick Patti – The Doug Flutie Award
- Gunner Kiel– Tightest shirt
- Chad Kelly – Needs to learn “no comment” Award
The start of each player’s college career has been mapped out. What happens from here is up to the individual players.
Athletic ability can only take a player so far in college. Which player will benefit the most from hard work, determination, great coaching, and a little bit of luck?
Who will we see excel at the next level?
An alphabetical listing of the 2011 Elite 11 Quarterback Camp finalists:
Player/ High School/ Height/ Weight/ Scout.com Ranking/College
Austin Appleby, North Canton, Ohio, 6’4”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 62, Purdue
Connor Brewer, Scottsdale, AZ, 6’ 2”, 190 pounds, 4-star, No. 11, Texas
*Neal Burcham, Greenbrier, AR, 6’ 3”, 190 pounds, 2-star, No. 86, SMU
Tyler Cameron, Jupiter, FL, 6’ 3”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 53, Wake Forest
Preston Dewey, Austin, TX, 6’ 3”, 200 pounds, 3-star, No. 65, Miami
Shane Dillon, El Cajon, CA, 6’ 5”, 185 pounds, 3-star, No. 28, Colorado
Bart Houston, Concord, CA, 6’ 3”, 210 pounds, 4-star, No. 7, Wisconsin
Chad Kelly, Buffalo, NY, 6’ 2”, 200 pounds, 3-star, No. 20, Clemson
Gunner Kiel, Columbus, IN, 6’ 4”, 220 pounds, 5-star, No. 1, Notre Dame
Zach Kline, Danville, CA, 6’ 2”, 205 pounds, 4-star, No. 4, California
Jeff Lindquist, Mercer Island, WA, 6’ 3”, 225 pounds, 4-star, No. 8, Washington
*Tanner Mangum, Eagle, Idaho, 6’ 2”, 195 pounds, 4-star, No. 15, BYU
Tyler Matthews, McPherson, KS, 6’2”, 195 pounds, 3-star, No. 34, TCU
Cyler Miles, Denver, CO, 6’ 4”, 220 pounds, 4-star, No. 13, Washington
Tyler O’Connor, Lima, OH, 6’ 2”, 205 pounds, 3-star, No. 23, Michigan State
Nick Patti,Orlando,FL, 5’ 10”, 195 pounds, 3-star, No. 39, Boise State
Zeke Pike, Fort Mitchell, KY, 6’ 5”, 230 pounds, 4-star, No. 16, Auburn
Patton Robinette, Maryville, TN, 6’ 4”, 190 pounds, 3-star, No. 38, Vanderbilt
Jake Rodrigues, Rocklin, CA, 6’ 3”, 215 pounds, 4-star, No. 17, Oregon
Grant Rohach,Moorpark,CA, 6’ 2”, 185 pounds, 3-star, No.74, Iowa State
Patrick Towles, Fort Thomas, KY, 6’ 5”, 225 pounds, 3-star, No. 33, Kentucky
Chad Voytik, Cleveland, TN, 6’ 1”, 195 pounds, 4-star, No. 12, Pittsburgh
Travis Wilson, San Clemente, CA, 6’ 6”, 215 pounds, 3-star, No. 27, Utah
*Jameis Winston, Hueytown, AL, 6’ 4”, 200 pounds, 5-star, No. 2, Florida State
* Denotes Elite 11 MVP Award
All rankings are per Scout.com
Patton Robinette is the only player to switch his verbal commitment after the camp. He switched from North Carolina to Vanderbilt.
Gunner Kiel, Neal Burcham, Tyler Cameron, Chad Kelly, and Chad Voytik were not verbally committed at the time of the camp.
University of Washington Head Coach Steve Sarkisian bested college football by signing two recruits that competed in the Elite 11 camp.
Listing the Top 37 SEC Players Eligible for 2012 NFL Draft
During the 2011 NFL Draft 37 players from the SEC heard their name called by NFL teams, 10 in the first round alone. 51 total seniors from SEC schools have been invited to participate in the four different post season all-star games. Underclassmen are already preparing for this year’s NFL Combine by hiring strength and fitness instructors to help them display their athletic abilities.
How many SEC players will hear their names called during the 2012 NFL Draft?
Here’s a list of the top 37 players that can equal last year’s impressive transition from college football into the NFL.
*Denotes underclassman
Running Backs:
*Trent Richardson, 5’11”, 224 pounds, University of Alabama
Workhorse, power runner, game changer, break away back, the total package… However you want to describe Richardson as a dominate running back take your pick. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield. The only thing that will keep him off the field as a rookie in the NFL is if he does not show the ability to pick up the blitz on passing downs.
Richardson led the SEC in rushing yards (1,679), rushing attempts (283), and rushing touchdowns (21). He also led the SEC to their sixth straight BCS National Championship.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
RB Vick Ballard, Mississippi State
RB Tauren Poole, Tennessee
RB Chris Rainey, Florida
FBBroderick Green, Arkansas
Wide Receivers and Tight Ends:
*Alshon Jeffery, 6’4”, 229 pounds, University of South Carolina
Jeffery is a big target which NFL scouts like and he’s great at jumping over defenders, especially in the red zone. Jeffery lacks the blazing speed coveted by NFL teams and his route running is not crisp.
Even with the instability at quarterback for the Gamecocks, Jeffery was able to finish the season ranked No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards. His eight touchdown receptions were tied for third best in the SEC.
*Orson Charles, 6’3”, 242 pounds, University of Georgia
Charles may be the best tight end available in the NFL Draft much less the best tight end in the SEC. He has the speed, height, and athletic ability for the next level. His ability to stretch the field and pump against linebackers will help his draft status.
Charles was No. 12 in the SEC in total receiving yards with 574 while hauling in 45 passes and five receiving touchdowns.
Jarius Wright, 5’10”, 180 pounds, University of Arkansas
Wright is smaller wide receiver than what most scouts want in a No. 1 receiver. InArkansas’ offense he was accustomed to running routes across the middle of the field which is something he will have to do on the next level as a No. 2 option or as a slot receiver.
Wright finished the 2011 season leading the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and receiving touchdowns (12). He was one catch shy of tying Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for most receptions-Rogers67, Wright 66.
Joe Adams, 5’11”, 190 pounds, University of Arkansas
Adamswas a consensus All-American as a punter returner in 2011. He led all players with four kickoff returns for touchdowns and his yardage per punt return average of 16.89 was second in college football. Some team will take a chance on Adams for his return ability alone. His 4.3 40-yard dash helps too.
Do not overlook Adams’ ability as a receiver. He was No. 4 in the SEC in total receptions (54) and No. 8 in total receiving yards (652).
Draft Worthy Mentions:
Greg Childs, Arkansas
*Reuben Randle, LSU
Offensive Linemen:
Cordy Glenn, 6’5”, 348 pounds, University of Georgia
Glenn has the size of a NFL tackle but played guard for the Bulldogs since his sophomore year. Either way he’s a beast to contend with especially on running plays.
He has started since his freshman season and has played against top quality defensive linemen throughout his college career. Glenn should be a late first round draft pick.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
OT D.J. Fluker, Alabama
C Ben Jones, Georgia
OG Will Blackwell, LSU
C William Vlachos, Alabama
OT Bobby Massie, Ole Miss
Linebackers:
*Dont’a Hightower, 6’4”, 260 pounds, Alabama
Hightower is a hard nosed tackler with size and good speed. If he did not have a history of being injured (tore ACL in left knee in 2009) Hightower might be considered the top outside linebacker in the NFL Draft. As it is he still will go somewhere in the first round.
Courtney Upshaw, 6’2”, 265 pounds, Alabama
Upshaw is anotherAlabamaproduct that projects high in the NFL Draft. Upshaw is an excellent fit as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 NFL defensive scheme. He led Bama with 9.5 sacks this season and seven in 2010.
Upshaw was a four year player for the Tide. He has 4.6 speed to go with his massive frame.
Chris Marve, 6’0”, 242 pounds, University of Vanderbilt
Marve is a typical SEC middle linebacker, always in on a play and a sound tackler. He had an off senior year due to injuries. Still he finished with 91 tackles and 2.5 sacks.
Unless Marve shows tremendous speed at the combine he is likely going to drop into the third round.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
Jerry Franklin, Arkansas
Danny Trevathan, Kentucky
Defensive Linemen:
Melvin Ingram, 6’2”, 276 pounds, University of South Carolina
Ingram was the senior leader of a three-headed defensive end rotation that terrorized the SEC- Devin Taylor and Jadeveon Clowney. Ingram had nine sacks as a junior and 10 sacks as a senior.
He has a knack for making big plays. His speed is average for a defensive end his size (4.6 40-yard dash). If he can show off some superior atheism at the combine he could work his way into a solid second round pick.
*Michael Brockers, 6’6”, 306 pounds, LSU
A disruptive force for offensive lines to deal with, Brockers easily dominates most blockers in one-on-one situations. He gets up field in a hurry and commands double teams.
He converted from defensive end to defensive tackle while inBaton Rouge. He is short on overall experience but has a ton of upside. If he does well at the combine he should hear his name called in the first round.
Josh Chapman, 6’1”, 310 pounds, Alabama
Chapman anchored the line for a great Alabama defense throughout his colligate career. His size is a little undersized for a nose tackle. His real weapon in the trenches is his speed. He clocked a 4.92 40-yard dash.
Chapman should go before the second round his over. Early third round if he has a bad NFL Combine or pro day.
*Fletcher Cox, 6’4”, 295 pounds, Mississippi State
There is nothing bad to say about the abilities of Fletcher Cox. He has a motor that does not stop, he is quick off the ball, and played through double-teams throughout his college career. He posted 5 sacks in 2011 and 2.5 in 2010.
NFL teams will want to beef Cox up once he is drafted. Look for Cox to go somewhere in the second to third round.
Jake Bequette, 6’5”, 271 pounds, University of Arkansas
Bequette is an experienced college player having redshirted before becoming a four-year starter for the Hogs. He finished the 2011 season with 10 sacks in 10 games as a hamstring injury forced him to miss three games during the early part of the season.
Bequette is fast but not necessarily strong for a defensive end. He has been clocked at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash. He might end up being a weak side defensive end in the NFL.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
DT Malik Jackson, Tennessee
DE Tim Fugger, Vanderbilt
Defensive Backs:
*Dre Kirkpatrick, 6’3”, 192 pounds, University of Alabama
Kirkpatrick has the size and speed NFL scouts drool over for cornerbacks. His background at Alabama will help him play man defense and zone defense at the next level.
Kirkpatrick had zero interceptions in 2011 but had three in 2010.
His ability on the field makes him a first round draft pick. Getting busted for marijuana in Bradenton, Florida may drop his draft status.
*Morris Claiborne, 6’0”, 185 pounds, LSU
Claiborne is considered the best corner in college football with the ability to be a shut-down corner on the next level. His speed, toughness, and athletic ability will make him a first-round pick for some lucky NFL team.
Claiborne had six interceptions during his junior campaign with one returned for a touchdown. He had five interceptions in 2010.
*Jonathan Banks, 6’1”, 185 pounds, Mississippi State
Banks is a legitimate cover corner ready for the next level. He had three picks in 2010 and five in 2011 with one returned for a touchdown. He also registered three sacks this season.
His ability to move up in draft status will depend on how well he competes at the NFL Draft Combine.
Draft Worthy Mentions:
*CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina
CB Brandon Boykin, Georgia
CB CaseyHayward, Vanderbilt
SS Mark Barron, Alabama
FS Tramain Thomas, Arkansas
SEC Football: Arkansas Places Six Seniors in Post-Season All-Star Games
The Arkansas Razorbacks has six seniors out of a total of 51 former SEC players that will participate in three of four different post-season all-star games.
Running back Broderick Green (Little Rock, Arkansas) will be the first former Hog to appear in a game when he suits up for the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game January 16.
Green, a punishing runner listed at 6’2”, 244 pounds, finished the 2011 college football season with 260 rushing yards on 68 carries. He led the Razorbacks with five rushing touchdowns this year.
For his career at Arkansas he complied 1,235 rushing yards on 308 attempts for 22 touchdowns.
Five other former SEC players will be appearing in the Casino Del Sol All-Star Game: OT Chandler Burden from Kentucky, DE Wayne Dorsey from Ole Miss, QB Jarrett Lee from LSU, CB Anthony Mosley from Kentucky, and LB Austin Johnson from Tennessee.
The Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game takes place in Phoenix, Arizona at the Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium and airs on FOX Sports Net at 8 p.m. EST January 16.
In the East-West Shrine Game the NFL Network will showcase the talents of wide receivers Greg Childs and Jarius Wright along with linebacker Jerry Franklin.
Franklin was a four year starter for the Hogs. He led Arkansas in tackles in each of the past four years finishing with 100 or more tackles in his junior and senior seasons- 101 in 2011 and 100 in 2010.
Franklin was one of eight total Razorbacks voted All-SEC in 2011. He was second team defense as picked by SEC Coaches.
Jarius Wright led the SEC in receiving yards (1,117) and touchdown receptions (12) during his senior season. Wright was one catch shy of tying Tennessee’s Da’Rick Rogers conference leading total of 67.
Greg Childs played much of the 2011 season still recovering from a patellar tendon injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of a 2010 game against Vanderbilt. He had his best game of the season in the Cotton Bowl against the Kansas State Wildcats finishing with five catches for 48 yards.
Childs ended his college football career with 2,069 total receiving yards, 133 receptions, and 15 total touchdowns.
Nine other SEC players will appear in the East-West Shrine Game including: QB John Brantley from Florida, Tauren Poole from Tennessee, DT DeAngelo Tyson, PK Blair Walsh, FB Bruce Figgins from Georgia, DE Kentrell Lockett and OT Bradley Sowell from Ole Miss, C Quentin Saulsberry from Mississippi State, and DT Travian Robertson from South Carolina.
The East-West Shrine Game starts at 4 p.m. EST and will be shown on the NFL Network January 21. The game will be played at Tropicana Field inSt. Petersburg, Florida.
The Senior Bowl has the largest collection of former SEC players among the post-season all-star games with 23 total players appearing including two Razorbacks- WR Joe Adams and DE Jake Bequette.
Jake Bequette was first team All-SEC in 2011 after totaling 10 sacks, five quarterback hurries, and 10.5 tackles for a loss while appearing in 10 games. He had multiple sack games against South Carolina (3), Mississippi State (2), and Kansas State (2).
Joe Adams was a consensus All-American as a punt returner for Arkansas. He ranked No. 2 in Division 1-A in total punt return yards (321), average return yards per punt (16.89), but led all players in returns for a touchdown (4).
Adams was a primary threat in the SEC as one of the Razorbacks top wide receivers. He ranked No. 8 in the SEC with 652 total receiving yards and No. 4 in total receptions with 54 while catching three touchdown passes.
As a threat out of the backfield, Adams had 10 rushing attempts for 139 yards with one touchdown.
The 21 other former SEC players scheduled to play in the Senior Bowl include: RB Vick Ballard from MSU, DT Josh Chapman, Safety Mark Barron, WR Marquis Maze, CB DeQuan Menzie, LB Courtney Upshaw, and C William Vlachos from Alabama, Punter Drew Butler, CB Brandon Boykin, OT Cordy Glenn, and C Ben Jones from Georgia, DT Jaye Howard and RB Chris Rainey from Florida, RT Brandon Mosley and LS Josh Harris from Auburn, CB Casey Hayward from Vanderbilt, DE Melvin Ingram and S/LB Antonio Allen from South Carolina, and OG Will Blackwell, TE Deangelo Peterson, and Safety Brandon Taylor from LSU.
The Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama will air on the NFL Network at 4 p.m. EST January 28.
No former Razorback players will appear in the Battle for Florida played on January 21 at 8 p.m. EST on FOX College Sports in Boca Raton, Florida.
2012 Cotton Bowl Preview: No. 6 Arkansas versus No. 8 Kansas State
Friday January 6, 2012 college football fans will witness what happens between vastly contrasting styles of play when the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2012 Cotton Bowl in Arlington, Texas.
The matchup seem more like a lesson in physics from Archimedes or Albert Einstein than a college football game; a slow moving Kansas State offense against a bending Razorback run defense and a high powered Arkansas offense against a spacious Wildcat pass defense.
All of the elements add up to what promises to be one of the best bowl games of the year.
Team Overviews
KansasStaterelies on a solid ground attack led by Junior quarterback Collin Klein while the Razorbacks are led by their fluid passing Junior quarterback Tyler Wilson.
Klein set the single season Wildcat rushing touchdown record this season racking up 26 scores along with 1,099 rushing yards. Should Klein score one more rushing touchdown against the Razorbacks he will tie former Texas running back Ricky Williams for the all-time single season Big 12 record.
Klein’s 1,099 total rushing yards was fourth best in the Big 12 and his 91.58 rushing yards per game was the 39th best rushing yard per game average in Division 1-A.
Sophomore scat back John Hubert was second on the Wildcat team with 933 rushing yards, seventh best in the Big 12. The 5’7”, 185 pound running back scored three rushing touchdowns and proved to be dangerous as a pass catching option out of the backfield amassing 23 receptions for 193 yards with one touchdown on the season.
A deceptive running option for the Wildcats had been wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Lockett, a freshman from Tulsa, Oklahoma, rushed 10 times for 110 yards before a lacerated kidney ended his season.
Will KSU head coach Bill Snyder find another speedy option on reverses or option running plays to replace Lockett?
Klein threw for 1,745 yards in 2012 ranking him No. 8 in the Big 12; per team totals KSU was last in the Big 12 in total passing yards.
Klein’s average passing yards per game (145.42) plus his average rushing yards per game (91.58) ranks him 45th in the nation in total yards per game (237).
Chris Harper is the leading receiver for KSU. He caught 39 passes for 536 yards with five touchdowns. Tramaine Thompson is second on the team with 18 catches for 281 yards with one score.
The Wildcat offense ranked No. 96 in Division 1-A averaging 343.42 yards per game.
In comparison to Kansas State, Arkansas’ offense operates at the speed of light. The Razorback’s offense ranked No. 25 in the nation averaging 445.83 yards per game.
Arkansashead coach Bobby Petrino relied on Tyler Wilson to lead his pass happy attack in 2012 after Ryan Mallett departed for the NFL at the end of last season.
Wilson, a first-year starter, is averaging 285 passing yards per game, 21st best in college football.
Wilson’s favorite target has been Senior wide receiver Jarius Wright. Wright is first in the SEC in receiving touchdowns (11) and second in the SEC in total receiving yards (1,029).
Wright only needs four catches against KSU to tie Ja’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) for the SEC lead (67) in total receptions and he is 12 receiving yards away from passingRogers(1,040) for the SEC lead in total receiving yards.
Wilson has done a great job of spreading the ball around within the offense. Joe Adams is No. 5 in the SEC in total receiving yards (630) with 49 receptions, Cobi Hamilton is No. 12 (516) with 31 receptions, and tight end Chris Gragg has 40 catches for 492 total yards.
The Razorback running game has been by committee for most of the 2011 season. Junior running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. was the early season starter for the Hogs while Dennis Johnson (hamstring) and Broderick Green (knee) recovered from injuries.
Wingo accumulated 280 of his 440 rushing yards in the first six games of the season before giving way to Johnson. Since Dennis Johnson’s return to full-time work, he has rushed for 637 yards with three touchdowns ranking No. 12 in the SEC.
Johnson and Wingo are both threats in the passing game. Johnson has caught 22 passes for 253 and Wingo has 19 receptions for 183 yards.
Both backs give way to Senior Broderick Green on short yardage and goal line situations. Green has five rushing touchdowns on 61 attempts.
For the season the Hogs are ranked No. 81 in Division 1-A in total rushing yards with 1,657. Arkansas ranks No. 25 in total offense averaging 445.83.
Key Matchups
Kansas State’s running attack versus Arkansas’ run defense: The Razorback run defense has been a dark matter during the season. The Hogs fought through injuries to four starters (Bequette, Winston, Wright, and Madison) from theAlabamagame to the Tennessee game finishing the season allowing 174.33 rushing yards per game.
One of the weak areas for the Hogs has been their ability to stop running quarterbacks. Opposing quarterbacks have typically run against the Razorbacks on broken plays or resulting from excellent downfield coverage.
Klein runs on every play not just on passing plays gone wrong.
Can the Hogs stop a “Wildcat” quarterback?
Arkansas’ passing attack versusKansasState’s pass defense: In KSU’s two losses to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State the pass defense allowed Landry Jones (OU) and Brandon Weeden (OSU) to pass for over 500 yards. Jones threw five touchdowns and Weeden threw four on the Wildcats.
The Wildcats secondary is led by undersized junior college transfer cornerback Nigel Malone. Malone, listed at 5’10”, 175 pounds, led the team in interceptions with seven ranking first in the Big 12.
In a pass first league KSU only managed 18 sacks on the season. Will Snyder’s defense be able to force the dynamicWilsoninto turnovers?
Wilson has 22 passing touchdowns on the season with six interceptions. He has faced six pass defenses ranked in the Top 25 – No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 South Carolina, No. 8 LSU, No. 13 Tennessee, No. 19 Vanderbilt, and No. 22 Ole Miss.
The Hogs offensive line has been a wave of missed assignments in pass blocking schemes during the 2011 season. In 12 games they have surrendered 25 sacks, tied for 71st in Division 1-A, but Wilson has been hit or knocked down repeatedly after releasing the ball.
If the Wildcats hope to slow down the Razorback passing game they will have to attack the offensive line with blitzes and stunts throughout the game.
The Statistics
Total Offense: Arkansas No. 27, Kansas State 96
Scoring Offense: Arkansas No. 14,Kansas State 30
Rushing Offense: Arkansas No.79, Kansas State 29
Passing Offense: Arkansas No. 13, Kansas State 109
Total Defense: Arkansas 52, Kansas State 74
Scoring Defense: Arkansas 37, Kansas State 69
Rushing Defense: Arkansas 80, Kansas State 39
Passing Defense: Arkansas 26, Kansas State 105
Net Punting: Arkansas46,Kansas State 50
Punt Returns: Arkansas 15, Kansas State55
Kickoff Returns: Arkansas 32, Kansas State 9
Turnover Margin: Arkansas 59, Kansas State 5
Game Analysis
On paper the Cotton Bowl pits an accelerating offense opposed by a collision-grind it out offense. Both defenses will be challenged by the other’s offense.
When Arkansas faced a similar pass defense in Texas A&M, ranked No. 109 to K State’s 105, Tyler Wilson threw for a school record 510 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
WhenKansasStatefaced similar passing offenses toArkansas, they lost both games- Oklahoma 58-17 and Oklahoma State 42-45.
Snyder’s Wildcat team has one defeat against a team ranked at the time of their game- No. 15 Baylor.
Petrino has led the Razorbacks against five ranked teams, three in the Top 10 at the time of the game. The Hogs record is 3-2 against those teams- Alabama, Texas A&M, Auburn, South Carolina, and LSU.
Common 2011 Opponent: Texas A&M
Kansas State won 53-50
Arkansas won 42-38
Field goal attempts:
Kansas State is 17-21, with four misses on kicks between 30-49 yards
Arkansas is 18-24, with five misses on kicks between 30-49 yards
Punting Average:
Arkansas punter Dylan Breeding leads the SEC in punting averaging 45.2 yards per punt
Kansas State punter Ryan Doerr is No. 8 in the Big 12 in punting averaging 39.9 yards per punt
Prediction
Bowl games can showcase the talented teams from the regular season or they can show that the month plus long layoff between games proves to be too much of a distraction for some teams. All coaches have to fight the inertia, rust, players facing graduation, and players looking forward to the NFL to keep their teams focused. Will the Razorbacks or Wildcats face this problem in the Cotton Bowl?
Both teams can play the disrespect card of not being in a BCS Bowl Game. Kansas State was outright snubbed by the Sugar Bowl because of a thought lack of a traveling fan base. While the Razorbacks momentum was stopped by the BCS rule of no more than two BCS teams per conference forcing them to yield toAlabamaand LSU in the BCS National Championship Game.
Arkansas’ offense is battle tested in a defense first conference. Texas, ranked No. 12 in total defense, is the only Top 50 defense the Wildcats have faced this year. Oklahoma is the second best defense they played- No. 55.
Klein will keep drives alive with his feet as he has done all season long. He was beat up at the end of the regular season. A month off should prove to be a big advantage for the Wildcats’ offense and Klein’s ability to produce within the offense.
The big question is can Snyder control the game clock with his running game and limit the Razorback’s offensive possessions?
The game will come down to Bobby Petrino’s offense. If the Razorback offense comes ready to play their potential energy should prove to be too much for the Wildcat pass defense.
Final Score
Arkansas 38, Kansas State 28
Cotton Bowl Game Time Information
The Cotton Bowl will be played January 6, 2012, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Game time is 8:00 p.m. EST on FOX.
FOX Broadcast Team
Gus Johnson – Play-by-play
Charles Davis – Color
Tim Brewster – Sideline Reporter
Arkansas Razorbacks: Tyler Wilson Named First Team All-SEC
Wilson and Wright named first team All-SEC.
Tyler Wilson has done something no other Arkansas Razorback has ever accomplished he’s been named first team All-SEC at the quarterback position.
Wilsonalong with six other Razorback players was named to All-SEC teams Monday. Wide receivers Jarius Wright and Joe Adams were selected first team All-SEC as well. Adams selection was as an all-purpose player for his contributions as a punt returner and wide receiver.
Arkansassecond team picks included linebacker Jerry Franklin, punter Dylan Breeding, guard Alvin Bailey, and running back Dennis Johnson; Johnson was an all-purpose selection for his kickoff return abilities and play at running back.
Senior safety Tramain Thomas received an honorable mention. Thomas had five interceptions during the 2011 season tying him for No. 10 in FBS and No. 4 in the SEC.
Missing from the All-SEC lists is senior defensive end Jake Bequette. Bequette missed significant game time and three total games with an early season hamstring injury but still managed to finish the season with eight sacks. Bequette’s eight sacks ranked No. 8 in the SEC.
Jarvis Jones led the SEC in sacks with 13.5, finishing second in college football during the regular season to Whitney Mercilus a defensive end forIllinois.
The following is a list of the All-SEC honorees, their position, their school, and their class:
First Team Offense
QB – Tyler Wilson,Arkansas, Jr.
RB – Trent Richardson, Alabama, Jr.
RB – Michael Dyer, Auburn, So.
WR –Jarius Wright, Arkansas, Sr.
WR – Da’Rick Rogers, Tennessee, So.
OL –Barret Jones,Alabama, Jr.
OL –Rokevious Watkins, South Carolina, Sr.
OL – Cordy Glenn, Georgia, Sr.
OL – Will Balckwell, LSU, Sr.
C -William Vlachos, Alabama, Sr.
TE –Orson Charles, Georgia, Jr.
Special Teams
K –Caleb Sturgis, Florida, Jr.
AP – Joe Adams, Arkansas, Sr.
First Team Defense
DT – Fletcher Cox, Mississippi State, Jr.
DT –Malik Jackson, Tennessee, Sr.
DE – Melvin Ingram,South Carolina, Sr.
DE – Sam Montgomery, LSU, So.
LB – Danny Trevathan, Kentucky, Sr.
LB – Courtney Upshaw, Alabama, Sr.
LB –Jarvis Jones,Georgia, So.
CB – Morris Claiborne, LSU, Jr.
CB – Tyrann Mathieu, LSU, So.
S –Mark Barron, Alabama, Sr.
S –Bacarri Rambo,Georgia, Jr.
Special Teams
P – Brad Wing, LSU, Fr.
Second Team Offense
QB – Aaron Murray, Georgia, So.
RB – Zac Stacy, Vanderbilt, Jr.
RB –Vick Ballard, Mississippi State, Sr.
WR –Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina, Jr.
WR – Rueben Randle, LSU, Jr.
OL – Alvin Bailey, Arkansas, So.
OL – Chris Faulk, LSU, So.
OL – Larry Warford,Kentucky, Jr.
OL – Gabe Jackson, Mississippi State, So.
C –Ben Jones, Georgia, Sr.
TE – Philip Lutzenkirchen, Auburn, Jr.
Special Teams
K- Drew Alleman, LSU, Jr.
AP – Dennis Johnson, Arkansas, Jr.
Second Team Defense
DT – Michael Brockers, LSU, So.
DT – Josh Chapman, Alabama, Sr.
DE – Cory Lemonier, Auburn, So.
DE – Barkevious Mingo, LSU, So.
LB – Chris Marve, Vanderbilt, Sr.
LB – Jerry Franklin, Arkansas, Sr.
LB – Don’t’A Hightower, Alabama, Jr.
CB –Dre Kirkpatrick, Alabama, Jr.
CB – Casey Hayward, Vanderbilt, Sr.
S –Antonio Allen, South Carolina, Sr.
S – Eric Reid, LSU, So.
Special Teams
P –Dylan Breeding, Arkansas, Jr.
Offensive Player of the Year
Trent Richardson, Alabama
Defensive Player of the Year
Tyrann Mathieu, LSU
Coach of the Year
Les Miles, LSU
Freshman of the Year
Isaiah Crowell, Georgia
Last week the SEC accomplished a feat they had never done before, they gave college football fans two games in the same week featuring four top ten teams. This week the excitement is not as great on a national level but there is plenty of intrigue as mid-level teams continue to fight for bowl eligibility.
The matchup of the weekend pits cross-divisional teams No. 24 Auburn at No. 14 Georgia. 5-4 Florida travels to No. 15 South Carolina in hopes of becoming bowl eligible and 4-5 Vanderbilt hosts 4-5 Kentucky in a must win game for both teams.
LSU, Alabama, and Arkansas all play non-ranked teams with Bama traveling to Mississippi State. No surprise that each team’s fan base is praying for a shocking loss for the other’s programs.
Ole Miss welcomes Louisiana Tech in the first of three farewell games for soon to be departing head coach Houston Nutt.
Auburn versus Georgia
The Auburn versus Georgia game will pit the strength of each team against the other, running the ball. Auburn holds an edge here with sophomore running back Michael Dyer.
Dyer is second in the SEC in total rushing yards with 989 and third in rushing touchdowns having collected nine scores.
Bulldog true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell is sixth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 689 despite missing Georgia’s last game due to a suspension.
The pivotal point between the two teams will come down to quarterback play. The edge swings back in Georgia’s favor here.
Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray is second in the SEC in total passing yards having thrown for 2,060. His 23 passing touchdowns leads the SEC. Murray’s eight interceptions is second in the conference to departed Gamecock quarterback Stephen Garcia.
Tiger quarterback Clint Moseley will make his third career start against a Bulldog defense ranked 7th in the FBS. Moseley threw for 160 yards, his season high, against Ole Miss two weeks ago. He finished the game 12-15 with four passing touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Auburn is coming off a bye thus they should be rested and ready. But Georgia should get some quality contributors back on the field this weekend too when wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell and running back Carlton Thomas return from an injury and suspension respectively.
Between the two teams Auburn is more battle tested having played six teams currently ranked or ranked at one time during the season to Georgia’s four.
Auburn has the 75th rated defense in the country to Georgia’s 7th ranked defense.
Georgia has the momentum riding a seven game winning streak with a solid opportunity to wrap up the SEC East division title.
Final Score
Georgia 28, Auburn 21
Florida versus South Carolina
Revenge game, new rivalry game, whatever you want to call it these two teams will get after each other come Saturday. Both teams have season goals and bragging rights riding on the outcome.
If South Carolina wins they stay alive in the race for the SEC East divisional title. Should they lose, Georgia wins the SEC East and the Gamecocks will have to fight for a better bowl bid and/or play spoiler to in-state rival Clemson during the last weekend of the season.
A win by 5-4 Florida makes the Gators bowl eligible and takes some of the heat off of first year coach Will Muschamp and his infamous offensive coordinator Charlie Weis.
Gamecock quarterback Connor Shaw is expected to play this week after taking a vicious hit from Arkansas defensive end Jake Bequette in last week’s game. Shaw was suffering from concussion-like symptoms after the game.
Florida is also expecting their starting quarterback John Brantley to play after injuring himself against Vanderbilt last week as well.
Florida’s defense is stingy against the run which is what the Gamecocks need to do well in order to beat the Gators. Against the Hogs the Gamecocks were held to 79 total rushing yards.
The Gamecocks entered theArkansasgame only allowing 135.88 passing yards per game. Quarterback Tyler Wilson piled up 299 passing yards with two scores against the vaunted Gamecock defense. What can Brantley do against the same defense especially if safety DeVonte Holloman is not cleared to play for USC?
The Gators are hoping senior running back Chris Rainey will return to the lineup after injuring his ankle against Georgia.
The wheels seem to be coming off for Steve Spurrier and his Gamecock team. Can he keep his team together for three more regular season games?
Florida becomes bowl eligible on Saturday.
Final Score
Florida 24, South Carolina 21
Kentucky versus Vanderbilt
Looking over the SEC schedules before the season started the Wildcats vs. the Commodores game is not one of the games most fans circled. Yet the game holds heavy importance for both teams.
4-5 Kentucky is riding a five-game bowl appearance streak with three games left to play. 4-5 Vanderbilt is looking to go bowling for only the fifth time in the team’s history and the first time since 2008.
Head coach Joker Phillips is in his second year with the Wildcats. James Franklin is a first year head coach for the Commodores. Both coaches are trying to build a solid SEC program and need a win this weekend to keep their bowl hopes alive.
Phillips will call upon true freshman Maxwell Smith (Granada Hills,California) for the third game in a row to lead his team. Smith has played well in the place of injured quarterback Morgan Newton. Newton is healthy enough to play this week but will serve as the team’s second string quarterback.
The missing element fromKentucky’s offense this year has been a passing attack. Smith threw for 283 yards on 19 completions with two touchdowns against Ole Miss last week igniting hope for Wildcat fans that they can finish the season strong.
With the passing game elevated the running game has responded as well. CoShik Williams had a game-high 111 rushing yards on 25 carries finding the end zone twice against the Rebels.
Vanderbilt has continued their maturation process this season. The Commodores were a couple of plays away from possibly beating Georgia, Arkansas, and Florida over their past four games. Franklin’s young team has not learned how to win yet. The SEC East better watch out for this team next season.
Jordan Rodgers continues to impress after taking over for senior quarterback Larry Smith. Rodgers has started the last three games and finished last week’s game against Florida with 297 yards passing, two touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Commodore running back Zac Stacey was held to 23 rushing yards after back-to-back 100-yard performances against Army and Arkansas.
The game will come down to which defense can make the other team’s offense make mistakes. This heavily favors Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt has the 30th ranked defense in the nation despite not having much support from the offense for most of the season.
Vanderbilt keeps their bowl hopes alive.
Final Score
Vanderbilt 28, Kentucky17
Alabama versus Mississippi State
After last week’s “game of the century” most college football fans want to see how Bama will respond. Will they have a let-down game or will they come out and prove a point by punishing MSU? Either way LSU and Arkansas will be interested in the final outcome as their season’s final outcome could be made easier with a Bama loss.
On paper this game is a mismatch heavily favoring Alabama.
Mississippi State allows 349 yards of total offense per game. Alabama is the top ranked defense holding teams to 187 total yards.
Alabamahas the best rush defense in the country averaging 56.33 yards per game, Mississippi State 161.22.
Alabama averages 214 rushing yards per game, MSU 187 yards.
5-4 Mississippi State hosts Bama this week, travels toArkansasnext week, and hosts Ole Miss on the final weekend of the season. This is a tough road to walk down for head coach Dan Mullen trying to get his team to the all important six win plateau.
Final Score
Alabama 38, MSU 7
Louisiana Tech versus Ole Miss
The Louisiana Tech Bulldogs are one of the more intriguing teams in college football. They easily could have won the four games they lost, Southern Miss 19-17, Houston 34-35, and Mississippi State 26-20 and be undefeated going into the stretch run of their Western Athletic Conference schedule. As it is the Bulldogs need this win against Ole Miss to become bowl eligible.
The game is not without some controversy as embattled Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt resigned on Monday which will be effective come November 26. After losing 12-straight SEC games how will his team respond this week? Will they rally around Nutt or have they already given up on the season?
The Bulldogs are on a four-game winning streak. Look for them to shock a SEC team on the road.
Louisiana Tech 34, Ole Miss 28
Western Kentuckyversus LSU
It’s the top ranked team in the nation with one of the best defenses in the nation going up against a 5-4 Sun Belt Conference team that lost 14-3 toKentuckyduring the first week of the season.
LSU sleepwalks through this one.
LSU 48, WKU 6
Tennessee versus Arkansas
Tennessee looks to do the near impossible this weekend by knocking off No. 8 Arkansas on the road.
Arkansas responded well to their home surroundings last weekend after playing four of five games on the road. The Hogs easily defeated then No. 10 South Carolina 44-28.
The Vols are coming off a feel good win over Middle Tennessee State, 24-0.
Tennessee’s defense is SEC caliber but the offense is not.
There is an outside chance that Tyler Bray may return for this game. At 4-5 Dooley may sit his starter in hopes of winning their final two games to become bowl eligible. Why risk an injury to Bray with post season hopes hinging on his play during the final two games?
Arkansas’ passing attack has remained solid all year long behind the play of quarterback Tyler Wilson.Wilson leads the SEC in passing yards and his top target, Jarius Wright, leads the SEC in receiving yards with 812 and receiving touchdowns with nine.
The one shining offensive production for the Vols has been wide receiver Da’Rick Rogers. Rogers has assumed the No. 1 wide receiver role after Justin Hunter tore his ACL earlier in the season.Rogersis second in the SEC in receiving yards with 780 and tied for second in receiving touchdowns with seven.
Hogs win their sixth game in a row in front of a happy Reynolds Razorback Stadium crowd.
Arkansas 45, Tennessee 17
College Football Preview: Outcome of every SEC Game in Week 10
The SEC takes the main stage of college football this weekend when four of the top ten teams in the nation square off in great intra-conference matchups. No. 10 South Carolina travels to No. 8 Arkansas and the game of the year takes place in Tuscaloosa when No. 1 LSU plays No. 2 Alabama.
Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi State go out of conference to play New Mexico State, Middle Tennessee State, and Tennessee-Martin respectively.
Two of the SEC’s most down trodden teams play each other when Ole Miss travels toKentucky. While Vanderbilt looks to keep their bowl hopes alive inGainesville.
Auburn is on a bye this week.
No. 1 LSU versus No. 2 Alabama
Tagged as the game of the century, top ranked and undefeated LSU looks to take down divisional rival Alabama for the right to claim the top spot in the SEC West.
Not much hype is needed for this game as all college football fans are interested in the outcome of this game. The winner could end up in the BCS National Championship game and give the SEC a chance to extend their national title run to six straight years.
LSU and Alabama are mirror images of each other. Both teams are highlighted by the best defenses in the nation and play a run-first pass as needed offense. Bama is ranked number one in total defense limiting opponents to 180.50 points per game. LSU has the fourth ranked defense allowing 251.38.
The key to the game will be either team’s ability to score on the other team’s defense.
Offensively Alabama holds the edge by producing an average of 457.63 yards per game to LSU’s 372.13. The styles are similar; grind out tough yards with the running game and wear down the opposition’s defense front to control the second half.
Bama quarterback AJ McCarron leads the SEC in pass completion percentage with an average of 67 percent. Tiger’s quarterback Jarrett Lee is not far behind completing 63.2 percent of his passes. Bama averages 228.38 passing yards to LSU’s 183.13.
A methodical running attack sets up late game scoring opportunities for both teams. Either team can go three to four-deep with their rotation in the backfield. The Tide holds an advantage on paper here as well. They average 229.25 rushing yards per game to LSU’s 189.
With two teams so closely matched offensively and defensively the game could come down to special teams play. This is where LSU separates themselves from Alabama.
LSU averages 41.08 net yards per punt. The Tide averages 36.37. The difference of five yards per punt may not seem like much on paper. Over the course of the game five yards here and five yards there can make a major difference in field position and offensive play calling.
Both teams average 23 yards per kickoff return. LSU has a slight edge with one kickoff returned for a touchdown.
If the game comes down to field goals between Jeremy Shelly, Alabama, and Drew Alleman, LSU, the Tigers get the nod here as well.
Alleman has a long of 44 yards to Shelly’s 37. Both kickers have missed two field goals during the season including one missed attempt from 30-39 yards. Alleman’s other miss was an attempt over 50 yards. Miles must feel that Alleman has the range which could be important in a highly contested game like this one.
LSU is battle tested, Alabama not so much. The current BCS rankings show LSU has a strength of schedule rated ninth best in the nation. Bama’s ranking has them tied for 57th best in FBS. Five of the Tiger’s eight games have been against teams ranked at the time of their game.
Three teams onAlabama’s schedule have been ranked at the time of their game; Penn State, Arkansas, and Florida.
LSU has played three ranked teams on the road this season; Oregon, Mississippi State, and West Virginia. Tuscaloosa is an environment at night unlike any other place in college football but LSU should not be easily affected as other teams when visiting Bryant-Denny Stadium.
It is hard to pick against a Nick Saban coached team. Les Miles has a national championship trophy sitting on his mantle too. Saban just has one more than Les.
Last Year’s Outcome
LSU 24, Alabama 21
Prediction
LSU has found a way to win all of their tough games this season, and win handily. Alabama may have the better coach and the home field advantage but…
Final Score
Alabama 17, LSU 20
No. 10 South Carolina versus No. 8 Arkansas
Arkansas takes on their fourth ranked team in the past six games when the Gamecocks visit Reynolds Razorback Stadium on Saturday.
Based off preseason predictions both teams have struggled to meet expectations offensively and defensively this season despite their current rankings and matching 7-1 records.
In four of their past five games the Hogs have overcome double digits deficits before rallying to win. Included in those wins were sub-par performances against Ole Miss and Vanderbilt in their past two games.
South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier has had to overcome one difficult situation after another this season. Connor Shaw started the season under center for the Gamecocks only to be replaced by troubled senior Stephen Garcia in the second quarter of their first game. Garcia was dismissed from the team in week seven of the season for violation of team rules.
Shaw replaced Garcia as starting quarterback. Shaw was to count on the production of All-SEC running back Marcus Lattimore only to lose him at the end of that same week to an ACL injury suffered against Mississippi State.
Through shaky offenses, injuries, and poor defensive performances both teams are fighting for an opportunity to remain in contention for a SEC Conference Title Game appearance and a possible BCS bowl berth.
South Carolina had a bye week to prepare true freshman Brandon Wilds (Blythewood, South Carolina) for their first game without Lattimore. Wilds responded with 135 yards rushing on 28 attempts in a sluggish win over the Vols. Wilds also caught three passes for 31 yards.
Before his breakout performance against Tennessee, Wilds highest rushing totals had come against Kentucky when he rushed five times for 45 yards.
Connor Shaw has been inconsistent as the Gamecock starting quarterback. He threw for 311 yards against Kentucky but has regressed since then. Against MSU he only threw for 155 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. On the road against Tennessee he finished with 87 passing yards on 10 of 18 passing attempts.
The Hogs running game made a brief appearance for two games but took a big step back against the Commodores last week. Dennis Johnson was held to 52 yards rushing on nine attempts and was benched after fumbling the ball for the second straight game. Arkansas finished with 72-net rushing yards after quarterback Tyler Wilson was sacked three times for a loss of 21-yards.
South Carolina’s defense will get their first true test of the season against the Razorbacks. The Gamecocks defense has the sixth rated total defense in FBS but the Hogs have the ninth best passing attack in the nation.
Weakness on weakness pits Arkansas’ running game and USC’s rush defense. Can the Hogs take advantage?
The Razorbacks allowed two inferior opponents, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt, to rack up 151 rushing yards and 222 yards respectively. The Hogs have to like that a true freshman is handling the ball for the Gamecocks. They have to hate that Wilds ran for 135 in his first game as a starter. They can only hope that the 28 carries last week wore him down some.
Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino has to be excited that he has made it through the most difficult part of his schedule to return home 7-1. Spurrier has to hate that his young team is Arkansas’ homecoming game.
The Razorbacks have been uninspired over their past two games but gain a spring in their step being home.
Final Score
Hogs 28, South Carolina 17
Vanderbilt versus Florida
Starting the season who would have thought that this game would hold some relevance within the SEC East standings? 4-4 Vanderbilt travels to 4-4Floridawith the winner taking possession of third place in the SEC East.
Both teams have four conference losses and appear to be going in opposite directions. Vanderbilt has played well over their past four games. Florida has lost four in a row.
The winner takes a step closer to earning a bowl bid as the SEC seventh seed. The loser of this game may miss out on a bowl game.
Vanderbilt has a top line defense to go against Florida’s failing offense, ranked 94th in the nation. Georgia was able to hold Florida to 226 total yards last week. Running backs Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps were held to a combined 38 yards rushing in a losing effort to the Bulldogs.
Commodores quarterback Jordan Rodgers has slowly come along as a starting SEC quarterback. In his first two starts of the season he was less than spectacular throwing the ball against Georgia and Army.
Rodgers posted a quarterback rating of 17.7 against the Bulldogs and 43.1 against Army. In a heartbreaking loss to the Razorbacks, Rodgers finished the game with a 97.8 quarterback rating and had his first 200-yard passing game of the season.
James Franklin and Will Muschamp are first year head coaches with a lot at stake. Florida has their pride and reputation on the line. Vanderbilt has a young team with a successful future ahead of them.
Vanderbilt has found a way to keep games close but have not learned how to win yet. Look for Vanderbilt to keep the game close but lose another tight one in a tough environment.
Final Score
Florida 24, Vanderbilt 21
Mississippi versus Kentucky
This game holds a dubious honor for the winner… they are not the worst team in the SEC.
Ole Miss, 2-6, has shown signs of life over the past two games. Their 2011 recruiting class has started to contribute and the Rebels are getting healthier.
Kentucky, 3-5, has not turned the corner on their season to date. The offense has been one of the worst statistically in FBS, ranked 118th out of 120. The answer to the Wildcat’s woes may have been on Joker Phillips’ bench all season long in true freshman Maxwell Smith (Granada Hills, California).
Smith replaced starting quarterback Morgan Newton in the first quarter after Newton sprained his ankle against Mississippi State last week. Smith responded with a 26 for 33 passing effort for 174 yards.
Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt is on the hot seat and really needs this win. Realistically the Rebels will not make a bowl game this year for the second year in a row. Nutt needs to finish strong winning games against Kentucky, Louisiana Tech, and Mississippi State. Should Nutt stumble against any three of those teams his days in Oxford may be over.
Kentucky has a slight advantage playing at home but Ole Miss is due for a win.
Final Score
Ole Miss 36, Kentucky 24
New Mexico State versus No. 18 Georgia
If you have not heard Georgia could be in trouble this week. Chances areNew Mexico State does not have much of a chance against the Bulldogs butGeorgiais on upset alert.
Mark Richt suspended three of his top four running backs for violating team rules. Included in the suspensions is true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell. Crowell is fifth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 689 total yards. Top backup running back Richard Samuel suffered an ankle injury against Florida and may be lost for the season.
Georgia will count on two former walk-on running backs to provide the rushing attack for the Bulldogs this weekend.
Sophomore quarterback Aaron Murray should be able to provide enough offense for Georgia against the 3-5 Aggies. Credit is due to the Aggies who have played tough this season even if they have not played SEC caliber teams.
The Aggies have the 65th ranked defense in the nation allowing 228.25 total yards per game.Georgiahas the 56th ranked offense in the nation gaining 404 yards per game.
This game could be closer than people may realize or it could be a blowout if Murray and company choose to play with a decided edge. Either way, Georgia’s defense will need to come ready to play to help bail out the offense if needed.
Final Score
Georgia 34, New Mexico State 17
Middle Tennessee State versus Tennessee
Tennessee catches a break in their schedule after a rough in-conference season when the Blue Raiders visit Neyland Stadium.
The youth movement is under way in Knoxville with sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray still out with a thumb injury. Senior quarterback Matt Simms started the first two games after Bray’s injury without much success against the two best teams in the nation, LSU and Alabama.
Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley then started true freshman Justin Worely (Rock Hill, South Carolina) against the Gamecocks, also with limited success. Worley finished the game completing 10 passes out of 26 attempts for 105 yards, looking like a true freshman starting for the first time.
Worely was not the only Vols freshman to get a start against the Gamecocks. Offensive guard Marcus Jackson (Vero Beach,Florida), safety Byron Moore (Harbor City,California), and defensive tackle Maurice Couch (Orlando,Florida) all got their first starts last week.
The Blue Raiders have played better in non-conference games this season than within the Sun Belt Conference. MTSU hung tough with Purdue only losing by three and beat lowlyMemphis38-31.
Tennesseecompletes their non-conference schedule against MTSU needing this win for a chance to become bowl eligible.Tennessee’s three remaining games are on the road against No. 8 Arkansas, versus Vanderbilt, and atKentucky. Winning three of their last four games would put the Vols at 6-6 and in their third straight bowl game.
Tennesseehas been worn down come the fourth quarter against SEC defenses. Dooley should be able to win one at home and get continued playing time for next year’s team.
Final Score
Tennessee17, MTSU 13
Tennessee-Martin versus Mississippi State
A disappointing year for the Bulldogs can take another positive step forward with a non-conference win against Tennessee Martin on Saturday.
MSU is 4-4 on the season with two tough games remaining against Alabama and Arkansas. For the Bulldogs to become bowl eligible they need to beat the Skyhawks and in-state rival Mississippi to ensure their second straight bowl game appearance.
Last week against Kentucky the Bulldogs found balance with their tandem quarterback rotation. Senior Chris Relf has become the running quarterback and sophomore Tyler Russell the passing quarterback. Together the two quarterbacks combined for 264 yards passing with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Relf added two rushing touchdowns.
Tennessee-Martin is a Football Champion Subdivision team.
Look for Mississippi State to run away with this one in a much needed confidence building game.
Final Score
Mississippi State 38, Tennessee Martin 24
College Football: Midseason Report Cards for Every SEC Team
The 2011 college football season started with high hopes for all 12 SEC teams. Eight teams were ranked in the Associated Press preseason Top 25 poll. Alabama topped the listed ranked second in the nation followed by LSU (4), South Carolina (12), Arkansas (14), Georgia (19), Mississippi State (20), Florida (22), and Auburn (23).
Natural attrition during the first half of the 2011 season would weed a few teams out of the rankings. Mississippi State and Georgia are the only two teams to no longer in the AP rankings.
All an SEC team feels they need to do is win the conference championship game for a shot at the national title as a SEC team has won each of the last five BCS Championships after winning the SEC title game. With half of the season left to play, the SEC East and West races are still undetermined.
LSU and Alabama are undefeated in the West with Arkansas and Auburn on their heels with one conference loss each.
In the East, South Carolina and Georgia are tied for first place with one conference loss a piece. Florida, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt are tied for second place each with two conference losses.
First Half Storyline in the SEC: Injuries
Injuries to key players have been the main story for many SEC teams during the first half of the 2011 season. Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Vanderbilt have seen their starting quarterbacks knocked out of game action at some point during the season.
Florida lost their first and second string quarterbacks against Alabama and Tennessee’s Tyler Bray has a broken thumb that could keep him out of action for six weeks.
Mississippi State has been plagued with injuries along their offensive line.
Justin Hunter, the Vols top wide receiver andKentucky’s true freshman running back Josh Clemons each tore their ACL and are out for the season.
Arkansas played without four starting defensive players against Alabama and Texas A&M. The Hogs were without three of their top four running backs until the A&M game as well.
The top running backs for Ole Miss have been hampered by various injuries all season.
Defensive standouts Collins Ukwu (Kentucky), C.J. Mosley (Alabama), and Melvin Ingram (South Carolina) have missed the majority of the first half of the season but appear to be healthy for the second half run.
Grade for Nonconference Games: B
In games against notable nonconference opponents the SEC turned in a 7-4 record. Their 4-1 record against ranked opponents is impressive.
Arkansas, LSU, and Alabama made loud statements with big wins, LSU twice, over Big Ten, Big 12, PAC-12, and Big East teams.
Vanderbilt’s win overConnecticut, the 2010 Big East champs, was a signature win for the Commodores and new head coach James Franklin.
Georgiatook a tough loss at home to Boise State 35-21. Auburn’s loss to Clemson, not ranked at the time, inDeath Valley ignited a Tiger’s team now ranked in the top 10.
Key Nonconference Games in the First Half
*Teams/Date/Site (off-campus location)
Boise State at Georgia, September 3, in Atlanta, Georgia
BYU at Ole Miss, September 3
Oregon vs. LSU, September 3, in Arlington, Texas
Alabama at Penn State, September 10
Cincinnati vs.Tennessee, September 10
Connecticut vs. Vanderbilt, September 10
Auburn at Clemson, September 17
Louisville at Kentucky, September 17
LSU at West Virginia, September 24
Arkansas vs. Texas A&M, October 1, in Arlington, Texas
Ole Miss at Fresno State, October 1
Key nonconference games yet to be played
Florida State vs.Florida, November 26
Clemson vs.South Carolina, November 26
Vanderbilt vs.Wake Forest, November 26
Grade for In-conference Games: C-
Many of the first half games have been disappointing. Injuries or not, LSU andAlabamahave not been tested by the rest of the conference.
Here’s a list of games that looked like great matchups before the season began.
*Teams/Date/Site (off-campus location)
South Carolina at Georgia, September 10
Mississippi State at Auburn, September 10
LSU at Mississippi State, September 15
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, September 17
Arkansas at Alabama, September 24
Florida at Kentucky, September 24
Alabama at Florida, October 1
Florida at LSU, October 8
Of the games listed, Mississippi State versus Auburnwas the lone dramatic game coming down to a last second goal line stand for the Tigers.
Notable In-conference Games Remaining
Georgia vs.Florida, October 24, in Jacksonville, Florida
LSU at Alabama, November 5
South Carolina at Arkansas, November 5
Florida at South Carolina, November 12
Arkansas at LSU, November 25
Team Grades SEC West
Alabama
Defense: A+
The Tide’s defense has dominated their opponents. The third ranked defense in college has held two teams scoreless. The most points they have given up this season is 14 to Arkansas at home.
Offense: A
The offense continues to roll with running backs Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy. The Alabama offensive line creates holes for their running backs and gives first year starter AJ McCarron time to find his receivers when needed.
Overall: A
The Tide won three signature games against Penn State, Arkansas, and Florida. Looking a little bit closer, Penn State is not that great, Arkansas and Florida had injury problems during the game. What have we really learned about Alabama so far?
November 5, Bama will be tested for the first time when LSU comes toTuscaloosa.
Arkansas
Defense: C
What defensive team do we rate? The healthy unit or how the team that has played to date? When have they been healthy?
As bad as it may seem for Razorback fans the Hogs are ranked 37th in scoring defense (21.33), 67th in total defense (389.50 yards per game), and 30th in pass defense (200.83 yards per game). With Jake Bequette, Isaac Madison, Darius Winston, Tank Wright, and Robert Thomas missing time, this group has held together well.
Willy Robinson’s defensive unit held Alabama’s offensive attack to 17 points in Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Not having both starting defensive ends has contributed to their SEC low of 6 sacks.
Look for improvement on the Arkansas defense in the second half as they get healthier.
Offense: B+
How can a team that averages 39.17 points per game, 17th best in the nation, have a B+ ranking on offense? Their running game is the reason or lack thereof.
Arkansas averages 129.33 rushing yards per game, 77th in the nation and 8th in the SEC.
In upcoming games against South Carolina and LSU Tyler Wilson will need the support of the running game if the Hogs hope to win.
Overall: B
The Hogs have a lot of room for improvement but have played well enough to win two important games versus Texas A&M andAuburn. Should the offensive line gel and improve their blocking this group can go far. The addition of Broderick Green and Dennis Johnson in the backfield will help the Hogs’ rushing attack.
Bobby Petrino has to be all smiles that he made it through the toughest part of the Razorback schedule with only one loss.
Look for the Hogs to roll until their game against LSU. If the Hogs beat LSU that could create a three-way tie for first place in the SEC West if LSU beatsAlabama.
Auburn
Defense: D
Auburnhas the 105th ranked defense in college football.
The defense heldSouth Carolinato a season low 13 points in an upset win on the road. Was that Garcia’s poor performance, Auburn’s play, or a little bit of both?
The defense is young and still coming together as a group. Look for them to get stronger as the season progresses.
Offense: C
Auburn is 80th in the nation in total offense. Much of that is due to the running ability of Michael Dyer. Dyer is third in the SEC in rushing yards (679) and rushing touchdowns (8).
Barrett Trotter has 9 passing touchdowns, 6 interceptions, and has taken 12 sacks.
Through it all they average 27.83 points per game.
Overall: C
How good or bad Auburn really is this season is still up for debate. Four of their victories have been last minute wins. Is this a sign of a team that never gives up and finds a way to win or a sign that they play down to their level of competition?
Auburnlost nearly 40 percent of their players from the 2010 roster to graduation and the NFL. This team is young and still learning how to play together. Next year could be a great season for Gene Chizik and company.
Auburn should end up 9-3 or 8-4 putting them on track for their third straight bowl appearance.
LSU
Defense: A+
Hard to poke any holes in LSU’s defense to date. The Tigers held Oregonto 27 points (2nd ranked scoring offense) and West Virginia to 21 (12th ranked scoring offense). Not counting the LSU game, Oregon is averaging 56 points per game this season.
In three conference games LSU is allowing 8 points per game. Overall offenses are scoring 12.50 points per game against their defense.
Offense: B
LSU is finishing games at a rate of 38.50 points per game. Their passing attack is not stellar, 8th in the SEC, but good enough to get the job done when needed. Their rushing attack is 6th best in the SEC. All very average numbers but with their defense backing them, they do not have to take unnecessary chances or be flashy on offense.
Overall: A+
LSU has played the most difficult schedule in the nation to date and remains undefeated. There is little doubt that this is the best team in college football.
Upcoming games against Alabama and Arkansas seem to be the only two games standing in their way of a SEC title berth and a possible BCS Championship game berth.
MississippiState
Defense: C-
MSU opponents are averaging 20.17 points per game. The Bulldogs have the 41st best defense in total yards. The problem is their defense is letting opponents run for 159 yards per game.
Dan Mullen has no answers for the loss of their 2010 starting linebacker unit, namely Chris White and K.J. Wright. Until their linebackers learn to stop the run, this will be a long season for Bulldog fans.
Offense: C-
Despite Chris Relf’s struggles under center, MSU’s offense is scoring at a rate of 26 points per game. They have talent in the backfield with running back Vick Ballard.
Mullen may have to make the difficult decision to bench senior quarterback Chris Relf for sophomore quarterback Tyler Russell. Russell played well coming off the bench against UAB in week 6 leading MSU to a come from behind 21-3 win.
Overall: C-
Mississippi State is 0-3 in conference play. Losing to Auburn, Georgia, and LSU is no crime. If Mullen was hoping to take MSU to the next step in the SEC he needed to win two of those games.
Mullen has three winnable games left on the schedule, atKentucky, versus Tennessee-Martin, and versus Ole Miss. Winning those three could put them in a bowl game even without a signature win.
Winning one of the three remaining games against South Carolina, Alabama, or Arkansas renews the Bulldog program and places them in a bowl.
Ole Miss
Defense: D-
Halfway through the season Ole Miss rush defense is ranked 95th in the nation (193 yards/game) and their pass defense is ranked 53rd (215.40 yards/game).
Their opponents during the first 6 games of the season include: BYU, Southern Illinois,Vanderbilt, Georgia, and Fresno State. None of their opponents have been ranked at the time of play.
Offense: D
In the Rebels two wins against Southern Illinois and Fresno State their offense averaged 40 points. In their three losses their offense averaged 11 points.
Mississippi’s passing game and rushing attack is 10th worst in the SEC in total yards. Vanderbilt is ranked below the Rebels in passing and rushing and beat Ole Miss 30-7.
Overall: D-
If one believes in recruiting stars and rankings given via major recruiting publications, there is talent on campus. Houston Nutt has done a poor job of getting consistent quarterback play and the most out of his player’s talents thus far.
Rebel fans do not get your hopes up for a turnaround in the second half of the season. Ole Miss has three winnable games remaining againstKentucky, Louisiana Tech, and Mississippi State.
The good thing is Ole Miss has four games left on the schedule at home. The bad thing is three of those teams are Alabama, Arkansas, and LSU.
SEC East
Florida
Defense: B-
The first four games of the season the Gators defense looked as good as any in the nation. The most points Florida allowed was 23 points by Tennessee in a conference rivalry game. Then in the last two games Alabama scored 38 and LSU scored 41.
How good is the Gator defense? Great but not elite?
Offense: C
Florida averaged 40.25 points per game in their first four games. Against two of the better teams in the nation they averaged 10.5.
The Gator offense took heavy lumps againstAlabama. John Brantley, Jeff Demps, and Jeff Driskel were all injured making them miss time against LSU in the following game.
This is Charlie Weis’ first season in Gainesville as offensive coordinator. Look for him to keep developing the young talent he has on offense and forFloridato get better as the season continues.
Florida’s kicking game has been phenomenal this season. The lone missed field goal was an attempt over 50-yards.
Overall: C
Florida looked great in their first four games climbing as high as number 12 in the AP poll. After their injuries and two devastating losses toAlabamaand LSU the Gators welcome the second half of their schedule which features only one team currently ranked, South Carolina.
The six remaining games on the schedule are all winnable. Having to rely on one of two true freshmen under center until Brantley comes back could make those six games a wild ride.
Georgia
Defense: C
The defense has rebounded from the first two games of the season against Boise State and South Carolina. The Bulldog scoring defense is ranked 20th in the nation (tied withFlorida) limiting teams to 19.17 points per game. In their last four games opponents have averaged 8.75 points against them.
Florida, if healthy, Auburn, and Georgia Tech’s offenses could create problems for the Bulldogs in the second half.
Offense: B+
Putting points on the board has not been a problem for Mark Richt’s team this year. They average 32.17 points per game. Finding a balance with the running game and passing attack took a few games.
True freshman running back Isaiah Crowell has been a difference maker for the Bulldog offense. Crowell did not start until game three against Coastal Carolina. He is the 4th leading rusher in the SEC in total rushing yards and has three 100-yard rushing games.
Aaron Murray has been hot and cold during his sophomore campaign. He has thrown 13 touchdown passes but has also thrown 6 interceptions. If he takes 13 more sacks in the second half of the season, that could prove to be problematic forGeorgia.
The Bulldogs need to improve their 39 percent 3rd down conversion rate in the second half of the season.
Overall: B
Georgia is in a great position to have a nice second half run. All of the Bulldogs games are winnable. Florida, Auburn, and at Georgia Tech highlight the schedule.
After their 0-2 start to be tied with South Carolina for the SEC East lead is not a bad place to be.
South Carolina has two tough SEC games left.Georgianeeds a South Carolina loss for a shot as the SEC East representative in the conference title game.
Kentucky
Defense: D
The Wildcat’s defense allows 29.50 points per game. Kentucky’s offense is the 118th worst in FBS scoring 13 points per game.
What is the defense to do with no help from the offense?
The worn down Wildcat defense allows 408.5 yards of total offense per game. If the offense was able to help control the clock a little more this defense could be decent.
Offense: F
Sorry Wildcat fans but it is true, the offense is really bad. Morgan Newton has not been able to replace Mike Hartline’s production as the starting quarterback. In Kentucky’s last game versus South Carolina, Newton completed 4 of 21 passes for 17 yards. After the game one could hear Wildcat fans across the country shouting, “I could do better than that.”
Head coach Joker Philips has not been able to ignite the offense that lost Hartline, Cobb, Locke, and Matthews. To make matters worse running back Josh Clemons is out for the year with an ACL tear. Raymond Sanders will have to take a bigger role in the offense ifKentuckyis to have a shot at going to a bowl game.
Overall: D-
Kentuckyhas two nonconference wins but has been blown out by three straight ranked SEC teams; Florida 48-10, LSU 35-7, South Carolina 54-3.
The remaining schedule is not overly difficult. For Kentucky it may be very difficult.
Any sort of offense could help the Wildcats win games in the second half of the season against Jacksonville State, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, at Vanderbilt, at Georgia, or at home against Tennessee.
Wildcats will miss a bowl game for the first time in over five years.
South Carolina
Defense: B+
After giving up 37 points to East Carolina and 42 toGeorgiain their first two games, the Gamecock defense has settled down.South Carolinaallows 274.50 yards of total offense per game which makes them the 9th best team in the nation. Their scoring defense is giving up a total of 20.33 points per game, 28th best in the nation.
Defensive tackle Melvin Ingram has missed time this season and All-SEC defensive end Devin Taylor had a slow start to his season. Slowly their defense has become the dominate force Gamecock fans were expected to be before the season began.
Offense: C
Let’s be honest, Marcus Lattimore is the South Carolina offense. Senior quarterback Stephen Garcia was having a horrible season leading the SEC in interceptions thrown and helping USC be the 111th worst team in FBS in that statistic.
Garcia has been dismissed from the team by head coach Steve Spurrier and now the reigns have been turned over to sophomore Connor Shaw. Shaw had a good game against Kentucky throwing for 311 yards completing 26 of 39 attempts with 4 touchdowns and no interceptions.
Shaw’s ability to be consistent and not turn the ball over will be the key to the Gamecock season going forward; that and Marcus Lattimore staying healthy.
Overall: B
How good are the Gamecocks?South Carolinahas not played a ranked team this season. Auburn jumped to 15th in the nation after beating USC in Williams-Brice Stadium.
USC will have three chances to prove their ranking before the season is over. They travel toArkansas, play Florida in Jacksonville, and get Clemson at home.
The Gamecocks are capable of winning out the rest of their season if they can get strong quarterback play from Shaw.
Look for USC to have at least one more conference lost and have a shootout against Clemson in the Battle of the Palmetto State.
Tennessee
Defense: B
Tennessee is limiting their opponents to 343.80 yards per game and 20.40 points per game. The defense will be challenged with remaining games against LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
If the defense can keep their current average of points per game and yards per game allowed they should be able to win a couple of tough games in the second half of the season.
Offense: C+
Even though Tennessee has been one-dimensional with Tyler Bray at quarterback, the offense is still putting up 32.60 points per game. Bad news is Bray could be out for six weeks. The good news is senior quarterback Matt Simms is stepping under center for the Vols.
Simms played through the toughest part of the Vols schedule in 2010 before missing the rest of the year with an injury. Simms has the ability to keep the Vols in games with his arm.
Simms, like Bray, will have to play without a rushing attack. A big season was expected of running back Tauren Poole but he has not played well. He has been hampered by a hamstring injury and may see limited time against LSU this weekend.
Overall: B
Tennessee does not have a big win under their belt this season. They played Florida tough at the Swamp. The rest of the season looks brutal.
Tennessee should be bowl eligible by season’s end. If they can catch LSU, Alabama, South Carolina, or Arkansas napping, come December they could end up in a nice bowl.
Vanderbilt
Defense: A-
Considering the lack of offense and the amount of time the Commodores have spent on the field they have been great during the first half of the season.
The secondary has been among the leaders nationally in interceptions all season.
Vanderbilt has the 23rd ranked scoring defense in FBS at 19.40 points per game. Holding SEC teams to an average of 307.30 total yards per game is impressive as well. How long will the defense be able to hold up without the offense’s help?
Offense: D+
In three SEC games the offense has averaged 11 points. Senior quarterback Larry Smith has missed time in the last two games to nagging injuries. Junior quarterback Jordan Rodgers played the final three quarters against Alabama in Vandy’s last game.
The two-headed rushing attack of Zac Stacy and Jerron Seymour places Vanderbilt as the 11th best team in the SEC. First year head coach James Franklin will have to find a way to keep the Commodores on the field and look for ways to put points on the board if they want to have a successful second half of the season.
Vanderbilt’s kicking situation is not great. They missed two field goals against Alabama. For the season they are 3 of 5 with a long of 33 yards. Essentially Vandy’s offense has to be in the red zone if they hope to kick a field goal. That makes it even more difficult to put points on the board for the Commodores.
Overall: B-
Vanderbilt has been competitive this year for the first time since they won 7 games in 2008. Their defense is SEC caliber. Their offense is not.
For all of the returning talent Vanderbilt had starting the season, they are still a young team. If Franklincan keep his guys focused through the rest of 2011, through good times and bad, he will have a special team come 2012.
College Football Preview: Predicting Every SEC Game in Week 7
Week after week the SEC features great college football match-ups. This weekend is no different as three SEC East teams continue their fight to stay alive for a conference title game berth and two of the top teams in all of college football look to keep pace with each other in the SEC West.
Two teams are on byes this week, Arkansas and Kentucky.
Arkansas travels to Ole Miss next week.
Kentucky hosts Jacksonville State.
No. 15 South Carolina at Mississippi State
Believe it or not, South Carolina versus Mississippi State is the SEC game of the week.
Mississippi State and South Carolina started the season off in similar fashion, with high hopes. MSU’s came crashing down fast while USC still has a shot to right the ship.
The Bulldogs are 3-3 after starting the season ranked 20th. MSU moved up as high as 16th in the nation but quickly lost their way after Auburn shut quarterback Chris Relf down at the goal line on the final play of their game.
The two head coaches, Steve Spurrier and Dan Mullen, find themselves in the middle of a quarterback controversy this week.
South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier dismissed senior quarterback Stephen Garcia from the team on Tuesday after he reportedly failed an alcohol test. Garcia had lost his starting job to sophomore Connor Shaw for USC’s game against Kentucky last weekend. Garcia had been suspended five times previously by Spurrier.
Another upstart sophomore is pushing an established senior quarterback for playing time in the SEC. This time MSU head coach Dan Mullen has to make some hard choices about who will start and who will sit and how many snaps each quarterback will get in the game.
Chris Relf has struggled much of 2011 after having a solid junior campaign. He is ranked 9th in the SEC in total passing yards (860), 7th in completion percentage (58.1), but has 5 interceptions thrown to four touchdown passes thrown.
MSU quarterback Tyler Russell started the second half against UAB which lead to a 21-3 come from behind win for the Bulldogs. Russell completed 11 of 13 passes for 166 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Relf finished the game 6 of 10 for 46-passing yards.
The in-game battle will be betweenMississippiStaterunning back Vick Ballard and USC’s running back Marcus Lattimore. Ballard is fifth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 531. Lattimore leads the SEC with 779 but has 61 more carries on the season than Ballard.
Lattimore appears to be slowing down some. His last three games he’s had one 100-yard effort (102 yards vs.Kentucky). Mississippi State’s linebackers have trouble stopping the run.
Ballard had his first 100-yard rushing game of the season against UAB.
Neither team has a signature win this year.
Both quarterback situations are sketchy at best but USC has the better defense especially with the return of DE Melvin Ingram.
USC wins at Davis-Wade Stadium 35-21.
No. 2 Alabama versus Mississippi
Ole Miss welcomes one of the top defenses in the nation to go against their offense, one of the worst in the nation.
Rebel fans are optimistic that junior quarterback Randall Mackey will be the key to ignite their offense. Mackey was penciled to be the starter for Ole Miss after spring practices but Houston Nutt went with Zack Stoudt and Barry Brunetti to start the season.
Mackey completed eight passes for 214 yards and one touchdown in their last game against Fresno State. Mackey also had ten incomplete passes against the Bulldogs, a team allowing 392.5 yards per game.
Scat back Jeff Scot rushed for a career-high 138 yards against Fresno State.
Alabama’s offense:
19th best rushing attack in the nation averaging 217 yards per game with 18 touchdowns.
Bama’s total offense is second best in the SEC at 434.8 per game.
The Tide features the 4th best passing game in the SEC averaging 226.80 yards per game.
Scoring at a rate of 37.67 points per game is 22nd best in the nation.
Alabama’s defense:
Top scoring defense in the nation allowing 7 points per game.
Third best total defense in the nation, 191.33 yards per game.
Best rushing defense in the nation by holding teams to 39.83 yards per game.
4th best pass defense in the nation limiting opponents to 151.50 yards per game.
Common opponent: Vanderbilt.
Vanderbilt 30, Ole Miss 7.
Alabama 34, Vanderbilt 0.
Linebacker C.J. Mosley returns from an elbow injury suffered against Arkansas.
Life does not get better for Houston Nutt. Ole Miss losses another one 38-7.
Florida versus No. 24 Auburn
A reoccurring theme in the SEC is quarterback play or lack thereof. Auburn head coach Gene Chizik is sticking by his struggling junior quarterback Barrett Trotter and Florida cannot keep a quarterback healthy enough to play.
Quarterbacks John Brantley and true freshman Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Florida) both injured their ankles against Alabama. Florida head coach Will Muschamp made a game time decision to not start Driskel against LSU in favor for another true freshman quarterback, Jacoby Brissett (West Palm Beach,Florida).
The game will come down to who can stop the run. Florida has the 4th best rushing attack in the SEC (194 per game) and Auburn has the 3rd best (204 per game).
Florida’s rush defense is 32nd in the nation. Auburn’s is 103rd allowing 201.83.
Auburn and Florida did not play each other last season.
Auburnhas more stability at quarterback but Florida may have more raw talent under center.
Florida holds Dyer to 115 rushing yards and Chris Rainey finds the holes to keep the Gators on the field.
Jeff Demps was limited to two carries last week inBaton Rouge due to an ankle injury. His playing time will be a game time decision.
Florida 21, Auburn 18.
Georgia versus Vanderbilt
First year head coach James Franklin has already passed expectations at Vanderbilt. He has eclipsed last year’s win total and scored a SEC conference victory against Ole Miss. More importantly the Commodores have been competitive.
The final score in their past two games may not reflect the abilities of his team, at No. 12 South Carolina 3-21 and at No. 2 Alabama 0-34, but their defense is playing tough and they are young. Franklin is laying ground work for a strong Commodore team next season if they can find any offense.
Georgiahas turned their season around after two straight home losses to fifth ranked Boise State and twelfth rankedSouth Carolina. The Bulldogs are on a four game winning streak and tied with the Gamecocks for first place in the SEC East.
Georgiahead coach Mark Richt started true freshman running back Isaiah Crowell after theSouth Carolinaloss and the Bulldogs offense has responded.
The Bulldogs have the 4th ranked total offense in the SEC (2,435 yards) while averaging 405.80 yards per game. Crowell is fourth in the SEC in total rushing yards with 573 after seeing limited action in the first two games of the season.
Georgia’s starting quarterback Aaron Murray now has a complement to his passing abilities.Murrayis third in the SEC in total passing yards with 1,327, second in passing touchdowns (13), and fourth in quarterback rating (150.2). Murray’s tendency to take a sack (SEC worst 13) and throw interceptions (6) has got to improve against the opportunistic Commodore defense.
The Commodores lead the SEC with 14 interceptions. Three of those picks have been returned for touchdowns.
Georgia has the sixth best defense in the nation.
Vanderbilt has the 117th worst offense in college football, 244.40 yards per game.
Vandy quarterback Larry Smith has missed time in the last two games due to injuries. Smith could have returned against Alabama last week but Franklin played Jordan Rodgers the rest of the game.
Georgia gets a bye next week before playing Florida in Jacksonville. The Bulldogs will not get caught up in a trap game.
Georgia has enough offense to beat Vandy’s determined group. Georgia wins 21-7.
No. 1 LSU versus Tennessee
Another SEC team, another starting quarterback injured.Tennessee’s Tyler Bray broke the thumb on his throwing hand last week against Georgia. Now LSU will face their second straight game against a quarterback making their first start of the season.
Senior quarterback Matt Simms takes over for Bray. Simms was the starter last year before injuries and solid play by Bray in the final five games of 2010 resulted in him losing his starting job.
Simms threw for 1,460 yards and eight touchdowns last season against the hardest part of Tennessee’s schedule: Oregon, Florida, LSU, Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina.
Simms almost pulled off an upset win against the Tigers last year inBaton Rouge. Simms was 12 for 23 for 121-yards passing with five sacks, no touchdowns, and zero interceptions in last year’s meeting. Their performance last season has the Vols excited about their chances this week.
The difference in last year’s Vols team and this year team is a running game. Tauren Poole has not clicked with the offensive line yet this season. Poole had 109 yards rushing against the Tigers in 2010 to pace UT’s offense.
Poole left last week’s game with an injured hamstring in the first quarter. His status for this week is a game time decision.
LSU has the fifth best defense in the nation.
Tennessee was held to negative 20 yards rushing against Georgia.
LSU escaped with a last second 16-14 win in 2010 against the Vols. Don’t look for LSU to take Tennessee lightly this year nor ruin a chance to play for the BCS National Championship by looking ahead toAuburn.
LSU methodically breaks down Tennessee for a 48-3 win.
HogManInLA 