Tagged: Schedules
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)
SEC Football: Recapping the 2011 Arkansas Razorbacks with a Look Ahead to 2012
What more can be said about the season Arkansas head coach Bobby Petrino and his Razorback’s have had that has not already been said? Simply put, they had one of the best seasons in the school’s history. With all due respect to all previous Arkansas teams, maybe the second best ever?
Petrino guided Arkansas to their third 11 win season in school history (1964, Broyles, and 1977, Holtz), first in the BCS era. In the process the Razorbacks played four teams ranked in the BCS Top 10 finishing the season with a 29-16 win over Big 12 runner-up, No. 8 Kansas State Wildcats.
Entering the 2011 season the Hogs’ offense only returned four starters from 2010’s 10-win BCS Sugar Bowl team. Players gone to the NFL included: starting quarterback Ryan Mallett, All-SEC offensive linemen DeMarcus Love and Wade Grayson, and Mackey Award winning tight end D.J. Williams.
The Hogs were dealt two significant losses during spring and fall practices when running backs Knile Davis (foot) and Broderick Green (knee) suffered major injuries. Adding to the offensive woes was a hamstring injury to junior running back Dennis Johnson, a 2009 All-American as a kickoff returner.
Petrino had the arduous task of getting first-year starter Junior quarterback Tyler Wilson, three offensive linemen, running back Ronnie Wingo Jr., and a new starting tight end ready for one of the more demanding schedules in college football.
The 2010 Arkansas team was one of the most prolific scoring teams in school history finishing the season No. 17 in scoring offense (36.5 points per game) and No. 9 in total offense (482.5 yards per game) in Division 1-A.
Life was no easier on defense for coordinator Willy Robinson. The Razorbacks returned seven starters after losing players like Rudell Crim, Anthony Leon, and Ramon Broadway.
During the 2010 season the Hogs ranked 36th in total defense (348 yards per game) after playing six ranked teams- No. 1 Alabama, No. 7 Auburn, No. 18 South Carolina, No. 22 Mississippi State, No. 6 LSU, and No. 6 Ohio State.
The overlooked Razorback defense had a stronger finish than most expected ending No. 47 in total defense in 2011 allowing an average of 363 yards per game. Their scoring defense improved from No. 47 (23.4 points per game) in 2010 to No. 33 (22.23 points per game).
Playing not only in the toughest football conference in Division 1-A but perhaps the toughest division in college football history, the Hogs managed to finish the 2011 season with only two defeats, both coming on the road to then No. 3 Alabama and No. 1 LSU.
Regardless of the shortage on returning starters, Petrino added to his reputation as one of the greatest offensive football minds in the game after leading the Hogs to an average of 438.08 yards per game (No. 1 in the SEC) and the No. 16 ranked scoring offense in Division 1-A, averaging 36.77 points per game.
The Razorback offense played four teams that finished in the Top 20 in total defense- No. 1 Alabama, No. 2 LSU, No. 3 South Carolina, and No. 18 Vanderbilt.
On the schedule for the Hogs were Tennessee and Mississippi State. Both teams ended up No. 27 and No. 35 respectively in total defense.
Quarterback Tyler Wilson led the SEC in total passing yards (3,638), completion percentage among quarterbacks with over 300 passing attempts (63.2), total completions (277), and finished second in total touchdown passes (24).
Comparing Wilson’s 2011 season to Mallett’s 2010: Wilson had 11 more completions, eight fewer touchdown passes but threw six fewer interceptions (6 total) than Mallett’s 12. Mallett threw for 231 more total yards thanWilson.
Wilson spread the ball around to his receivers in Petrino’s offense. His favorite target was Senior receiver Jarius Wright. Wright led the SEC in yards (1,117) and touchdowns (12). He finished second to Da’Rick Rogers (Tennessee) in total receptions with 66 toRogers’ 67.
Seven Arkansas players caught 20 or more passes, four amassing over 500 total receiving yards- Wright, Joe Adams 54 catches 652 yards, Cobi Hamilton 34 receptions for 542 yards, Chris Gragg 41 catches for 518 yards, Dennis Johnson 24 receptions for 255 total yards, Greg Childs 21 receptions for 240 yards, and Ronnie Wingo Jr. 20 catches 187 total yards.
Wright, Adams, and Childs are all graduating seniors. Which returning Razorback receivers will replace this dynamic trio?
Cobi Hamilton is a junior with great speed and a knack for breaking loose in the oppositions secondary. As a freshman Hamilton averaged 18.3 yards per catch, as a sophomore he averaged 19.7, and this year he posted a 15.9 yard per catch average.
True freshman wide receiver Marquel Wade (Jacksonville, Florida) made an immediate impact on special teams for the Hogs with his game-breaking speed. Wade averaged 25.6 yards per kickoff return taking one of 14 returns to the house for an 85-yard touchdown.
Julian Horton, Quinta Funderburk, Keante Minor, Maudrecus Humphrey, and Javontee Herndon are all eagerly waiting for their chance to replace the aforementioned departing Razorback receiving core.
Perhaps two of the most difficult players to replace on the entire team will be linebacker Jerry Franklin and defensive end Jake Bequette.
Franklin led the team in tackles in each of the past four seasons. Franklin registered over 100 tackles in each of the past two seasons and was the heart and soul of the Razorback defense.
Bequette finished the season tied for second in the SEC with 10 sacks despite missing action in four different games. Bequette graduates third on the Razorback career sack list with 23.5- Wayne Martin 25.5 and Henry Ford 25.
Junior linebacker Alonzo Highsmith, sophomore defensive end Chris Smith, and true freshman defensive end Trey Flowers (Huntsville, Alabama) all appear ready to take over for the senior players.
Highsmith was second on the team with 4.5 sacks and third in total tackles with 80. Highsmith finished No. 10 in the SEC with 12.5 tackles for a loss. Smith was third on the team with 3.5 sacks and Flowers plays with a motor that never stops.
The secondary will miss the athletic play of safety Tramain Thomas. Thomas led the Razorbacks in interceptions the past two seasons- four in 2010 and five in 2011. He was also second in total tackles for the Hogs this year with 91.
Not accounting for players leaving early for the NFL, the Razorbacks should return seven starters on offense-Wilson, guard Alvin Bailey, center Travis Swanson, tackle Jason Peacock, early season starter true freshman Mitch Smothers (Springdale, Arkansas), tight end Chris Gragg, and running back Dennis Johnson.
Fullback Kiero Small, receiver Cobi Hamilton, and running back Ronnie Wingo’s contributions as starters cannot be overlooked heading into 2012.
Much speculation has centered on the return of All-SEC running back Knile Davis. Most Razorback fans expectDavisto return to his 2010 form in 2012 when he totaled 1,322 rushing yards with 13 touchdowns- second highest total in the SEC to Cam Newton’s 1,473. Rumblings have Davis possibly declaring for the NFL Draft despite missing the entire 2011 season.
Is it too late to start a “one more year” campaign for Davis inFayetteville?
Regardless ofDavis’ 2012 status the Hogs will be stacked at running back with Johnson, Wingo, and Kody Walker returning.
Defensively the Hogs will return seven starters- linemen Bryan Jones, Robert Thomas, and Tenarius Wright, Highsmith, corners Darius Winston and true freshman Tevin Mitchell (Mansfield,Texas) with safety Eric Bennett.
The play of the Razorback front seven against Kansas State in the Cotton Bowl has fans excited about the arrival of new defensive coordinator Paul Haynes.
Arkansas held the Wildcats to 87 total rushing yards while totaling six sacks. The secondary limited KSU quarterback Collin Klein to 173 passing yards.
Is this a sign of things to come from Arkansas’ defense?
On special teams Arkansas will return punter Dylan Breeding and place kick Zach Hocker. Breeding led the SEC in punting averaging 45.28 yards per punt. His ability to flip the field of play was a defensive weapon throughout the season.
Hocker was fourth in the SEC in field goal percentage (78) and tied for second in total field goals (21). Hocker led the SEC with 40 touchbacks on kickoffs.
Dennis Johnson and Marquel Wade give the Razorbacks two of the better return specialist in the SEC. Johnson and Wade both returned kickoffs for touchdowns in 2011.
The schedule plays into Arkansas’ favor in 2012. With seven home games, including SEC rivals Alabama and LSU, and the possible addition of another home non-conference game, the Hogs should find comfort in the friendly confines of Reynolds Razorback Stadium and War Memorial Stadium inLittle Rock. Arkansas was undefeated at home in 2011.
Vanderbilt and Tennessee are rotated off the schedule for a home game against Kentucky. SEC newcomer Texas A&M, a team the Hogs have beaten three straight years in non-conference play, becomes a permanent fixture as a SEC West divisional rival.
With all of the returning talent and home schedule a third straight 10-win season for the Hogs is a more than reasonable expectation.
Petrino leading Arkansas to their only back-to-back 11 win season is a possibility worth visiting Las Vegas.
Watching the Razorbacks roll to the SEC Championship Game in 2012 with a chance to play in the BCS National Championship game is what Razorback Nation has been waiting for.
Any Razorback fans ready for fall practices yet?
2011 Arkansas High School Football Playoffs: Second Round Results
There were a few upsets Friday night in the second round of the Arkansas High School State Playoffs. Class 5-A was the only bracket to not see a lower seeded team defeat a higher seeded team.
The higher seeded team through each classification is designated by the home field advantage.
Class 7-A
Fayetteville 49 at Conway 28
Fort Smith Northside 24 at Fort SmithSouthside 41
West Memphis 14 at Bentonville 42
Springdale Har-Ber 37 at North Little Rock 41
Class 6-A
Sheridan7 at Lake Hamilton 35
Pine Bluff 35 at Searcy 14
Texarkana 20 at Jonesboro 49
Marion15 at El Dorado16
Class 5-A
Beebe 17 at Camden Fairview 56
Wynne 7 at Greenwood 42
Greenbrier 6 at Batesville 16
Hot Springs Lakeside 21 at White Hall 38
Class 4-A
Clarksville 12 at McGehee 27
Farmington 28 at Heber Springs 12
De Queen 21 at Nashville 28
Prairie Grove 14 at Malvern 42
Osceola 18 at Pulaski Academy 57
Clinton16 at Pottsville 49
Stuttgart 23 at Dollarway 26
Gravette 48 at Warren 33
Class 3-A
Smackover 8 at Earle 48
Jessieville 16 at Prescott 56
Barton 23 at West Fork 0
Arkansas Baptist 26 at Camden Harmony Grove 6
Fordyce 0 at Charleston 21
Greenland 7 at Harding Academy42
Glen Rose 21 at Rison 24
Fountain Lake 37 at Yellville-Summit 7
Class 2-A
Danville16 at Carlisle 22
Spring Hill 7 at Gurdon 35
Des Arc 6 at East Poinsett County 35
Mount Ida 6 at Bearden 31
Mineral Springs 20 atJunction City21 (Overtime)
Salem2 at Magazine 34
Strong 33 at Magnet Cove 14
Hazen 12 at McCrory 38
2011 Arkansas High School Football Playoffs: Second Round Matchups
Class 7-A
Fayetteville at Conway
Fort Smith Northside at Fort Smith Southside
West Memphis at Bentonville
Springdale Har-Ber at North Little Rock
Class 6-A
Sheridan at Lake Hamilton
Pine Bluff at Searcy
Texarkana at Jonesboro
Marion at El Dorado
Class 5-A
Beebe at Camden Fairview
Wynne at Greenwood
Greenbrier at Batesville
Hot Springs Lakeside at White Hall
Class 4-A
Clarksville at McGehee
Farmington at Heber Springs
De Queen at Nashville
Prairie Grove at Malvern
Osceola at Pulaski Academy
Clinton at Pottsville
Stuttgart at Dollarway
Gravette at Warren
Class 3-A
Smackover at Earle
Jessieville at Prescott
Barton at West Fork
Arkansas Baptist at Camden Harmony Grove
Fordyce at Charleston
Greenland at Harding Academy
Glen Rose at Rison
Fountain Lake at Yellville-Summit
Class 2-A
Danville at Carlisle
Spring Hill at Gurdon
Des Arc at East Poinsett County
Mount Ida at Bearden
Mineral Springs at Junction City
Salem at Magazine
Strong at Magnet Cove
Hazen at McCrory
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.
College Football: Picking Every SEC Game in Week 6
Six ranked SEC teams take the field this weekend in conference race shaping games. Two SEC East showdowns, one SEC West game of the week, and one cross-divisional game could dramatically shift the rest of the season after week 6 unfolds.
No. 15 Auburn versus No. 10 Arkansas
This week’s top game in the SEC is Arkansas versus Auburn. Both teams are fighting for national respect, regardless of their current rankings, and coming off upset wins. The winner lives to fight for an outside shot at the SEC West title.
Auburnis 4-1 with three last minute wins; Utah State, Mississippi State, and South Carolina. After the exodus of nearly forty percent of their 2010 roster, not much was expected of this year’s team outside of Auburn. Somehow Gene Chizik keeps finding the magical winning formula for the Tigers.
Auburn is led by sophomore running back Michael Dyer. Dyer is seeking his fourth 100-yard rushing game of the season against the Razorbacks; he had four 100-yard games in 2010.
Dyer has risen to the challenge against top competition this year; Mississippi State, 150-yards rushing with two touchdowns, Clemson, 151-yards rushing, with two touchdowns, and South Carolina, 141-yards rushing and one score. Dyer has to be chomping at the bit to play against Arkansas’ rush defense knowing they gave up 381-yards rushing to Texas A&M last week; Christine Michael 230 yards, Cyrus Grey 95 yards.
The Razorbacks are led by junior quarterback Tyler Wilson. Wilson leads the SEC in passing yards with 1,517 and is second in the SEC in with 10 passing touchdowns. Wilson is coming off a career game in which he threw for a school record 510 yards with two touchdowns against the Aggies.
The key match-up on paper is Arkansas’ passing attack versus the Auburn pass defense andAuburn’s rushing attack versus Arkansas’ run defense. Which team will be able to slow down the opposition’s strengths?
The Razorback rush defense is ranked 82nd in the nation allowing 168.20 yards per game. Auburn’s pass defense is ranked 74th in FBS as teams are passing for 232.80 yards per game.
If Michael Dyer hits 168-yards rushing the Razorbacks will be okay. Auburn’s passing attack is limited; 184 passing yards per game. The Tiger’s top wide receiver, Blake Emory, will not play this weekend. Look for the Hogs to stack eight in the box and beg Barrett Trotter to beat them with his arm.
Auburn did a great job of holding Stephen Garcia to a 39 percent completion percentage. Wilson completed 63 percent of his passes against Alabama’s third ranked defense.
Arkansas found their running game in the fourth quarter when Petrino finally ran Broderick Green and Dennis Johnson. Auburn’s rush defense is ranked 108th in the nation giving up 207 yards per game.
Arkansas puts together a complete offensive game plan and win this one 38-24.
Georgia versus Tennessee
After a 0-2 start that included a conference loss to SEC East foeSouth Carolina, the Georgia faithful were looking around for answers. Three wins later, a South Carolina conference loss, and a Florida conference loss, the Bulldogs find themselves in a three way tie for first in the SEC East.
Bulldog quarterback Aaron Murray grabs the headlines but the emergence of true freshman running back Isaiah Corwell has allowed Georgia to have a balanced offensive attack.
Crowell has three 100-yard games already this season (South Carolina, Ole Miss, and Mississippi State). His 575 total rushing yards ranks him 4th in the SEC.
Tennessee tailback Tauren Poole has yet to click with the offensive line. He has rushed for 318 yards with only one touchdown. His best performance was last week against Buffalo when he rushed for 101-yards on 17 attempts with no touchdowns.
Georgia’s pass defense has been outstanding this year only allowing 151.60 yards per game. Tyler Bray leads the SEC in touchdown passes and passing percentage but has played primarily against lesser competition.
Tennessee’s pass defense ranks 35th allowing 198.50.
Georgia’s run defense is limiting teams to 107 yards per game; Tennessee allows 139.75.
With Tennessee wide receiver Justin Hunter out for the year with a torn ACL, Da’Rick Rogers will see constant double team in passing situations.
Georgia’s balanced offense will eventually overwhelm Tennessee’s passing offense by winning the time of possession.
Georgia breaks their two-game losing streak at Neyland Stadium winning 28-24.
Georgia outside linebacker Cornelius Washingtonis suspended for two game after being arrest for a DUI Sunday night. Washington will be replaced by Jarvis Jones. Jones had two sacks against MSU last week.
Mississippi State versus University of Alabama Birmingham
A battered and bruised Mississippi State team takes their last non-conference road game of the season against the 0-4 Blazers.
UAB has found some momentum in their last two losses. They were beat soundly by the Florida Gators in the Swamp 39-0 and by Tulane 49-10. Then in two consecutive road games the Blazers found their competitive spirit in losses to East Carolina by five points andTroyby one.
Can UAB pull off an upset against the Bulldogs?
The Blazers held a second half lead over MSU last year before two late Derek DePasquale field goals lifted the Bulldogs to victory. But that was last year when MSU was in the midst of a six-game winning streak.
MSU is strong against the pass ranking 27th in the nation. The one thing UAB does fairly well on offense is pass the ball. They average 191-yards per game. Their rushing attack is 106th in the nation against lesser competition.
UAB is ranked 116th in rush defense (228.75) and 113th in pass defense (300). If the 2-3 Bulldogs cannot pull off a win this weekend they will miss a bowl game this year. MSU has winnable games left against Kentucky, Tennessee-Martin, and Ole Miss which would put them at six wins for the season. Remaining games against South Carolina, Alabama, and Arkansas may be too much for Dan Mullen and company this year.
Chris Relf and Vick Ballard need this game to get back on track beforeSouth Carolina comes to town. Ballard was held to 23-yards rushing against Georgia last week. Relf had 157-yards passing.
Even if MSU can pull ahead early, look for Mullen to play his guys into the third quarter and possibly early into the fourth quarter to build confidence and rhythm for his offense.
MSU wins 38-14.
Kentucky versus South Carolina
Kentuckyfans circled this stretch of games on the schedule before the season started. The 2-3 Wildcats play their third straight ranked opponent when they travel to No. 18 South Carolina on Saturday. Joker Philips is hoping to end his team’s three game losing streak at Williams-Brice Stadium (Louisville, Florida, and LSU).
Philips is still looking for ways to ignite the Kentucky offense. Morgan Newton has replaced Mike Hartline under center but with very different results. Last season UK was ranked 34th nationally in scoring offense (31.20) and 27th in total offense (427.90). This season the Wildcats are averaging 15 points per game (113th nationally) and 255.50 yards of offense per game (118th nationally).
South Carolina enters the game after being upset at home byAuburn16-13. The much publicized love-hate relationship between head coach Steve Spurrier and fifth-year senior quarterback Stephen Garcia appears to have finally ended, for now, due to Garcia’s poor play against the Tigers.
Spurrier has benched Garcia again for sophomore Connor Shaw. Shaw was the starter beginning the season againstEast Carolinabut after two fumbles and struggling within the offense he was benched in the first quarter in favor of the experienced Garcia.
Fans that like to see power running and gifted linebackers that stuff the run will enjoy the match-up between Gamecock running back Marcus Lattimore andKentucky’s linebackers Danny Trevathan and Winston Guy.
Danny Trevathan leads the SEC in tackles with 59 and Guy is second with 53. Lattimore leads the SEC in rushing yards with 677.
Lattimore will get as many touches as Spurrier feels is necessary for the Gamecocks to win. With Shaw under center, the Wildcats will try to pressure Shaw every chance they get. Unfortunately for UK defensive end Collins Ukwu will be out for the third straight game.
Both teams need this win. Which team is more motivated?
USC and UK are one dimensional teams relying solely on their running game. Kentuckyhas allowed 21 sacks (2nd most in the nation). The Gamecock defense averages 2.60 sacks per game. Long third down attempts would normally favor the Gamecocks defense.
Shaw was 3 for 9 for 21-yards passing with no touchdowns and zero interceptions before he was taken out of the game. First game jitters could have contributed to the two fumbles Shaw committed. What will Shaw be able to do against UK? If Shaw struggles will Spurrier pull the emergency switch again and place Garcia back in the game?
The Gamecock offense is in better shape with Lattimore than Kentucky is with true freshman running back Josh Clemons (269 yards rushing). But USC senior left tackle Kyle Nunn may miss his second straight game with a bulging disc. Last week true freshman Mike Matulis (Boynton Beach, Florida) struggled againstAuburn.
Kentuckyhas more stability in their backfield with Morgan Newton under center than Connor Shaw for USC.
Shaw will key on All-American wide receiver Alshon Jeffery as will the Wildcat secondary.
Kentuckyfinds a way to keep the game close and upsets South Carolina for the second straight year 17-14.
Vanderbilt versus Alabama
James Franklin has had a really nice start to his Vanderbilt coaching career. He won his first three games and eclipsed the team’s total wins in 2010 (2). He also earned his first SEC conference victory over Ole Miss (30-7). Then the Commodores had a tough road trip to South Carolina that ended in a 21-3 loss.
Now Vanderbilt is trying to put their offense back together against the third ranked defense in the nation. USC held the Commodores to 77 net yards after Larry Smith was sacked six times for a loss of 42 yards. Vandy’s rushing offense only netted four positive yards in the defeat.
Smith was harassed all game by the Gamecocks. His completion numbers tell a different story. He finished the game 12 of 16 passing with one interception and zero touchdowns. He only passed for a total of 44 yards.
If Vanderbilt’s offense keeps everything within a ten yard zone against the Tide, this will be a really long day for the Commodores.
Vandy has the 11th ranked defense in FBS only giving up 279.25 yards per game. Their secondary has been ball hawks all season leading the nation with 14 picks; four againstSouth Carolinain week 4. They limited Marcus Lattimore to 77-yards rushing and now have to take on Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy.
Alabama’s rushing offense is 13th best in the nation averaging 229.80. AJ McCarron has been efficient as the starting quarterback for the Tide only throwing four touchdown passes but has thrown two interceptions.
Vanderbilt’s defense took a hit againstSouth Carolinawhen junior linebacker Tristan Strong hurt his knee and is lost for the season.
Larry Smith did not make it through the South Carolina game due to all the hits that he was taking. If Vanderbilt’s offensive line does not play better, Smith is in for another long or short game.
Vanderbilt’s offense is too inept to hang withAlabama’s defense. Vanderbilt’s defense is SEC quality but gets no support from the offense. Bama wears down Vandy and wins 38-10.
Florida versus LSU
A week ago this game looked like a possible SEC Conference Title Game preview. It still may be but the loss ofFlorida’s starting quarterback John Brantley puts a different spin on this SEC cross-divisional game.
The Gators will start true freshman quarterback Jeff Driskel (Oviedo, Florida) against the number one team in the nation. Driskel played the second half for the Gators after Brantley suffered what appears to be an ankle injury. In a half of play against Alabama, Driskel finished 2 of 6 for 14-yards passing.
Alabama was able to stack the box against the Gators and shut down their tandem running attack of Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps. Both players finished the game with four rushing yards each. For the game the team finished with 15 net yards rushing.
LSU’s defense is as good asAlabama’s if not better. The Tiger’s are third in the nation in rush defense (60.40 yards per game) and only allow 12.80 points per game (9th in FBS).
Look for LSU to have a field day with Driskel and stack the box against the Gators running attack.
LSU will play their game and grind out another win. Florida’s defense will keep it close. Final score LSU 28, Florida7.
SEC College Football Preview: Looking Ahead to No. 15 Auburn vs. No. 10 Arkansas
How do you like your college football offense? Do you like watching a workhorse get 30-40 carries in a game? Or do you like watching a quarterback attempt 30-50 passes in a game? However you like your offense, the Auburn versus Arkansas game should fill your Saturday with plenty of excitement.
The Auburn Tigers
Auburn, the 2010 BCS National Champions, started the 2011 season with a comeback victory over Utah State 42-38 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers had to score twice in the final 2:07 of the game for the win and have been fighting for national respect every since.
The following game the Tigers extended their winning streak to 17-games with a home win against 16th ranked Mississippi State. Auburn’s defense stuffed MSU quarterback Chris Relf with 10 seconds to play at the goal line to hold on for a 41-34 victory. Still, no respect was given toAuburn. Everyone was waiting for an Auburn collapse as they only had five-starters returning from last year’s team.
Unranked Clemson brought Auburn back to reality with a 14-point beating in Death Valley. Finally the real Tiger team was exposed and no more late game heroics could save them. Or did Auburn just happen to lose 38-24 on the road to a really good team?
Clemson has won three straight games over ranked opponents and are now ranked 8th in the nation.
Auburnwas given an “adjustment game” against Florida Atlantic, winning 30-14, before starting a tough four-game conference schedule against teams that are all featured in the Associated Press Top 25; at South Carolina, at Arkansas, versus Florida, at LSU.
Auburn fans would hope for a 2-2 record through this tough stretch. Auburn players are wanting more than that, they’re for real and they want the rest of the world to take notice.
The Tigers had nothing to lose but everything to gain when facing No. 10 South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium in week five action. The game would be a matchup of two of the top running backs in the SEC and in the nation, Auburn’s Michael Dyer andSouth Carolina’s Marcus Lattimore.
Auburn’s late game heroics were far from over. A nine-yard Barrett Trotter touchdown pass with 1:38 left in the game would give the Tiger’s a 16-13 win.
Michael Dyer would win the running back battle over Lattimore finishing the game with 141-yards and one touchdown while setting an Auburn rushing attempts record with 41 carries. Lattimore finished the game with 66-yards on 17 attempts and one score.
The Arkansas Razorbacks
How many injuries does it take to derail a promising Arkansas Razorback football season?
One injury was thought to be enough when All-SEC running back Knile Davis was lost for the season with a left ankle injury during fall practices. Much was expected of Davis after he rushed for 1,322 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns in what seemed like only half of a season last year.
Even with quarterback Ryan Mallett departed to the NFL along with three offensive linemen and their Mackey Award wining tight end, D.J. Williams, Arkansas was given national respect because of Davis and Bobby Petrino’s offense. After the injury to Davis, Petrino was left with the task of finding another offensive option. Now college football fans are aware of Tyler Wilson.
Wilsonhas been more than impressive as the starting quarterback for the Razorbacks. With limited action in his first two starts, Wilson is still leading the SEC in passing yards (7th in the nation) with 1,517 yards, second in the SEC with 10 passing touchdowns and only three interceptions in 172 attempts.
Wilson’s go-to receiver, Jarius Wright, leads the SEC with 28 receptions and in receiving yards with 478. Wright’s 119.50 receiving yards per game is 10th best in college football.
The Razorbacks had other injuries to deal with on offense other than Knile Davis. Second string running back Broderick Green, a senior, was thought to be lost for the season when he tore his ACL during spring practices. Dennis Johnson, a 2009 All-American as a kick-off returner, was hurt during the first game of the 2010 season missing the rest of the year. Johnson did not play in the first three games of this season and had limited action against Alabama while recovering from a hamstring injury.
Arkansas started the season with three wins in their non-conference warm-up games; Missouri State 51-7, New Mexico 52-3, and Troy 38-28. Through the first three games Arkansas was never able to find a rhythm at running back with junior running back Ronnie Wingo Jr. as the starter.
Wingo rushed for 43-yards against Missouri State, 73-yards against New Mexico, and 109-yards and two touchdowns against Troy. On short yardage or goal line plays Petrino was using true freshman Kody Walker (Jefferson City, Missouri) instead of Wingo.
Alabamawas able to limit Arkansas to 17-net yards rushing holding Wingo to 35-yards rushing on eleven attempts in a 38-14 loss.Arkansas’s offense had become one dimensional relying solely on the arm of Tyler Wilson.
Green and Johnson both made major contributions against Texas A&M which could be the turning point to the Razorback season. Johnson and Green were able to gain critical first downs in the second half using their tough and physical running styles. Green added two rushing touchdowns, his second touchdown proved to be the winning score for the Razorbacks.
Arkansas’ injury problems have not stopped with the offense.Arkansashas been without both of their starting defensive ends Jake Bequette (missed three games) and Tenarius Wright (injured against Alabama, out 4-6 weeks). Starting cornerbacks Issac Madison (injured against Alabama, did not play against Texas A&M) and Darius Winston (injured during the Texas A&M game) have both missed significant game time. Junior college transfer Robert Thomas, a defensive lineman, was hurt against Texas A&M as well.
Arkansas’ early season has seen Petrino and defensive coordinator Willy Robinson plug and play around key injuries and inexperience on both sides of the ball. Through it all, Arkansas is now ranked 10th in the nation after a 42-38 victory over Texas A&M.
Key Match-ups: Auburn vs. Arkansas
Can Arkansas stop Auburn’s top running back, Michael Dyer?
Arkansas gave up 381-rushing yards to Texas A&M; Christine Michael 230, Cyrus Grey 95. Alabama ran for 197-net yards against the Hogs; Trent Richardson 126 yards, Eddie Lacy 61.
Arkansas’ rushing defense is ranked 82nd in the nation allowing 168.20 yards per game.
Dyer is third in the SEC in total rushing yards with 567 and third in rushing touchdowns with seven. His 113.40 rushing yards per game ranks him 18th in the nation.
Arkansas is expecting defensive end Jake Bequette and cornerback Issac Madison to return against Auburn which should help their overall defensive performance. The Hogs will still be without defensive tackle Robert Thomas and cornerback Darius Winston.
Even if the Razorbacks are at full strength would they be able to slow down Dyer?
Can Auburn stop Arkansas’ passing attack?
The Tiger defense is ranked 74th in the nation in pass defense allowing 232.80 yards per game. The only true passing teamAuburnhas faced this season is Clemson. Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd threw for 386-yards and four touchdowns against Auburn.
The Razorbacks are 16th in the nation in scoring offense averaging 39.40 points per game.
Jarius Wright (478), Cobi Hamilton (318), and Joe Adams (235) are all ranked in the top 15 in the SEC for total yards receiving.
Will the young and inexperienced Tiger secondary be able to keep up with the Razorbacks wide receiving unit?
Tiger cornerback Chris Davis was held out of the South Carolina game due to an ankle injury. Auburn will need every available body healthy come Saturday.
Recent Series History
Over the last five years Arkansas holds 3-2 series lead over Auburn. Auburn has been ranked at the time of each game including their 2006 meeting at Jordan-Hare Stadium when Auburn was ranked second in the nation. This will be the second straight year that both teams are ranked at the time of their game and the first time the Razorbacks are ranked ahead of the Tigers.
2010 (12) Arkansas43 at (7) Auburn 65
2009 (17) Auburn 23 at Arkansas 44
2008 Arkansas 25 at (20) Auburn 22
2007 (22) Auburn 9 at Arkansas 7
2006 Arkansas 27 at (2) Auburn 10
* Rankings in parenthesis
Inside the Game
Auburn has two prized 5-star recruits from the state of Arkansas on their roster, true sophomore running back Michael Dyer (Little Rock Christian) and true freshman quarterback Kiehl Frazier (Shiloh Christian, Springdale). Auburn has been using Frazier in the Wildcat formation for a change of pace on offense.
Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn is a former Arkansas high school football coach (Shiloh Christian) and was the offensive coordinator at the University of Arkansas in 2006.
Outcome
Both teams are coming off upset wins in their previous game. Arkansas over then ranked No. 14 Texas A&M 42-38 and Auburn over then ranked No. 10 South Carolina 16-13.
Was Auburn’s defense against South Carolina a sign of their maturation or a poorly executed offensive game plan by USC?
The Tigers will take credit for three Stephen Garcia sacks and his two interceptions. Garcia completed 39 percent of his passes finishing with a total of 160-yards passing; and lost his starting job in the process. Don’t look for Wilson to have similar results.
Marcus Lattimore was held to 66-yards rushing with one score. The Gamecocks also fumbled the ball three times losing two while finishing the game 2 for 10 on third down conversion attempts.
The Razorback defense had only allowed one rushing touchdown prior to the A&M game. A&M had an amazing first half racking up 404 yards of offense and 35 points. Through all of the defensive injuries, Willy Robinson made the correct halftime defensive adjustments making the second half a different game. Arkansas limited the Aggies to 3 second half points.
The ability to pick up short yardage first downs with the run and control the clock with the running game in the fourth quarter is something the Razorbacks have been missing. Arkansas appears to have found their power running game with the return of Dennis Johnson and Broderick Green.
Auburn wide receiver Emory Blake did not play a full second half against South Carolina. His ability to play will help shape Auburn’s offensive attack. Auburn is already one dimensional with Michael Dyer. If Blake cannot play Arkansas will be able to stack the box against Dyer.
Auburn’s 74th ranked scoring defense yields 27.40 points per game.
Arkansas’ defense only allows 22.80 points per game ranking 48th in FBS.
Final Score
Dyer runs but not enough as Tyler Wilson exploits the Tiger’s secondary for a 38-24 win.
HogManInLA 