Check out each team's linked blog as well as my buddy cocknfire's new site Team Speed Kills for in-depth previews of these games. cocknfire think Vandy will beat Auburn, undoubtedly hoping that continued Commodore success will make our Gamecocks look good. We'll see.
Saturday, October 4th
The Gators shouldn't have much trouble finding their offensive rhythm against an Arkansas team that has given up 49 and 52 points in its last two contests. Gators win big.
This should be only a minor test for the Tide, but upsets do happen, so they need to be prepared. Kentucky comes into this game with one of the country's best defenses: the Wildcats have not given up more than fourteen points this season, and in three of their four games they've held their opponents to three points or less. However, other than a weak Louisville team they've played nothing but cupcakes, so it's hard to know how they'll handle Bama's efficient offense. My guess is that they won't; look for Bama to win big.
South Carolina at Ole Miss
More on this one later tonight.
Auburn at Vanderbilt
Lots of folks will be tuning into this game as the SEC game of the week, although I'm a little more intrigued by Bama/Kentucky and, of course, Ole Miss/Carolina. I just think this is the end of the line for Vandy, at least as far as an undefeated season, a national ranking, and a shot at Atlanta go. Vandy will have a lot of trouble scoring against Auburn's defense, so I think the key for the Tigers is to take care of the ball. Vandy has been living off of turnovers so far, a fact that won't be lost on Tommy Tuberville and his staff. They know that they will win if they take the turnover away from the Commodores.
That said, Auburn's offense may be good for a couple of blunders. Plus, Vandy has had two weeks to prepare for an Auburn team that has gotten a little banged up after a number of slug fests with SEC rivals. Bobby Johnson is a good coach, so expect him to have a good game plan. So, while I don't think Vandy has enough gas for this game, I don't think they're out of it either, especially if they play the game of their life. College Gameday is in Nashville and there's not been this much attention focused on Vandy in many years, so if they're ever going to come through with a performance for the ages, this is the night.
Northern Illinois at Tennessee
Tennessee really needs this to be an easy game.It might not be, though; Northern Illinois is 2-2 with one close loss coming to resurgent Minnesota. As bad as the Vols are this year, they'd better come prepared.
Idle: LSU, Georgia, MSU