GAMES OF THE WEEK: SEC EDITION

Week 7 is upon us, and we've got some really good games this weekend. With BCS getting ready to release its initial numbers Week 7 is no time to take your eye off the prize. There are some teams that really have to keep it together. A key clash on The Plains, UGA VIII joins the team, and Alabama returns to the field after being shown the door last week in Gamecock country. Let's take a closer look at the SEC games this week.





VANDERBILT (2-3) AT GEORGIA (2-4)
NOON - SEC NETWORK/ESPN
Georgia introduces a new UGA today, UGA VIII.The collar will be passed, and a new chapter beings in Athens. Watching Georgia last weekend, I was overwhelmed with how fast Aaron Murray actually is. He really does not the get the "running-spotlight", as Georgia runs more of pro set, but I think Richt & Bobo will find more and more ways to get him out in space with roll outs and moving the pocket. The Georgia tailback tandem is up to their usual tricks, and Caleb King will not be playing this one due to a failure to show up in court. Calling all college interns - I have a job for you. Drive the Georgia football players around and keep them out of trouble. I guarantee it will be a full time job. Way to stay focused, Dawgs. Regardless, this Georgia team should have a good day at home. Murray has been getting better and better each week, and that will continue today. I see A.J. Green lighting up Vandy, just as he did last year on the road in Nashville. Keep an eye out for Freshman Ken Malcome, especially if Ealey puts the ball on the turf. There has been discussion about red shirting him, but he might get in today as the Dawgs are really thin at tailback these days. UGA VII gets his first W. Look for UGA by 17.


ARKANSAS (4-1) AT AUBURN (6-0)
3:30 PM - CBS
Looks like this will be an instant classic on The Plains as two highly ranked teams square off in this SEC West showdown. When you look at it we're talking about two Heisman hopefuls leading their teams as Cam Newton leads the 8th ranked rushing offense in the land against Ryan Mallett's 3rd ranked passing offense. Should be some fireworks in this one for sure. The two key match ups for me are (#1) How Auburn's secondary holds up against Ryan Mallett's attack, and (#2) How does Arkansas' defense even begin to stop Cam Newton. Auburn has been rolling this year. They are unbeaten, and they put down Ark State, Miss State, Clemson, South Carolina, Louisiana-Monroe, and Kentucky. They are tried and tested in my book. Arkansas on the other hand has beaten Tenn Tech, Louisiana-Monroe, Georgia, and Texas A&M, but they most noticeably let a big one get away, as the lost to Bama at home. If they can't beat Bama at home, I don't think they'll be able to beat Auburn in Jordan-Hare. Look for the Tigers in this one by 7.


SOUTH CAROLINA (4-1) AT KENTUCKY (3-3)
6:00 PM - ESPN2
In what looks like a trap game for Carolina, Coach Spurrier is going to have his hands full up in Lexington. Kentucky in some circles has The Gamecocks right where they want them. The Gamecocks are coming off such a big game in Columbia against Bama, and Carolina will have to quickly refocus and stay on target here if they want to continue their trek to Atlanta. If Derrick Locke is out, then I really like Carolina's chances, but Kentucky is tough. From a statistical standpoint Kentucky has a lot of the edges: (Passing Yards, Rushing Yards, Points Scored), but Carolina has the edge in two key stats Points Against and overall record. The stats don't amount to whole lot if you have 3 losses. Look for Lattimore to continue having a great season. He'll have a 100+ yards and a couple TDs, and Carolina wins this one by 10.


MISSISSIPPI STATE (4-2) AT FLORIDA (4-2)
7:00 PM - ESPNU
Who would have predicted back in the summer that these two teams would be squaring off, both at 4-2. The loser of this one, goes home with their 3rd SEC loss on the year. Dan Mullen has things revving up, and Florida's fans are piling on Offensive Coordinator, Steve Addazio. By my take, if Addazio looses this one and loses ugly, then he might be looking for another job. Welcome to life after Tebow. Statistically Miss State is a better team in a lot of areas. Florida is in the middle of an identity crisis and really beginning to feel the departure of its intellectual property (Charlie Strong, former D Coordinator, and former O Coordinator, Dan Mullen). On that note, look for Dan Mullen's squad to play tough, but their lack of a big time set of receivers really hurts them in a game like this. Florida by 7.



OLE MISS (3-2) AT ALABAMA (5-1)
9:00 PM - ESPNU
Talk about walking into a bad situation. Ole Miss has the unlucky fortune of going up against Bama this week in their house. Bama got roughed up a bit after they got it handed to them in Columbia, SC. Massoli could be running for his life today. Bama is going to throw the kitchen sink at Ole Miss this weekend and control the running game. With Julio Jones not playing this looks like a cloud of dust game. Look for Ingram and Richardson to carry the load today. Bama by 17.

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2010 Cotton Bowl Finds a New Home

With under 2 minutes to go in the game, a sign popped up on the Ole Miss side that read, "Two Times a Charm!". That pretty much sums up the 2010 Cotton Bowl, as Ole Miss wins it 21 - 7.

Houston Nutt brings in another 9 win season, making that 2 in a row. He brings in another Cotton Bowl Championship, making that 2 in a row.

The Cotton Bowl relocated to Jerry Jones' new living room, and what a view.

(Photo courtesy of attcottonbowl)

Dexter McCluster and company brought their A game. The defense had a monster goal line stand, and we were in for a great afternoon.

McCluster broke a punt return 86 yards and OK State was not even close to touching him. Zigging and zagging to pay dirt, and going air born when needed, Dexter was on his way to 184 yards on the ground and a pair of touchdowns. He added in another 45 yards receiving and earned the Offensive Game Ball.

Ole Miss' Defense was ready to play. The Senior, Kendrick Lewis, had 2 interceptions - One went to the house, and earned the Defensive Game Ball. The goal line stand was huge and really set the tone for the game.

(Photo courtesy of OleMissSports.com)