DEEP SOUTH'S OLDEST RIVALRY HAS EPIC RAMIFICATIONS FOR BOTH PROGRAMS

As another installment of The Deep South's Old Rivalry approaches, one really has to wonder with everything at stake how this one is going to shake out. Auburn has National Title Aspirations and Georgia has been teetering on the Head Coach Hot Seat for some time now. Even though both programs are on different courses this year, the stakes appear to have never been higher.
 
Georgia has won four in a row in the series:

• 2009: AU 24 at UGA 31
• 2008: UGA 17 at AU 13
• 2007: AU 20 at UGA 45
• 2006: UGA 37 at AU 15

But this year's Auburn team has something the previous team's did not - an amazing talent at QB. So the history lesson is short lived and almost useless. Credit Gene Chizik for making an amazing turn around for an Auburn program that was 8-5 a year ago and 5-7 in 2008. Indeed, things have changed on The Plains.

With an excruciating (but close) loss to Florida this year, and a slew of other close but forgettable losses, The Georgia Bulldog fan base has to wonder: If Georgia can pull out a win against the #1 team in the country (which has eluded Mark Richt since he tenure in Athens), would the head coach be off the proverbial hot seat.

It is a very tough call.

This Georgia team has struggled mightily with an inspired concise offensive showing. They have moments, but they have not looked amazing and dominant in some time, especially in the big games where the lights shine the brightest. No offense to the amazing kicking game that Georgia has, but this teams settles for more field goals than anyone in the country.

Much of the criticism has fallen on Coach Mike Bobo, who has produced eerily similar game plans for the majority of his match ups. Under Coach Bobo's reign the offense has been lacking in inspirational play calls and imaginative offensive game plans. I can not recall the last fake punt or fake field goal I have seen from this unit. Dawg Nation has demanded more ingenuity that brings Georgia's bevvy of talented young men, especially the ones who look to turn pro this coming spring, to the forefront of every game.

Don't get me wrong here, I'm not stating that Georgia should rely on fake punts to win every game, but Georgia's offense has been lacking a bit on what I call the "A" game. Clock management aside, LSU has the "it" factor when it comes down to calling amazing plays that win games. Coach Bobo does not.

One would almost think it as simple as throw it to AJ Green. Keep it simple, don't over think it, but AJ has been in my eyes SEVERELY under utilized this season.

Of course Cam Newton will be the focus for Todd Grantham this week, and Grantham's squad will have to do something they have not done. Not give up a single big play due to busted coverage. Georgia's Defense, which is notably better than last year, will have to keep Auburn in front of them all day. Things look promising as Alec Ogletree (Newnan, GA) looks to be getting the start at Safety. He's a stud with a nose for the game, and its a shame Georgia could not have figured this out sooner.

In addition, Todd Grantham has 2 weeks to prepare and throw in a couple new looks on defense. News from Athens indicates that Mark Richt is opting not to spy Cam Newton this weekend. So my money is that Georgia will have a spy or some type of spy in place to counteract Cam's ability to run free. The news came out very early in the week, and it would not make any sense for UGA to tip their hand so early--unless they are bluffing.

Justin Houston is one of the fastest game-speed Dawgs in the arsenal, and I expect the Dawgs to use him to the fullest extent this coming Saturday in a number of creative looks and blitz packages.

Granted Auburn is a smoking hot team this season, and all signs point to them being in the national championship game, but they still have two games to go. They host Georgia (3:30 CBS), have an off week, and then they head to Tuscaloosa for their annual Iron Bowl match up to close out the regular season. But to say that Auburn is not without a flaw or two would be remiss. While I've been a huge fan of Auburn's defense, especially the front seven led by #90 Nick Fairley, the pass defense has been a bit lacking.

Ryan Mallett exposed some of the chinks in the armor October 16th, but he could not finish the game (reference Auburn's front seven). Heck, the backup came in and did a fine job for Arkansas that day. My point is, Georgia has a shot with Aaron Murray's arm and AJ Green. The question is will Coach Bobo use these weapons to the fullest extent? Will he accentuate this team's strengths?

In a season that quickly started out with high aspirations for Georgia then quickly nose dived, The Bulldogs could really use a signature win.  In a season where so many close games, could have gone the other way, the Dawgs could use a Big Time "W" in resounding fashion.

If Georgia can have a couple things go right, like recovering a fumble or two (reference the Florida game where they missed 2 fumbles that could have really turned the tide of the game), then this could be an extremely interesting match up.

One other thing is for certain as well, Georgia will have to focus on fundamental gang tackling, like never before. Going in for the highlight tackle in this game will not work against The Tigers. Auburn is just too good this season for that sort of tom foolery. Gang tackles must be stressed and arm tackling must be eliminated.

It is obvious but it needs to stated, Mark Richt would do his stock on staying in Athens a ton of help this Saturday by throwing a wrench in Auburn's season. He has never beaten a #1, but he did come into the season 20-4 against BCS teams.

Keep in mind, this is Aaron Murray's first visit to The Plains, and one has to wonder if he can keep the jitters at bay. He looked rattled and never felt at ease in his first trip to Jacksonville. But if he can get off to a good start, and take the crowd out of it, there is a chance.

This one currently sits at 9 (opened at 8.5), and I think they are on target. Maybe this Georgia team gets blown out, maybe they keep it close and respectable, and maybe they find a way to play out-of-their-mind-fundamentally-sound-up-to-expectations and find a win on the road.

Either way it has all the makings for a classic!

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GAME PREVIEW: MICHIGAN STATE AT IOWA (10/30/2010)

Being undefeated and at the top of the polls this year has truly been a scary spot to be in. Just ask Bama, Ohio State, and Oklahoma, where all three were undefeated, holding onto the lead spot and ended up losing. With Halloween weekend approaching, the casualties are piling up, and I don't see this weekend being any different. 

Michigan State is currently undefeated and 5 in the nation, but they got into a back alley fist fight last week against Northwestern. They barely got out alive. It took some late stops and completely turning things around with an unbelievable 4th Quarter where they ended up putting 21 points to win. This week they face Iowa in Iowa City.

Let's take a closer look:


MICHIGAN STATE (8-0) AT IOWA (5-2)
3:30 PM - ESPN/ABC

It has been said that it is better to be lucky than good. MSU is both. They showed some serious resolve this past weekend as they stayed calm and collected on the road against Northwestern. They trailed all game, but MSU put up 21 points in the 4th Quarter and rallied to win. Some might look at it and say Northwestern choked, but anyone watching the game would clearly say that Michigan State rose up and took it.

The fake punt, dubbed "The Mouse Trap" by Coach Dantonio was another thing of beauty. With just over 14 minutes to go in the game, MSU was down by 10 points, on Northwestern's 31 yard line and facing a 4th and 6, Coach Dantonio sends out the punt team, takes the delay of game to push it back 5 yards and give their punter a better angle to punt...or so we thought. After they mark off the 5 yards, the ball is now at the NW 36 yard line, the punter gets the snap, takes a step and rears up to complete the 4th and 11 to #13 Bennie Fowler. Northwestern never saw it coming. No one did, and the very next play was a touchdown. The come back was alive and Northwestern could not get it together. The Spartans remained undefeated for another week, but this week coming up is a tough road game in Iowa.

MSU has been living on the edge. They have also been playing a hard fought but somewhat charmed season. They just left the state of Michigan for the first time this season last week. I think another road game does them in. I think the luck runs out in Iowa City. That front 4 for Iowa is going to shutdown MSU's run game and make them 1 dimensional. Iowa was given the blue print on how to slow down MSU by Northwestern -- excluding the 4th Quarter of course. This week I think Iowa closes the deal and recovers from last week's heartbreaking loss to Wisconsin. This game will be close the whole way, but Iowa wins by a late field goal.

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WEEK 8: BIG GAMES OF THE WEEK

As Week 8 approaches there are a couple of really important and standout games. Let's take a look at the best of Saturday.

LSU (7-0) AT AUBURN (7-0)
3:30 PM - CBS
The prime time game of the day features one of the luckiest men in college football, Les Miles going up against the current best player in the country, Cam Newton. Cam has 13 TDs in the passing game and 12 rushing TDs this year. Those are some stout numbers as we enter Week 8.



Auburn's defense has been shaky, but they are still very capable of stepping up when needed. Auburn's Offense can score so quick that their defense is back on the field before they have time to sit down.



As for LSU, they have one of the very best players in the country in Patrick Peterson (CB). He could have a very big day if Newton puts it in the air too often. So far he has 8 career interceptions at LSU. I think Chizik will have a run-heavy attack planned with a couple tricks to keep LSU on its heels.


When it comes to stats, look no further than these:

1. Auburn leads the SEC in points per game with 40.7 (LSU is near the bottom of the SEC with 26.7)

2. Auburn is 3rd in the SEC on 3rd Downs with almost 50% (LSU is middle of the pack with 40%)

3. LSU's defense is allowing just 14.4 a game which is 2nd best in the SEC (Auburn is allowing 24.4)

4. Auburn has 1986 yards on the ground versus LSU's 1318.


Coach Chizik has it going in the right direction on The Plains, and the success Auburn is seeing is directly attributed to Cameron Newton coming to town. He's a winner, and I think Les Miles' luck runs out this Saturday. Look for Auburn by 7.

(Auburn photo courtesy of Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
(LSU photo courtesy of Michael DeMocker/The Times-Picayune)


WISCONSIN (6-1) AT IOWA (5-1)
3:30 PM - ABC
Wisconsin is coming off a big time win as they knocked #1 Ohio State off its perch. That #1 spot is really tough to hold this year, as Bama fell from that spot the previous week.

Starting the game off with a kickoff return for a touchdown really set the tone. Then holding off Ohio State in the 4th Quarter and putting them away really sealed the deal. That win was no fluke.

Bret Bielema has a really solid team this year, in my opinion led by John Clay at running back. He epitomizes what this team is all about: Big, Physical, and Tough.

This match up is so good because Iowa's defense matches up pound for pound. They are big and physical too. Iowa's front 4 on Defense is probably the best D Line in the country. They get it done. With leaders like Broderick Binns, Adrian Clayborn, Christian Ballard and Karl Klug clogging things up and making life miserable for opposing offenses, it is easy to understand why.

Currently the Iowa defense is 6th overall allowing their opponent to just 13.2 points a game. Make no mistake, this Defense can shut it down.



But let's be honest: Who has Iowa really played this year? Arizona? I guess, but in a close one they ended up losing that game.

I'm taking Wisconsin and John Clay in a punishing ball controlled game plan. I like the Badgers by a field goal.





(Wisconsin photo courtesy of Morry Gash/AP)
(Iowa photo courtesy of Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) 

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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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