sec storylines - week 4
Posted: Fri Sep 21, 2007 7:50 am
Once again this is a big week in the SEC with headliner games South Carolina at LSU, Kentucky at Arkansas and Georgia at Alabama in the forefront. Rece Davis, the host of ESPN College GameDay Final and College Football Live, offers his opinions on this week's action.
FLORIDA AT OLE MISS: What are the chances of Ole Miss pulling the upset? Will the Gators continue their torrid pace on offense?
Davis offered props to the Gator defense.
"(Florida Coach) Urban Meyer told me the other day that he doesn't get amazed very often, but he was amazed how his defensive line played against Tennessee. For a group that was supposed to be a question mark early in the season and shaky in their midweek practice, they came out and played excellent football against Tennessee," Davis said. "Their linebackers have been very good. Brandon Spikes has been a terrific leader for them."
Gator quarterback Tim Tebow is playing at a Heisman Trophy level at quarterback.
"Not only is he a strong- armed thrower and an accurate thrower, he is throwing it to the right guys. He is running the ball when necessary. He is orchestrating the offense beautifully. (Tailback) Kestahn Moore has been undervalued at times with what he has been able to give them. Their offense has been outstanding."
Florida has lost its last three trips to Mississippi.
"Everybody better use up that stat before Saturday because that is coming to an end," Davis said.
GEORGIA AT ALABAMA: Can the Tide maintain momentum from last week's big rally against Arkansas? How will the Bulldog's young offensive line do in a tough road game?
Davis said Georgia pretty much has to win this game if they want to stay in the SEC race.
"I said at the beginning of the season that the winner of the SEC East would have two losses in the conference. Florida in the early going has looked much better than I expected. Starting 0-2 would virtually eliminate the Dogs from that consideration. They wouldn't be out mathematically, but it would be tough realistically to get back in it," Davis said.
Alabama's challenge is to handle the euphoria of last week's win.
"Because of all their fourth quarter woes (0-19 under Mike Shula after trailing in the fourth quarter) over the past few years and the fourth quarter program that Nick Saban has implemented, it was like a cathartic type of victory. The challenge for them is to not to feel that the task is completed. I don't think Nick Saban is going to allow them to feel that way, but it's human nature sometimes to have trouble getting your feet back on the ground after an emotional win," Davis said.
As far as on the field, Davis said Alabama has to stop Georgia from running the ball.
"(Bulldog quarterback Matthew) Stafford has the big arm and he can make all the throws. He's certainly dangerous. They have young receivers who are pushing their veteran guys for playing time. They have to keep (tailback) Knowshon Moreno in check and not let him gash them. I don't think Georgia will gash Alabama the way, Arkansas did, but I think certainly they have to see an opportunity there to establish a running game," Davis said.
From Alabama's perspective, they want to stay balanced.
"At times in the second half they got in trouble trying to run the football against Arkansas. Against Georgia they are going to have to be balanced and limit their mistakes. The sloppy turnovers that they had that allowed Arkansas to get back in the game quickly is something they can't do against Georgia," Davis said.
Alabama's offense earned a lot of confidence from the win.
"I don't know if you can measure what it does for a quarterback at any age and that team's confidence in that quarterback to lead the game winning drive. I don't know if you can measure the confidence it would give for someone like receiver Matt Caddell who's had ups- and-downs in his career to come up as big as he did not only on the touchdown catch, but on several catches on the game winning drive. Alabama is going to be full of confidence, but the challenge is going to be to get at the right emotional pitch to handle the Bulldog defense," Davis said.
Davis said special teams would be a factor in this game.
"(Alabama's) Javier Arenas has been outstanding. Georgia is always very good with their special teams. Mikey Henderson can house it at any moment. If the last two Alabama versus Georgia games in Tuscaloosa are any indication, then this will be a tight exciting affair. One Alabama won in the (Alabama quarterback) Jay Barker- (Georgia quarterback) Eric Zeier shootout and the one in (former Tide Coach Dennis) Fran's (chione) second year won by Georgia on a late field goal," Davis said.
KENTUCKY AT ARKANSAS: Could these two teams have another shootout? Can the Wildcats continue their winning ways and can the Hogs get back up after a difficult loss to Alabama?
It's going to be a high scoring game.
"The SEC has been accused of not having high scoring offenses, but Kentucky came up just enough defense on Saturday against Louisville. Arkansas is always very physical. Both are coming off very physical emotional games. Arkansas proved that it could be thrown on. Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson and his corps of receivers and (tailback) Rafael Little, who is one of the most underrated running backs in America can move the ball on anybody. I think the scoreboard operator needs to have his finger in shape or there will be some carpel tunnel risks there by changing the score so often. These are two of the better players in the country at their positions in (Kentucky quarterback) Andre Woodson and (Hog tailback) Darren McFadden," Davis said.
Davis said the key is which defense can create a turnover or generate enough stops.
"Woodson is 14 attempts away from the NCAA record for consecutive attempts without an interception. Arkansas will be hard to come up with a turnover in the passing game. Kentucky's defense is going to try to slow down the Hog running game, but I don't know think they can do it. Arkansas can run it better, though I'm a huge fan of Rafael Little. Kentucky will have a tougher time getting over the thrill of last week. I think Arkansas has some advantages in this game," Davis said.
SOUTH CAROLINA AT LSU: Can the Gamecock defense keep them in the game? Will the Tigers continue to cruise through the league?
Davis said the game wouldn't be a nail-biter in the end.
"I don't see South Carolina being close in the fourth quarter. I'm not sure their offensive line is capable of generating anything against LSU's defensive line. Even as good as South Carolina's defense is, LSU is going to score some. South Carolina is going to have to take care of the ball. They turned it over six times against South Carolina State. If they turn it over just half that many times against LSU then they have no chance. They have to take care of the ball. I think their defense is capable of hanging in with LSU's offense, but I just don't see how their offensive line is going to protect quarterback Blake Mitchell or open any lanes for tailback Cory Boyd or as LSU Coach Les Miles called him this week Cory 'Byrd'. Whatever you want to call him, he is pretty good," Davis said.
NEW MEXICO STATE AT AUBURN: Can Hal Mumme's team put a scare into Auburn? Can the Tigers fix the quarterback situation?
Davis said Auburn would totally outclass New Mexico State.
"Auburn is frustrated with their start. Their defense has not been the problem. I know they gave up the game winning drive to Mississippi State. I expect their defense will meet the challenge. Aggie quarterback Chase Holbrook and receiver Chris Williams are a very formidable pass catch duo. Auburn's defense will put a lot of pressure on Holbrook, but Mumme's system will allow him to get rid of the ball before they get too many sacks. That doesn't mean his receivers will be open when he had to throw it. I don't think New Mexico State can match up athletically with Auburn. The Tigers might take out some frustrations on the fighting Mummes," Davis said.
The big question is what is Auburn going to do offensively.
"They could line up and give the ball to their running backs and win the game. I had an analyst tell me this week that he thinks Tiger quarterback Brandon Cox has been hit so much that his eyes have moved from focused on the coverage to where the hits are coming from. His offensive line has to protect him better and Brandon has to get himself in position to deliver the ball when and where needed. It will be interesting to see if Tiger offensive coordinator Al Borges, who is not typically a two quarterback guy, will use both freshman Kodi Burns and Brandon Cox in an effort to get their offense back on track," Davis said.
Gardner- Webb at Mississippi State: Can State continue its winning ways? How big was the win at Auburn?
State is making progress.
"The one thing I see from them is that they play hard and they never give up, but they lack playmakers on both sides. They won that Auburn game with toughness, grit and determination. I'm sure that game will give them a great deal of confidence. They will still have a rough time getting to .500 just on talent. They will be off to a 3-1 start. I think winning the Auburn game and winning the game last year against Alabama in Tuscaloosa are things the guys can build on. As strong as the SEC is from top to bottom, the hardest part of their schedule is over after playing LSU. Poor Quarterback Michael Henig just can't stay healthy. If they can just get anything out of their quarterback, then they could gage some significant progress," Davis said.
ARKANSAS STATE AT TENNESSEE: Can the Vols revive their offense this week? How much pressure is on Vol Coach Phil Fulmer?
Davis said there's a lot of heat on Fulmer after the loss to Cal and Florida.
"They gave up 45 and 59 points (to Cal and Florida). The 59 points to Florida was a little misleading because they played pretty well for three quarters. Early in the game, Tennessee was inside the Florida 15 three times and had six points to show for it," Davis said.
He continued…
"That (red zone problems) is a direct reflection of not being able to run the football. They go from (-11 rushing yards) last year against Florida to 37 this year. That's not Tennessee football. I don't know why they haven't been able to pound it in. Could it be they don't have the hosses on the offensive line or is it something deeper? The results are not very Tennessee like. Most programs cycle up- and-down and Tennessee is in a down cycle relative to its own standards. Tennessee is an excellent football program. However, they are not an elite team right now. They have to re-establish their identity. Are they going to be a passing team or a play action type team, which is what I think they want to be or a spread formation no- huddle team? They are still giving up a lot of plays. They need to establish an identity of toughness. That's what Tennessee football has been. They need to know on third- and- two that they can line up and get two yards. When the Vols start making those plays, you'll start seeing the results Tennessee fans want," Davis said.
FLORIDA AT OLE MISS: What are the chances of Ole Miss pulling the upset? Will the Gators continue their torrid pace on offense?
Davis offered props to the Gator defense.
"(Florida Coach) Urban Meyer told me the other day that he doesn't get amazed very often, but he was amazed how his defensive line played against Tennessee. For a group that was supposed to be a question mark early in the season and shaky in their midweek practice, they came out and played excellent football against Tennessee," Davis said. "Their linebackers have been very good. Brandon Spikes has been a terrific leader for them."
Gator quarterback Tim Tebow is playing at a Heisman Trophy level at quarterback.
"Not only is he a strong- armed thrower and an accurate thrower, he is throwing it to the right guys. He is running the ball when necessary. He is orchestrating the offense beautifully. (Tailback) Kestahn Moore has been undervalued at times with what he has been able to give them. Their offense has been outstanding."
Florida has lost its last three trips to Mississippi.
"Everybody better use up that stat before Saturday because that is coming to an end," Davis said.
GEORGIA AT ALABAMA: Can the Tide maintain momentum from last week's big rally against Arkansas? How will the Bulldog's young offensive line do in a tough road game?
Davis said Georgia pretty much has to win this game if they want to stay in the SEC race.
"I said at the beginning of the season that the winner of the SEC East would have two losses in the conference. Florida in the early going has looked much better than I expected. Starting 0-2 would virtually eliminate the Dogs from that consideration. They wouldn't be out mathematically, but it would be tough realistically to get back in it," Davis said.
Alabama's challenge is to handle the euphoria of last week's win.
"Because of all their fourth quarter woes (0-19 under Mike Shula after trailing in the fourth quarter) over the past few years and the fourth quarter program that Nick Saban has implemented, it was like a cathartic type of victory. The challenge for them is to not to feel that the task is completed. I don't think Nick Saban is going to allow them to feel that way, but it's human nature sometimes to have trouble getting your feet back on the ground after an emotional win," Davis said.
As far as on the field, Davis said Alabama has to stop Georgia from running the ball.
"(Bulldog quarterback Matthew) Stafford has the big arm and he can make all the throws. He's certainly dangerous. They have young receivers who are pushing their veteran guys for playing time. They have to keep (tailback) Knowshon Moreno in check and not let him gash them. I don't think Georgia will gash Alabama the way, Arkansas did, but I think certainly they have to see an opportunity there to establish a running game," Davis said.
From Alabama's perspective, they want to stay balanced.
"At times in the second half they got in trouble trying to run the football against Arkansas. Against Georgia they are going to have to be balanced and limit their mistakes. The sloppy turnovers that they had that allowed Arkansas to get back in the game quickly is something they can't do against Georgia," Davis said.
Alabama's offense earned a lot of confidence from the win.
"I don't know if you can measure what it does for a quarterback at any age and that team's confidence in that quarterback to lead the game winning drive. I don't know if you can measure the confidence it would give for someone like receiver Matt Caddell who's had ups- and-downs in his career to come up as big as he did not only on the touchdown catch, but on several catches on the game winning drive. Alabama is going to be full of confidence, but the challenge is going to be to get at the right emotional pitch to handle the Bulldog defense," Davis said.
Davis said special teams would be a factor in this game.
"(Alabama's) Javier Arenas has been outstanding. Georgia is always very good with their special teams. Mikey Henderson can house it at any moment. If the last two Alabama versus Georgia games in Tuscaloosa are any indication, then this will be a tight exciting affair. One Alabama won in the (Alabama quarterback) Jay Barker- (Georgia quarterback) Eric Zeier shootout and the one in (former Tide Coach Dennis) Fran's (chione) second year won by Georgia on a late field goal," Davis said.
KENTUCKY AT ARKANSAS: Could these two teams have another shootout? Can the Wildcats continue their winning ways and can the Hogs get back up after a difficult loss to Alabama?
It's going to be a high scoring game.
"The SEC has been accused of not having high scoring offenses, but Kentucky came up just enough defense on Saturday against Louisville. Arkansas is always very physical. Both are coming off very physical emotional games. Arkansas proved that it could be thrown on. Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson and his corps of receivers and (tailback) Rafael Little, who is one of the most underrated running backs in America can move the ball on anybody. I think the scoreboard operator needs to have his finger in shape or there will be some carpel tunnel risks there by changing the score so often. These are two of the better players in the country at their positions in (Kentucky quarterback) Andre Woodson and (Hog tailback) Darren McFadden," Davis said.
Davis said the key is which defense can create a turnover or generate enough stops.
"Woodson is 14 attempts away from the NCAA record for consecutive attempts without an interception. Arkansas will be hard to come up with a turnover in the passing game. Kentucky's defense is going to try to slow down the Hog running game, but I don't know think they can do it. Arkansas can run it better, though I'm a huge fan of Rafael Little. Kentucky will have a tougher time getting over the thrill of last week. I think Arkansas has some advantages in this game," Davis said.
SOUTH CAROLINA AT LSU: Can the Gamecock defense keep them in the game? Will the Tigers continue to cruise through the league?
Davis said the game wouldn't be a nail-biter in the end.
"I don't see South Carolina being close in the fourth quarter. I'm not sure their offensive line is capable of generating anything against LSU's defensive line. Even as good as South Carolina's defense is, LSU is going to score some. South Carolina is going to have to take care of the ball. They turned it over six times against South Carolina State. If they turn it over just half that many times against LSU then they have no chance. They have to take care of the ball. I think their defense is capable of hanging in with LSU's offense, but I just don't see how their offensive line is going to protect quarterback Blake Mitchell or open any lanes for tailback Cory Boyd or as LSU Coach Les Miles called him this week Cory 'Byrd'. Whatever you want to call him, he is pretty good," Davis said.
NEW MEXICO STATE AT AUBURN: Can Hal Mumme's team put a scare into Auburn? Can the Tigers fix the quarterback situation?
Davis said Auburn would totally outclass New Mexico State.
"Auburn is frustrated with their start. Their defense has not been the problem. I know they gave up the game winning drive to Mississippi State. I expect their defense will meet the challenge. Aggie quarterback Chase Holbrook and receiver Chris Williams are a very formidable pass catch duo. Auburn's defense will put a lot of pressure on Holbrook, but Mumme's system will allow him to get rid of the ball before they get too many sacks. That doesn't mean his receivers will be open when he had to throw it. I don't think New Mexico State can match up athletically with Auburn. The Tigers might take out some frustrations on the fighting Mummes," Davis said.
The big question is what is Auburn going to do offensively.
"They could line up and give the ball to their running backs and win the game. I had an analyst tell me this week that he thinks Tiger quarterback Brandon Cox has been hit so much that his eyes have moved from focused on the coverage to where the hits are coming from. His offensive line has to protect him better and Brandon has to get himself in position to deliver the ball when and where needed. It will be interesting to see if Tiger offensive coordinator Al Borges, who is not typically a two quarterback guy, will use both freshman Kodi Burns and Brandon Cox in an effort to get their offense back on track," Davis said.
Gardner- Webb at Mississippi State: Can State continue its winning ways? How big was the win at Auburn?
State is making progress.
"The one thing I see from them is that they play hard and they never give up, but they lack playmakers on both sides. They won that Auburn game with toughness, grit and determination. I'm sure that game will give them a great deal of confidence. They will still have a rough time getting to .500 just on talent. They will be off to a 3-1 start. I think winning the Auburn game and winning the game last year against Alabama in Tuscaloosa are things the guys can build on. As strong as the SEC is from top to bottom, the hardest part of their schedule is over after playing LSU. Poor Quarterback Michael Henig just can't stay healthy. If they can just get anything out of their quarterback, then they could gage some significant progress," Davis said.
ARKANSAS STATE AT TENNESSEE: Can the Vols revive their offense this week? How much pressure is on Vol Coach Phil Fulmer?
Davis said there's a lot of heat on Fulmer after the loss to Cal and Florida.
"They gave up 45 and 59 points (to Cal and Florida). The 59 points to Florida was a little misleading because they played pretty well for three quarters. Early in the game, Tennessee was inside the Florida 15 three times and had six points to show for it," Davis said.
He continued…
"That (red zone problems) is a direct reflection of not being able to run the football. They go from (-11 rushing yards) last year against Florida to 37 this year. That's not Tennessee football. I don't know why they haven't been able to pound it in. Could it be they don't have the hosses on the offensive line or is it something deeper? The results are not very Tennessee like. Most programs cycle up- and-down and Tennessee is in a down cycle relative to its own standards. Tennessee is an excellent football program. However, they are not an elite team right now. They have to re-establish their identity. Are they going to be a passing team or a play action type team, which is what I think they want to be or a spread formation no- huddle team? They are still giving up a lot of plays. They need to establish an identity of toughness. That's what Tennessee football has been. They need to know on third- and- two that they can line up and get two yards. When the Vols start making those plays, you'll start seeing the results Tennessee fans want," Davis said.