SEC PREVIEWS

This is going to be a great weekend in SEC Football. I wish the games were more spread out, and that at least one was being played today, but oh well. Nearly every game could have some ramifications for the Cats' bowl prospects. Here are some quick notes.

Friday 2:30 PM

Alabama at Auburn

There will be a lot of eyes on this game Friday looking for an upset. Teams like Cincinnati, TCU and Boise can hold out hope that the Tide don't get it done in their rivalry game, then turn around and beat Florida in the SEC Championship next week. How about the possibility that no SEC team plays in the national championship. It has to start with Chris Todd and the Tiger offense. Alabama has been rock solid on both sides of the ball all year. Their offense is going to generate points. If Auburn cannot answer the bell on O, this won't be competitive. As a Cats fan, you want to see Alabama win for two reasons. First, is the outside possibility that the Tide could lose to Auburn and Florida and somehow get left out of the BCS. Less remotely, a win give Auburn an 8-4 season, which could help them leapfrog the Cats, especially with a loss to Tennessee.

Saturday

Noon

Clemson at South Carolina

Everyone is writing off the Gamecocks for dead. It seems like year after year this team gets off to a hot start, then fades. True, they are on a three game skid, and have lost four of five since stealing one from our Cats. But they haven't exactly played patsies. The recent losses were at Tennessee and Arkansas, and home against Florida. Clemson is ranked #18 and red hot. Question: Could they be looking ahead to their already clinched ACC Championship game? I think South Carolina is going to win this game. Which is a shame, because I hate them and would rather not see the Gamecocks in the 7-5 mix.

12:21 PM

Mississippi at Mississippi State

Egg Bowl. Who is the best running back in the state of Mississippi, Dexter McCluster or Anthony Dixon? Can the Rebels end a disappointing regular season on a high note an insure a trip to the Capital One or Cotton Bowl? Mississippi State is struggling, but Ole Miss has not been a world beater, especially on the road. Some intrigue here.

3:30 PM

Florida State at Florida

Tim Tebow's last game in Gainesville. Chance for an upset? 0.0%.

7:00 PM

Arkansas at LSU

Game of the week in the SEC. This is big for both schools. LSU can stay in the hunt for a top 10 finish with a win. Arkansas sits at 7-4 and could very well play its way into the Cotton, Outback, Chick-Fil-A tier with a win. This is probably the biggest game on the board for the Cats. We need LSU to hold on and win this. I'll be checking scores during my down time at Commonwealth.

8:00 PM

Georgia at Georgia Tech

Are the Rambling Wreck for real? They need to beat the reeling Bulldogs the maintain momentum going into the ACC Championship and a possible BCS Bowl. Though they are probably out of the National Title hunt, it is entirely possible that Tech could win out and finish at #2 or #3. I cannot help feeling sorry for Joe Cox, who basically gave a game away on his senior night. It will be interesting to see how he responds. If the Cats cannot take care of business Saturday, it would be good if Tech could hold serve to keep Georgia out of the 7-5 mix.

Happy Turkey Day.