ESPN College Football

TENNESSEE

Record: 5-7, 1-7 SEC

The second year of the Derek Dooley era wasn’t exactly pretty to look at. There was promise at the beginning of the season with playmakers returning on offense, but struggles were expected with the youth and inexperience on defense. To make matters worse, the Vols dismissed troubled star safety Janzen Jackson before the season. But getting back to a bowl seemed in reach with players like quarterback Tyler Bray and wide receivers Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers.

Tennessee outscored its first two opponents 87-39, with Bray averaging 349 yards and throwing for seven touchdowns. Hunter and Rogers also combined for 504 yards and four touchdowns on 31 catches in those games. However, Tennessee was dealt another crushing blow in Week 3 against Florida when Hunter tore the ACL in his left knee. The Vols lost the game — and Hunter for the season.

Tennessee then suffered arguably its biggest blow when Bray went down with a thumb injury in the loss to Georgia in Week 6. Tennessee lost four of the five games Bray missed, scoring double digits just once, as it went from Matt Simms to true freshman Justin Worley at quarterback.

Defensively, there was improvement and freshmen linebackers A.J. Johnson and Curt Maggitt appear to be stars in the making, but the Vols just couldn’t overcome their offensive woes. Tennessee hit rock bottom with a 10-7 loss to Kentucky that ended a 26-year winning streak over the Wildcats and eliminated the Vols from the postseason.

Offensive MVP: Rogers. Because Rogers played the entire year, he gets the nod over Bray. Without Rogers, Tennessee’s offensive numbers would have been a lot worse. He finished the year first in the SEC in receptions (67) and second in yards (1,040) and touchdowns (9).

Defensive MVP: Defensive tackle Malik Jackson. Jackson was one of Tennessee’s best overall players and maybe the Vols' best leader. He was the heart of Tennessee’s defense and was extremely productive, recording 56 tackles, including 11 for loss, and had 10 quarterback hurries.

Turning point: When Bray went down in the Georgia game, it seemed like Tennessee’s spirit was crushed. Cycling among quarterbacks didn’t help and some wondered if this team quit or not. Tennessee lost five of its final seven games after Bray’s injury.

What’s next: Tennessee isn’t headed to a bowl game, so Dooley and his staff will have more time to hit the road and recruit. Tennessee is in desperate need of depth, especially on defense. It’s also time for Dooley to take his team back and find a way to motivate players before spring practice.

Tennessee coach Derek Dooley said Wednesday it would probably be a game-time decision on whether sophomore quarterback Tyler Bray would play this weekend against Vanderbilt.

In short, if Bray looks OK in warm-ups and feels good in warm-ups, he’s going to get a shot after missing the past five games with a broken thumb.

That said, Dooley has no idea what version of Bray the Vols might get after missing so much time.

“I’ve never had this experience. I think it’s very difficult [to come back],” Dooley said. “Of course, in Knoxville, everybody wanted Tyler to show up and Tinker Bell has his thumb fixed perfectly and he’s back to form the way he was five weeks ago, and that’s just not reality.

“Even if his thumb wasn’t broken, and he just took five weeks off and then came back, it’s hard for anybody to expect him to go out there and perform the way he was performing early in the season. It just takes time.”

Dooley said Bray has shared the first-team snaps this week in practice. Freshman Justin Worley has started the past three games, but senior Matt Simms has also played in the fourth quarter against South Carolina and Arkansas last week.

Vanderbilt coach James Franklin made it clear Wednesday who he wants to see under center for the Vols.

“We hope he plays,” said Franklin, referring to Bray. “We look forward to the challenge. Our kids are excited about it. And to be honest, watching them on film, it’s not like they’ve changed dramatically with Worley or whoever’s playing. They’re running very, very similar schemes.

“Obviously, with a veteran quarterback who’s had success, they’re able to do a little bit more, but it’s not like they go from a drop-back quarterback to an option quarterback or a dual-threat quarterback. It’s a very similar scheme, and it doesn’t change too much of what we’re going to do.”

Edward Aschoff talks about the possibility of Tennessee playing QB Tyler Bray against Vanderbilt on Saturday.

Arkansas can thank its record-setting receivers, Joe Adams and Jarius Wright, for being ahead 21-7 at the half over Tennessee.

Adams had an unbelievable punt return during which he broke at least six tackles and shook loose for a 60-yard touchdown, his third punt return for a touchdown this season.

Wright's 7-yard touchdown started the scoring for the Hogs, and he also had a circus catch in the second quarter for 40 yards. Dennis Johnson also got into the act with a 71-yard touchdown run as the Hogs sprinted out to a 21-0 lead.

But the Vols hung in there and were able to move the ball in the first half and looked like they were going to pull within a touchdown at the break, but freshman quarterback Justin Worley was intercepted at the 1 by Tramain Thomas.

The Hogs lead 21-7 at the half, but the Vols have dominated the time of possession.

Arkansas is explosive enough on offense and in its return game to strike quickly, but the Hogs could still use a little more consistency on defense.

It also hasn't been quarterback Tyler Wilson's best game in the first half. He's missed some throws that cost the Hogs points, in particular a deep ball that was thrown too long for a wide-open Adams.

Tennessee will have to go another week without the services of former starting quarterback Tyler Bray.

Since undergoing surgery on his right thumb following the Georgia game, Bray has replaced his cast for a brace and coach Derek Dooley said the sophomore has been rehabbing every day. Unfortunately for Tennessee, he won’t be healthy enough to play this weekend against Arkansas and he isn’t sure when Bray will be back for the Vols.

“All we’re doing is preparing and playing as if he’s not our quarterback,” Dooley said Wednesday.

“He’s kind of progressing along the timeline we felt like he would progress, so that’s encouraging.”

In the meantime, Tennessee’s quarterback is true freshman Justin Worley, who will make his third start of the season Saturday in Fayetteville, Ark.

Dooley said that he could tell the jitters, nerves and anxiety that come with making your first-career start “overwhelmed” Worley against South Carolina two weeks ago. Since then, he’s been very pleased with his improvements through the weeks and his 291-yard, one-touchdown performance against Middle Tennessee last week.

Dooley said he saw better command and more confidence in the pocket from Worley against Middle Tennessee. He also thought that he delivered the all more accurately and spread it out all over the field.

But things will get a lot tougher this weekend, as Worley takes his act on the road against No. 8 Arkansas (8-1, 4-1).

“Now, his challenge is to go do it on the road against a top-10 football team and that’ll be a big jump,” Dooley said. “Hopefully, he can continue to build on the way he performed last week.”

There's a rumor floating around that there's a pretty big game in Tuscaloosa this week.

Here's a look at what to watch around the league in Week 10:

1. Winning up front: With all the focus on the two defenses in the Alabama and LSU game, keep a close eye on who gets it done up front on offense, especially in the second half. Both of these offensive lines have a way of imposing their will on teams after halftime. They should be healthy, too. Guard Anthony Steen is expected back for Alabama after missing time with a concussion, and LSU will get back center P.J. Lonergan, who didn’t play in either of the Tigers’ last two games while recovering from an ankle injury. The team that plays the best on the offensive line is the team that’s going to win this game.

2.Big-play receivers: With both the Alabama and LSU defenses being so stout, it makes sense that the team that wins is going to have to hit a few big plays in the passing game. It was Jarrett Lee completing the third-down bomb to Rueben Randle last season to ice the game for the Tigers, and two years ago, it was Julio Jones’ 73-yard catch and run that put the Crimson Tide ahead to stay. LSU’s Randle has been one of the best big-play receivers in the league this season. He has seven touchdown receptions and is averaging 19.3 yards per catch. Russell Shepard is somebody else to watch for the Tigers, while Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks are also plenty capable of striking from long distance for the Crimson Tide.

3. Settling the East: It’s not an Eastern Division game, but South Carolina could take a huge step toward wrapping up its second consecutive East crown by winning in Fayetteville. The Gamecocks would then have one SEC game remaining at home against Florida. South Carolina owns the head-to-head tiebreaker over Georgia, but the Bulldogs get both of their remaining SEC games at home against Auburn and Kentucky. The Gamecocks haven’t matched up well in recent years against the Hogs, but need to get over that hump if they’re going to get back to Atlanta.

4. Pressuring with four: South Carolina’s defense has been excellent the last five games. The Gamecocks haven’t given up more than 16 points during that stretch. Their defensive front has been a big reason why, although assistant head coach for the defense, Ellis Johnson, said the real test will come Saturday against Arkansas. South Carolina leads the SEC with 26 forced turnovers, but Johnson said the key against the Hogs will be getting pressure on Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson with the Gamecocks’ front four and not having to blitz a whole lot. The Hogs have struggled to protect Wilson in some games this season.

5. Playing two halves: Arkansas got away with it last week against Vanderbilt. The Hogs did the same two weeks ago against Ole Miss. Make that ditto for the Texas A&M game a month ago. The Hogs simply haven’t answered the bell in the first half, but have found ways to battle back in the second half and win games. That’s a dangerous script to follow if you’re going to beat South Carolina. The Hogs have been one of the best teams in the league when it comes to making big plays on offense, which would be the easiest way to get off to a good start. But the Gamecocks haven’t given up big plays this season. In fact, they haven’t allowed one all season that was longer than 33 yards.

6. A different Vanderbilt: The Commodores last won at the Swamp (Florida Field) in 1945. So it’s been a while. But it’s obvious that this isn’t the same old Vandy. It’s also not the same old Florida. The Gators have lost four in a row and went winless in the month of October. It’s been a tough season for first-year coach Will Muschamp, especially with quarterback John Brantley missing much of October. But it will go from a tough season to an unbearable season if Vanderbilt comes into the Swamp and wins. The Commodores lost in the final minutes to both Arkansas and Georgia in their last two outings. They’ve been very good all season on defense and are improving on offense, but they’re still looking for their first win away from home.

7. Ending the misery: Between them, Kentucky and Ole Miss have lost nine conference games this season. The Rebels have lost 11 in a row going back to last season. Something’s gotta give Saturday when they meet up in Commonwealth Stadium. Both teams had their chances last week. In fact, Ole Miss has been in position to win each of the last two weeks, but couldn’t finish the game against Auburn or Arkansas. It looks like the Wildcats will be going with freshman quarterback Maxwell Smith in this game. Morgan Newton is battling an ankle injury. Smith came in last week against Mississippi State and showed some promise.

8. New faces for Dawgs: Get ready to see several new faces on Saturday in Georgia’s offensive backfield. The Bulldogs suspended three running backs this week, including freshman Isaiah Crowell, after they failed drug tests. Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome were also suspended for the New Mexico State game. Making matters worse, Richard Samuel will miss the rest of the regular season with a foot injury after running as hard and as well as he has in a long time last week against Florida. So who’s going to carry the football for the Dawgs? Former walk-on Brandon Harton is the leader in the clubhouse followed by freshman walk-on Kyle Karempelis. Don’t be surprised if you see the likes of Brandon Boykin and Branden Smith back there some, too.

9. Another shot for Worley: Tennessee true freshman quarterback Justin Worley will make his second straight start Saturday after suffering through a rough outing last week against South Carolina. There are never any guarantees, but going up against Middle Tennessee’s defense figures to be a little less stressful than dealing with the Gamecocks on defense. It wasn’t all on Worley last week, either. He threw a couple of nice passes, but the players around him didn’t play very well. In particular, sophomore receiver Da’Rick Rogers dropped what would have been a touchdown pass. Rogers said he told Worley after the play, “I owe you. I owe you a bunch of stuff.”

10. Russell’s impact: Mississippi State was one of the SEC’s top rushing teams each of the last two seasons, but the Bulldogs have been more successful with the pass here lately. The biggest change has been Tyler Russell and his ability to throw the football. He’s a pocket passer with a big arm, and the Bulldogs have tweaked things when he’s in the game to play to his strengths. In the 28-16 win over Kentucky last week, Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen rotated Chris Relf and Russell, and they combined for 264 passing yards and two touchdowns. It looks like the Bulldogs are going to stick with the quarterback rotation. They’ve generated more passing yards than rushing yards in their last four games and are averaging 204.6 passing yards per game, which is the most they’ve averaged through the air in eight seasons.

So, the old man has a little left in him.

That's nice to see. I was worried that after watching the young guy keep a nice lead that he might completely throw in the towel. Chris, who still shows that he truly is immature at heart by calling me "The Kid," went 5-0 last week to improve to 56-10 (.848) on the year. Even though I lost out on Florida (Are there applications for running that offense? I could use an extra paycheck) last week, I'm still ahead by two games with a 58-8 (.879) record.

But in my defense, I was working with a sprained knee last week that I suffered in a heated soccer game. I wasn't thinking straight with that pick. Not to worry, I'm better now. In fact I was so healthy I played a softball game and soccer game in the same night. There were plenty of diving catches and saves. That's swag.

So, I'm back this week and I won't be dropping a game to Chris. See how I address you like a grown-up, Chris? You could learn a thing or two from me, and not by taking a peek at my picks.

We have Alabama-LSU this weekend and this game could be big in the picks. At the beginning of the week, I was sure we'd be split, but I got word late that Chris was having regrets and might be making a switch.

Classic flip-flopper.

I won't confuse the people with an "Animal House" reference, so let's get on to the picks:

OLE MISS at KENTUCKY

Edward Aschoff: This is the second straight week where a game will decide which team leaves with its first SEC win. Kentucky was a part of that last week, but lost to Mississippi State. Now, the Wildcats take on that other school in the state that is looking for its first conference win. Ole Miss has played tough in the last two weeks, but has come up short. This is the week where the Rebels finally end that long SEC losing streak. ... Ole Miss 27, Kentucky 23

Chris Low: The loser of this game is probably looking at a winless season in the SEC. Injuries have played a role in both teams' struggles, and Kentucky has really been hit hard here lately. The Rebels have lost 11 straight SEC games dating back to last season, but that drought ends in the Bluegrass. ... Ole Miss 24, Kentucky 20

NEW MEXICO STATE at No. 18 GEORGIA

Edward Aschoff: Georgia could be down to Brandon Harton at running back this weekend. Heard of him? Not many people have, but fortunately for the Bulldogs, New Mexico State isn't close to being an SEC-caliber team. ... Georgia 31, New Mexico State 10

Chris Low: The Bulldogs have been decimated at running back after the threesome of Isaiah Crowell, Carlton Thomas and Ken Malcome were suspended for this game for failing a drug test. It's not going to matter, though, as Georgia rolls to its seventh straight victory and gets ready for the stretch run in the SEC. ... Georgia 38, New Mexico State 3

UT MARTIN at MISSISSIPPI STATE

Edward Aschoff: This group of Bulldogs finally got their first conference win of the year last week and have a chance to keep the momentum going this weekend. Tyler Russell has proved that he's the best passing option for Mississippi State, but coach Dan Mullen has the option of running a two-quarterback system with Chris Relf. ... Mississippi State 38, UT Martin 14

Chris Low: After winning last week at home against Kentucky, Mississippi State steps outside the conference and looks to make it two in a row. The Bulldogs need a strong finish to the season to keep it from being a huge disappointment. They shouldn't have any problem in this one. ... Mississippi State 34, UT Martin 13

MIDDLE TENNESSEE at TENNESSEE

Edward Aschoff: Tennessee gets a rest from the conference gauntlet it's currently going through. This will be a chance for freshman quarterback Justin Worley to show more of what he can do. For a team working through growing pains this season, this will be a chance for the Vols to inject some life back into this team. ... Tennessee 34, Middle Tennessee 10

Chris Low: True freshman quarterback Justin Worley will make his second straight start for the Vols. He'll find the going a lot easier against the Middle Tennessee defense than he did a week ago against South Carolina. After losing four in a row, the Vols need a win any way they can get it and won't be picky about the particulars. ... Tennessee 31, Middle Tennessee 10

VANDERBILT at FLORIDA

Edward Aschoff: Vanderbilt hasn't beaten Florida since 1988 and hasn't won in Gainesville since 1945. Florida hasn't won a game since September. Florida should have a much healthier John Brantley, meaning the offense could look more like it did back when Florida was winning. However, Vanderbilt isn't the Vandy of old these days, and the Commodores are itching for a big win. This would be huge for the program, but a return to the Swamp could be just what Florida needs. ... Florida 27, Vanderbilt 21

Chris Low: The Gators are glad to see the calendar flip to November after going 0-for-October. Getting senior quarterback John Brantley back last week in the 24-20 loss to Georgia was a step in the right direction. Now, they have to get him healthy. The Commodores have improved on offense, but not enough to win at the Swamp. ... Florida 27, Vanderbilt 14

No. 9 SOUTH CAROLINA at No. 7 ARKANSAS

Edward Aschoff: This feels like a must-win for both teams. Arkansas is still looking for a BCS berth and a loss this weekend would all but end that. South Carolina can feel Georgia breathing down its neck in the SEC East race and a loss to the Razorbacks could derail the hopes of a back-to-back trip to the SEC title game. Even though South Carolina's defense is one of the best in the league, its offense has to get in the end zone against Arkansas or it will be a long day for the Gamecocks. On the other side, another slow start could be dangerous for the Razorbacks. ... Arkansas 24, South Carolina 17

Chris Low: It's the "other" top 10 matchup in the SEC this week and a matchup that will go a long way toward settling the Eastern Division race. The Gamecocks control their own destiny if they keep winning. The Hogs also need to keep winning to get back to a BCS bowl for a second straight year. Defense has carried South Carolina to this point. But beating the Hogs in Fayetteville will require scoring some points, and that continues to be a problem for the Gamecocks. ... Arkansas 27, South Carolina 17

No. 1 LSU at No. 2 ALABAMA

Edward Aschoff: Finally, we're here. The game we all care about and can't stop talking about. Even fans of other schools will be tuning in to watch the midseason Super Bowl. Both teams have the top defenses around and have dynamic offensive weapons. The quarterback play is just about even and while Alabama mainly runs behind one bull in the backfield, LSU has a stable of running back workhorses. Something has got to give and this one could come down to special teams and field position. Homefield advantage will be the difference. ... Alabama 23, LSU 20

Chris Low: Everybody has wanted to play this game since September, and now it's finally here. Both defenses are dominant, and the offenses love to pound opponents into submission in the second half with a bruising running game. Playing at home will be a huge advantage for the Crimson Tide, who will make enough big plays on offense and then take control of the game in the fourth quarter thanks to their veteran offensive line. ... Alabama 21, LSU 13

A look around the SEC as we flip the calendar to November:

• Former Alabama and LSU players break down the game.
• There's never a dull moment with Les Miles, writes Cecil Hurt of The Tuscaloosa News.
• Alabama's Nick Saban is in control as the big game approaches.
• There's nothing normal about this game week for LSU.
• Could this be the first of two games between Alabama and LSU?
• South Carolina's defense is starting to get its due.
• Arkansas' Marquel Wade apologizes for his flagrant penalty that led to his ejection last week against Vanderbilt.
• Kentucky's starting quarterback this week could be a game-time decision, says coach Joker Phillips.
• The heat on Ole Miss coach Houston Nutt is rising as the losses mount.
• Vanderbilt's improving offensive line boosts the Commodores' point production.
• Tennessee coach Derek Dooley is sticking with true freshman Justin Worley as the Vols' starting quarterback this week.
• Georgia linebacker Jarvis Jones says he's not considering an early exit for the NFL.

It’s hotter than usual this week in the SEC. The “Super Bowl” is upon us.

Anybody feeling not so hot?

GLOWING EMBERS

Alabama-LSU hype: Does this game even need any build-up? It’s the biggest SEC regular-season game since … well, you get the idea. Two lower-level tickets on StubHub were going for more than $10,000 apiece. One of the many things that makes the game so compelling is the do-or-die nature of the matchup. These are the two best teams in college football, and a lot of people don’t even think it’s close. Yet, they’re not playing for the championship. They’re playing for the right to stay in the championship hunt. The loser is on the outside looking in and won’t have a chance for a rematch unless things fall just right elsewhere. My advice: Sit back and enjoy these two Goliaths going at it in what will be an electric atmosphere. Anybody need tickets?

HOT

Georgia outside linebacker Jarvis Jones: Add Jones’ name to the list of top candidates for SEC defensive player of the year. He’s been very good all season, but turned in a memorable performance against Florida with four sacks and a forced fumble that led to a Georgia touchdown. The thing that separates Jones is that he’s a lot more than just a pass-rusher.

NOT

Florida’s running game: Everybody wondered back in the preseason who was going to be the workhorse for the Gators in the running game and get the tough yards. That guy simply isn’t on their roster. They were held to minus-19 rushing yards in the loss to Georgia. Granted, they were sacked six times, and that was a big part of the paltry rushing total. Still, Chris Rainey and Jeff Demps combined for just 38 rushing yards on 13 carries, and Florida is ranked eighth in the SEC in rushing offense.

HOT

South Carolina’s defense: Lost in the glare of how good Alabama and LSU have been on defense is a South Carolina defense that’s absolutely suffocating teams right now. The Gamecocks have kept three of their last five opponents out of the end zone and haven’t given up more than 16 points in any of their last five contests.

NOT

Justin’s Worley’s debut: The Vols’ true freshman quarterback underwent a nightmarish debut in his first game as a starter. Tennessee coach Derek Dooley probably didn’t do Worley any favors by tossing him into that situation when he clearly wasn’t ready, and Worley’s teammates didn’t do a whole lot to help him, either.

HOT

Auburn running back Michael Dyer: Where would this Auburn football team be this season without Dyer? He rushed for 177 yards on 27 carries in the 41-23 win over Ole Miss last week and is 11 yards away from his second straight 1,000-yard season. You can bet the Tigers will be leaning on him offensively the rest of the way.

NOT

Arkansas’ starts: The Hogs keep winning despite forgetting to start the game on time. It’s almost as if they want to spot their opponent a lead just to see if they can come back and win. They fell behind 21-7 last week to Vanderbilt, but managed to escape. It’s the third time in their last four games that the Hogs have weathered slow starts to win. They’re playing with fire.

HOT

Florida-Georgia traffic: As one Florida fan reminded me as he walked by and saw me sitting in the EverBank Field parking lot at 10:30 in the morning, “You learned your lesson. You left earlier.” Indeed I did, and the traffic was a dream this year. I zipped right down Union Street into the parking lot and enjoyed all the sights and sounds that truly make the Florida-Georgia rivalry one big party.

NOT

Ole Miss in the second half: The Rebels’ SEC losing streak has swelled to 11 in a row dating back to last season. Their struggles have run the gamut this season, but nothing has been more crippling than their inability to finish games. They’ve been outscored 93-20 in the second half in their five SEC losses.

FREEZER BURN

October swoons: Nobody’s cheering louder for the month of October to be over than most of the teams in the Eastern Division. In keeping with the Halloween theme, it’s almost as if a spell has been cast over the East. South Carolina loses Marcus Lattimore for the season. Tyler Bray goes down for Tennessee. John Brantley goes down for Florida, and Georgia’s best receiver, Malcolm Mitchell, has missed the past two games with a hamstring pull. Kentucky also lost its promising freshman running back, Josh Clemons, to a knee injury. It doesn’t stop with injuries, either. In SEC games, Florida, Kentucky, Tennessee and Vanderbilt were a combined 0-14 in the month of October, and seven of those losses were by at least 28 points. The Commodores haven’t won an SEC game in October since the 2008 season, and the Vols haven’t won an SEC game in October since the 2009 season.

A look at this week’s SEC lineup:

Vanderbilt (4-4, 1-4) at Florida (4-4, 2-4), 12:15 p.m. ET, SEC Network: Vanderbilt has taken Georgia and Arkansas to the wire in each of its past two SEC games. Senior quarterback John Brantley is back for Florida, but the Gators have to play better and smarter around him.

New Mexico State (3-5) at No. 18 Georgia (6-2), 12:30 p.m. ET, CSS: Riding a six-game winning streak and riding high after its win against Florida, Georgia jumps out of conference for a game it should win easily. It’s the first of three straight home games for the Bulldogs.

Ole Miss (2-6, 0-5) at Kentucky (3-5, 0-4), 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPNU: One of these teams is going to come out of this game with its first SEC win. The Rebels have lost 11 straight conference games dating to last season, and the Wildcats have lost five in a row.

Middle Tennessee (2-5) at Tennessee (3-5), 7 p.m. ET, Fox Sports Net: The Vols started true freshman quarterback Justin Worley last week against South Carolina, and the results weren’t pretty. The Vols were held without a touchdown for a second straight game, although it was hardly all Worley’s fault. They enter Saturday’s game having lost four in a row.

UT Martin (5-3) at Mississippi State (4-4), 7:30 p.m. ET, CSS: The Bulldogs were able to grind out their first SEC win last week at Kentucky, but there’s still a lot of work to do if they’re going to finish with a winning season. After UT Martin’s visit, Alabama comes to Starkville and then it’s on to Little Rock the next week to face Arkansas before the regular-season finale against Ole Miss in Starkville.

No. 9 South Carolina (7-1, 5-1) at No. 7 Arkansas (7-1, 3-1), 7:15 p.m. ET, 7 p.m.: The Gamecocks keep winning with defense, and the Hogs keep winning despite slumbering through the first half. The winner of this game has a chance to go on and have a special season. For South Carolina, it’s a chance to move one win away from clinching the East. For Arkansas, the Hogs need to win to stay alive in the West race, not to mention BCS bowl contention.

No. 1 LSU (8-0, 5-0) at No. 2 Alabama (8-0, 5-0):, 8 p.m. ET, CBS: Well, it’s here -- the SEC’s version of the Super Bowl. The best two teams in college football get together in primetime at Bryant-Denny Stadium in what should be a classic between two terrific defenses and a pair of offenses that are both physical and love to run the ball. The past four meetings between these schools have gone down to the final few possessions.

Life without Marcus Lattimore was never going to be easy for South Carolina, but Brandon Wilds filled in nicely in South Carolina's 14-3 win over Tennessee.

He started the year fifth on the running back depth chart and was almost headed for redshirt city. But once Lattimore went down, Wilds went to No. 1 at the position and had quite the starting debut. Wilds rushed for 137 yards and even carried the ball 28 times. It was as if Lattimore never left.

Well, maybe not, but South Carolina had to be happy with what it got from Wilds. He isn't nearly as strong as Lattimore, but he sure is tough and he toughed out some extra yards here and there against Tennessee all night.

It was a good thing, to,o because the Gamecocks weren't real big on throwing the ball. Connor Shaw finished with just 87 yards passing and a touchdown. He rushed for South Carolina's only other score.

Tennessee showed once again that it just doesn't have the manpower to really compete in this league. Injuries to key players have ravaged this team, but depth across the board is a major issue. There just isn't enough energy and stamina to go around for the Vols.

Tennessee started true freshman Justin Worley, who threw the ball 20 times in the first half, but showed that he's still just a youngster. He wasn't awful by any means, but still has a ways to go before he's ready for the SEC. He forced throws, including one at South Carolina's goal line that was intercepted. He was replaced by Matt Simms after that pick.

But it wasn't all on Worley. South Carolina's defense played a major role as well. The Gamecocks held Tennessee to 186 yards, including 35 on the ground, and forced two turnovers. Tennessee was also 2-of-14 on third downs. This defense just continues to carry South Carolina. It will have to from here on out with the way this offense is (not) moving the ball right now.

There hasn't been much offense so far in Knoxville, Tenn., as South Carolina entered the half with a 7-3 lead over Tennessee.

The Volunteers are down to third-string quarterback Justin Worley, who made his first career start Saturday, while the Gamecocks are dealing with life after monster running back Marcus Lattimore went down with a season-ending knee injury.

Tennessee coach Derek Dooley didn't waste time getting Worley's arm going — the true freshman has attempted 20 passes already, completing nine. He had 99 yards at the half and hadn't turned the ball over.

Worley has looked very much like a freshman at times, but has made some nice throws, too. It hasn't been easy with South Carolina's talented defense coming at him, but Worley has been better than expected.

As for South Carolina, the Gamecocks had just 141 total yards of offense in the first half. Quarterback Connor Shaw passed for 73 of those yards and the only touchdown of the game, a 23-yard strike to Rory Anderson.

Brandon Wilds, who is starting in place of Lattimore, has rushed for 42 yards and has 31 yards receiving. One thing that definitely stands out is that star Gamecocks receiver Alshon Jeffery has just one catch for 8 yards and he limped off of the field heading into the half. If South Carolina wants to put some more points on the board, Jeffery has to get the ball in his hands.

Edward Aschoff looks at Georgia-Florida, the debut of Tennessee QB Justin Worley, Arkansas-Vanderbilt and Auburn-Ole Miss.

A little bit of this and a little bit of that as we get ready for Week 9 in the SEC. As always, our thanks to the ESPN Stats & Information folks for their help:

• Florida has won five of the last six against Georgia and 11 of the last 13 meetings. Since 1990, when Steve Spurrier took over the Florida program, the Gators are 18-3 against the Bulldogs.
• Before last season's overtime game, the average winning margin in the Florida-Georgia series was 20.5 points for each of the previous four games.
• Florida has lost three straight games this season and is looking to avoid its first four-game losing streak since 1988. That losing streak was also the last time the Gators were held under 12 points in four straight games. In their three losses this season, they were held to 10 against Alabama, 11 against LSU and 6 against Auburn.
• Georgia has allowed 15 plays of 20-plus yards this season, which is second fewest among FBS schools. The Bulldogs allowed seven of these plays in the first two weeks of the season in losses to South Carolina and Boise State.
• Tennessee is 14-1 all-time against South Carolina in Knoxville. The only setback came in 2005, a 16-15 loss. Tennessee has only lost to South Carolina five times in 28 meetings (22-5-1). However, three of those losses have come in the last six meetings.
• South Carolina has won a school-record five straight true road games.
• South Carolina receiver Alshon Jeffery needs 51 yards to set the school’s career-record for receiving yards. Jeffery enters the Tennessee game with 2,731 yards.
• Tennessee true freshman quarterback Justin Worley will make his first start against a South Carolina defense holding its opponents to a 94.8 percent passing efficiency rating, which is third best among FBS teams. It’s Tennessee’s third straight game against a team (Alabama and LSU) that ranks in the top 4 in opponent’s passing efficiency defense.
• Auburn has been held under 20 points in four straight games, its longest streak since a five-game stretch in 1999. The Tigers lost all five of those games.
• Auburn has three losses this season, but the combined record of the teams the Tigers have lost to is pretty impressive. Clemson, Arkansas and LSU have a combined record of 22-1. On the other hand, the combined record of the five opponents Auburn has beaten is 15-20.
• Ole Miss is 1-12 in its last 13 SEC games and has lost 10 straight to SEC opponents. That’s the longest such streak in school history. Ole Miss has won consecutive games overall only once since the start of last season.
• Vanderbilt first-year coach James Franklin has already guided his team to four wins, which is as many games as the Commodores won in the previous two full seasons combined. The last Vanderbilt head coach to win at least five games in his first season was Gerry Dinardo, who went 5-6 in 1991.
• Arkansas' next three opponents are all from the Eastern Division, which should be good news for the Hogs. They've won four in a row over teams from the East, which is their longest winning streak against East foes. They beat South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Georgia last season and Vanderbilt in 2009.
• Among teams ranked in the top 15 of this week's BCS standings, Arkansas' Joe Adams is third in yards after the catch with 337. Clemson's Sammy Watkins is first with 517, and Oklahoma's Ryan Broyles is second with 408.
• Kentucky is the third least penalized team among FBS schools, averaging 3.4 penalties per game with an average of 29.5 yards penalized per game.
• Mississippi State’s Johnthan Banks is second in the nation in passes defended (interceptions + pass deflections) with 13.
• The SEC averages 27.8 passing plays per game, which is 10thout of 11 FBS conferences. Only the Big Ten at 27.5 is averaging fewer passes per game than the SEC. The SEC’s 199.6 passing yards per game is the lowest of the 11 FBS conferences
• Since the SEC began keeping a points off turnovers statistic in 2002, the fewest points allowed by an SEC team on its own turnovers is 14 by Alabama in 2005. This season, LSU and Alabama are challenging that mark. LSU opponents have scored only three points on its three turnovers, while Alabama opponents have scored only seven points on its eight turnovers.
• According to the NCAA, four SEC teams rank among the top 10 teams nationally in terms of toughest schedules played to date. Using cumulative past opposition’s records, Tennessee has the SEC’s toughest schedule. The Vols’ past opponents this year are a cumulative 25-10. Auburn is second in the SEC with a 30-16 mark, followed by Ole Miss at 22-12 and LSU at 25-14. Nationally, Kansas has the toughest schedule with a 28-7 mark. Tennessee is third nationally, Auburn eighth, Ole Miss ninth and LSU 10th.
• Of Georgia’s 30 losses since 2003, 18 have been decided by seven points or less. That is the highest percentage of close losses in the SEC (60.0 percent). Alabama’s 20 close losses out of 35 (57.1 percent) is second in the SEC. Vanderbilt has the most close losses with 25.
• Alabama safety Mark Barron, South Carolina cornerback Stephon Gilmore, Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower and LSU safety Brandon Taylor have been named quarterfinalists for the Lott IMPACT Player Award, given to the nation’s top defensive impact player.
• Georgia punter Drew Butler has been named a National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete and a semifinalist for the William V. Campbell Trophy, awarded to college football’s top scholar-athlete.

It's time to take a look at a few games that could send the favored team to the locker room upset.

No. 10 Arkansas at Vanderbilt: Arkansas squeaked by Ole Miss last week, but coach Bobby Petrino has made it clear that his players will be more focused this week against the Commodores. The Razorbacks will need to be, as they face a talented secondary. Vanderbilt has forced 15 interceptions this season and coach James Franklin said his players are excited about the chance to take on Arkansas' high-flying passing game. Vanderbilt seems to have found its quarterback in Jordan Rodgers, and with his ability to run and pass, he could pose problems for Arkansas. That new-found energy running through Vanderbilt's program is alive and well, and the Commodores won't be intimidated by the Hogs.

No. 13 South Carolina at Tennessee: The Vols are looking for anything positive to take place in conference play. Tennessee is throwing out true freshman Justin Worley at quarterback against South Carolina's tough defense. That doesn't bode well for the frosh, but he could have a little revenge on his mind after South Carolina failed to recruit Worley, who played his high school ball in the state. The Gamecocks are also beginning life without running back Marcus Lattimore. The offense basically ran through him before he went down, so now it's time for coach Steve Spurrier to let quarterback Connor Shaw let it fly more. Tennessee can hang with the Gamecocks, and if Worley can get it going, this one could get pretty interesting in Knoxville.

Ole Miss at No. 23 Auburn: The Rebels played arguably their most complete game of the season last week against Arkansas, but failed to come up with the victory. Now, can the Rebels take that momentum onto the Plains and end their 10-game conference losing streak? Auburn is a different team at home, but will the offensive problems the Tigers had last week at LSU bleed over to this weekend? We saw Ole Miss move the ball well against the Hogs, and Auburn's defense hasn't been consistent from week to week all season. Maybe this is the week the Rebels can put an entire game together.