Here is a look at some of this week’s game in the SEC and ACC. Several games in the ACC will go a long way in determining who plays for the conference title.
ALABAMA HOSTS WESTERN CAROLINA: This game gives the Tide a chance to work on third down problems on defense and offense. For the past two games, Alabama hasn’t forced any turnovers after forcing 23 in its first eight games. The Tide has an opportunity if they run the table to get back in the national title game if two of the top three teams lose. Western Carolina has lost nine straight games and given up 38 or more points in eight of those losses.
AUBURN HOSTS ALABAMA A&M: Auburn is 2-1 against non-conference foes. It’s also senior day and possibly head coach Gene Chizik’s last home game.
ARKANSAS AT MISSISSIPPI STATE: After losing two straight games, Arkansas is a loss away from officially losing its bowl hopes. Last year, Arkansas scored 32 touchdowns in eight SEC games. This year, the Hogs have scored 16 touchdowns in six league games. The Bulldogs, who have not intercepted a pass in the last three games, are allowing an average of 499 yards per game during their three game losing streak. State is looking for its eighth win which has only happened 15 times in school history.
FLORIDA HOSTS JACKSONVILLE STATE: Jacoby Brissett might have to start the next two games at quarterback due to Jeff Driskel’s ankle sprain. Brissett came off the bench last week after Driskel was injured and helped Florida rally past Louisiana-Lafayette. Jacksonville State comes in after securing its 10th straight winning season under former Arkansas head man Jack Crowe. Georgia transfer Washaun Ealey is one of the Gamecocks running backs.
GEORGIA HOSTS GEORGIA SOUTHERN: Georgia faces Georgia Southern, which leads all FCS teams in rushing this season, averaging 401.2 yards per game and has 42 rushing touchdowns. Georgia coach Mark Richt said his team has practiced in full pads all week to get ready for the cut blocks they’ll see from Georgia Southern. This game should help Georgia prepare for Georgia Tech, who also runs the option. Quarterback Aaron Murray, who threw three touchdown passes last week, moved into fifth place on the SEC’s career chart with 83 touchdown passes. Florida’s Danny Wuerffel holds the SEC record with 114.
KENTUCKY HOSTS SAMFORD: Kentucky has not thrown a touchdown pass since October 20. Wildcat defender Avery Williamson had 20 tackles against Vanderbilt in his last game. It was the first 20 tackle game for a Wildcat defensive player since 2003. This is the last home game for coach Joker Phillips, who played at Kentucky and was an assistant coach there before being promoted to head coach.
MISSOURI HOSTS SYRACUSE: The Tiger pass defense will face Syracuse quarterback Ryan Nassib, who has already thrown for over 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. Missouri is trying to become bowl eligible with a win and it is their final home game. According to various reports, Missouri has suspended defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson for missing class multiple times. Richardson has 70 tackles and four sacks this season.
OLE MISS AT LSU: Ole Miss is down to two more opportunities to pick up a sixth win. They might have to get it next week against Mississippi State. LSU has gone 46 consecutive possessions without a turnover dating back to the second quarter of the South Carolina game. Zach Mettenberger has gone 110 consecutive passes without an interception. The Rebels have the best red zone offense in the SEC, and they are the only team in the SEC without a red zone turnover this season.
SOUTH CAROLINA HOSTS WOFFORD: This game is another chance for running backs Kenny Miles and Mike Davis to get more comfortable in the offense. Wofford (8-2) is second nationally among FCS teams, averaging 357.1 rushing yards per game, with 35 rushing touchdowns. With a win over Wofford, Steve Spurrier would tie Rex Enright for the Carolina school-record with 64 coaching wins.
TENNESSEE AT VANDERBILT: The Commodore defense, which is ranked No. 16 nationally allowing 18 points per game, is on pace to have their best season in 40 years with regards to points allowed. Tennessee has won 28 out of the last 29 games in the series. Vanderbilt is searching for its fifth straight win this season, which last happened in 2008 and before that, 1982. The Vols need a win to keep bowl hopes alive. Tennessee is allowing an average of 511.2 yards and 43.7 points in SEC games. Tennessee is allowing the most points (35.4) and yards (483.1) per game of any team in the Southeastern Conference. The Vols are on pace to give up the most points per game of any Tennessee team since 1893. Tennessee has lost 13 of 14 games.
TEXAS A&M HOSTS SAM HOUSTON STATE: Aggie quarterback Johnny Manziel averages 379 yards of total offense per game and has scored 33 touchdowns, which is more than five SEC terams. The Aggie defense is allowing 19.9 ppg. The Aggie offense leads the league at 36.3 ppg in conference play.
CLEMSON HOSTS NC STATE: According to espn.com, after scoring 45 points against Maryland last week, Clemson became the only team in ACC history to score 37 or more points in nine consecutive games. Clemson has averaged 44.8 points in those games. Florida State opened the 1995 season with seven straight games of 42 or more points and averaged 56.1 points per game during that span.
DUKE AT GEORGIA TECH: The Blue Devils have a chance to take control of the Coastal Division if they beat Georgia Tech. According to espn.com, the last time Duke was in this position was back in 1989, when Duke beat NC State and North Carolina to close out the season and win a share of the league title. That was the Blue Devils’ final season under Steve Spurrier.
MIAMI HOSTS USF: South Florida, who ranks No. 114 in the country in turnover margin, will play either Matt Floyd or Bobby Eveld at quarterback for USF. The Bulls offense has struggled after the injury to starting quarterback B.J. Daniels.