ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS: This is still a big game for both teams even though some of the luster has been taken off due to the Hogs loss to Louisiana-Monroe. The big question is whether or not quarterback Tyler Wilson will play after sustaining a concussion in the first half of the ULM game. There are several reports that he has not been cleared to play. Another key question is can the Hog defense improve after allowing nearly 800 yards total offense to Jacksonville State and ULM? The Tide should roll if they don’t make mistakes.
AUBURN HOSTS LOUSIANA-MONROE: No way ULM beats two SEC teams in consecutive weeks. The ULM kids have probably gotten little sleep and lots of love since Saturday night. Auburn, who is last in the league in several categories, is in desperate need of a win to keep from going 0-3 with LSU and Arkansas on the horizon. Tiger quarterback Kiehl Frazier has to reduce his turnovers and the defense has to improve the tackling.
FLORIDA AT TENNESSEE: History says the team with the most rushing yards usually wins this game. The Vols get their attention from the passing of Tyler Bray, but the key to their season is an improved running game and defense led by new coordinator Sal Sunseri. The dominant unit on the field is the Gator defense. They have to make Tennessee one-dimensional. If Florida wins they will likely be unbeaten going into the LSU game in early October.
GEORGIA HOSTS FLORIDA ATLANTIC: The Dawgs were one of the SEC’s most impressive teams last week in the win over Missouri. Linebacker Jarvis Jones is even receiving some Heisman talk. More importantly, defensive back Sanders Commings and linebacker Chase Vasser return from suspension. No word yet on when defensive stalwarts Bacarri Rambo and Alec Ogletree will return.
LSU HOSTS IDAHO: The game is an easy win for the Tigers. LSU’s biggest concern is a lack of depth after four players have been declared academically ineligible, including starting linebacker Tahj Young. Otherwise, the Tigers are dismantling opponents with a dominating defense, strong running game and adequate performances by quarterback Zach Mettenberger.
OLE MISS HOSTS TEXAS: The SEC suspended Ole Miss freshman defensive back Trae Elston one game for a ‘flagrant & dangerous’ hit during last week’s UTEP game. Juco transfer quarterback Bo Wallace has thrown for 438 yards and completed 35 of 46 passes in two games. The Rebel defense has 20 tackles- for- loss in the first two games. The Grove will be alive for this last night affair.
SOUTH CAROLINA HOSTS UAB: Unlike most SEC teams, coach Steve Spurrier, who is going for win No. 200, knows now that if Conner Shaw can’t start at quarterback, Dylan Thompson is quite capable of filling in after he threw for 330 yards in the win over East Carolina last week. This is another easy win for the Gamecocks.
MISSOURI HOSTS ARIZONA STATE: The Tigers, led by quarterback James Franklin, will rebound after the loss to Georgia. Tiger left tackle Elvis Fisher is out indefinitely with an MCL injury. Fisher hopes to return later in the season. Franklin has to be careful because Arizona State already has six picks on the season.
TEXAS A&M AT SMU: SMU’s quarterback is Garrett Gilbert, who played for Texas in the national title game and started 14 games for the Longhorns. SMU allowed more than 700 yards to Baylor. Aggies are just too tough physically.
VANDERBILT HOSTS PRESBYTERIAN: According to Vandysports.com, in 15 games under coach James Franklin, the Commodores have out-scored opponents 373-321, yet are just 6-9. The reason: VU’s inability to finish close games. In the last seven contests that have been decided in the final two minutes, the Commodores are 0-7.
BOSTON COLLEGE AT NORTHWESTERN: No question that writers and broadcaster will have fun with the name Spiffy Evans, who is a Boston College receiver. More importantly, Evans recorded his first career touchdown reception, and had career highs in receptions (four) and receiving yards (53) in a 34-3 win over Maine. He also returned an 82-yard punt for a touchdown. Evans ended up with a career-high 155 all-purpose yards.
GEORGIA TECH HOSTS VIRGINIA: Tech is trying to keep from starting 0-2 in conference play. The difference in the game is an improving Yellow Jacket defense under Al Groh.
WAKE FOREST AT FLORIDA STATE: The exhibition season is finally over for FSU. Nole fans know only too well that from 1992 -2005 FSU owned Wake. Yet, since 2006, the Demon Deacons have won four of the last six meetings including a 35-30 victory last season in Winston-Salem, N.C. The streak should stop this Saturday. Wake starting noseguard Nikita Whitlock is questionable with an ankle injury.
MARYLAND HOSTS UCONN: Maryland coach Randy Edsall returns to face his former team. Maryland is a surprising 2-0 with double-digit freshmen starting. They have also committed eight turnovers in two games.
MIAMI HOSTS BETHUNE-COOKMAN: The Canes are 114th in the country in total defense, allowing 517 yards per game. They are No. 109 in the country in scoring defense, allowing 42 points per game.
NORTH CAROLINA AT LOUISVILLE: This might be one of the best games of the weekend. Louisville’s defense and quarterback Teddy Bridgewater could be the difference. Tar Heel quarterback Bryn Renner could struggle with the Cardinal defense ranked No. 3 in the Big East. Carolina’s defense will struggle against Bridgewater just like it did against Wake Forest QB Tanner Price.
Brent Beaird writes for collegesportsnotebook.com, lindyssports.com and Gator Bait magazine. He can be heard on 1010XL sports radio. Brent can be contacted at [email protected] and on twitter @brentbeaird