No. 1 Miami 10-0 (–13) at No. 14 Virginia Tech 8-2
Why to watch: The Hurricanes have been amazing the last two weeks, outscoring
Syracuse and Washington 124-7 while cementing their place as the No. 1 team in the
country. The ’Canes' last road outing was the near loss against Boston College and
have to venture away from the friendly confines of the Orange Bowl and face a fired up
Hokies crowd. Virginia Tech is looking for the big knockout blow that'll change the face
of the college football season and propel the Hokies back into the national spotlight.
Virginia Tech's defense is No. 1 in the nation, giving up a mere 223 yards per game.
One reason why Miami might win: Grant Noel. We've been saying all season long that
we don't believe in the Hokies’ quarterback as he needs the running game to be going
full force to be effective. The ’Canes will limit RBs Kevin Jones and Keith Burnell
the way they limited SU's James Mungro and UW's Rich Alexis the last two weeks. With the
nation's best secondary, the ’Canes have the defensive backs to keep WR Andre Davis
in check.
One reason why Virginia Tech might win: Defense, defense, defense. If the Hokies
are to have any shot of winning, the nation's No. 2 run defense must stop RB Clinton
Portis. We think the Hokies’ pass defense, No. 6 in the nation, can stop the
slightly-above-average Hurricanes receivers, but if Portis is grinding out drives, the
Hokies will be in big trouble. The longer the Hokies hang around, the more pressure is
going to be on the ’Canes.
We think: The Hokies have already accepted a bid to the Gator Bowl and while
complacency would normally set in, we think it'll have the opposite effect. They'll be
loose, relaxed and focused with nothing to lose. Miami feasts off opponent's mistakes.
Washington and Florida State came unglued early and the ’Canes’ confidence took
over. Everyone's expecting the Hokies to get blown out, but if they can hang onto the
ball, it'll be a battle to the final whistle.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 5
Our Prediction: Miami 27, Virginia Tech 17
Expanded News: Miami head coach Larry Coker has taken some heat for having the
Hurricanes throw a touchdown pass when leading 58-7 late in the Washington game, but he
defended it by saying he wanted his second-teamers to get real game experience. Our
advice? D up next time Washington. … QB Ken Dorsey is a finalist for the Walter Camp
Player of the Year Award, OLT Bryant McKinnie was named a finalist for the Outland Trophy,
P Freddie Capshaw is a finalist for the Ray Guy Award and TE Jeremy Shockey is a finalist
for the John Mackey Award. … Virginia Tech accepted a bid to the Gator Bowl and after
losing two early games, appears happy to be going. They want to play Florida State again
after the 2000 Sugar Bowl defeat. … The weather favors the Hurricanes as it should be
in the mid-40s.
No. 5 Tennessee 9-1 at No. 2 Florida 9-1 (–18)
Why to watch: The winner goes to the SEC title game and will most likely be one
game away from playing for the national title while the loser needs a strong showing to
hope for an at-large BCS berth. Both teams are coming in on a roll after midseason
slip-ups and with the postponement of this showdown after the Sept. 11 tragedies, the
excitement and stakes have never been higher.
One reason why Tennessee might win: Without RB Earnest Graham against Auburn, the
Gators’ offense sputtered a bit as QB Rex Grossman threw four interceptions and the
running game was held to -36 yards on the ground. After Graham left the Florida State game
with the knee injury that's keeping him out of this game, the offense wasn't nearly as
smooth. The Tennessee run defense is the best in the SEC and one of the best in the
country and if RB Robert Gillespie doesn't soften up the Vols’ defense at all, look
for Grossman to force more throws, make more mistakes and keep Tennessee in the game.
One reason why Florida might win: If Grossman throws no more than one interception,
it'll be hard for Tennessee to stick around. The Gators are going to need him to throw the
ball 45 times and if he doesn't screw up and give the Volunteers easy points, the talented
receivers will take over against a burnable Tennessee secondary. The Florida defense is
good enough to be able to handle the balanced Tennessee offense, but if Grossman throws
picks like he did in the Auburn game and gives the Vols’ offense a short field to
work with, this will get really interesting.
We think: The Gators’ offense isn't the same without Earnest Graham. With the
return of DT John Henderson, LB Kevin Burnett and CB Andre Loss from nagging injuries,
look for the Volunteers’ defense to be as strong as it’s been all year and
frustrate the Gators’ offense. Everyone likes to talk about the magnificent Florida
receivers, but Tennessee's Kelley Washington and Donte Stallworth are just as strong and
with Travis Stephens running as well as ever, the Volunteers’ offense might even be
stronger than Florida's. Call it a gut feeling, or maybe it's just bad turkey, after this
last weekend full of upsets. We're going with the huge upset. How sure are we of this
pick? We're not and we won't be shocked at all if Grossman throws for five touchdowns and
the Gators win by 30. Tennessee QBs tend to get destroyed the first time they come to The
Swamp, and if Alex Brown gets rolling, forget our pick.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 5
Our Prediction: Tennessee 27, Florida 23
Expanded News: Florida comes into the SEC East showdown having won 12 of the
last 15 meetings with Tennessee, including seven of the last eight. … The Gators have
won each of the last seven meetings in Gainesville, last losing at UF in 1971, Phil
Fulmer’s senior year at UT. … The winner of this game has participated in the
SEC Football Championship Game as the Eastern Division Champion every year except 1992 and
1997. … The Gators have established a SEC record for most consecutive seasons (12
from 1990-2001) with nine-plus wins, one more than the old SEC mark of 11 straight
nine-win seasons held by Alabama (1971-81). UF’s current streak of 12 years with at
least 12 wins ranks among the three longest streaks in that category in major college
history. … The Gators enter this SEC East title-deciding game with the
conference’s top squad in each of the four main categories: Scoring Offense (45.0
ppg.), Scoring Defense (12.1 ppg.), Total Offense (539.6 ypg.) and Total Defense (278.2
ypg.). So why should UF be worried? With RB Earnest Graham injured, the Gators lack a
proven rusher, and in a series in which the team with the most rushing yardage has won 10
out of 11, that could prove costly. … Of Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer’s 13 SEC
losses since becoming head coach at UT, seven have been to the Florida Gators. In fact, he
is 2-7 against Florida. … This is the first time since 1995 that the Vols have not
had an open week prior to the game. … In each of the last seven seasons and 10 of the
last 12, both teams have entered this game ranked in the top 10. The last three meetings
have been decided by five points or less with 13 of the 30 meetings decided by seven
points or less. … Fulmer is tied with Hall of Fame coach Gen. Robert R. Neyland for
the most 10-win seasons at Tennessee with five. … Tennessee holds a 40-8-1 all-time
record in the month of December. … The Volunteers boast the SEC’s fourth-ranked
scoring offense (30.1 ppg.) and are sixth in the conference in total offense (403.7 ypg.).
Defensively, UT ranked second in scoring defense (17.1 ppg.), and second in total defense
(295.1 ypg.). … As in years past, the key to a Volunteers’ victory will be
scoring touchdowns in the Red Zone. The Vols are marking up six points on only 32.4
percent of their Red Zone opportunities. The Big Orange found out last year that field
goals will not cut it against the Gators.
No. 3 Texas 10-1 (–9) at No. 9 Colorado 9-2
Why to watch: There's no one on the planet who reasonably thought these two
would be meeting up in the Big XII title game this week, but here they are. It wasn't
shocking that Colorado beat Nebraska — it was the dominating way they blew through
the Huskers. Texas has been under the national radar since the loss to Oklahoma, blowing
out everyone in its path, including Colorado, and turning into one of college football's
most complete teams.
One reason why Texas might win: The offense didn't really show its hand against
Texas A&M and might open up. Believing the Aggies had no real shot of scoring much,
the Longhorns waited for the two quarters the wind was with them and then did what it
needed to do on offense, but never really opened it up. Against Colorado, they'll attack
more using RB Cedric Benson early then waiting for WRs Roy Williams and B.J. Johnson to
get the one-on-one matchups that QB Chris Simms can exploit. Texas has the No. 3 run
defense in the nation, giving up 77 yards per game. The Longhorns won't get run over like
Nebraska did.
One reason why Colorado might win: The running backs. If the running game is
anywhere near the level it was against Nebraska, look out. It's asking too much for Texas
to tackle as poorly as Nebraska did last week, but with the way Chris Brown and Bobby
Purify ran and with Cortlen Johnson returning, who's questionable with a knee injury, the
Buffs believe they can move the ball on anyone. Texas stuffed the Colorado running game in
their previous meeting, holding them to 124 yards, but the real key was how the
Longhorns’ defense stuffed the Buffs on third down. QB Bobby Pesavento has greatly
improved since then and QB Craig Ochs is probable.
We think: Texas sort of slogged through its schedule, out-talenting teams after the
Oklahoma loss while believing its title hopes were pretty much over. The Longhorns got
though Texas A&M with a vanilla game plan without much worry that the Aggies could put
up points and then planned on relaxing until their bowl game. Then Oklahoma State pulled
off the miracle and the Texas program was rejuvenated with a fire it didn't show all year.
We think Colorado used up all its emotional energy on Nebraska and while the Buffs have
one of the nation's most talented teams, Texas is something special.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 5
Our Prediction: Texas 38, Colorado 17
Expanded News: QB Bobby Pesavento will get the start Saturday against Texas in
the Big XII Championship Game even though Craig Ochs is healthy enough to play. … DT
Justin Bannan (hamstring), DE Tyler Brayton (ankle), DB Matt Duren (knee), OL Wayne Lucier
(ankle), DB Michael Lewis (foot) and DB Robbie Robinson (knee) are probable. DB Donald
Strickland (shoulder) is questionable and LB Kory Mossoni (back) is out. … If RB
Cortlen Johnson is healthy, he will get the start at running back. … The big question
is if the Buffaloes have enough in them emotionally after last week’s huge win.
… Texas ORG Antwan Kirk-Hughes plans to play in Saturday’s game against
Colorado. He aggravated an ankle injury against Texas A&M. … The 41-7 score from
the two teams’ previous matchup is misleading. Colorado had well over 200 yards on
Texas in the first half of their game in Austin. Despite the yardage, turnovers doomed the
Buffaloes and led to the rout. … Texas offensive coordinator Greg Davis is looking to
be two-dimensional on offense after the Longhorns have struggled against Oklahoma and
Texas A&M.
Oregon State 5-5 at No. 4 Oregon 9-1 (–10)
Why to watch: The Civil War has gone really big time in its 105th year with a
corporate sponsor, a Heisman candidate and, if all the planets align perfectly, perhaps a
national title shot. Oregon wants payback, and then some, after the 23-13 loss last year
and QB Joey Harrington wants to exorcise his demons with a big game and a trip to New
York.
One reason why Oregon State might win: The Beavers’ offense has started to
roll again with RB Ken Simonton getting on track and QB Jonathan Smith playing better the
last few weeks. Oregon's defense gives up a ton of yards and the Beavers appear to have
all the weapons to stay in the game if this is a shootout. OSU's pass defense is the best
in the Pac-10 and could frustrate Harrington if the Ducks’ running game isn't
working.
One reason why Oregon might win: The Beavers might slow down the Ducks’
passing game with its great secondary. No matter. RBs Maurice Morris and Onterrio Smith
have been the stars of the offense over the last month anyway and will slice through the
Beavers’ run defense.
We think: Oregon State just isn't that good. Oh sure, this is a better Beavers team
than the "No. 1" squad at the beginning of the year, but Oregon has had three
weeks to rest up and prepare and the Ducks are going to play their best game of the year.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 5
Our Prediction: Oregon 45, Oregon State 23
Expanded News: Oregon enjoys a three-game winning streak over the Beavers at
Autzen Stadium. OSU last won at Autzen in 1993 by a score of 15-12. … George
Wrighster, the No. 2 tight end, hasn't practiced because of a "sore" hamstring
suffered against UCLA on Nov. 10 but is considered likely to play against Oregon State.
… QB Joey Harrington was named the Pac-10's Offensive Player of the Year. OSU
intercepted Harrington five times during last year’s Civil War. … Oregon State
is currently on a two-game winning streak. The Beavers have a four-game home winning
streak, a one-game Pac-10 winning streak and a three-game road losing streak. … The
Beavers' 6-0 record at Reser Stadium in 2000 is the most wins ever in one season at home.
OSU was 5-1 at Reser Stadium in 1999 and 4-1 in 2001. … It has taken Oregon State
only two seasons to accumulate as many victories (16) as it did from 1990-97. … SS
Calvin Carlyle is out for the season, QB Shayne House, TB Riley Jenkins, and LB Seth Lacey
are all questionable for Oregon.
No. 6 Nebraska is idle
No. 7 Maryland is idle
No. 8 Illinois is idle
No. 10 BYU 11-0 (-5) at Mississippi State 3-7
Why to watch: This is one of the more interesting contrasts of the year. It's
the high-octane BYU offense against the Bulldogs’ defense that suddenly has its bite
back after a win over arch-rival Mississippi. BYU is fired up and looking for national
respect, but the question is whether or not the Bulldogs can gear the emotion back up
again after last week.
One reason why BYU might win: This isn't the "Mississippi State" defense.
What we mean is that this isn't the killer group of the past and it is beatable. Part of
the problem is the MSU offense bogs down and puts the defense in a horrible position.
Penalties and turnovers have been a big problem for the Bulldogs, committing 93 penalties
and giving it away 23 times. BYU doesn't need any help.
One reason why Mississippi State might win: BYU can't stop the run at all and the
Bulldogs’ running game is finally cooking. With RBs Dicenzo Miller and Dontae Walker
as close to healthy as they've been all year, the Bulldogs should easily pound away at the
Cougars.
We think: It all depends on Mississippi State's attitude. If the Bulldogs come out
fired up and with a feeling that they have something to prove, they'll win on the legs of
Miller and Walker. We think they feel like they've already won their bowl game by beating
Mississippi and won't get pumped up. BYU has found ways to win close games this year.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 4
Our Prediction: BYU 27, Mississippi State 24
Expanded News: Coming off Mississippi State’s Egg Bowl victory over Ole
Miss, the Bulldogs now face a BYU scoring machine led by QB Brandon Doman, the nation's
seventh-rated passer. Doman has completed 221-of-346 passes (63.9%) for 2,926 yards, with
26 touchdowns and five interceptions for the undefeated Cougars. … MSU has posted a
147-106-10 (.578) record all-time against teams that are not members of the Southeastern
Conference, and an impressive 26-6-1 (.803) mark in regular-season, non-conference games
since Jackie Sherrill assumed the head coaching reins in 1991. … Sophomore QB Kevin
Fant’s 263 passing yards against Ole Miss last weekend were the most since Derrick
Taite threw for 288 yards at Auburn in 1995. … MSU won the only other meeting with
BYU 44-28 in Provo, Utah, during the 2000 season. … The Bulldogs will need a steady
defensive performance, and continued help from their offense if they hope to pull off a
second straight upset at home.
No. 11 Oklahoma is idle
No. 12 Stanford 8-2 (–19) at San Jose State 3-8
Why to watch: Whoopee! We've had a great season and might be in the top ten in
the nation after this week, so for the holidays we're going to … Seattle? Stanford
has accepted a bid to play in the Seattle Bowl but the Cardinal can't look forward to that
game just yet, as San Jose State has upset Stanford in each of the last three meetings.
Unfortunately, this is one of the few times two Division-I black head coaches will face
each other.
One reason why Stanford might win: The San Jose State defense is the nation's worst
giving up 504 yards a game whether they're needed or not. This will be just the cure for
Stanford's suddenly stagnant offense.
One reason why San Jose State might win: The Spartans always find a bit of magic
against Stanford. Sure the Cardinal has more talent just about everywhere, but the
Spartans have an offense explosive enough to put up 60+ points twice this year. QB Marcus
Arroyo has caught fire again.
We think: Stanford is playing too lethargically and San Jose State has such a weird
hex on the Cardinal that we can't see a blowout, but we do think Stanford will break the
losing streak.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 2
Our Prediction: Stanford 41, San Jose State 23
Expanded News: WR Teyo Johnson was named the conference's co-Freshman of the
Year, along with Washington WR Reggie Williams. … 3-8 San Jose State lost its
"rivalry game" to Fresno State 40-21 thanks in part to a season-high six
turnovers and a pathetic 33 yards on the ground. The Spartans were able to amass 492 total
yards but it wasn’t enough to prevent an eighth straight defeat at the hands of the
Bulldogs. … San Jose head coach Fitz Hill calls Saturday’s contest against
Stanford the Spartans’ "bowl game."
No. 13 Washington State is idle
No. 15 South Carolina is idle
Houston 0-10 at No. 16 Georgia 7-3 (-31.5)
Why to watch: A Georgia win gets the Bulldogs a better bowl bid while Houston is
just looking for a win. We want to see how many yards Georgia RB Verron Hayes will run
for.
One reason why Houston might win: Georgia has never beaten Houston, going 0-2-1.
Sure, they haven't played since 1974, but the Cougars need as many good luck omens as
possible.
One reason why Georgia might win: Houston's defense has given up an average of 450
yards the last four games and gives up 40 points per game. Georgia's offense should
have little trouble moving the ball.
We think: Unless Georgia is suffering a hangover from the big road wins against
Mississippi and Georgia Tech, they'll coast.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 2
Our Prediction: Georgia 45, Houston 20
Expanded News: Georgia is 25-14-2 vs. current Conference USA members (3-2 vs.
Southern Miss, 0-2-1 vs. Houston, 3-0 vs. TCU, 2-0 vs. Cincinnati, 1-0 vs. East Carolina,
2-0 vs. Memphis, 14-10-1 vs. Tulane). … A win this weekend would give the Bulldogs
their first season sweep of non-conference opponents since 1997. … UGA seeks its
fifth consecutive 8-plus-win season, which would break the record of four straight set
from 1980-1983 (the Bulldogs posted seasons of 12-0, 10-2, 11-1, 10-1-1 over that four
year span). Georgia can also post five consecutive seasons where it has finished ranked in
the Associated Press final Top 20; the record of four also belongs to the 1980-1983
squads. … QB David Greene now holds the Georgia record, and ranks second in SEC
history, for Most Passing Yards by a freshman (2,579). Greene trails Kentucky's Jared
Lorenzen, who had 3,687 in 2000.
No. 17 Michigan is idle
No. 18 Syracuse is idle
No. 19 Washington is idle
No. 20 Marshall 10-1 (–2) at Toledo 8-2
MAC Championship Game
Why to watch: The Herd are talking "One For The Thumb In 2001"
shooting for its fifth straight MAC title. Neither team has looked that strong coming into
the MAC Championship game as Marshall needed everything in its arsenal to get past I-AA
Youngstown State last week, needing a late interception for a score to seal the game.
Toledo was badly thumped by Bowling Green. Three of the nation's best players will be on
display as Marshall's marvelous pitch and catch combo of QB Byron Leftwich to WR Darius
Watts will have to outduel Toledo RB Chester Taylor.
One reason why Marshall might win: Marshall expects to win. In the 1999 MAC title
game, Western Michigan had Marshall dead and buried, but QB Chad Pennington led the Herd
to the win on the way to a perfect season. Even if Toledo gets up and things are all going
the Rockets' way, everyone in the Marshall program will still believe it will win. If
Toledo gets down early, the Rockets might be thinking back to last week's game against
Bowling Green and worry about the Marshall mystique and might lose confidence. Toledo is a
veteran team and will have to honestly believe it can win and keep playing hard for four
quarters. If not, Marshall's attitude and confidence will take over.
One reason why Toledo might win: Marshall can't stop the run. The Herd’s
offense can control the game, but they need to be on the field. The Herd’s rushing
defense gives up more than 211 yards per game on the ground while Toledo runs for 206
yards per contest. Chester Taylor is going to run wild on the Herd, but they can keep him
off the field by controlling the clock. Bowling Green held the ball for 37:36 against
Toledo by converting on third down and running well. Marshall got a 104-yard running day
out of Brandon Carey last week and he'll need to have a strong game and Leftwich will have
to take the plays Toledo gives him underneath.
We think: Marshall isn't a Top 25 caliber team because of its lousy run defense and
inability to stonewall any offense, but the Herd keeps on winning because of a superstar
passing combo and the attitude that they should win every game. Toledo has the running
game that will give Marshall nightmares as we think Taylor will run for 200 yards and
three touchdowns, with or without banged-up QB Tavares Bolden in the lineup. In the end,
this is Marshall. The Herd doesn't lose big games and they own the MAC title game.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 5
Our Prediction: Marshall 34, Toledo 31
Expanded News: Even with bad back spasms, Toledo QB Tavares Bolden will start.
… Despite rumors that they'd look elsewhere, the GMAC Bowl will find a Conference USA
team to play Marshall. Look for Southern Miss to get the bid. … The game probably
won't be a sellout. There are 5,000 seats still remaining in the 26,248 seat stadium.
… Marshall's leading rusher Franklin Wallace will play despite a sprained
ankle.
Utah State 4-6 at No. 21 Fresno State 10-2 (–21)
Why to watch: Fresno State already has its ticket punched for the Silicon Valley
Bowl, but this still should be a high-scoring game with plenty of fireworks. Utah State's
offense is one of the nation's most fun to watch and the two teams should combine for 900+
yards of offense.
One reason why Utah State might win: Fresno State could be taking this game
extremely lightly now that it knows what bowl game it’s in. The Utah State offense is
potent enough to give Fresno State problems if it doesn't play hard.
One reason why Fresno State might win: Utah State doesn't stop anyone. The Aggies
give up more than 35 points per game and star QB David Carr should add to his
record-setting season.
We think: The Bulldogs are coming off a 610-yard day against San Jose State and
should approach that against the Aggies.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 3
Our Prediction: Fresno State 51, Utah State 27
Expanded News: Fresno State head coach Pat Hill is doing everything possible to
keep his team from taking Utah State lightly. The motivation is to stay in the Top 25 for
Fresno State knowing a loss, or even a bad performance, could cost them. … Fresno
State senior QB David Carr has been selected as the recipient of the 2001 Johnny Unitas
Golden Arm Award, presented to the nation's top senior collegiate QB. … Utah State's
only win against a ranked team in school history was its 20-19 win against 25th-ranked
Fresno State in 1991. However, Utah State has not fared well in its history against teams
that were ranked at game time and in fact is 1-34 all-time. Utah State will be meeting its
fourth ranked team this season, which marks the most teams in the top 25 of the AP poll
the Aggies have played in a season. … Utah State and Fresno State are tied in the
all-time series with a 9-9-1 record. Fresno State leads 7-2 in games played in Fresno,
including the last meeting in the series, a 30-14 Bulldogs win on Sept. 25, 1993.
No. 25 Auburn 7-3 at No. 22 LSU 7-3 (–7)
Why to watch: It doesn't get much bigger than this as the winner will go on to
Atlanta next week with a shot at the SEC title and a BCS berth. The loser will have to
battle it out with the 352 other bowl-eligible SEC teams for a decent bowl game.
One reason why Auburn might win: Head coach Tommy Tuberville is 4-2 against LSU,
winning four straight against the Fighting Tigers, including two consecutive wins in Baton
Rouge. Under Tuberville, Auburn is 19-1 when scoring 20 or more points in a game,
including a perfect 19-0 mark in the regular season. LSU gives up 23.4 points per game,
with Mississippi State being the only SEC team to be held by the Tigers under 20 points.
One reason why LSU might win: We don't think Auburn has quite enough offense to
outpunch LSU if the lethal trio of QB Rohan Davey, RB LaBrandon Toefield and WR Josh Reed
get going. In Auburn's three losses, it gave up 142 yards and three touchdowns to
Syracuse's James Mungro, 99 yards and a score to Arkansas' Matt Jones and 326 yards and
two touchdowns to the Alabama rushing tandem of Santonio Beard and Ahmaad Galloway. With
the tear Toefield is on coming off a 173-yard, three-touchdown day against Arkansas,
Auburn could be in trouble.
We think: We're 100 percent sure of one thing — the Tigers will win.
Must Watch Rating (5 must see - 1 only 24 shopping days til Xmas): 5
Our Prediction: LSU 31, Auburn 17
Expanded News: Auburn will be seeking its second longest winning streak in the
LSU series (three games), since defeating the Bengal Tigers in four consecutive meetings
in 1989, ‘92, ‘93, and ’94 Auburn has won three of the last four games
against LSU. … Dating back to 1973, only four of the 14 meetings have been decided by
14 points or more. … The key to Auburn wearing the SEC West crown will be the play of
their quarterback (Daniel Cobb or Jason Campbell), and the ability to get Casinious Moore
quality yards. ... The game will mark the 13th time in the series that one or both of the
schools has been ranked in the Associated Press poll. It will also be the seventh time in
the last eight meetings (since 1994) that one or both have been ranked entering the game.
… LSU, boasting the SEC’s second-ranked passing attack (318.4 ypg.) seems to
have the advantage, as both squads have similar ground games. Even though it seems like a
cliché, how LSU matches up to the Auburn special teams could be the key to who travels to
Atlanta.
No. 23 Ohio State is idle
No. 24 Louisville is idle |
