Cats Fall Again...

With 11:58 remaining in the 4^th quarter, South Carolina’s kicker Ryan Succop made a forty two yard field goal to tie the game at 17. With the game tied and Kentucky’s offense being nonexistent, worry filled Commonwealth Stadium. Two offense and defensive sets later, the Cats faithful fears came to fruition. The Gamecock offense made the plays needed to in order to score a touchdown in the waining moments to squeak out with a narrow victory and send the Wildcats to 0-2 in conference play.

It was an ugly game from the opening gun. South Carolina’s starting quarterback Chris Smelly threw two interceptions and a fumble all in the first half. The tremendous mistakes, seemed uncostly however because Kentucky could not create any points off the turnovers.

Time and time again the Wildcats stalled and could not produce any spark on offense. Mike Hartline continued to struggle as he overthrew, underthrew and misthrew recieverx. A statistic that was the most telling of the Cats struggles was a 1 for 16 conversion mark on 3^rd down. The lack of conversions continually gave the Cocks oppurtunities to get off the offensive downslide they too were on.

Following a dismal first drive in the second half, Steve Spurrier did as he has done so often in this season and pulled Smelly in favor of Stephen Garcia. Garcia gave the South Carolina offense a spark and a renewed sense of purpose. Garcia finished the game throwing 10 for 14 on 169 yards and a touchdown.

With the loss Kentucky now falls to 4-2 and 0-2 in the SEC. The offensive identity is one of little production and as today proves, it is too much to ask the defense to win the game, They simply cannot be on the field for a majority of a game and not let up any source of production…Arkansas will come to town next week and the Cats need this win in order to save the season.

Entering the Fourth....Its a Cats Narrow Lead

South Carolina 14, Kentucky 17

Kentucky opened up the third quarter with some trickery as they attempted an onside kick. The kick fooled NO ONE as South Carolina recovered and started the half with positive field position. The field position proved to be unusful for the Cocks as they were held to negative yards and missed another field goal for the Cats to maintain the 3 point edge.

In the Wildcats opening drive of the half, they once again gained 12 yards through the air to move the chains. BUT, as had been the case all game, the offense then went back to conservative football and punted within three plays.

On Kentucky’s second offensive drive of the half momentum and condifence seemed to emit from the offense. The running game was able to pick up 3 yards a carry, the offensive line was blocking the pass rush and giving Mike Hartline time to through as well as Mike Hartline succeeded in hitting his targets. Through such offensive execution they were able to eat up more than four minutes of clock. The drive though left the Cats pointless as they superb drive stalled and the kicker missed wide left on a fourty five yard attempt.

In a move of frustration and deperation, Coach Steve Spurrier yanked Chris Smelly out of quarterback and inserted Stephen Garcia. Spurrier’s move to Garcia seemed to be spark the offense early as he was able to scramble around and move the ball down the field successfully. But once a little momentum was gained by the Gamecocks, the defense held their ground and made two CRUCIAL stops. The stops prevented any points to be out on the board as kicker Ryan Succop missed his third field goal attempt of the game.

Both teams seem to be struggling for offensive movement; however it has been the COSTLY GAMECOCK turnovers that have lead to Kentucky’s lead heading into the fourth quarter.

Mistake Ridden Half...But Cats lead!

South Carolina 14, Kentucky 17

The first half of the game was extremely discouraging for both teams as fumbles, interceptions, and special team miscues have run rampant all game long.

The Wildcats scored their first touchdown on a 28 yard interception touchdown. But without allowing momentum to swing or confidence to be gained, the Cocks ran back the ensuing kick into the redzone and tossed a touchdown within one minute of the initial Kentucky score.

Off a Chris Smelly fumble, the Wildcats were given excellent field position however failed to turn it into a touchdown. Inserting Ryan Tydlacka, their field goal was blocked and ran back 81 yards to put the Gamecocks on top 14-7.

Back to back drives, both teams squandered to muster up anything resembling an offense. And once again a Gamecock turnover by way of a fumble gave the Cats another excellent opportunity to knot up the score.

On this drive, the Cats offense was not impressive and would have been forced to settle for only a field goal attempt, however a costly pass interference gave the Wildcats the ball on the goal line, and they punched the ball in to tie the game 14 all.

With a few minutes left on the clock Kentucky held the ball for over three minutes and amassed 45 yards but stalled again. BUT, this time the field goal unit would be a success as Ryan Tydlacka hit a career long of a 59 yard kick to give Kentucky the lead at half time 17-14.

First Quarter Recap:

South Carolina 7, Kentucky 7

After two consecutive series for both offenses of struggles, the Cats and Cocks have began lighting up the scoreboard and end the 1^st quarter in a 7-7 tie.

Both offenses have seen woes. For the Gamecocks, Chris Smelly, coming off an ALL SEC day last week, but this week seems to be back in the mistake prone ways of his career thus far. Smelly has overthrown receivers and killed drives. Making it harder on Smelly is the lack of production from running back Mike Smith. Their opening drive seemed to have success but once stalled, the field goal kicker could not make a fourty yarded and turned it over to the Cats. On the second drive in typical Chris Smelly fashion, he under threw McKinley as Kentucky corner Trevard Lindley intercepted the ball and ran untouched down the sideline for a 28 yard touchdown.

Following the Cats score, a miscue on the kick return unit set the Cocks up with field position in the red zone and they were able to capitalize. Chris Smelly made up for the under throw by hitting veteran Keenan McKinley for a 16 yard score and tie game.

Kentucky’s offense again has seen its struggles in the opening quarter. After the opening play that saw Derrick Locke burst around the outside for a strong ten yard gain, the offense has been nonexistent.

Coming off the South Carolina score, quarterback Mike Hartline once again made a mistake throwing into a crowded zone and got picked off. With the ball in Kentucky territory, the Old Ball Coach looked to make the Wildcats pay for the costly turnover. However, it was the Wildcat defense which again, picked up the slack of the offense and stopped the South Carolina aariel attack as Smelly consecutively overthrew a receiver on each of the first two downs, the third down Smelly again misread coverage and tossed the ball to a Kentucky defender.

With the second interception of the day, the Kentucky offense came out on a mission. Mike Hartline immediately threw a 16 yard pass to Randall Cobb to begin the drive. However, following the big pass, the offense again went conservative and was forced to punt it back to the struggling and mistake prone Gamecock offense.

AND ONCE AGAIN, on the opening play of the drive, Chris Smelly was pressured rushed around and coughed the ball up as Kentucky once again recovered the fumble.

Right out of the box, again the Wildcats went to the air as Mike Hartline hit a wide open Derrick Locke who screamed down the sideline to gain 16 yards and put the Wildcats in the redzone.

Gamecock/Wildcats Pre-Game Observations

Down on the field before the game, the Gamecocks looked prepared for an SEC slugfest as they broke there team huddle with a loud and ravenous Beat UK cheer.
This is a very telling sign that this game means alot to both schools. Kentucky can NOT face an 0-2 SEC conference record and with a Gamecock loss they lose any chance of getting to a credible bowl as they will have three conference loses...

The Game is set to start and this promises to be a good one.

Week 7 College Projections

Hello again! It’s Saturday in the BLUEGRASS and College Football Saturday across the nation. The Kentucky Wildcats have a HUGE SEC battle against the South Carolina Gamecocks at home and you can bet catch all the latest news from the game right here on southsportsnews.com!

Not only do the Cats have a huge showdown, college football has a FULL SLEIGHT of tough games this week! Last week I didn’t fair to well in my projections outside of SEC play. I lost both UPSET Specials and overall went 4-3 in game selection. BUT with SEC games, I went undefeated and projected the UPSET of South Carolina over Ole Miss and VANDY over Auburn… This week is an exciting one for college football as TRUE COMPETITORS will emerge and the phonies will be revealed…Here is how I feel the big games will break down:

ACC- Clemson O Georgia Tech

Big East- Cincinnati O Rutgers

Big 12- Missouri O Oklahoma State

Big 10- Northwestern O Michigan State

Pac Ten- USC o Arizona State

BCS BUSTER Pick- BYU o New Mexico

**UPSET SPECIAL**

1) North Carolina Over Notre Dame

2) Texas O Oklahoma

SEC PREDICTIONS

1) Kentucky O South Carolina- South Carolina has been unimpressive all season, although they got things going last week, SO did KENTUCKY…the DEFENSE is even better than expected…KENTUCKY offense continues to improve and @ the Commonwealth KENTUCKY WINS…

2) Vanderbilt O Mississippi State- This is not the BOWL team from last year…Vandy is playing with too much confidence to even stumble in Starkville…VANDY…

3) Georgia O Tennessee- The Dawgs are coming off a BYE and ANXIOUS to avenge the Alabama loss…Tennessee struggled against NORTHERN ILLINOIS at home…this one will be UGLY….GEORGIA…

4) Auburn O Arkansas- Arkansas is the worst in the SEC as they are rebuilding with a first year coach. At home, Auburn WILL NOT LOSE…it will be close because the AUBURN offense lacks any cohesion, but Auburn will win due to defense and far superior talent..AUBURN

5) LSU O Florida- Florida has really unimpressed me…last week they lost at home to a lesser Ole Miss and this week although the FINAL SCORE was a blow out @ ARK, they struggled and made too many mistakes…LSU is coming off a BYE WEEK and is clearly thinking Back-to-Back Nat’l Titles…LSU wins in a tight one…

Big Blue Madness Opens The BIG Kentucky Weekend

With Big Blue Madness kicking off the excitement to a BIG FOOTBALL weekend in the Bluegrass, Rupp Arena was filled tonight to view the new look Kentucky Wildcats basketball squad..

Tonight’s theme a will be “NEW” and “RESURGENCE”. In what is now the second year of the Billy Gillespie era, his plan has been installed and his players have come to play for his philosophy. Entering tonight, Gillespie had an excitement in his voice as he stated how this team was the MOST conditioned that he has been apart of.

The well-conditioned unit should be an important factor to the Cats early success this season, as last years loss to lesser opponents seemed to be the because of a lack of conditioning.

To EMPHASIZE the theme of NEW, the Kentucky Wildcats will also be changing their threads to a new look designed exclusively by the Nike Corporation. The new uniforms will lend to the traditions of the Kentucky bluegrass region and pay homage to teams of the past.

With a change in personnel and uniforms, the season begins tonight with the fan spectacle that is Big BLUE Madness!

Vols Need Turn Around Against Georgia

The last time the Dawgs took the field they were embarrassed, outplayed, and overmatched against the Alabama Crimson Tide. Play was sloppy and the team looked fatigued to a three week stretch which they faced SEC rival South Carolina, a #15 west-coast Arizona State team, then Bama.

Going 2-1 in such a daunting stretch is not bad. BUT it wasn’t just a loss, it was a massacre. The defense gave up a season highs in yardage, rushing, and the ultimate: points. Now, following the bye Mark Richt says his team is refreshed and prepared for the next segment of the schedule, which begins Saturday against the Tennessee Volunteers.

As Georgia is anxious to take the field and avenge their past performance, the story is different on old Rocky Top. The program is in crisis. Boosters and fans are calling for Coach Fulmer to be fired and internet sites are already listing possible candidates for his replacement.

The reason for the uproar and anger in the Vol Nation is their offensive woes. Tennessee brought back their entire offensive line and had a running back in Aarian Foster that was looked at as to have an outside shot at the Heisman early in the season. But the “O” has struggled and ranks 9^th in total offense in the SEC. The lack of offensive production caused a change at quarterback last week, and the Volunteers STILL struggled as Northern Illinois as they could only muster up one offensive score late in the 13-9 victory.

But, although the sky is FALLING in Knoxville, should be reminded of last season’s East Conference championship squad. The Volunteers struggled early last year but were able to turn the season around against the Georgia Dawgs. Georgia was ranked 13^th in the country and Tennessee dominated the Bulldogs in a 35-14 beat down.

Mark Richt is all to aware of what occurred last year and is hoping that such a let down does not happen again.

“I think you realize what kind of team they are and I think the situation, especially last year, is kind of the same as far as us being ranked and them not being ranked. I think hopefully our team can be mature enough to know that it was the same situation last year. Hopefully we will be able to use that as a sign that we need to get up and get ready to play.”

With the Bulldogs aware of the Volunteer struggles entering the game, it will be interesting to see the amount of fight the Vols have left. If Georgia doesn’t come out and squash the Volunteers spirit early, it might be a second straight win and turnaround for the Vols.

Gamecocks enter the Commonwealth

Last season it was the Cats riding a 5-0 high after defeating a National Title competitor Arkansas Razorbacks in Fayetteville and dominating the rest of the schedule that headed to Columbia with a upstart #8 ranking and a outside shot to send shockwaves through the land with a victory. However, as it tunred out the Gamecocks were ready for Kentucky as they dominated the game, sent Kentucky home with a loss that spiraled into a mediocre 7-5 season.

This season, it’s the Gamecocks that will come to the Commonwealth off their best offensive performance of the season in defeating Ole Miss in the last seconds. Coach Steve Spurrier’s woes for his squad has always been consistency at quarterback, but QB Chris Smelly might be grasping the speed of the game and life in the SEC as he threw for 327 yards and three touchdowns as he won the SEC Offensive Player of the Week and set career marks on throwing, touchdowns, and completion percentage.

Although the Gamecocks seemed to have righted their season last week, Spurrier seemed unimpressed and focused in on the coming week as he said “The team played well but made to many mistakes to truly contend in the SEC Eastern Conference.”

Spurrier knows of his successes against Kentucky as he has amassed 17-0 record and has outscored Kentucky teams 40-16 per game.

“We’ve had success against Kentucky because we’ve generally had a lot better team than they did,” said Spurrier.

His past successed though, deem in no way will determine the outcome to this match up as Kentucky sophomore running back stated Thursday, “Those were previous years. This is a different year,” added tailback Derrick Locke. “I’m not saying we’re going to beat them, but you can’t go off the past. They still have to show up to play. ... Hopefully we can change that.”

And change might already be in the air as the Blue and White enter the game leading the SEC in scoring defense and are confusing offenses across the nation. It is Kentucky’s defense which MUST put points on the board for the Cats to get their first conference victory.

The defense plans to welcome back injured linebacker Micah Johnson from a sprained ankle which should add in defensive pressures and stopping the strong Carolina passing attack.

On offense, the Cats are coming off another tough outing, however the team is getting better. Although QB Mike Hartline did make some bad throws and a crucial mistake which resulted in an Alabama touchdown, he is progressing in grasping the offense. To aid in offensive production, quarterback slash receiver Randall Cobb is coming back into the lineup for the first time since injuring his ankle early in the September 13^th matchup against Middle Tennessee.

Cobb gives the Cats a different look on offense when he is in the game as he can create plays through scrambling runs as well as throw a deeper ball than Hartline. Cobb’s presence back into the line-up is CRUCIAL for Kentucky to win.

Last week, the Cats fell to the #2 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide in a close battle 17-14. However Kentucky was not satisfied with the close game and did not even take a moral victory in the narrow loss.

“Playing close was not good enough. Playing close doesn’t get you the win, playing close doesn’t get you ranked and playing close does nothing for you,” said Micah Johnson.

Johnson then added,” The mindset is to play mistake free ball and we got the mindset that we can beat anybody, so it’s a mindset to get better and eliminate the mental mistakes.” And if the Cats can eliminate the mental mistakes, the Cats might be able to come out with a key victory in a rugged SEC Eastern Conference.

Big Game in Deciding National TItle

SEC GAME OF THE WEEK-

LSU(4) @ Florida(11)

In a battle between the past two National Champions, the Florida Gators will host the LSU Tigers in a game that will likely lead to an inside track on a Nation Title appearance.

Last year a young and inexperienced Florida Gators took a 14 point lead into the fourth quarter in Baton Rouge against a 5-0 Bayou Bengals. Youth caused the Gators to fail at closing out the game and the Tigers made an improbable comeback which led to an eventual SEC championship and National Title.

This year, once again the Gators get an undefeated and confident Tiger team. In the past two weeks, Florida has struggled in every aspect of the game. They have turned the ball over, made careless penalties, and have failed to consistently run the ball. The lack of consistent and national title caliber play has led Urban Meyer to call unheard of Sunday practices the past two weeks in an attempt to ameliorate the inconsistent play the Gators have been showing.

As for the LSU, in what is supposed to be a rebuilding year for the Tigers, Les Miles has gotten this prepared and has gradually seen progression in play through the season to lend to a undefeated record. The major question however, is at the quarterback position. The uncertain #1 starter has gives a lack of consistency to the offense. The lack of a clear #1 at quarterback has led to mediocre play in the pass game. However, during the showdown with Western rival the Auburn Tigers, Jarrett Lee appeared to begin better grasping the offense in leading a last second win to a number nine ranked Auburn Tigers. Lee’s performance, impressive as it was, was not enough to out and out win the starter role as Les Miles said in his Monday news conference that though he will start with Lee at quarterback but Andrew Hatch will also enter the game at some point in the first few series’.

In a recent interview, defensive tackle Ricky Jean-Francois stated that he and his team was going to aim at taking Florida quarterback Tim Teebow out. The last time a team issued bulliten board material, the Miami Hurricanes in week 2, they got dominated and got the score ran up on them late. Francois’ bold proclamation adds fuel to an already fierce and angry Florida team that is needing to make a BIG statement following the lack luster and embarrassing loss at home to Ole Miss and inconsistent game with the Razorbacks last weekend .

This fierce rivalry has been dominated by LSU, as they have won 3 of the last 4. However, other than last year, whenever the Tigers entered a game with the Gators undefeated, they have lost. Trends are bound to change after this game…which one it will be is yet to be decided. Another addition to this SEC rivalry will be written Saturday at 5pm.

Rocky Top Troubles

Big Orange Continue to Struggle

The sleight looked daunting heading into the season for the In-coming SEC Eastern Champion Tennessee Volunteers, however no one would have projected that entering the clash with the Georgia Bulldogs the Vols would be at the bottom at the conference and in such a crisis. No one, except for…well me.

Looking down the schedule in July, I thought it would be daunting. Going into a NEW ERA UCLA team, and then in a matter of weeks have to take on Florida and Auburn is sucession, they were going to struggle. Not only did the schedule look difficult out of the gates, but the Vols had to reload the defense but also insert a NEW quarterback. Both new commodities have taken leaps and jumps backwards as opposed to the 2007 squad.

Along with a new cast of players, the Vols have not been as lucky as they were last season. 2007 was a magical year for Rocky Top as they narrowly defeated teams and got hot when in mattered to truly sneak into the SEC Championship and win the Eastern Conference.

This year the Vols have been exposed and it does not look like it is going to get any better any quicker. The Vols went to a NEW quarterback last week against Northern Illinois at home and still struggled to get any offensive momentum. They hardly played decently on defense also, as they allowed Northern Illinois to control the time of possession with more than 33 minutes of offensive play.

Orange and white faithful are calling for the coach’s head, and people in the Volunteer state are unhappy. Looking down the schedule, they might become more and more perturbed. Their remaining games in October have them facing #10 Georgia, an aggressive Mississippi State squad, and #2 ranked Alabama. These opponents all have a good chance to get a victory over the struggling Vols. If the Vols fail to win 2 of the next 3 they will severely risk any possibility to making a bowl. Missing bowl season for the Vols will be the first time since 2006. But what is worse than that is the fact that Tennessee could see themselves in LAST PLACE in the SEC, which has NOT occurred in over a century….

What will happen in the next few weeks for the Vols will be a telling tale of what is to become of the program and its coach, Phil Fulmer.

Kentucky Must Be Patient

The mindset around the Bluegrass is that Kentucky Football is great…if it weren’t for the quarterback.

Following a rough first half by the sophomore and a instant spark true freshman Randall Cobb gave the offense, fans have wanted changes at the position. However, Head Coach Rich Brooks as has stuck by Mike Hartline as the quarterback for this Kentucky team.

He has since struggled as some thing…but if oyu look at the stats, it proves the latter. Entering the season, Hartline had never taken a colligate snap due Andre Woodson playing in front of him. This year was known to be a difficult transition for the OFFENSE as a whole. The Cats offense lost a lot of talent this past year due to the NFL draft and graduation.

There is no more Rafeal Little to run through holes, no more Keenan Burton, Stevie Johnson, and Jacob Tamme’s to bail out a quarterback. Hartline’s cast is as new and as fresh as he is and with growing competition against teams that have played together longer and are more cohesive he is going to struggle.

The harsh criticism must stop in order for this Cats team to prosper down the stretch. Hartline is the quarterback at Kentcuky and although an error was made last week in Alabama, that gave up a score, that was not the deciding factor to the loss. The offense as a unit faltered. The line could not open up holes, running backs couldn’t shake defenders and receivers could not catch ball that were thrown directly to them.

There is going to be a learning curve and with a weekly progression and maturation of Hartline and this offense the Cats will not only prosper this year, but for years to come as well. As fans we look for the instant gratification, however, Hartline can only get better and this offense will only become more cohesive as a unit with time, so be thankful Cat Nation that the defense is where it is and the offense can grow into an eventual SEC force.

SEC WEST DIVISION STANDINGS SEC EAST DIVISION STANDING
1) Alabama 3-0 (6-0) Next Week-IDLE 1) Vanderbilt 3-0(5-0) Next Week-@Miss St
2) LSU 2-0 (4-0) Next Week-@Fla 2) Florida 2-1 (4-1) Next Week- LSU
3) Auburn 2-2 (4-2) Next Week- Ark 3) Georgia 1-1(4-1) Next Week- Tenn
4) Ole Miss 1-2(3-3) Next Week- IDLE 4) South Carolina 1-2(4-2) Next Week-@Ken
5) Arkansas(0-2) 2-3 Next Week-@Aub 5) Kentucky 0-1(4-1) Next Week- USC
6)Miss State 0-2(1-4)Next Week- Van 6) Tennessee 0-2 (2-3) Next Week- @ GA

Vandy Magic Continues, 5-0

AUBURN(13) @ VANDERBILT(19)-Vanderbilt 14-13

AUBURN- The Auburn Tigers exited the gates hot, gaining 125 yards in the first quarter and sticking in it to the COmmadores with a commanding 13-0 lead. But, following the opening quarter, the same OFFENSIVE INEFFICENCIES haunted the Tigers and caused a LOSS in NASHVILLE and a possible FALL OUT of the TOP 25 Rankings. War Eagle was held to under 100 yards passing and had ELEVEN penalties. Crucial to the LOSS was a MISSED EXTRA POINT that caused the one point loss. The Tigers lack consistant play on both sides of the ball and when in a close game the OFFENSE can not simply do what they need to in order to get the victory. This loss will likely kick them out of ANY CONTENTION to win the SEC WEST DIVISION. Auburn will now head home to take on a struggling Arkasas Razorback team.

VANDERBILT- For the first time in over 50 years the Vanderbilt Commadores are 5-0 and should be with in the TOP 15 at the end of the weekend. The nerves EARLY were over come and once they settled down, they controlled the game. What was even more IMPRESSIVE was the play of JUNIOR QB MacKenzie Adams. He kicked, scratched, clawed, and willed the Vandy team to victory. This team is playing with A LOT of confidence as they now are 3-0 in SEC play. The stats were unimpressive for the ‘Dores as they went a mere 6 for 17 on third down, missed a field goal, and threw an interception which caused Vanderbilt to trail big early. But the WILL and CONFIDENCE of the TEAM led them to VICTORY…TEAM football is key to success and the ATHLETIC TALENT might not be up to SNUFF with the rest of the SEC, BUT with a 22 man effort, the COmmadores sit atop the SEC EAST at 3-0 in conference and 5-0 overall. Their next test will be rested but stuggling Mississippi State team in Starkville…These guys can win this one they would be 6-0 going into a showdown in Athens!

Tennessee Stuggles, But finds a Victory

NORTHERN ILLINOIS @ TENNESSEE- Tennessee 13-9

TENNESSEE- As the FIRE COACH FULMER chants grow louder and louder the Volunteers struggled once again at home against a 2-3 Northern Illinois team. In hopes to spark the OFFENSE, the Vols went to sophomore Nick Stevens in favor of Jonathon Crompton at quarterback. The change at the key position still resulted in the same problems and offensive woes. The Vols were an OBISMAL 3 for 13 on third down and trailed after one quarter 3-0 only to muster a field goal in the second to enter halftime tied. Following half time ROCKY TOP’s offense continued to stuggle. Stephens did throw for a touchdown in the third but other than that, he struggled, throwing for only 170 total yards. The Vols offensive line also struggled. STAND OUT Running back Arrian Foster was WAY BELOW his seasonal rushing yardage, gaining only75 yards on 18 carries. The lines struggles also were causation for Stephens to struggle. He was sacked six times for a loss of a total of -26 yards. The Vols are in NEED of a good showing to get the FIRE FULMER chants to subdue a small amount but the schedule WILL NOT GET EASIER THAN it was TODAY, and TODAY they struggled. Tennessee NOW MUST travel to an ANGRY GEORGIA BULLDOG team looking to avenge the EMBARRASSMENT they suffered against Alabama.

South Carolina Upsets Ole Miss

SOUTH CAROLINA @ OLE MISS- South Carolina 31-24

SOUTH CAROLINA- The offense FINALLY got things going for the Gamecocks as the offense took to the AIR and looked like a solid Steve Spurrier team. QB Chris Smelly had a career day, as he threw for 327 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Cock defense ensured victory by forcing three turnovers. South Carolina trailed BIG early as they entered the 2^nd quarter down 14-3…but the Gamecocks were able to overcome the deficit and gel together to outscore the Rebels 28-10 in the final three quarters. Could this be a sign that the team has gelled? They will have a KEY EAST matchup against a struggling offense and tenacious D in Lexington to battle Kentucky next week.

OLE MISS- There was bound to be a hangover from the BIG win over Florida last week…and that was what could be said about today’s game in Oxford. Mississippi started hot but fizzled late to be taken down. Three turnovers never is a prosperous way to play and this week it cost them a chance at victory. Ole Miss is IDLE next week before taking on SEC WEST leader Alabama in Tuscaloosa. With the extra week, maybe Houston Nutt can pull another upset out of the Rebels.

Florida Over Arkansas

FLORIDA(12) @ ARKANSAS—Florida 38-7

FLORIDA- Gators lulled early but were able to control the game and overmatch the Arkansas Razorbacks. Tim Teebow threw for 216 yards and two touchdowns and was able to spread the ball around the field to 8 different receivers. I STILL question this team..they started SLOWLY and had mistakes early. Florida led in penalties with 12 for a total sum of 112 yards. These mistakes will be costly against better opponents that they are soon to face. The game was with-in reach for the Razorbacks until late in the fourth quarter when the Gators pulled away by scoring 21 unanswered points. Florida now must avenge the LOSS to Ole Miss and show the NATION they are still a National title contender as the have LSU coming to town!

ARKANSAS- UGH! Bobby Petrino might have been better set at staying with the Atlanta Falcons. The Razorbacks look bad. They are 113^th in the nation in turning the ball over and that isn’t the worst of their woes, as the defense struggles to stop teams at crucial points in the game. Pig –SU- ee has really faltered on defense as they have given up 38 points per game. Arkansas falls to 0-2 in the SEC and 2-3 overall…I don’t see a BOWL for this team as the schedule will only get tougher…they NOW must travel to Auburn to take on War Eagle next week!