3 games to watch in the SEC: Georgia, Tennessee both in search of redemption
What a difference a week makes. Ole Miss crashed and burned in the Swamp and Georgia was humiliated at home in what amounted to a true tone-setting win for Alabama.
The Gators need to prove they can take their winning ways on the road as they travel to Missouri on Saturday night. If Nick Saban's press conference this Monday was any indication, the Tide's momentum will likely carry over this week against Arkansas. Finally, the Bulldogs look to rebound against a Tennessee program that is in an unmitigated tailspin.
No. 19 Georgia at Tennessee
Saturday, Oct. 10, 3:30 p.m. ET (CBS)
The seasons of Tennessee and Georgia are both rolling downhill with no breaks. Alabama set a school record for its largest margin of victory over a ranked opponent this past weekend in Athens. The Vols saw their third double-digit lead of the season slip away during their loss to Arkansas.
Both programs are in desperate need of a victory. The outcome will also break the tie in their series which sits knotted at 21-21-2.
The Volunteers are in turmoil on and off the field this week. After their most recent collapse against Arkansas, allegations bubbled to the surface that head coach Butch Jones struck a player during fall practice. To make matters worse, the Vols dismissed starting wide receiver Pig Howard this week. If they intend on stopping the bleeding this week they'll need to improve on their putrid second-half strategy which has seen the Vols outscored 73-58 during the second half and overtime in 2015.
Georgia intends to stick with Greyson Lambert this week after he bottomed out against Alabama, completing just 10-of-24 passes for 86 yards and an interception. Lambert was far from the only problem against the Tide. With the exception of Nick Chubb, the entire Dawg team was outclassed. Head coach Mark Richt seems justified in giving Lambert a bit more rope after he had ascended to the top 10 nationally in terms of passing efficiency.
Arkansas at No. 8 Alabama
Saturday, Oct. 10, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Both teams are coming off rejuvenating conference wins, but their sights are set on decidedly different things. Arkansas now has bowl eligibility back on the table after erasing a double-digit deficit against Tennessee in Knoxville. Alabama, on the other hand, obliterated Georgia on the road, a victory that has the Tide right back in the thick of the College Football Playoff race.
Last season, the Hogs were able to set the tempo in a low-scoring affair against the Crimson Tide in Fayetteville. Despite falling short, the Razorbacks' narrow 14-13 loss to Alabama preceded an impressive run to close last year. Bret Bielema's team closed 2014 with two wins over ranked teams (Ole Miss, LSU) and a bowl victory over Texas.
Alabama's defensive performance against Georgia last week was nearly flawless. The Tide forced Georgia's quarterbacks into three interceptions while limiting the offense to just three out of 17 third-down conversions. The physical domination doesn't fully translate into the box score as Georgia and Chubb specifically racked up some yardage in garbage time.
Installed as 17-point favorites, Alabama's goal for this game will be improving on the passing game. Arkansas should offer little resistance, sporting the 99th-ranked passing defense in the country.
No. 11 Florida at Missouri
Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m. ET (SEC Network)
The Gators have defied every preseason poll by storming out to a 5-0 start. Will Grier, in the face of illness, shredded the vaunted Landshark defense last week, tossing four touchdowns while accounting for 271 yards through the air. Florida's 38-10 blowout of Ole Miss elevated the Gators to the top of the East standings prior to their trip to Missouri.
The East title has run through Columbia, Mo., the past two seasons and after Georgia face planted last week against Alabama, it appears the division is up for grabs for the third consecutive season.
Mizzou has been tight-lipped about the circumstances surrounding Maty Mauk's suspension but the Tigers have confirmed that true freshman Drew Lock will start his second consecutive game on Saturday night against UF. Prior to last week, Mizzou hadn't started a true freshman at quarterback since 1995.
Both programs seem to be comfortable starting freshman signal callers this season. Their confidence likely resides in their respective defenses backing up their young quarterbacks. Both Mizzou and Florida rank in the top 25 of total defense while creating more tackles for loss than any other program in the SEC.
This weekend is Missouri's homecoming, a tradition invented by the Tigers in 1911. Mizzou is 60-38-5 all-time on homecoming.