Must-watch storylines for Week 4: Tennessee, Florida renew rivalry
Three weeks of fascinating non-conference storylines are in the books, and that means the first week of in-conference storylines are in the cards.
Here are three worth watching in Week 4:
Can Florida walk the talk at Tennessee?
If Tennessee's bulletin board had any empty space, Florida did its best to fill it this week by continuing to taunt its SEC rivals about their one-sided rivalry. Gators defensive back Quincy Wilson referred to the Volunteers as "ducks," then guaranteed a 12th straight victory over Tennessee, becoming the latest Florida player to predict such a triumph.
The Vols have done their best not to respond to the trash talk, but the incessant verbal assaults have to be irritating - and they'll only get louder if Tennessee fails again to finally get over the annual "Florida game" hump. Both teams head into this one without the services of a key player. Florida quarterback Luke Del Rio will miss the game with a knee injury, while Tennessee cornerback Cam Sutton is out with a broken ankle.
Is this the last stand for Gus Malzahn?
Gus Malzahn is approaching the crossroads - if he isn't there already - and desperately needs a win over LSU to have any chance at coaching Auburn beyond this year. Malzahn's Tigers have already dropped two of their first three contests this season, and the so-called offensive mastermind appears no closer to solving his program's quarterback woes than he was at the beginning of last year.
Related: Gus Malzahn is the quarterback guru without a quarterback
A third loss this early in the season would make his firing an inevitability, while a win may convince some that he still knows what he's doing. Auburn's schedule to open the season hasn't done him any favors, but another dud here should be enough to warrant a curtain call on Auburn's Malzahn era.
Can Baylor survive its first big test?
Baylor sports a perfect record and a +103 point differential, yet somehow looked lethargic in all three outings against inferior non-conference opponents to open the campaign. Quarterback Seth Russell has struggled to find a groove from the pocket, while distractions continue to haunt the program, thanks to random appearances from ex-coach Art Briles in the stands and former defensive end and alleged rapist Shawn Oakman in the locker room last week.
Related: Baylor's Grobe clarifies Oakman comments from earlier in week
Now, the Bears are set for their first real test of the season, as Oklahoma State and its high-powered offense comes to town. Not only are the Cowboys significantly better than the likes of Northwestern State, SMU, and Rice, but they'll be playing with a sense of desperation, knowing they can't afford another loss if they're to have a shot at the College Football Playoff.