It Starts with the Running Game
By Steve Riser
Guest Columnist I can hardly wait. 48 days and counting until the Auburn Tigers square off against the USC Trojans in Jordan Hare.
I havent been this excited about Auburn football since 1995 when Auburn had come off the '93 and '94 seasons sporting a 20-1-1 mark.
By now most of you football junkies have read Lindy's, Sporting News, Athlon, as well as many of the other preseason college football magazines and the consensus is that the outlook on the plains appears exceedingly bright. Just about every magazine has Auburn in the top 10 and the Sporting News even has hailed the Tigers the number one team in the land.
After reading every college football preview I find myself wanting a little more. So for the next seven weeks I plan to offer a little more insight into of each of the seven major positions starting with running back.
Without further ado, here goes
Running Backs
When Carnell Williams went down with a broken leg against Florida in the Swamp last year the Auburn faithful lost heart as seemingly, Auburn's only offensive threat had fallen.
To the utter delight of the collective Auburn family, Ronnie Brown filled in and looked like a running back in near mid-season form, not one who had been on the sideline all year. Brown went on to rush for 163 yards and two touchdowns and if not for a botched Duval extra point the Tigers would have hailed victorious.
Brown finished the year with over 1,000 yards rushing, starting only five games.
Fast forward to the end of the season and now the injury bug has bitten Brown after a close loss to Georgia. Meet Auburns third-string back, Tre Smith, a true freshman from Venice, Fla., who rushed for a 125 yards and helped secure a victory in the Iron Bowl.
The point is clear. The Tigers have at least three capable tailbacks who would start on just about any team in the country.
The clichés have run rampant in every preseason publication and article concerning the Tigers' backfield. Yes, the Auburn backfield is loaded, and yes, the cupboard is full.
With the addition of juco phenom Brandon Jacobs, Auburn undoubtedly possesses the deepest backfield in the country and possibly the most talented.
And with the departure of Bob Petrino to Louisville, it will be up to Hugh Nall, Auburns new offensive coordinator, to synchronize the playing time of Auburns four horsemen to keep all parties content. If Nall can pull this off look for the Tigers to exceed their 2,000 yard production of last year.
Bad news: Last year Tommy Tuberville appeared to rely a little too heavily on Carnell to shoulder the offensive load (e.g., 40 carries in an overtime win against Syracuse) which made him susceptible to injury.
Good News: After witnessing Ronnie Brown and Tre Smiths sensational performances due to Carnells absence Tommy has come to the realization that he does not have to rely upon just one back when he has an abundant supply from which to choose. Look for the Tigers to go early and often to each of their pantheon of tailbacks with Carnell again carrying the brunt of the load.
When teams are worn down in second half, expect a combination of play action by Jason Campbell and bringing Ronnie Brown to finish off already tired opponents. If Tuberville can execute this game plan, the Tigers offense could be potent.
Auburns Anchors
For the Auburn ground assault to live up to its billing this year and quarterback Jason Campbell to match his full potential through the air, it will take a solid performance from an offensive line which is considered to be one top squads in the SEC.I love sports commercials! Do you remember the commercial a few years back that had Miami quarterback Dan Marino giving his offensive lineman each a pair of Isotoner gloves for Christmas?
The punch line of the commercial was Marino saying to his massive blockers, "Take care of the hands that take care of you."
Several pairs of hands on Auburn's offensive line will have to take care of business for the Tigers to realize preseason expectations.
Gone from Auburns 2002 offensive line is center Ben Nowland. Nowland, a three year starter who went undrafted in last Aprils NFL draft, signed as a free agent with the San Francisco 49ers.
He will be sorely missed, but with Danny Lindsey waiting in the wings Auburn will not miss a beat. Linsdey, a 6-2, 303 junior started several games last year when Nowland went out with a broken foot.
Returning for his senior campaign at left tackle is 6-6, 312 senior Mark Pera. Simply put Pera is solid. With this size he'll have no trouble obliterating any defensive line that may stand in his way. He will have the unenviable yet vital task of guarding quarterback Jason Campbells blind side.
I don't think I have to remind the Auburn faithful that the Tigers are severely lacking a back up signal caller with any game playing experience. If the Tigers have their aspirations set on Atlanta this makes Peras role absolutely huge.
At left guard Auburn returns two year starter and senior Monreko Crittenden. At 6-5, 345 he is one mammoth, yet nimble guard. Ask Crittenden. In high school he returned a kick 89 yards for a touchdown. He records it as his most memorable football experience.
Sophomore Troy Reddick will be anchoring the right guard position. Reddick 6-5, 305 started in 3 games as freshmen and saw significant playing time in several other key games. It's rare that a freshman gets much playing time and Reddick will only get better with more reps. The celebrity that Reddick would most like to meet is Serena Williams. Troy, Serenas a busy woman, but if you have a stellar year I'll see what I can do.
I always believe in saving the best for last and Auburns right tackle has NFL scouts drooling. Marcus McNeil 6-9, 329, selected to the All-SEC freshman team in 2002, is a monster. At six feet and nine inches tall McNeil towers above opposing lineman and has the potential to be the best tackle at Auburn since Willie Anderson.
Marcus McNeil reminds me of Orlando Pace, the bookend tackle for the St. Louis Rams. It's no wonder that McNeil reports that he patterns his game after this NFL superstar. Unless anyone knows of a tackle who is 6-10 McNeil is the tallest tackle Division I college football.
Players who could contribute: At 6-5, 305, coaches say that other than McNeil, Taylor Bourgeois is probably the second best NFL prospect on Auburn's offensive line who possesses tremendous athletic ability. He is only a sophomore and will solidify the Tiger's line for years to come. Another player who could contribute is reserve Jonathan Palmer 6-5, 293 who can play either guard or tackle and was selected the most improved offensive lineman coming out of spring practice.
The 2003 Auburn Tiger offensive line unit possesses a solid combination of experience and young talent. If they can stay healthy this group has the potential to be one of the best collection of linemen in the SEC and possibly one of the best in the country.
This holiday season could be "Sugar Sweet" and if all the pieces fall into place the Auburn offensive line may find their stockings very full come Christmas.
Steve Riser is a guest columnist for Access Auburn.
Pass or FailThat is the Question
By Steve Riser
Guest Columnist In 2002, with Auburns abundance of talent in the backfield, Tiger fans almost forgot that Auburn even had a passing game.
In fact can anyone remember the last Auburn wide receiver to have a 1000 yard season? The answer: Ronney Daniels in 1999.
As a freshman wideout Daniels took the SEC by storm. Who can forget the Georgia game in Athens that year? Auburn came into Athens that year having dropped five out of their previous six games and had just won a homecoming squeaker against visiting UCF. Auburn was the clear underdog. It didn't matter.
Daniels scorched the Dawgs' for 249 yards and two touchdowns as the Tigers led 31-0 at halftime and never looked back. Seeing Georgia fans boo their team as they entered the locker room was truly a glorious sight to behold.
Sorry to disappoint you, but dont expect this kind of offensive production out of our receivers. Hugh Nall will go early and often to his running backs.
This doesn't mean that Auburn is without some very capable wide receivers. Gone from last year's squad is Marcel Willis who led Auburn with 417 yards receiving. However, Auburn returns most of its wide receiving corps intact. This could be the Tigers' most talented collection of wide receivers in several years.
Returning from last season is a pair of sensational sophomores who will start at both wide receiver positions. Devin Aromashodu and Ben Obamanu will form what I believe is one of the most underrated wide receiving group in the SEC.
If you have problems pronouncing their names then just call them Devin and Ben. On the other hand you may want to learn how to pronounce their names. They will be household monikers on the Plains by the end of this season.
Aromashodu put up solid numbers as a freshman racking up 304 yards receiving on only 18 catches. Averaging almost 17 yards per catch last year, Aromashodu is Auburns big play receiver.
He runs like a gazelle and at 6-2 he has an uncanny ability to use his body to shield smaller defensive backs and create separation.
He plays much taller than his listed height and if a ball is hanging in the air, it's his. With his long stride he reminds one a little bit of ex-Auburn wide receiver Willie Gosha.
Obamanu weighed in with a fine freshman campaign playing in all 13 games and scoring 3 touchdowns. Obamanu has great hands and will snag any ball thrown in his vicinity.
His favorite NFL player is Terrell Owens, but don't expect Ben to pull out a "Sharpie" when he reaches the end zone. Ben scored 30 career touchdowns in high school.
When Auburn runs a three wide receiver set expect senior Jerris McIntyre to lineup as the third wideout. McIntyre, a three year letterman brings a wealth of experience and good pedigree. McIntyre's father, Secedrick, was a running back at Auburn in the mid 70's. He finished his career as Auburn's leading all-time career rusher and remains in the top ten.
Players who will compete for playing time: Expect converted quarterback Courtney Taylor who redshirted in 2002 to compete for playing time in 2003. The buzz on the plains is that this guy is a STUD. Taylor dazzled coaches during spring practices.
True Freshman Bruce Edwards from Columbus Mississippi is a burner who could also see his number called this year.
With Auburns superior running game, expect most teams at some point in the game to place eight men in the box and force Auburn to beat them through the air.
Look for Jason Campbell to utilize play action, rollout passes, and the deep ball to keep opposing defenses honest. If he is successful Auburns offense has the potential to be not only good, but spectacular.
A balanced offensive arsenal will strike fear in the heart of any opposing defensive coordinator.
Auburn fans, this is the year where visiting teams will dread playing in Jordan-Hare.
Defense is the Name of the Game
By Steve Riser
Guest Columnist Only 26 days until the USC Trojans invade Jordan Hare Stadium to take on the much hyped Auburn Tigers. One of the reasons Auburn is receiving so much of their hype is because of their solid defense.
This could be Auburn's best defense since the 1997 Auburn Tigers which boasted the likes of Takeo Spikes, Jimmy Brumbaugh, Quinton Reese, Leonardo Carson, and Charles Dorsey.
Auburn's defense finished with a bang in 2002. Larry Johnson entered the Capital One Bowl as the top running back in the country. He looked to make minced meat of the Tigers defense. Auburn had other plans holding Johnson to 80 yards on 13 carries and dominating the line of scrimmage.
If Auburn is to live up to its preseason billing, much will be expected from a defensive line that returns four starters.
Returning at left defensive end is junior Jay Ratliff who is locked in a battle with Bret Eddins for the starting nod. Ratliff is the more athletic of the two, but Eddins is provides solid run support and quietly had a solid year in 2002. Both will see significant playing time this year
Returning at noseguard for his senior year is Demarco McNeil. The highly regarded lineman from Pritchard Alabama is listed at 6-2 300 and he is a beast. This is a make or break year for McNeil who has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.
When McNeil is healthy he is a force in the middle and can flat-out level opposing ball carriers who dare to enter his lair. When I saw McNeil play my freshman year, he brought to me visions of Tampa Bay pro bowler Warren Sapp. If he stays healthy look for this super senior to have a breakout year.
Expect sophomores Wayne Dickens and T.J. Jackson to be solid contributors as well. I was impressed with Jackson's freshman campaign and he moves very well for a 300-pound noseguard.
Starting alongside McNeil at defensive tackle is Spencer Johnson. At 6-3 289, Johnson takes up an enormous amount of space and is Auburn's most accomplished run stopper. Johnson has also battled injuries. When healthy, he is the heart of Auburn's defense and is as solid as any tackle in the conference.
Senior Dexter Murphy who played in all 13 games last year will back up Johnson and will log significant playing time in 2003.
Starting at the other defensive end is Reggie Torbor who hails from Baton Rouge, La. Torbor, a four year starter, finished with 3-1/2 sacks in 2002. Torbor is a tremendous speed rusher and did an incredible job of putting pressure on opposing quarterbacks last year coming off the corner. He also led Auburn with 12 quarterback hurries and has improved every year to become a permanent fixture at the right end position.
Auburn continues to bring in junior college lineman to add depth. Look for Junior college transfer Doug Lagenfield to be an impact player at defensive end. He totaled 16-1/2 sacks as a junior college All-America in 2002
Tony McClain, another junior college transfer, will also contribute immediately and will have 3 years of eligibility remaining.
In the 2003 recruiting class Auburn helped themselves by signing eight defensive linemen. This lineman class was highlighted by Quentin Groves and Stanley McClover. The addition of the highly touted lineman McClover keeps the Dillard pipeline open. This recruiting class will solidify Auburn's defensive line for years to come.
Expect teams to become quickly frustrated when they are unable to run against Auburn's iron curtain and go to air, especially in the second half. When this happens the defensive line's ability to get to the quarterback and will be crucial. It may be the difference between winning and losing. Remember offense puts people in the seats but defense wins championships.
Auburn's Dynamic Duo
By Steve Riser
Guest Columnist January 14, 2003, might just possibly be the most important day for this year's Auburn Tiger football team.
In case you've forgotten what happened that day, allow me refresh your memory. That was the day when juniors Dontarrious Thomas and Karlos Dansby decided to return to the Plains for their senior campaigns.
When I heard this news, I breathed a sigh of relief along with the rest of the Auburn faithful. It also brought a smile to my face as I knew this would be the year we would be able to make our national championship run. With the return of this dynamic duo, it's no wonder Dansby refers to himself and Thomas as Batman and Robin.
Clearly Auburn's linebackers comprise the heart and soul of the Auburn defense. Other than running back, this is definitely Auburn's most talented position. Graduated and gone from 2002 is Mark Brown. He will be missed.
Lemarcus Rowell was recently suspended and may never wear orange and blue again. Last July Rowell was charged with driving under the influence, possession of marijuana and carrying a pistol without a permit. Although the door is cracked for Rowell's return, the sophomore will attend junior college this year.
Rowell arrived on the plains as the most highly touted linebacking prospect since Takeo Spikes. With sophomore Travis Williams winning the nod at strong side linebacker with a solid showing at spring practice, Rowell's contributions will not be missed as much. Williams who weighed in with a solid freshman campaign plays much bigger than his listed playing weight of 209 pounds.
Backing up Travis Williams will be junior Mayo Sowell. Sowell provides depth to a very talented linebacking corp.
Starting at middle linebacker is Dontarrious Thomas. Thomas was hampered by injuries a year ago, but looks to bounce back and have an All-SEC type year. He has that kind of ability. Thomas is extrememly athletic and multidimensional as a football player. He played quarterback, receiver, linebacker, and defensive back in high school.
Starting at weakside linebacker will be Karlos Dansby. At 6-5 235 pounds Dansby is the most athletic player on the Auburn's defense. Dansby finished his junior campaign with 14 tackles for losses to go along with four sacks and three interceptions. Dansby will undoubtedly hear his name called in the first round of the NFL draft in April of 2004.
Dansby possesses a rare combination of quickness, speed and agility. He is an instinctive defender who has a knack for always being around the ball. Dansby has long arms and covers as much ground as any linebacker in the country. Dansby is like a falcon who quietly stalks his prey before swooping down and devouring opposing quaterbacks and ball carriers.
Several examples of Dansby's athletic feats come to mind but one in particular stands out. In the 2001 Peach Bowl against North Carolina he caught a pass while in the air and falling out of bounds. Dansby had the presence of mind to flip it in bounds to another defender who pulled in the football for an interception. This play baffled officials who had to confer with one another before finally deciding to award Auburn possession.
Junior Derrick Graves 6-1 206 had an outstanding spring and will likely see back up duty on the outside. Sophomore Kevis Burnham was a partial qualifier last season but should available for duty in 2003. Burnham was ranked among the top linebackers in the Southeast out of high school.
Last year Arkansas racked up 426 yards on the Tiger defense as Auburn suffered its worst loss of the year by the score of 38-17. Fred Talley totaled (or tallied) 245 yards on 21 carriers and made Auburn's defense look like swiss cheese. Don't worry Auburn fans he's graduated. With a solid defensive line and linebacking corps intact expect Auburn's run defense to be stingy this year.
With Auburn's dynamic duo patrolling the heart of Auburn's defense it appears to be in good hands. Opposing teams will feel the force of Auburn's very own superheroes.
Auburn's Question Mark
By Steve Riser
Guest Columnist Auburn's secondary better be geared up and ready because USC is bringing its West coast version of the "fun and gun" into Jordan-Hare Stadium.
The Tigers' secondary will be tested early and often by a USC receiving corps which returns two of its top receivers from a year ago.
Mike Williams and Keary Colbert were 1,000 yard receivers in 2002. Williams is clearly the better of the two and is arguably one of the best receivers in college football. If Auburn is to win, their secondary will have to come up big.
Gone from Auburn's secondary a year ago is safety Travaris Robinson who was picked up as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons. Also departing was cornerback/return man Roderick Hood and cornerback Horace Willis.
If there is any glaring weakness on Auburn's defensive unit it has to be their secondary. The only two locks for Auburn's secondary appear to be juniors Carlos Rogers and Junior Rosegreen.
The Tigers' secondary is conducting its own version of musical chairs, moving Junior Rosegreen from strong safety to cornerback. I believe Rosegreen is Auburn's best all around player in the secondary. Hopefully this move to corner will only be temporary. Moving back to strong safety would allow Rosegreen to play closer to the line of scrimmage where he is most comfortable.
Starting at the left cornerback position is junior Carlos Rogers. He started all 13 games at left corner last year and finished with four interceptions. At 6-1 Rogers has the ability to cover bigger and taller receivers. This size will come in handy early in the year. In Auburn's opener Rogers will likely be matched up with USC's star wideout Mike Williams who is listed at 6-5.
Backing up Rosegreen and Rogers at cornerback will be junior Lamel Ages and redshirt freshman Montae Pitts. Pitts is a speed merchant who clocked a blistering 4.22 in the 40 yard dash.
At free safety, look for Donnay Young to get the nod. Young played in all 13 games last year and brings real game experience to the free safety position.
Look for senior Roshard Gilyard to be the starter at strong safety until Rosegreen returns back to his original position. Who can forget Gilyard's bone crushing hit against Wyoming in 2000.
If you've forgotten permit me to refresh your memory. A Wyoming wide receiver was trying to pull in a pass from his quarterback. Coming full speed Gilyard stuck his helmet under the Wyoming player's chin knocking his helmet off of him and dislodging the ball. It was a sportscenter highlight and one Gilyard will never forget.
Gilyard remembers it as his most memorable football moment. Gilyard was an All-SEC selection as a freshman in 2000 but has since been a disappointment and unable to crack the starting lineup.
Most teams that come into Jordan-Hare will realize soon enough that running the ball will be next to impossible. Teams will then go to the air looking to exploit Auburn's secondary. For Auburn to have a successful season Auburn's ends will have to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks forcing them into making bad decisions.
If this happens and Auburn can keep from giving up the big play look for Auburn's secondary to have a solid year. One thing is for sure. With Auburn facing daunting foe USC the first game of the year, the Tigers will know real soon if they are contenders or just another "paper tiger".
Five Questions for Auburn in 2003
With Auburn's opening game less than a week away, the Tigers are chomping at the bit. The big question on the Plains right now is, "Will Auburn live up to its pre-season hype?"Here are five questions that must be answered if Auburn is to fulfill its national championship aspirations:
- Will Jason Campbell flourish into the quarterback that we have always thought he could be?
Last year Jason Campbell finished the season strong finishing 5-1 in Auburn's last six games. Campbell will not be asked to win games with his arm. He will be asked not to lose them. Legendary basketball Bob Knight sums up Campbell's role as Auburn's signal caller. He says, "Winning is not making great plays but eliminating mistakes." Campbell will have to keep mistakes to a minimum for Auburn to have a championship year.
Prediction: At some point in the year Campbell will have to use his arm to win a game.
- Will Auburn's patched up secondary give up the big play or will it hold?
Auburn's secondary has been the primary area of concern on an otherwise solid defense. The corners are solid with Junior Rosegreen and Carlos Rogers. Last Monday coaches announced that two redshirt freshman Karibi Dede and Will Herring were locked up in a battle for the free safety job. Dede has the edge and should start. With a solid front seven it will only be a matter of time before the secondary is tested.
- Will Auburn win big games on the road?
With brutal road games against LSU, Arkansas, and Georgia, Auburn will have to come into enemy territory and set the tempo early. To win all three of these games Auburn will likely need a break or two and some Tuberville trickery. Tommy Tuberville, aka the "river boat gambler", is not afraid to take chances. For Tuberville risk is not a four letter word.
- Will Auburn be able to avoid the injury bug?
Although Auburn is deep at most positions such as running back and defensive line, it is a little thin in the secondary and on the offensive line. Last year key players such as Dontarrious Thomas and DeMarco McNeil suffered through nagging injuries. They were never at 100 percent. For Auburn to handle the rigors of an SEC schedule, it will have to stay relatively healthy.
- Will Auburn's special teams perform consistently?
In 2001 Damon Duval won three games with his leg. In 2002 he missed a field goal in the closing minutes against Florida that would have sealed the Gators fate. With Duval graduating Auburn lost both its place kicker and punter.
The place kicking job is Sophomore Phillip Yost's to lose. However, don't be surprised if true freshman John Vaughn comes in and steals the job. Michael Gibson is set to handle punting duties, but is being pushed by true freshman Cody Bliss. Remember special teams performance can make or break a game.
For the Tigers it's put up or shut up. The cupboard is full. The guns are loaded and this is Auburn's best shot at a national championship since 1995. With national title hopes on the minds of all the Auburn faithful only time will provide answers to these crucial questions.
My guess is that this will be a pretty defensive football game. In a close defensive battle Auburn hangs on to beat the Trojans 17-14. Are you ready for some football? I sure am.
Fall in Auburn
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WRECK TECH!
The renewal of the Auburn-Georgia Tech series in football means the rebirth of one of Auburn's oldest traditions. We found a good vantage point as the Wreck Tech Pajama Parade approached Toomer's Corner . . .Photo Gallery
Parkway, Bike Path Threatened by Development
Nearly 200 acres of pasture and woodland along Shell Toomer Parkway and bike path may be opened to commercial development if developers resubmit a controversial rezoning proposal to the Auburn Planning Commission.At the December 11 Planning Commission meeting, developers abruptly withdrew a request to rezone 187.3 acres adjoining Auburn's Curtis and Charlotte Ward Bicycle Path and Shell Toomer Parkway for commercial development.
The proposition would have zoned the land CDD (Comprehensive Development District) and allowed a wide variety of commercial development to build along the the bicycle path.
The Pace family land extends nearly one mile along Shell Toomer Parkway from South College Street. The parkway is a mile-and-a-half long, 100-yard wide scenic entrance to Chewacla State Park.
Near the midpoint of the parkway is an ancient creek that runs through a small canyon that drops more than 50 feet from surrounding terrain, and empties into a wetland teeming with life. A footbridge along the bike path crosses the wetland and provides an upclose view of the abundant plant and wildlife.
Although no indication was given as to the developers' next moves, they are expected to submit a revised request at a future date.
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Happy Holidays
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Vandy Off To a Fast Start
With the Southeastern Conference schedule starting this week, one team has been a big surprise. Vanderbilt has a perfect record at 11-0 and is currently ranked number 20 in the AP poll.While many predicted Auburn to build upon last years Sweet 16 performance, Vanderbilt's early success may help them start conference play with the momentum that they hope will lead them into the big dance come this March. The Commodore's fast start has raised some eyebrows after they finished 11-18 (3-13 in SEC) last year. With quality wins over Michigan and Indiana in Nashville, their first road test came at TCU on Saturday. The Commodore left little doubt, hammering TCU, 95-60. Auburn (9-2) opens its 2004 SEC campaign when the Tigers face Vanderbilt in Nashville Wednesday night. Vanderbilt has been especially tough to beat at Memorial Gym. Playing only two road games in the young season, Auburn has a win over Grambling in Huntsville and a disappointing loss to UNLV. Tiger point guard Lewis Monroe's ankle is still not 100% and Auburn would prefer to open their conference schedule anywhere other than Nashville. Known by such names as Heartbreak Hotel and Hoops House of Horrors, Memorial Gym has typically been just that for Auburn. The Commodores hold 29-13 series advantage in games played there. Auburn has not won in Memorial Gym since an 86-80 win on February 16, 2000. Playing in front of a capacity crowd of 14,168, Auburn will have the task of stopping Vanderbilt's Matt Freije, who leads the team in scoring with 19 points per game. Auburn's forward Marco Killingsworth, who is averaging 14 points per game, hopes to have help from Brandon Robinson and Kyle Davis in containing Freije. Jefferson-Pilot will televise the game. Tipoff is scheduled for 7p.m. CST.
They're Staying
Carnell 'Cadillac' Williams, Ronnie Brown and Carlos Rogers announced Wednesday evening that they would return for their senior season with the Auburn Tigers.Brown took the stage first, quietly made his announcement and answered reporters' questions. Rogers then followed while Williams waited.
"It's been a long process, but I have decided come back for my senior season," Carnell Williams made the final statement to make it unanimous.
Rogers, a speed corner back, had let it be known that he would not be making himself available for the NFL draft. Brown and Williams keep their decisions secret until the announcement.
The Tigers open the 2004 season on September 4, against Louisiana Monroe.
Country Superstar to Play Auburn Bar
These days, Kenny Chesney is more accustomed to sold out arenas than smoky college-town roadhouses, but the hottest name in country music will soon be performing for a small Auburn audience according to a published report.CMT (Country Music Television) is reporting on the network web site that laid-back country crooner Kenny Chesney will stage a mini-tour of college bars in the Southeast prior to kicking off an extended arena tour beginning March 17 in Houston, Tex. In addition to Auburn, the college tour is expected to have stops in Tuscaloosa, Athens, Gainesville and Oxford.
The War Eagle Supper Club January calendar lists on January 29 a "Surprise National Act" and further qualifies with, "You Won't Believe This ONE!". A spokesman for Chesney's booking agent, Dale Morris and Associates in Nashville, after consulting with Chesney's manager, reported that she could neither confirm nor deny that Chesney would be appearing at the Supper Club that night.
Hip soul rocker Uncle Kracker, according to the CMT web site, will be appearing with Chesney at some shows. Uncle Kracker's crossover duet with Dobie Gray on Gray's 1973 hit, "Drift Away" sits atop Billboard's Adult Comtemporary chart.
Chesney's "There Goes My Life" is number one on Billboard's Hot Country chart. He was the top country concert draw in 2003 and third overall trailing only Bruce Springsteen and the Dave Matthews Band, selling nearly one million concert tickets. His new album, "When the Sun Goes Down," is expected in stores February 3.
WALKER QUITS
Enbattled Auburn University President William Walker has resigned effective immediately. A statement from the Dr. Walker to university employees was released shortly before 5:00 p.m. Friday.The full text of the statement:
It has been my pleasure to serve this great institution for the past 16
years as dean, provost and president. I wanted to let you know that as
of 5 o'clock this afternoon, I am announcing my resignation as
President. I have informed Earlon McWhorter, president pro tem of the
board of trustees, of my intentions. As the University moves into this
period of transition, I would like to call on all members of the Auburn
family to pull together and begin a healing process. The days ahead for
Auburn University are bright, and I wish you all luck in the future.
Walker and the other participants in the "Jetgate" scandal have been receiving increasing pressure to step down.
A Band-Aid...
Auburn is on SACS probation for micro-management by the Board of Trustees. Walker's dalliance was only a distraction. Until the governance issues are addressed, the President can only be a figurehead.Good management would suggest that the board would now quickly and publicly consult key alumni, faculty and administrators to develop a consensus candidate for the Interim President. One may ask, "What's the big deal? It's only an interim." History has shown that interim presidents frequently serve two years or more, and often have the "interim" removed by the Board without the benefit of a public search.
Apparently though, the board will quickly anoint one of their own, Auburn trustee Dr. Ed Richardson, former Auburn City School Superintendent, and current state Superintendent for K-12. Dr. Richardson is something of a curious choice. While he was not without detractors in the Auburn City Schools, his record was outstanding as Auburn schools achieved national recognition under his leadership. Richardson's record has been less spectacular at the state level, enduring admittedly bleak budgets.
What makes Dr. Richardson such a curious choice is that virtually all of his nearly 40 years of experience have been in K-12 administration. His only experience in higher education came as a student and during a brief stint in teaching at the college level. This is somewhat like waking up to find that the Board has hired Louisville basketball coach Rick Pitino as Auburn's football coach. Richardson has been a harsh critic of "waste" in higher education and has lobbied for K-12 to receive a larger portion of the Special Education Trust Fund revenues. If he is a man of principle, will Richardson maintain that position to the detriment of Auburn? Or, will he now see the light and show it was always just about the money?
Don Large is an honorable and competent administrator who walks the walk rather than talking the talking when it comes to the Auburn Creed. He is certainly capable of steering the ship a few weeks while carefully Auburn selects a leader to bring the University back from disgrace and dishonor in the coming months.
What's the big rush? Could it be that by acting now with four unfilled vacancies, Auburn's Board of Trustees can still be controlled for this very important decision by a minority, just as SACS has charged?
Conspiracy Theory?
Our good friend Fred wrote after yesterday's column taking us to task for criticizing the haste with which Auburn's Presidency is being filled for the interim.Fred wrote:
Why would anyone with the IQ of a white legged hen turn the board's exercise of their recent responsibility to provide an interim president into a conspiracy to promulgate the control of Auburn by a few trustees? Beside that being a ridiculous reach, it restates the theme of suspicion and distrust at a time when coming together to make Auburn stronger is the families main objective.
My wife says that it's not a conspiracy theory if the conspiracy is a proven fact.
It's an admitted fact there are conspirators on Auburn's Board of Trustees. Walker did not fly solo into that good night last November. And, he did not fly on a university plane.
As for the "conspiracy" currently afoot, I only know what I read in the paper...
It has been widely reported that AU Trustee Dr. Ed Richardson has been selected as Auburn's Interim President. He has reportedly informed each of the members of the Alabama Board of Education of his planned resignation to accept the Auburn job.
There has been no public meeting of the Auburn Board of Trustees--as is required by law when Board decisions are made. One can only conclude that the Board has made this decision by private ex parte communications.
This is not the Board's job.
The Board of Trustees is a deliberative body that should make informed decisions based upon the input of their appointed administrators and representing their constituencies. They are not a Justice League of America squad that leaps into action the moment there is a crisis, with one of their own (the smart one) leaping into the breach to pick up the mantle of their fallen tragic hero, Walker. This is what SACS meant by micro-management.
Later Fred wrote:
Asking faculty members and alumni to participate in a consensus search for a full time president is a patently ridiculous. In all my years, I was never asked to name my next boss.
...and... When considering the selection of a new president for AU, please consider management 101, where it is first taught that one doesn't let the inmates (faculty) of the asylum name the superintendent (president).
While it may be apt at times to compare Auburn to a looney bin, Auburn is neither an insane asylum, a commercial enterprise, nor a military organization; Auburn is a research university and a damn fine research university. Businesses fail, armies fall to defeat, but universities are perpetuities. The life expectancy of a university is statistically much greater than that of any corporation or military empire.
Part of the reason why the university is second only to the church in longevity is that the inmates do indeed run this asylum. Except these inmates are the best and brightest: inventors and poets, teachers and coaches, student and grads, all brought together to make excellence. Universities live long and prosper because of their odd form of governance, where most decisions of this type are made by committee and by consensus of the governed. It may seem strange, but history shows that it works. Universities are productive and efficient in educating students and generating innovation.
If you are worried about the SACS problems hurting recruiting, you should be. But don't just worry about what the big kid from Dalton thinks, be concerned about what the astrophysicist from Georgia Tech, or the biomedical engineer from Palo Alto thinks. The greatness of Auburn comes not only from the athletes who wear the orange and blue for four short years. It comes from the long line of students of years gone by and those of years yet to come. It comes from the dedicated faculty imparting knowledge in the classroom, making exciting discoveries in the laboratory, improving crops in the field, helping businesses be more productive, and making the world a better place to live.
There is a cancer on the University. Shutting out the messenger will not make the news any better.
There are legally binding rules that set standards for how a university is to be run. Auburn has been accused of not complying with those rules. Auburn has a date next autumn to show a SACS committee that it has moved into compliance with the law of the land. Auburn will have to answer later for the actions taken today.
Related Link:
A Band-Aid...
Richardson New AU Chief
Ed Richardson was unanimously approved as interim president of Auburn University on Tuesday at a specially called meeting of the AU Board of Trustees.Richardson, state school superintendent, succeeds William F.
Walker, who resigned as AU president on Friday.
Richardson, who abstained from the vote on his appointment, indicated he would resign as state superintendent of education at the state Board of Education's Thursday meeting and would assume his duties at Auburn on Monday
From Auburn University news bureau
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Super Gambling
Picked the Super Bowl winner yet? As the game nears, millions of Americans are choosing, and betting on, their favorite to take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy this year.
Super Sunday is a time of hype and high earnings, more money is wagered on the Super Bowl than on any other sporting event. With nearly 140 million viewers in the United States, and advertisers paying as much as $2.3 million for a 30-second spot, the Super Bowl is likely to be the most-watched television program in 2004. It will also be a busy day for gamblers.
"Super Bowl Sunday to the compulsive gambler is like New Year's Eve to the alcoholic," says gambling counselor Arnie Wexler. "There are 5 million compulsive gamblers and (another) 15 million at risk in the U.S. Forty-eight percent of them bet on sports."
Gamblers will risk an estimated $20 billion on the game pitting the Carolina Panthers against the New England Patriots; that's more than McDonald's earns in a year at its restaurants.
"The Super Bowl is sometimes as much a blessing as it is a curse for compulsive gamblers, because there is no other sporting event in this nation which seems to cause people to finally call us for help," said Ed Looney, current executive director of the council, which runs the nation's busiest help hot line, at 1-800-GAMBLER.
The sports gambling industry pulls in about $200 billion a year, most of it through illegal bets, experts believe. Some U.S. lawmakers contend that online gambling has links to organized crime and lets youngsters bet with their parents' credit cards. Congress is turning to credit card and electronic payment firms. Lawmakers are considering a bill that would prohibit the use of electronic payments for online gambling.
Lottery Hot Topic Again
After being rejected by voters five years ago, lottery proposals may come up again in the Alabama Legislature when it resumes next month. Alabama's neighboring states all have some form of legalized gambling.Georgia and Florida have lotteries, and Mississippi has casinos. Tennessee began selling lottery tickets a week ago and the Tennessee Lottery reported that nine of the top 10 sales outlets for lottery tickets were either on the Alabama line or a short drive north of it. It was estimated that more than $41 million in lottery tickets were sold throughout Tennessee during the lottery's first week of operation.
Many supporters of a lottery see the money that went to Tennessee could go towards education and balancing the General Fund budget. State Senator Lowell Barron is one of those who support a lottery. He thinks that voters are in a wickedly anti-tax mood, and a lottery seems a pretty simple way to generate money because we are more willing to hand over our hard-earned money if there is a chance, however remote, to get rich beyond our wildest dreams.
A recent SurveyUSA poll of 500 adults conducted by telephone, found that the majority are in favor of a lottery. 71% said they would support a state lottery, while 23% would oppose it. 66% say they would be more likely to support a state lottery if they knew all the money raised would be spent only on education.
Governor Bob Riley and other opponents say a lottery simply will not generate enough revenue to solve Alabama's funding problems. And if Alabama adopted a lottery, it almost certainly would see the same spending pattern that other states have seen -- a year or two of high revenues while it is new and interesting, and then flat revenues or even declines when it becomes old hat.
But as public policy, a lottery has several down sides. There is the problem of addiction, and there is also the regressivity of a lottery -- the fact that it extracts money largely from those least able to pay it. In other words, it is a tax on the poor. It also has been described as a tax on the mathematically illiterate who don't understand the huge odds of ever winning.
Alabama faces a $300 million General Fund shortfall as lawmakers prepare to return to regular session February 3.
February Brings McCain and Mahal to Auburn
South Carolina native Edwin McCain and legendary bluesman Taj Mahal will make stops on their current tours at The War Eagle Supper Club in Auburn. Mahal will appear February 5th followed by McCain on February 10th.Mahal's three decade recording career has produced works of humor, passion, pathos, and surprise. His recent albums, Hanapepe Dream (Taj Mahal & the Hula Blues) (2003) and Martin Scorcese Presents Taj Majal (2003), contain some of the many high points of his career. Hanapepe Dream (Taj Mahal & the Hula Blues) has an All-Acoustic String Band Sound and features Taj's signature Slack-Key Blend of the Blues and Pacific-Caribbean-Island music.
McCain's debut album came in 1995 with Honor Among Thieves. Two years later came the breakthrough album Misguided Roses, featuring the Top 10 smash "I'll Be." In 1999, the Messenger was released. The Top 40 hit "I Could Not Ask for More," which was also featured in the film "Message in a Bottle," drove Messenger to Gold Certification.
The fifth album, The Austin Sessions (2003), McCain is joined by his longtime band mates Larry Chaney (guitar) and Craig Shields (saxophone), presents a selection of new compositions, a few old favorites, and some choice covers in an acoustic format that lets the material speak for itself.
Tickets for both shows are now on sale at The Supper Club, Snapper O'Malleys, The Guitar Shop and UnWired.
Auburn Time Travel Agency
Sports fans who are feeling a little nostalgic for their favorite moment in AU sports can spend time observing AU Athletics in a unique way. The Lovelace Museum offers fans an opportunity to witness the history of every varsity sport played at AU.The Lovelace Museum opened in 1996 and has 80,000 visitors every year. Upon entering the museum, you are greeted with the sights and sounds of Auburn Athletics from 1892 to the present. You then follow the path through the Historical Time Line of Auburn's athletic and university history.
Visitors can experience great Auburn traditions as they join in the celebration at Toomer's Corner and get a taste of what Auburn football players see, hear and feel as they go through Tiger Walk.
On the tour visitors enter Jordan-Hare Stadium and get a view of a typical game day in Auburn, from tailgating, to the action on the field and the excitement of the radio call, "Touchdown Auburn!"
They become interactive by leaving a message for future visitors on the "What Auburn Means To Me" video display.
In the Sports Lockers visitors see and hear the history of each intercollegiate sport ever played at Auburn.
Touch screens on the "What Made Them Great" computer display let Auburn fans view favorite athlete's historical record at Auburn.
Upon completing the visit, fans can have their pictures made with a life size figure of Tommy Tuberville.
The museum, named after Johnathan Bell Lovelace, symbolizes the Auburn spirit, and is dedicated to honor Auburn's athletic past, define its present, and inspire future generations. Lovelace used his education, lessons he learned from athletics, and the principles from the Auburn Creed, to become one of the most successful graduates of Auburn.
The Lovelace Museum is located inside the Auburn Athletic Complex. The museum's hours are Monday-Friday 8 am-4:30 pm and Saturday 9 am-4 pm. Contributions are welcomed and admission is free.
Take a Virtual Tour of the Lovelace Museum
Valentine's Day Means Money
February 14th will provide a boost to the local economy as more than half of American consumers (59.8 percent) will celebrate Valentine's Day. Restaurants and florists around Auburn will be busy as people spend money on those they care about.Many restaurants around town have been booked with reservations for weeks. A survery found that taking a loved one out to dinner is the big favorite for this Valentine's Day, with more than one in four (27 percent) respondents putting it at the top of their plans. Last year, by contrast, less than 17 percent of those surveyed were heading to the restaurants.
Flowers are high on the list of this year's Valentine's presents, although roses no longer dominate the plans of floral romantics. Fifteen percent of respondents expect to send their loved ones roses this year, but 22 percent will give other blooms instead (up from 13 percent last year).
It's estimated that the average consumer will spend $99.24 on Valentine's Day, up from $80.44 last year. In all, Valentine's Day spending is expected to reach $12.79 billion this year. Much of that money comes from greeting cards, as Valentine's Day is the second most-popular card-sending holiday, according to the Greeting Card Association.
The top five gifts men tend to give are jewelry, flowers, candy/chocolate, dinner and a trip/vacation -- a direct correlation to what women desire. Women on the other hand, seem to think that men want jewelry, candy, dinner, trip/vacation or clothes, which is far off from the men's actual desire of time together or a card/note.
Athletic Facility Projects Underway
A new Student-Athlete Development Center highlights current athletic department construction projects. With nine projects underway, it's one of the most active phases of construction in the history of the athletic program.The Student-Athlete Development Center will be housed in two floors on top of the Tatum Strength and Conditioning Center. The 32,434 square foot facility will include administrative offices, counselor offices, a 50-seat multifunction classroom, a 50-seat tiered classroom, an academic excellence recognition area, 40 four-person study rooms, four eight-person study rooms, a 25-station computer laboratory, a study lounge and a library resources lounge. The project started on December 1, 2003, with completion slated by August 1, 2004.
Jordan-Hare Stadium will undergo expansion and renovation in two separate phases. During phase 1A, expansion to the East side of the stadium on the North and South ends will add three new suites on the third and fourth levels for a total of 12 new suites. Expansion of the club level and renovation of the existing suites and the addition of an elevator on the East side will also be completed in phase 1A.
During phase 1B, the main concourse will be completely renovated which will include new restrooms and concession areas. New flooring, gating and lighting will be installed, and signs will be upgraded to reflect the deep heritage of Auburn Football.
The Auburn track and field teams will have a new home on a site behind the Soccer Complex. Grading for the facility is currently underway and plans call for a new track with jumping and throwing areas, grandstand seating, a meet control booth, field lighting and storage areas.
Several projects that have been recently completed include the 13,274 square foot Strength and Rehabilitation Center at Plainsman Park, which houses a weight room on the first floor and a rehabilitation and research center on the second floor. A complete new field with subsurface drainage and irrigation systems at Hitchcock Field was completed last September.
Projects that are currently in the planning stages include a golf teaching facility, an outdoor pool, a swim team room and a tennis complex which will include four covered indoor tennis courts and new varsity tennis courts and stadium.
Miracle On Ice
Over twenty years ago a group of kids revived America's spirits during a time of uncertainty. The recent release of Miracle gives viewers an opportunity to witness the story that gave America hope as Olympic gold was won despite overwhelming odds.The film opens with newsreel footage from the late 1970s that provides a necessary historical backdrop. People younger than 30 have little familiarity with the America of that era. Miracle captures a time and place where differences could be settled by games and a cold war could be put on ice. In 1980, the United States Ice Hockey team's coach, Herb Brooks, played by Kurt Russell, took a squad of college kids up against the legendary juggernaut from the Soviet Union at the Olympic Games.
The Olympic gold victory provided the single greatest sports moment of the 20th century, as voted by Sports Illustrated. This moment provided a distraction from world events. Americans were still stinging over Watergate, the economy was headed south, gas prices were outrageous and gas lines even more so, and of course there were American hostages in Iran. America needed something to celebrate and the Team USA's victory over the Soviets gave them just that.
The Team USA's victory remains a pivotal moment in the country's cultural history, one of those moments where every sports fan remembers where he or she was when it occurred.
It's All Inside
Join the grand opening celebration for the new JCPenney store on Wednesday, March 3, at 10 a.m. at Colonial University Village in Auburn. The new store will offer shoppers a fun and convenient way to experience great brands and value prices.Throughout grand opening week, customers can register for great prizes, including a new home theater package, a 32-inch plasma TV and a desktop PC. In addition, four lucky shoppers will win $500 gift cards to be used toward any JCPenney purchase. Other activities include product demonstrations and special discounts for the entire family.
The JCPenney store will cover 57,000 square feet, and is designed for shopping convenience with wider aisles, and improved lighting. Better graphics will make it easy for customers to locate major brands like Worthington, Crazy Horse, Nike, Stafford, Arizona Jean Co., KitchenAid, and more.
The store's layout will focus attention on JCPenney's offerings in key areas such as jeans, shoes, bedding and bath accessories, children's apparel, women's and men's sportswear. Reflecting the company's "It's All Inside" message, the store's full service salon offers professional hair styling services, private rooms for waxing and pedicures, manicures, and salon-quality products. In addition, customers can place orders or pick up catalog and Internet purchases at the store's catalog desk.
JCPenney has been part of the Auburn/Opelika community since 1966. The company contributes about 70 jobs to the local economy.
Support Auburn Athletics
Tigers Unlimited helps provide Auburn University student-athletes with a competitive advantage through annual scholarship support and private support for capital projects, endowments and investment opportunities to the Ahletics Department.The Athletics Department can no longer rely on season ticket and television revenue to supplement each of its 20 sports. Major gift contributions from members of the Auburn Family have helped to provide funding for projects such as: Hitchcock Field at Plainsman Park, The Athletic Museum and Hall of Honor, the new Jordan-Hare Stadium Dressing Room Complex, The Indoor Practice Facility, The Athletic Complex, The Women's Athletic Complex, The Endowment By Position Program, and many academic support programs.
The endowment program represents a long term resource which can offset the financial strains of escalating scholarship costs, rising operational expenses, and the need for facility enhancements. There is no better way to have your name, or that of a loved one, permanently associated with Auburn University Athletics. Endowments share a common goal, ensuring the future of excellence in athletics at Auburn University for generations to come.
Endowed gifts are held in perpetuity. The Auburn University Foundation invests your initial gift, which must be a minimum of $25,000 given over a maximum five year period, and Auburn Athletics spends only a portion of the annual investment return. The remaining investment return is added back to the principle as protection against inflation. A Tigers Unlimited member who makes an endowment gift can be proud that his or her gift will grow and continue to provide support far into the future.
All major gift donors receive on campus recognition, a tax deduction, potential improvement in season ticket priority seating, and are included in the Tigers Unlimited All-American Society.
Important dates to remember: December 8 - March 1: Tigers Unlimited football ticket priority contributions are accepted. April: Season ticket order forms are mailed to Tigers Unlimited donors from the AU ticket office. May 1: Deadline for submitting ticket order blanks to the AU ticket office. After May 1, unclaimed seats will be reassigned and made available to new TUF members and Auburn alumni and friends.
Wal-Mart Monopoly?
In 2002, Wal-Mart did $245 billion in revenues, much of that came from the sale of groceries, making it the nation's largest grocer. This control over the grocery business has devastating effects on local supermarkets and the local economy.The Wal-Mart supercenter, the principal vehicle of the company's expansion, is a nonunion dagger aimed at the heart of the traditional American supermarket, nearly 13,000 of which have closed since 1992. This year alone, Wal-Mart hopes to open as many as 335 new stores in the U.S.: 55 discount stores, 210 supercenters, 45 Sam's Clubs, and 25 Neighborhood markets. Retail Forward predicts that for every new supercenter that Wal-Mart opens, two supermarkets will close, or 2,000 in all.
As the number of supermarkets shrinks, more shoppers will have to travel farther from home and will find their buying increasingly restricted to merchandise that Wal-Mart chooses to sell, a growing percentage of which may be the retailer's private-label goods, which now account for nearly 20% of sales. Meanwhile, the failure of hundreds of stores will cost their owners dearly and put thousands out of work, only some of whom will find jobs at Wal-Mart, most likely at lower pay.
On average, Wal-Mart sales clerks pulled in $8.23 an hour, or $13,861 a year, in 2001, according to documents filed in a lawsuit pending against the company. At the time, the federal poverty line for a family of three was $14,630.
The lower pay has caused a revolt of sorts in the form of nearly 40 lawsuits charging the company with forcing employees to work overtime without pay and a sex-discrimination case that could rank as the largest civil rights class action ever. On Sept. 24, 2003, a federal judge in California began considering a plaintiff's petition to include all women who have worked at Wal-Mart since late 1998, 1.6 million in all, in a suit alleging that Wal-Mart systematically denies women equal pay and opportunities for promotion.
Critics also argue that Wal-Mart's intensifying global pursuit of low-cost goods is partly to blame for the accelerating loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to China and other low-wage nations. It's no wonder that economists refer to a broad "Wal-Mart effect" that has suppressed inflation and rippled productivity gains through the economy year after year.
Growth will only add to the power that the Wal-Mart giant now holds. There might come a time, though, when Wal-Mart's size poses as much of a threat to the company itself as it does to outsiders.
Indecent Proposal
Congress is considering a law that will increase the maximum fine for indecency to $275,000 from $27,500, a move that the Federal Communications Commission endorsed even before singer Janet Jackson's performance during the Super Bowl halftime show.Clear Channel, which owns 1,200 stations, has come under fire for its own charges of indecency. Facing a proposed $755,000 fine from the FCC, Clear Channel decided to cleanup the airwaves on some of its Florida stations.
The cleanup initiative was announced two days after it fired Bubba the Love Sponge, morning talk show host for WXTB-FM 97.9 in Tampa, when the company was heavily fined by the FCC over alleged violations of indecency rules. Bubba attracted high ratings to "98 Rock" and his program was heard over other Clear Channel stations in Florida.
The San Antonio, Texas-based broadcaster said the initiative is intended to make sure material aired by its radio stations conforms to the standards and sensibilities of the communities they serve. Clear Channel has instituted a zero tolerance policy for indecent content. Disc jockeys will be taken off the air immediately for alleged indecent material. The policy will include companywide training, possible fines against DJs, and automatic suspensions for anyone accused by the FCC of violating indecency rules on the air, company officials said.
Howard Stern's show was suspended by Clear Channel on six stations indefinitely for breaking the new rules of indecency. Even with Clear Channel pulling the plug on the show, Stern can be heard on 35 other stations.
Clear Channel said Stern won't be allowed back on the air until it feels assured the show will conform to broadcast standards.
Test Overload?
The No Child Left Behind Act requires states to administer tests so that it can compare school performance and compare itself to other states. Most Alabamians favor cutting the number of standardized tests that Alabama public school students take.In a recent survey of 403 adults conducted in February, 51 percent said students take too many tests. 82 percent of those polled said students should continue to have to pass the Alabama High School Graduation Exam before they receive diplomas. To graduate, high school students must pass all five portions of the graduation exam: math, language, reading, science and social studies.
Students can take six to eight standardized tests yearly. Joining the lineup this year is the new Alabama Reading and Math Test, which will be given to third-, fifth- and seventh-graders.
Depending on their grade level, elementary and middle school students must take some or all of the following tests: Stanford Achievement Test, Alabama Direct Assessment of Writing, National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and the Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills (DIBELS) test.
Over half of the respondents in the poll said extensive testing is necessary to hold teachers and schools accountable for the quality of education they provide.
When asked if the number of tests should be reduced to save money, 65 percent said the number should be reduced, while 73 percent said they believe the state spends too little on K-12 education.
World Famous Globetrotters Visit AUM, Columbus
The world famous Harlem Globetrotter's 2004 tour will stop at the Columbus Civic Center March 10th at 7:00 PM and at the PE Complex at Auburn University Montgomery March 14th at 3:00 PM.Having their own style of basketball with half court shots, dribbling displays, tricks with fans and impromptu dance routines, the Harlem Globetrotters will entertain people of all ages with their signature comedy routines in Columbus and Montgomery.
After World War II, the Globetrotters became real "globetrotters," traveling the world and entertaining thousands. They have even performed for popes, presidents, kings and queens. With players such as Geese Ausbie, Goose Tatum, 1998 Hall of Famer Marques Haynes, Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon, the Globetrotters quickly became ambassadors of bringing their showmanship to millions. The team has played over 20,000 games in more than 100 countries around the world.
The Globetrotters have become the world's most popular sports organization and basketballs winningest team, having performed for more than 120 million people. For over seven decades, the Harlem Globetrotters have used their unique brand of basketball and Ambassadorial good work to aid in breaking down barriers to bring people closer together while popularizing sport as entertainment and ushering in a style that today has become the standard that in the early days, was uniquely African-American.
In addition to giving fans a chance to see some exciting and unusual basketball, the Globetrotters also gave African Americans an opportunity to play in the National Basketball Association. The original Globetrotters were once the only option for African Americans to play. In 1950, Globetrotter Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton became the first to appear in the NBA.
In 1993, Mannie Jackson, a former player, became the first African-American to own a major sports team when he purchased the Harlem Globetrotters. His goal was to make the Harlem Globetrotters the first choice for family entertainment. One of the ways to accomplish this was to put people everywhere in touch with the rich history of this great American institution. Recently, this became most evident with the 77th season theme of Reclaiming the gameold school fun with new flavor. The theme alluded to returning to the Globetrotters roots as a competitive take on all challengers barnstorming team, while reclaiming the recognized leadership as role models and ambassadors of goodwill.
Since Mannie Jackson bought the Harlem Globetrotters he has turned a near bankrupt organization into the most admired and one of the most publicized teams in the world while increasing revenue four-fold and rebuilding the fan base to record levels.
Tickets for both events are available at ticketmaster.com.
What Comes After Television?
If you watch TV, you've gotta have one!
If you do not watch television, you simply must have one.
I've had one for years and am totally hooked.The DVR or Digital Video Recorder has been around for nearly six years since the ReplayTV debuted in 1998. If you have never heard of it, you are not alone. Less than 2% of Americans have one of these boxes atop their TV set today, and the majority of those bear rival's TiVo brand.
Inventor Anthony Wood missed the Christmas season in 1998 and was unable to deliver enough units in 1999 to prevent the late-arriving TiVo from gaining market traction.
Wood eventually cashed out and the new owners added a feature that allowed viewers to watch network television without the commercials. The broadcasters literally sued them out of business.
Denon bought the rights and, although they dropped the controversial commercial skip feature, they have beefed up the home networking capabilities, added high-definition (HD) features and dropped the price to a remarkable $149! The required program service is $12.95 per month or $299 one-time.
But what is a ReplayTV? I call it the "magic box." It's a very smart VCR that does not eat tapes and changes the way we watch TV.
If the network moves your favorite show to Friday night, it will find it.
If that cult classic that you want to see comes on in the middle of the night, it will catch it.
If sports is your bag, be prepared to be blown away by your own instant replay, pause, and slo-mo for every game you watch live.
When the phone rings, pause live TV.
It works by connecting via the internet to download program schedules, editors' choices and categories. It matches that up with your "channels" that you have created to select shows to record.
Trust me, it's so easy to use and so addictive, that the ReplayTV folks offer a full 30-day money back guarantee if you are not satisfied for any reason.
Check out the closeouts! They still have some of the old models with the commercial skip feature available.
Order now to receive FREE SHIPPING and ReplayTV will contribute a portion of the sales price to Access Auburn.
Gas Prices Soar
Alabama motorists paid record prices at the pump this week for a gallon of gasoline and can expect even higher prices as the vacation season arrives. According to AAA, prices rose to a record statewide average of $1.631 for a gallon of unleaded.The previous record, $1.629, was set March 18, 2003. AAA bases its average on a statewide survey of self-serve stations.
Among Alabama's biggest cities, the price was up to $1.66 in Huntsville. In the Birmingham area, it was $1.64 -- three cents below the city's record last Labor Day. Mobile's average price of $1.63 was equal to the city's previous high set March 20, 2003.
One Alabama House member hopes his idea will lower the price a bit. Speaker Pro Tem Demetrious Newton wants to repeal a 20-year-old state law, which requires stations to sell gasoline for no lower than dealer's cost.
Petroleum marketers and convenience store owners oppose Newton's idea. They say the current law protects owners from smaller stations as they compete with large retailers such as Wal-Mart. The Opelika-Auburn Wal-Mart SuperCenter sells gasoline, and tends to have some of the lowest prices in those cities.
The price of gas in Alabama tends to average 5 to 10 cents below the national price, said Greg Womble, a spokesman for AAA of Alabama. Womble said the statewide average price surpassed the previous high of $1.62, established May 18, 2003, but was still the 10th lowest in the nation this week.
Tight global supplies of crude oil is one of the reasons for the price increase, Industry officials said. The national average of $1.73 per gallon on Tuesday was a penny below the previous all-time high, established August 25, 2003.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration on Tuesday predicted that prices will rise by a least another 10 cents this spring, then decline a little in the summer driving months.
Bike Bash Encourages Bicycling in Auburn
The 5th Annual Bike Bash will take place on Saturday, March 20 from 9-11 a.m. Bike Bash is sponsored by the city of Auburn Bicycle Committee, The Bike Shop and Kinnucans. Participants of all ages are invited to come along for the ride.Festivities will begin at the Auburn Junior High School on Samford Avenue promptly at 9 a.m. Depending on age, choose between three routes with distances ranging from 3 - 17 miles. A 3-mile route is intended for the younger and inexperienced riders. The other two routes are 10 miles and 17 miles for the more experienced riders. Maps of all three routes will be distributed before the ride. All routes are developed so participants can modify the routes for a more challenging ride.
The theme of this years Bike Bash will encourage bicycling in the Auburn community and will have a variety of activities for the entire family. Activities will include bicycle safety tips, informational sessions and demonstrations, health benefit tips, a delicious breakfast before and/or after the ride, and dancing to live musical entertainment performed by KOOSTICO. Door prizes will also be given away to Bike Bash participants after the race.
Registration forms are currently available online at www.auburnalabama.org/cycle. The registration fee for children 12 years and younger is $7.50. The registration fee for children (13 years and older) and adults is $10. The family registration fee is only $20. Registration forms can also be picked up at Dean Road Recreation Center. Participants who register early will receive an official Bike Bash 2004 t-shirt.
For additional information about the 5th Annual Bike Bash, please call Auburn Parks & Recreation at 887-4930.
Alabamians Against Gay Marriage
Nearly 80 percent of respondents to last week's Mobile Register-University of South Alabama survey said they disapprove or strongly disapprove of allowing gay and lesbian couples to marry.More than half of the 424 poll respondents opposed allowing gays and lesbians to enter into civil unions, which are not marriages but provide many of the same legal and financial rights as married couples. The poll has a 5-percentage-point margin of error.
Forty-seven percent of poll respondents thought that sexual relations between two people of the same sex should be against the law. Forty percent said that such relations should not be illegal.
Two poll questions touched upon the issue of states' rights when it comes to same-sex marriage. While a plurality preferred that the decision be up to states, 65 percent favored a federal constitutional amendment to stop state or local governments from allowing same-sex marriages. Twenty-seven percent said they would oppose such a measure.
Last week, Alabama Governor Bob Riley pressed state lawmakers to pass a constitutional amendment that would define marriage as being between a man and a woman and to outlaw same-sex marriages. Riley said he wants voters to be able to decide the amendment in a Nov. 2 referendum that would coincide with the presidential election.
Matt Foreman, executive director of the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, a civil rights and advocacy organization, called the Alabama poll results "out of sync" with national surveys and polls in other states. Elsewhere, Foreman said, poll respondents have fallen into three groups: one-third strongly opposing gay marriages, one-third strongly favoring them and one-third in the middle.
John Giles, president of the Christian Coalition of Alabama, said that polls have shown Alabama voters to be among the most conservative in the nation on economic, moral and social issues.
Revolution Has Begun
A racecar-type helmet called the "Revolution" has recently been introduced to NFL teams as an alternative to the current helmet. The new model will offer the first significant structural changes in an NFL player's headgear in nearly 25 years.
The new model, manufactured by athletic apparel company Riddell, was developed based on recent findings in head trauma research funded by the NFL. The scientists have theorized that shots to the side of the head have more significance in causing concussions and head trauma than shots taken on the top.
"According to the scientists' research funded by the NFL, the current helmets underprotected the side of the head," said Jets team doctor Elliott Pellman, who heads up the NFL's committee on head trauma. "The standard drop tests really didn't do any tests to the side of the head, so the (current) helmets were never really protected there. Riddell went to the scientists who did this research and integrated it into their own findings."
According to those who have seen the new head protection, it's a slightly more futuristic version of the current model with some similarities to a racing helmet; it looks like something that could be described as Rollerball meets the NFL. While it's not a complete change from the current model, there are noticeable differences in size, areas of protection and a slightly more streamlined look.
The major difference is the side, which drops down closer to the chin to provide better protection to the side of the head and the jaw. In addition, the holes on the top are shaped like tear drops and appear to add to the aerodynamic look, and the back protrudes to offer better padding. The helmet looks bigger than the current model but might not be any heavier.
"This helmet also gives you better peripheral vision," Upshaw said. "Plus, it has an added piece to provide better protection for your jaw. They added more padding that can inflate to adjust better to your face. The current model has a piece that snaps in there, but it doesn't come in too many sizes. I think it's a little lighter than the old model. They can probably make it lighter, too, by changing the facemask."
Head trauma became a larger issue when the careers of quarterbacks Steve Young and Troy Aikman were cut short because of multiple concussions. At the time, the NFLPA was at odds with the league over the availability of the results of their studies. But both sides appear to be on the same page with the new look.
Auburn Under Wildfire Alert
Alabama Forestry Commission officials placed Lee County and 54 other counties on alert because March has been unusually dry. March is typically an above average month for rainfall, but several counties are 2 to 3 inches below normal precipitation.The fire alert, which restricts outdoor burning, is being enforced because 1,164 fires have burned 17,609 acres statewide this month and that number is more than the previous five months combined. More than 50 buildings have been damaged or destroyed. Those numbers have state officials taking extra caution to avoid a catastrophe.
Although fires have been spotted all over Alabama, the most extreme blazes have affected the southwestern and northeastern corners of the state, said commission spokeswoman Coleen VanSant, who has tracked Alabama fires for 18 years.
The two leading causes of the fires in Alabama are arson and debris burning. The lack of rain combined with high winds and low humidity has increased the risk of spreading fires. The Forestry Commission says it will not issue any burn permits to residents or allow any private burning.
The Forestry Commission has set up a hotline for people to report arsonists. Information leading to an arrest and conviction is eligible for a $5,000 reward. The number is (800) 222-2927.
Alabama's License Plate Delayed
Governor Riley signed a proclamation that will push back the issuance of new car and truck tags from 2007 to 2009 that will save the state of Alabama from spending $5.9 million. The new tags would have been ready to issue on January 1, 2007.The "Stars Fell on Alabama" license plate which was issued on January 1, 2002 was meant to be a traditional five-year tag. Riley's spokesman, John Matson, said those license plates would last for another two years because they were made well and wouldn't rust.
Riley's administration is making every effort to eliminate unnecessary spending. The delay will push costs back to a time when the governor hopes the state's financial picture will be brighter. This year's state General Fund budget will cut most agencies 17 percent from the year before, and Riley is proposing additional 7 percent cuts for next year.
Motorists will continue to buy annual stickers to put on their tags between 2007 and 2009.
The two-year delay applies to standard license plates, tags for trucks under 12,000 pounds, tags for utility and travel trailers, and tags for motor homes under 12,000 pounds, and distinctive license plates.
The proclamation does not apply to tags for governments, public utilities, volunteer fire departments, National Guard, Purple Heart, prisoner of war, Medal of Honor, standard motorcycles, ambulances, commercial buses, taxies, rental trailers, apportioned vehicles, and motor homes exceeding 12,000 pounds.
B-I-N-G-O Spells Money for Education
The Bingo for Books legislation now requires approval in the House. If it passes, the legislation would allow voters to decide whether to legalize high-stakes video and live bingo at Alabama's four dog tracks and to tax the games to buy textbooks.The legislation won Senate approval last week and could be considered by a House committee when legislators return from their spring break next week. Those on both sides of the issue have predicted a close vote in the House, which has not wrestled over a high-profile gambling bill since the current legislative roster assumed office following the 2002 elections.
Before the legislation can be implemented, it must be approved by the full House and voted on by Alabamians in a statewide referendum. Each county or municipality -- Mobile County among them -- now home to a dog track would also have to approve the amendment for it to go into effect in that location.
The Senate bill, which would generate an estimated $50 million to $70 million annually from taxes on electronic bingo at the state's four dog tracks, originated in the Legislature's upper chamber.
Governor Riley has no veto power over a proposed constitutional amendment, but he has promised to fight any expansion of gambling in Alabama. Other opponents have argued that the proposal is not primarily a tax bill. Rather, it is a regulatory bill that would change the existing gambling law, and the side effect of which would be to produce revenue.
Selling Alcohol An Option for 10 Cities
Allowing alcohol sales on Sunday in 10 of Alabama's mid-sized cities is being supported by two legislators as an option to help with their economies and tourism."We are missing a lot of conventions and a lot of dollars," said state Sen. Charles Steele, D-Tuscaloosa, who is sponsoring the bill in the Senate.
Tuscaloosa officials have failed in the past to get bills approved that would allow Sunday sales in the college town.
State Rep. Bryant Melton Jr., D-Tuscaloosa, the other co-sponsor of the bill in the House, said it was primarily an economic development issue. Melton said some colleagues he's talked with are concerned the bill would let city councils OK Sunday liquor sales without a referendum. He said he expects an amendment to allow the change to occur only by a vote of the people.
If the bill passes, it would allow governing bodies in 10 mid-sized cities to regulate, by ordinance or by referendum, the hours on Sundays when alcoholic beverages can be sold at retail or on-premise locations. If the bill becomes law, a city council could vote to add Sunday sales or call for a referendum on the issue.
The bill could face opposition from legislators including Senator Bobby Denton, D-Muscle Shoals. He opposes the bill because he doesn't agree with Sunday sales. But he said he might go along if it allowed for sales only inside hotels or at conventions, and if it includes provisions that would allow the other smaller cities in the Shoals the same opportunity.
"I'm certainly not going to go along with Sunday sales as far as package stores or outside carryouts," Denton said. "I just feel like we ought to respect the Lord's day and at least not sell it for off-premise consumption."
Tourism officials in a couple of the cities that fall under the proposed Sunday sales bill, say if it becomes law it would be an important step for their cities.
"If we are going to attract conventions, I think we would have to have Sunday liquor sales," said Peggy Atkins, executive director of the Gadsden-Etowah County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Camp ASCCA Feels Effects of Cuts
Funding cuts have hit one camp in Alabama especially hard. Despite the cuts, Camp ASCCA will try and continue to help children with special needs do things they wouldn't normally be able to enjoy.The state of Alabama has cut funding for the camp from last year's budget of $480,000, to $291,000 for the 2003-2004 year. The camp has already had to cut staff. Easter Seals is uncertain what the 2004-2005 year will bring but they say if there's any further reduction, services will start to suffer.
Camp ASCCA is the world's largest year-round, barrier-free camp for people with disabilities. The camp is on 230 acres with 1.5 miles of Lake Martin shoreline and has centrally heated and air conditioned buildings that accommodate up to 284 people. Program areas include the demonstration farm, adventure area, nature trail, ballfield, horseback riding ring and trails, rifle range, developed lakefront, modern filtered swimming pool, all-weather pavilion, and a wildlife farm.
With more than 10,000 people attending Camp ASCCA last year, the cost is about $600 a week for each camper. To better serve the many children and adults with disabilities who visit every year, the camp has a list of items that need to be donated. They are also asking for companies, groups or individuals to help with the cost. The camp's Endowment Fund provides camperships to campers who may not be able to afford all or some of the cost to attend camp.
If you would like to make a donation to Camp ASCCA, you can contact them by calling 1-256-825-9226.
Enhanced Cell Phones
A new FCC regulation will make it mandatory for all new cell phones to have the capability to locate you. Technology will make it possible to pinpoint where someone is by using a tiny chip in your cell phone.As part of the Enhanced 911 initiative, your cell phone will be able to do what your home phone does, call 911 and your location pops up.
The new technology will help cut costs at many emergency centers nationwide by giving emergency dispatchers a better idea of knowing if 911 calls from cell phone users are real emergencies or accidental. Emergency dispatchers will now know exactly where a cell phone user's location is and it will help them better determine whether to make a contact, or send out a resource, which costs taxpayers millions.
Many cell phones will dial 911 if the owner pushes and holds down a number, usually nine. The phone's user can set off the speed-dial function sometimes just by leaning up against the phone. A national survey of 6,100 emergency call centers found between one-third and one-half of all wireless 911 calls were made by accident.
In January of last year, most cell phone manufacturers stopped producing phones with the hot button feature, which many users programmed for 911. However, some 40 million of those phones with the speed dial feature are still being used.
The Global Positioning System chip will be on most new phones, with the technology in full swing by this time next year.
Auburn's Second Annual Earth Week
The City of Auburn celebrates Earth Week during the week of April 12 through April 17. This year's theme is, "Peace, Love and Green, Keep Auburn Clean." The week long event has a variety of interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy.The week's activities will kickoff on April 14 with an Earth Week puppet show theme which will be held at the Auburn Public Library. And, throughout the month of April, storytelling sessions will continue at the library.
Second graders from Auburn City schools will hold Earth Week demonstrations and display art projects at Kiesel Park on April 15 and April 16. On the night of April 15, everyone is invited to pack a picnic dinner and enjoy a free musical performance by Muse. The performance will begin at 5:30 and will conclude at 8.
Earth Week festivities will end on April 17 when local boy scout troops participate in the creek clean up activity. Also on April 17, the annual Household Hazardous Waste Day event encourages Auburn residents to bring hazardous products from their house and dispose of them in a safe way. The rain or shine event takes place at Environmental Services from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more information about the City of Auburns Earth Week, call Auburn Parks & Recreation at (334) 887-4930.
Pollen Is In The Air
Pollen Season is in full force and usually lasts until early October for people living in the Southeast. Pollen makes the body release histamines, chemicals that cause the linings of the nose, sinuses, eyelids and eyes to inflame.Since the Southeast has been windy with very little rainfall, many areas are seeing very high pollen counts. The pretty flowering trees aren't causing the problem, it's the plain ones, the oaks, the pine trees, and the maples. Many people who suffer from allergies start having problems in late March when tree pollen is first produced. Grass pollen appears in late April and lasts until mid-June, ragweed pollen comes along from August to early October, and high humidity creates mold problems from mid-Summer to Fall.
The problem particles cause about 50 million Americans to suffer from allergies. While there is no cure for allergies, people who have mild symptoms are usually helped by oral antihistamines, available both over-the-counter or by prescription. Claritin is the only non-sedating antihistamine that is available over-the-counter. The competing drugs, Allegra and Zyrtec, still require prescriptions.
More severe symptoms of allergies are linked to causing those who suffer from asthma to have an increase in attacks. Asthma patient's airways are supersensitive, drastically narrowing in response to minor irritants that wouldn't affect normal lungs. Indoor allergens, such as pet dander, dust mites or cockroach debris, put these people at risk year-round. But outdoor-allergy season brings an increase in asthma attacks.
People with allergic asthma are tested to learn just which allergens trigger their airway attacks so they can avoid them, or try allergy shots to reduce their sensitivity. The antihistamines that clear allergy-driven stuffy noses won't help asthma.
Xoliar is a new option available for the estimated half a million people with severe allergic asthma not controlled by today's medicines. It can cut asthma attacks by about a third by blocking the inflammation chain reaction.
Xoliar is expensive, ranging between $5,000 and $10,000 a year. However, specialists say insurance companies are covering it without complaint for those who qualify, partly because of evidence that Xolair reduces hospitalizations and cuts patients' use of other medicines. It requires shots administered in a doctor's office every two to four weeks. So far it's just for those older than age 12, although a study aiming to enroll 6 to 11 year olds around the country has begun.
While it's not a cure, Xolair provides the first opportunity to block the root cause of a breathing attack, instead of battling inflammation far downstream.
Opelika Celebrates 150 Years As a City
The year 2004 marks the City of Opelika's Sesquicentennial anniversary and on April 17 the city presents, "Celebrating Opelika's Past" Heritage Festival. The festival takes place 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in downtown Opelika on South Railroad Avenue.The Norfolk Southern Exhibit Car will be on display at The Depot, located at the West end of South Railroad Avenue and will be open to the public free of charge from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Since 1971, the Exhibit Car has been viewed by an estimated 1.5 million people in more than 350 cities. The rolling museum features interactive displays depicting the history and modern operation of the Norfolk Southern transportation system.
A locomotive simulator lets you be the engineer. The simulator allows you to sit in the engineer's seat inside a mock-up of a Norfolk Southern locomotive and operate throttle, brake and horn. Computer animation simulates successful delivery of a customer's freight, with an important safety message built in.
Another display depicts a train-dispatching center, the nerve center of the railroad. It shows how Norfolk Southern keeps track of nearly 2,000 trains each day. Together with presentations about corporate history and service, plus three interactive Web stations, the Exhibit Car portrays Norfolk Southern as a modern, safe and customer-focused transportation network.
Other exhibits featured at the festival will include Railroad, Church and Choirs, African American, and Textile. The celebration will also have an Arts Festival, Antique Cars, Carriage Rides, and a Farmer's Market.
Finance Columnist to Speak at Auburn
A spokesperson to all generations on how to handle their money and one of the nation's leading experts on personal finance, Jane Bryant Quinn will speak at the Women's Philanthropy Board Spring Symposium at Auburn University on April 21.The second annual event at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center will begin at 9 a.m., and end at 2 p.m. In addition to Quinn, several other speakers will also provide expert advice on topics related to women's leadership.
As a distinguished columnist, Quinn writes regularly for Newsweek and Good Housekeeping on issues affecting personal finance. She recently ended a 27-year run of providing insights on personal finance issues in a column for The New York Daily News that was syndicated to over 250 newspapers.
Quinn has written several books including, Jane Bryant Quinn's Money Book, which was a bestseller and also a Book of the Month Club Selection. Another recent book, A Hole in the Market, tracks the effect that Generation X has on the economy.
As a television personality, Quinn's business news reports were first seen on the CBS Morning News and then on the CBS Evening News with Dan Rather. She also appears as a guest on Nightline, Good Morning America, and many other TV programs.
Quicken Financial Planner is a top-selling software program that Quinn appears on and helped develop. The program is a personal guide to saving and investing for college and retirement.
She received a bachelor's degree from Middlebury College where she graduated magna cum laude. She serves on the Deans Council of the Harvard School of Public Health and the Board of Advisors for The Jerome Levy Economics Institute of Bard College.
Married to lawyer David Quinn, Jane is the mother of two children and has three stepchildren.
Join the Old 280 Boogie Celebration
Mark your calendar for Saturday, April 24 as Waverly celebrates the 4th annual Old 280 Boogie from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring your friends, family, chairs, coolers and blankets to enjoy this free community sponsored event.The free music and art festival has something for the entire family. Downtown will be blocked off to allow everyone to safely enjoy fine music, art, an antique car show, horseshoes, mule buggy rides, volleyball and plenty of good country cooking.
Emcee for the day will be Wildman Steve. This year will feature more music than in previous years. Performances will be held on the lawn next to High Corner Co-Op and they begin on the hour, every hour, starting at 11 a.m. Scheduled performers include: The Brantly's, Adam Hood, Mace Glasscock, Saugahatchee String Band, Pine Hill Aints, Plantation Heirs, Peter Spivak & Friends, Mark & Les Lyden, and Mr. Resistor.
Delicious food from Oskar's Cafe and the Oak Bowery Fire Department will be served under the big awning of the old Peyton Place Restaurant building right in the heart of uptown Waverly. If it rains, the awning will also serve as the rain venue.
Waverly is approximately 14 miles from Auburn/Opelika. Take Highway 280 West towards Birmingham/Dadeville, turn Right at the Waverly Business District sign. If you are traveling from the Birmingham/Dadeville area, take Highway 280 East towards Auburn/Opelika, turn left at the Waverly Business District sign.
For More Information call Scott Peek (334) 826-6423 or Demarious Jackson (334) 821-7182.
Celebrate Art and Entertainment at CityFest
Auburn CityFest 2004 will be held on Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Kiesel Park in Auburn. Hosted by Auburn Parks and Recreation, this free festival is a celebration of arts and entertainment in the Auburn community.There will be many interactive activities for kids to enjoy. The Children's Imagination Station will have more than 10 inflatables, including the gigantic 5 story high Titanic Slide. It will also have the Gamma Phi Beta Carnival, the StoryMaker, the ArtFest, Auburn Public Library Tents and the Auburn University inflatables.
Kids will want to take a stroll around Kiesel Park with Smokey the Bear, some of the Cartoon Network character's, and Auburn University's famous mascot, Aubie. The character's will be glad to pose for exciting and memorable pictures. Other children's activities in the park include Karate demonstrations, a Children's Arts Exhibition, the Raptor Center Shows, the City of Auburn Smoke House and a dunking booth.
Various Auburn University Sports Teams will make appearances for everyone to meet and greet them and even get their autographs. Below is the schedule of when and what teams will make an appearance during Auburn CityFest.
The Auburn University Women's Golf Team: 10 a.m. The Auburn University Women's Tennis Team: 10:30 a.m. The Auburn University Swim & Dive Team: 11 a.m. The Auburn University Women's Volleyball Team: 11:30 a.m. The Auburn University Football Team: Noon The Auburn University Football Team: 12:30 p.m. The Auburn University Men's Golf Team: 1:30 p.m. The Auburn University Cheerleaders: TBA
Vendors from all over the United States will share their hobbies and crafts in the Artist Marketplace, and in the Arts & Crafts Vendor Showcase. Artwork on display will include everything from handmade birdhouses, jewelry, furniture, lamps and unique paintings.
CityFest 2004 will feature food and beverages to satisfy any appetite. Food vendors will be located directly adjacent to the WTVM Channel 9 Entertainment Pavilion.
At the Entertainment Pavilion, performances will be featured throughout the day and will begin at 9:00 a.m. with Highway 280 Bluegrass. Other performances include The Kazoobie Kazoo Show with Rick Hubbard, The Alabama Blues Brothers Tribute Show, Trotline, The Auburn Unicycle Club and The CaterPillars of the Community.
Volunteers are needed for a few hours or for the entire day, and are needed between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. Volunteers will receive an official Auburn CityFest 2004 volunteer shirt.
To volunteer or for additional information about Auburn CityFest 2004, call Auburn Parks & Recreation at 887-4930, or visit their website at www.auburnalabama.org/cityfest.
Almost 80 and Still Going Strong
Blues legend B.B. King has rescheduled double cataract surgery from June to October in order to fulfill his many tour commitments. King is in the midst of a U.S. tour that will next take him to Columbus, GA on Sunday, April 25.The cataract surgery was scheduled for the same time that King performs his annual concert in his hometown of Indianola, MS on June, 11. The homecoming concert in Indianola has been described by King, as "the highlight of my year." King performs each year, free of charge, as a way to give back to Indianola and the Mississippi Delta. Proceeds from the concert go to Indianola's Parks and Recreation Department. He'll also be able to make a June 6 appearance at Eric Clapton's all-star Crossroads Guitar Festival in Dallas.
The Indianola and Dallas shows will be followed by another European tour. Finally, he'll be able to undergo the cataract surgery upon the completion of his annual North American B.B. King Blues Festival tour, which is due to kick off at the end of July, according to his management.
As King approaches his 80th birthday in 2005, he continues to maintain a rigorous performance and travel schedule. The winner of 13 Grammy awards, King is being honored with a world-class museum, which will be housed in a renovated cotton gin where King worked as a teenager in Indianola. The museum campus also will contain new buildings for artifacts from King's career, interactive exhibits and arts and music education programs.
No Talking During Class
State Rep. Oliver Robinson wants to change a law that bans Alabama students from having electronic communication devices at school. The new law would allow students to have cell phones but requires permission from a school official to use them.The proposed amendment was sparked by an April 1 search of students at Ramsay Alternative High School by Birmingham City Schools employees. System officials confiscated 223 cellular phones.
The search angered several Ramsay parents who questioned the purpose for it. School system officials said they were adhering to the 1989 law.
The 1989 law prohibits students from carrying an electronic communication device in school except for health or extraordinary reasons. The law was designed primarily to ban pagers, which then were seen as a tool for dealing drugs at school.
Robinson and the parents stressed how they did not want the cell phones or other electronic devices to be disruptive at school. But, parents also say cell phones are needed to call home, to arrange rides, to tell parents the night's itinerary, and to call work.
Students find other people's phone calls grating and don't want to hear them ringing during class. Students suggest to avoid problems they should be required to switch the ringers to vibrate mode, as well as keep phones out of sight and out of use during class time.
Pedestrian Campus Plan Increases Student's Safety
As part of a pedestrian campus plan adopted by the university in 2001, Thach Avenue will permanently close through the center of campus this Summer. The plan was approved by the Board of Trustees for $6.6 million and will be completed in five years.The plan is part of an effort to increase students safety as they walk between buildings to class. It will also re-establish a collegiate atmosphere within the core of campus and add beauty with more lawn areas.
Thach will be closed from the West side of Ross Square at Foy Student Union to the West side of Haley Center at Duncan Drive. The area between those points will be converted into a landscaped, pedestrian plaza on which motorized vehicles will be banned.
In the future, Duncan Drive on the North End will be permanently closed as the university begins preparation of the new Transportation Technology Center. The first step in that project began with the demolition of Noble Hall at the Duncan Drive-Magnolia Avenue intersection.
Roosevelt Drive, which is currently closed for construction of the new Science Center, will reopen as a pedestrian corridor in 2005. Also in 2005, Samford Avenue will be closed to most vehicles from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on class days. Booths will be placed on Samford and other streets entering the core of campus to divert traffic to perimeter streets during daytime class hours. Samford will be open for through traffic at other times, but raised crosswalks will force vehicles to proceed slowly.
The pedestrian campus plan is tied closely to ongoing expansion of parking areas on the perimeter of campus and it will also encourage students to ride Tiger Transit buses. At its March 19 meeting, the Board of Trustees agreed to extend the contract with Groome Transportation from seven to 10 years through Summer 2010. This will enable the transit company to recoup the cost of adding new buses to its campus routes.
Pedestrian Campus Plan Increases Safety
As part of a pedestrian campus plan adopted by the university in 2001, Thach Avenue will permanently close through the center of campus this Summer. The plan was approved by the Board of Trustees for $6.6 million and will be completed in five years.The plan is part of an effort to increase safety for students as they walk between buildings to class. It will also re-establish a collegiate atmosphere within the core of campus and add beauty with more lawn areas.
Thach will be closed from the West side of Ross Square at Foy Student Union to the West side of Haley Center at Duncan Drive. The area between those points will be converted into a landscaped, pedestrian plaza on which motorized vehicles will be banned.
In the future, Duncan Drive on the North End will be permanently closed as the university begins preparation of the new Transportation Technology Center. The first step in that project began with the demolition of Noble Hall at the Duncan Drive-Magnolia Avenue intersection.
Roosevelt Drive, which is currently closed for construction of the new Science Center, will reopen as a pedestrian corridor in 2005. Also in 2005, Samford Avenue will be closed to most vehicles from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on class days. Booths will be placed on Samford and other streets entering the core of campus to divert traffic to perimeter streets during daytime class hours. Samford will be open for through traffic at other times, but raised crosswalks will force vehicles to proceed slowly.
The pedestrian campus plan is tied closely to ongoing expansion of parking areas on the perimeter of campus and it will also encourage students to ride Tiger Transit buses. At its March 19 meeting, the Board of Trustees agreed to extend the contract with Groome Transportation from seven to 10 years through Summer 2010. This will enable the transit company to recoup the cost of adding new buses to its campus routes.
May Sweeps In
For many television viewers, May means a whole month of exciting moments before the summer reruns begin. The major networks pull out all of the best programming during May sweeps as they try to win the ratings war.The month long special ratings period which features sitcoms, specials, movies and miniseries, is designed to set advertising rates in more than 200 cities. This year it coincides with the end of a TV season notable for the reign of "reality" shows and a lack of breakout hits among scripted comedies and dramas.
The most memorable moments of May will come from the more traditional realm of prime time. Some are calling it the beginning of the end of the sitcom era as NBC brings down the curtain on two of its signature sitcoms in hour long send-offs for "Friends" on May 6 and "Frasier" a week later.
More farewells include an appearance by Dylan McDermott, dropped after last season in cost-cutting at "The Practice," returns for the final two episodes of the ABC drama Sunday and May 16. CBS hasn't confirmed that "Everybody Loves Raymond" will be back next season. The May 24 episode could be the end.
Reality will steal some of the limelight in the weeks ahead with the crowning of America's newest instant pop star on Fox's "American Idol." Other reality season finales will feature CBS' "Survivor: All-Stars," which concludes May 9 with a two-hour episode. Then the players reunite in Madison Square Garden. ABC's "The Bachelor" on May 19 reveals quarterback Jesse Palmer's selection of his romantic favorite. On the May 26 show, he appears publicly with her for the first time.
Sweeps will feature several shows for those looking for a little nostalgia. CBS reunites Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore and Rose Marie for "The Dick Van Dyke Show Revisited." Carl Reiner wrote the May 11 special, which is part new episode, part retrospective. Carol Burnett replays clips from her beloved variety series in "Let's Bump Up the Lights." The CBS special, on May 12, will feature Harvey Korman, Tim Conway, Vicki Lawrence and Lyle Waggoner. CBS pays tribute to Don Hewitt, creator of 60 Minutes, with a May 18 retrospective.
CBS will recycle the 1976 miniseries of "Helter Skelter," which detailed the investigation and trial of mass murderer Charles Manson. A new, three-hour movie, set for May 16, focuses on Manson and his sway over followers. ABC shares its long-promised version of "A Wrinkle in Time," based on Madeleine L'Engle's book, on May 10. The three-hour film features Gregory Smith of "Everwood."
The networks will present just two miniseries this month. NBC's "10.5" imagines disaster for the West Coast. Seismic expert Kim Delaney contends with catastrophe on May 2 and May 3. CBS' "Reversible Errors" brings a Scott Turow thriller to life May 23 and 25. William H. Macy and Tom Selleck star.
Specials during May include the "Daytime Emmy Awards" airing on NBC on May 21, while Lionel Richie and Cedric the Entertainer host "Motown 45," a two-hour special May 17 on ABC.
Ending out the month will be a few Cliffhangers and turning points. Danny (Josh Duhamel) is called to military service in the May 17 season finale of NBC's Las Vegas. CBS suggests that Jack Malone (Anthony LaPaglia) might move from New York to Chicago in the May 20 "Without a Trace." Fox's "24" wraps up its latest daylong thriller May 25.
Cosby Brings Comedy To Columbus
Bill Cosby, one of the most popular television stars in America, brings his comedy routine that deals in universal truths about real life to the RiverCenter in Columbus, GA. Cosby will perform two shows on May, 8 at 5 p.m. and at 8 p.m.Cosby decided to give up a possible career in professional football so he could make people laugh. His first stage appearance, for $5 a night, was at a night spot called "The Underground" in a small room named "The Cellar." It didn't have a stage, so Cosby did his act on a table with a chair propped on it. He not only had to climb over the bar to get to the "stage," but he couldn't stand up because of his height. This is how he became a "sit-down" comedian.
The 66-year-old comedian/actor is famous for starring in "I-Spy," "The Cosby Show," and Jell-O commercials. His "I Spy" role as co-star broke the racial barrier of television. Before the series ended, he had won three Emmy Awards. It was a historic moment in casting when a black man was placed along side a white man as his equal, and it created international interest in the show and in Bill Cosby.
"The Cosby Show" which aired on NBC from 1984 to 1992, was credited by many for single-handedly resurrecting the sitcom genre. Cosby's return to television after eight years was promoted by what he perceived as a lack of relevance and an abundance of superficiality in TV comedy programming. Week after week of #1 ratings and the almost unanimous critical acclaim only confirms that others agreed with him.
In the publishing world, Bill Cosby has shattered records with each of his books. "Fatherhood," became the fastest-selling hardcover book of all time. It remained for over half of its fifty-four weeks on the New York Times Best Seller List as #1. It has sold 2.6 million hardcover copies and 1.5 million paperbacks. "Time Flies" had the largest single first printing in publishing history, 1.75 million copies. Like its predecessor, it too remained at the top of the New York Times list. "Childhood" deals with the predicaments of growing up and coming of age, combining stories of his legendary childhood with comic insights about children of today.
In 1999 he developed the animated television show, Little Bill, which airs on Nickelodeon. In 2001, Little Bill received an Image Award and was nominated for a daytime Emmy. Recently, Cosby and screenwriter Charles Kipp finished the script for a feature-length version of the cartoon "Fat Albert." The film will be released on Christmas Day this year in theatres.
Cosby still loves to perform in front of an audience. About his performances Cosby says, "I feel that in-person contact with people is the most important thing in comedy. While I'm up on stage, I can actually put myself into the audience and adjust my pace and timing to them. I can get into their heads through their ears and through their eyes. Only through this total communication can I really achieve what I'm trying to do."
Medicare Scams
Some Medicare beneficiaries across the country have reported cases of unsolicited calls as well as in-person solicitations from individuals or companies posing as Medicare officials attempting to gain personal information with the intent to scam.In the May 2004 issue of Consumer Reports, an article describes how phony Medicare drug cards are already showing up even before a new government program gets under way.
With the high cost of medicine, the new program is supposed to help cut prescription costs for seniors and people with disabilities who have no other drug coverage. Beginning in June, they'll be able to choose from a number of discount drug cards approved by Medicare.
In the article, Consumer Reports' Mandy Walker explains that there have been reports across the country of people going either door-to-door or calling on the phone selling 'Medicare-approved' discount drug cards. She also adds, "They're all scams. In fact, it's illegal to sell any Medicare product over the phone or door-to-door."
"With the Medicare card programs, you pay an annual fee of up to $30 and you may get discounts on certain prescriptions of 10 to 25 percent," Walker said. "Low-income families will get a more generous benefit."
Consumers will have to choose from an array of cards offered by different companies. That won't be easy. And Consumer Reports says the Medicare drug program has other drawbacks.
Not all drugs are covered by each card. Prices for drugs will vary depending on which card you choose. And prices can change weekly without advance warning. "It's going to be pretty complicated to figure out which card program is best for youif any," Walker said. "You may find you'll do better with a discount drug card you already own."
You may want to call your state Attorney General's office or local Medicare office to find out about any phony Medicare card scams reported in your state.
The City of Auburn Receives Bicycle Award
Auburn was honored last week for significant improvement in providing safe accommodations and facilities for bicyclists. Auburn is the only city in the state to receive a Bicycle-Friendly Community award.May is National Bike Month and the League of American Bicyclists honored Auburn for regularly maintaining its bicycle facilities, such as its arterial bike lanes, to ensure they are usable by local cyclists, and for placing bike racks on its buses. It also considers several other factors before giving the Bicycle-Friendly Community award. Those include: the physical environment for bicycling, education programs to promote a "share the road" ethic among bicyclists and drivers, promotional initiatives to persuade people to ride or ride more often, enforcement of traffic laws for both motorists and bicyclists, and evaluation techniques to improve conditions in the future.
Auburn also teaches bike safety education in its five elementary schools. Fourth graders go through the school systems bicycle safety program, which recently acquired a bicycle trailer to transport and store bikes that are provided for students. The Auburn Bicycle Committee sponsors an annual Bike to School competition. The homeroom class with the greatest number of children riding to school is rewarded with a pizza party.
The committee also sponsors Bike Bash, which brings together cyclists of all ages and skill levels for a leisurely ride highlighting Auburns newest bicycle facilities. This year, the committee will offer the League of American Bicyclists Road I Course, have a trail clean-up day, and release the first edition of the Auburn Bicycle Tours Guide. The guide contains maps and descriptions of recommended bicycling routes throughout the city.
The League of American Bicyclists promotes bicycling for fun, fitness and transportation. The League represents the interests of America's 50 million bicyclists, including its 300,000 members and affiliates. For more information or to support the League, visit www.bikeleague.org and www.bicyclefriendlycommunity.org.
"The Passion" Tops List for Illegal Sharing
"The Passion of the Christ" broke the record for the most pirated movie on Internet file-sharing networks in April, according to a piracy tracking firm. High-speed broadband is making it easier for consumers to obtain illegal copies of movies.The California-based online piracy tracking firm BayTSP reports that 36,693 copies of "The Passion" were being shared on Internet file-sharing networks such as Kazaa and eDonkey. BayTSP, which counts some of the largest movie studios and music labels as its clients, deploys scouring technologies known as "spiders" to search the Internet looking for copyrighted copies of music and films on file-sharing services.
A variety of new file-sharing technologies such as BitTorrent are emerging regularly, and older ones like IRC make it difficult to shut down illegal file-sharing. A few weeks ago, law enforcement agencies in 11 countries announced an operation called Fastlink, aimed at shutting down the activities of almost 100 people suspected of helping to operate illegal file-sharing on the Internet. The groups targeted as part of Fastlink are alleged to have used IRC to have committed their crimes.
Hollywood officials are desperate to minimize the effects of file-sharing on their lucrative DVD business and avoid the same piracy problems that have sunk recorded music sales over the past four years. The news of "The Passion" being widely pirated comes at a time when the movie is getting ready to be released to DVD and VHS in a few months. Officials think that sales will still go well despite the illegal sharing.
DVD and VHS versions of "The Passion," which has grossed more than $375 million at the U.S. box office to date, will go on sale August 31 in America.
BayTSP said there were an average of 2.9 million daily Kazaa users and 2.2 million daily eDonkey users in April, revealing Internet movie piracy has held steady since the start of the year.
Alabamians Favor President Bush
A survey conducted by the Mobile Register found that about half of those surveyed said they would choose President Bush over Democrat John Kerry if the election were held today. Bush topped Kerry by 22 percentage points in a head-to-head matchup.The survey was published Sunday and found that 29 percent believe the nation is headed in the right direction, while 61 percent say the nation is on the wrong track. The poll has a 5 percentage point margin of error.
On the issues, about half of those surveyed ranked the economy and health care as No. 1 priorities, ahead of Iraq and terrorism, chosen by about 37 percent. Only about 2 percent chose the environment.
In Sunday's poll, Bush's favorability rating, combining those whose opinion of the president is "very favorable" or "favorable," was 57 percent. That's identical to Kerry's negative rating, which combines those who view the Massachusetts senator in an "unfavorable" or "very unfavorable" light. Kerry's favorability rating came in at 39 percent. The president had a 49 percent negative rating.
Alabama Republican Party Chairman Marty Connors said he wasn't surprised at the poll results and predicted an easy repeat win for Bush in Alabama on Nov. 2. Alabama has not opted for a Democratic presidential nominee since Jimmy Carter's election in 1976. Bush defeated then-Vice President Al Gore by 15 points in Alabama four years ago.
Auburn Engineering Shares $12 Million Grant
Auburn University will share a $12 million grant from Vodafone-U.S. Foundation with three other institutions. The grant is part of an effort to advance education in wireless engineering technology.The grant will enhance the pool of highly qualified students in the university's internationally acclaimed wireless engineering program. It will also support curriculum and research development in wireless engineering and funds for interscholastic seminars, webcasts and symposiums. The other universities selected by the foundation were the University of California at Berkeley and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
"The competition for this award was very tough," says AU engineering Dean Larry Benefield. "It included 14 of the nation's top 25 engineering schools. To be one of the three programs selected is testament to the strength of our wireless efforts."
"It is a unique scholarship program that we've developed," says June Sugiyama, Vodafone-U.S. Foundation director. "It not only helps students and universities but it also represents an important opportunity for us to enhance the advancement of wireless technology."
After an extensive study of the top U.S. engineering schools, the foundation's selection of the three universities was based on:
* Strong undergraduate and degree programs in wireless engineering;
* Outstanding research facilities;
* Capability to develop advanced wireless engineering labs;
* Motivation to collaborate with other participating universities;
* Ability to leverage foundation's program with additional funds.
Auburn's College of Engineering became the first in the nation to offer a bachelor's degree in wireless engineering when it started enrolling students in the program in the Fall of 2002.
Recording Industry Cracks Down on Music Sharing
The RIAA continues to crack down on Internet users who illegally share music. On Monday, the industry sued 493 more people, raising the number to nearly 3,000 people who have been sued nationwide.As in previous cases, the recording industry filed its latest complaints against "John Doe" defendants, identifying them only by their numeric Internet protocol addresses. It said lawyers will work through the courts to request subpoenas against commercial Internet providers to learn the defendants' names.
The Recording Industry Association of America, the trade group for the largest record labels, said all 493 defendants were subscribers with commercial Internet accounts from companies in Alabama, Georgia, and 15 other states. It also said none of the lawsuits filed Monday targeted Internet users at colleges or universities.
None of the cases have gone to trial, and 486 people so far have agreed to pay financial penalties of about $3,000 as settlements.
Despite the lawsuits, there are still a large number of people using peer-to-peer networks to copy and exchange music, movies and other files directly from each others' hard drives.
"Our continuing objective is to send a message of deterrence, protect the rights of property owners, and foster an environment where the legitimate marketplace, both on-line and at retail, can flourish," RIAA President Cary Sherman said in a statement.
Largely thanks to the RIAA's relentless legal crusade against online music piracy, CD sales in the United States have begun to pick up after a three year slide, while legal music sales are becoming more and more popular.
Apple Computer Inc. said last month it sold 70 million songs through its iTunes service in its first year.
Cityfest Kicks Off Summer in Montgomery
Montgomery's Jubilee Cityfest takes place every year over Memorial Day Weekend. The three day event has become a popular tourism attraction as it features entertainment, cultural events, sporting events, and educational children's activities.Cityfest hours are Friday, 6:30 p.m.-11:00 p.m., Saturday, 1:00 p.m.-11:30 p.m., and Sunday, 1:00 p.m.-9:45 p.m. Daily admission is $22, and a weekend pass is $32. The weekend pass lets you enjoy performances by Cameo, Train, Al Green, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Keith Urban, Hootie & The Blowfish, Plus One, and Montgomery Gentry.
On Saturday, May 29, The Jubilee CityFest Run will celebrate its 26th year. The Cityfest Run starts in historic downtown Montgomery and takes runners in front of the State Capitol down Dexter Avenue to the finish line at the foot of Court Square Fountain Park. As in previous years, CityFest will again host a kids only (ages 6 and younger) Fun Run on Dexter Avenue. All finishers of the short race will receive an award.
Other activities during Cityfest include, a fireworks spectacular that will light up the sky over downtown with a kaleidoscope of color on Friday at approximately 9:20 p.m. Each night, six lucky winners will have the privilege to watch entertainers in the best seats in front of the Miller Lite/Alltel stage. FunFest will feature interactive amusement activities for children and adults that include Rock Walls, a Power Jump, Jurassic Adventure Land and AquaMania! Festival Hours.
Each year, Jubilee Cityfest continues to have an economic impact on Montgomery and the surrounding area. It has donated $50,000 to Montgomery public schools for a reading initiative and $40,000 for riverfront development. CityFest also allots weekend passes for non-profit organizations, public and private schools and service organizations to use for fund raising. In addition, the festival has donated to the United Way, Family Sunshine Center, Brantwood Childrens Home and McInnis School.
For a complete list of activities that will take place during Cityfest, visit their website, www.jubileecityfest.org.
Europe 2004 Tour
Ok, gang: In case you didn't know I was gone, I'm back and now it's time to start paying for the trip. Along with a dozen or so of our closest friends, her highness, my wife and I toured Southern Europe for the past two weeks.Now to make the trip a tax-deductible business expense, I must detail my experience journalistically, including every trinket and meals--especially the trinkets and meals.
But we begin with a photo essay of the pictures from the trip. For now, the photos are in the order in which they were taken. I have identified the city when we changed location, plus a few other comments thrown in. I will try to add more later--before the memory is completely gone. I have not identified any of our fellow travelers in respect of their privacy, but many will doubtless recognize some the Auburnites who made the trip with us.
Special thanks goes to Art who organized the trip and Leigh at Travel Travel who helped us with our personal arrangements and itinerary. She really knows her stuff!
Photos
Facility Brings Jobs to Auburn
More jobs are coming to Auburn with the recent opening of a new facility by Weidmann Plastics Technology North America, Inc. Weidmann plans to hire about 30 individuals with a capital investment of $10 million.The company hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony last Thursday at it's new facility. Located at the Auburn Technology Park South, the 45,000 square feet facility will supply Mercedes Benz in Vance, Alabama, along with other automotive manufacturers.
"This new manufacturing facility will be Weidmann Plastics first foray into North America and is the result of nearly a year of development work and cooperation between Weidmann Plastics, the City of Auburn, the Alabama Development Office, the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama, and the Alabama Power Company," Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. said. "We have worked closely with the principals of this company and found Weidmann to be an excellent fit with our existing industries and community, and we are excited that Weidmann Plastics selected Auburn for its new facility."
Weidmann Plastics Technology is a subsidiary of the WICOR Group, a global supplier of high voltage power insulation materials and plastics assemblies. With some 30 manufacturing locations and just over 3,900 employees worldwide, the WICOR Group had 2003 CY sales of 426.5 million Swiss francs ($317 million U.S. dollars). In the U.S., the WICOR Group currently employs 650 people, and as the market leader for high voltage power insulation, had 2003 CY sales of approximately $80 million U.S. dollars.
Weidmann is always looking for strong personalities to work actively with the company in an entrepreneurial spirit to shape our common future. The company offers a wide range of challenging and exciting opportunities. Individuals are encouraged to submit an application for current or future job openings. The Auburn plant is located at 204 Enterprise Drive, next to the Donaldson Company. Contact them by phone at 826-4004.
Highway Fatalities In Alabama Increase
During 2003, the number of deaths on Alabama's highways was below the national average for the nation's highways. From 2002 to 2003, the number of deaths dropped 4 percent, but as of May 31, 2004, highway deaths are up 30 percent over last year.The total number of highway deaths so far this year is 327, up from 251 during the same period in 2003. The significant increase has painted a "bleak picture," said Maj. Patrick Manning, head of the Highway Patrol Division of the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
The number of highway crashes is also up 3 percent this year, Manning said. He added that his division is trying to step up highway patrols with more speeding traps to "make it look like we have more troopers than we do."
Many of those patrols are manned by troopers on their days off, and they are paid by federal grants or by the Alabama Department of Transportation. Manning also added that military deployments and low recruitment rates have forced his troopers to scale back on preventive patrols in recent months. Some 30 of his 320 highway patrol employees are on active duty.
Since Alabama's highway patrol is understaffed, state troopers are looking at new patrolling methods to cut down on the increased number of deaths. They are using a data analysis program that shows troopers wreck trends and areas where speeding occurs. The program helps them know where to focus their patrols.
Manning hopes a new bill passes so the Department of Public Safety can hire more troopers and raise their pay. The bill would generate more than $13.5 million annually for public safety and would help pay state troopers with a more competitive salary that would reduce costly turnover. Alabama's starting pay for state troopers of $26,410 is the second lowest in the 11 Southeastern states, beating only South Carolina at $24,586. Alabama's pay is also lower than several police departments, especially those in the Birmingham area, causing some troopers to leave for city jobs.
Opelika Recognized for Economic Development
Site Selection magazine, a trade publication covering corporate real estate management and economic development, named The City of Opelika's Economic Development Department one of the top 10 economic development groups in North America.Several projects during 2003 helped Opelika to be chosen by the magazine for its efforts to attract businesses. German automotive supplier Benteler Automotive ($20 million, 150 jobs) and Korean automotive supplier Mando America ($30 million, 150 jobs) began operation. Both are situated in the Northeast Opelika Industrial Park, where acres of available industrial land await the next batch of projects.
Outside the park, Illinois-based call center firm Afni added 150 employees in its expansion, bringing the payroll to 650. Couch Ready Mix USA also began construction of their ready mix concrete facility, bringing an additional investment of $2 million and 15 new jobs. The year was also a banner year for the retail sector, with construction activities commencing for Tiger Town, among others.
2004 also promises great things for Opelika. Among the new tools at the city's disposal are a new Web site, an expanded medical center and a new family/ mentoring program, which is aimed at assisting newcomers from overseas in acclimating to the area.
Each year, Site Selection recognizes the 10 non-statewide economic development agencies that excelled in their efforts to attract business expansion activity relative to other groups across the country. The 2003 Top Groups designation is based on four objective categories: new jobs, new jobs per 10,000 residents, new investment amount and new investment amount per 10,000 residents. Top Groups were ranked according to their scoring in these categories, then evaluated according to more subjective criteria, including innovate programs, leadership and customer service.
Moderate Alcohol Consumption Is Healthy
The U.S. government suggests that moderate drinking is linked to heart healthy benefits and will include the finding in a new set of dietary guidelines that will be issued in 2005.The government defines moderate drinking as, no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks for men. This amount of alcohol appears to help with the protection against condiovascular disease, including heart attack and stroke, with both beer and wine having the same benefit.
National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism Branch Chief for Strategic Planning Lorraine Gunzerath says the recommendation is in no way an endorsement that people in general should start drinking.
"People tend to think of the guidelines as recommended levels of intake," she says. "What we are saying is that this is moderate alcohol use that we are defining. It should not be construed as healthy or required alcohol use. So, if one is not a drinker, we are not saying that you have to start."
It is still unclear whether someone who begins drinking at an early age derives the same health benefits as an individual who starts in their 40s. People aged 40 or more, who are already under some threat from heart disease, seem to benefit the most, whereas younger drinkers may gain very little.
The government report also notes that the data showed a drink per day increases a woman's risk of breast cancer by 10 percent. But Dr. Gunzerath says people with that, and other ailments, should not be discouraged from having a daily drink.
"If you are a moderate drinker, as we define it with the one to two per day, when you have developed health problems, you do not have to give that up. Chances are it is not going to make much difference in you risk profile one way or the other," she says.
Dr. Gunzerath noted that one surprise was uncovered in the finding: moderate alcohol consumption may actually benefit people with adult onset diabetes. The report showed that alcohol appears to improve the absorption of insulin, a hormone the body uses to metabolize food. Insulin metabolism is defective in diabetics.
Teen Smoking Declines
Cigarette smoking among high school students has dropped to 22 percent, the lowest rate since officials started keeping track in 1991. The CDC hopes the decline continues and the percentage will go down to 16 by 2010.For the study, researchers analyzed data from a nationally representative sample of public and private high school students in grades nine through 12. All participants completed anonymous, self-administered questionnaires about cigarette use. Students were classified as current smokers if they had lit up in the preceding 30 days.
The low rates also represent the first time in more than 20 years that smoking among America's youth has dipped below the rate of smoking in adults, according to data compiled by the CDC.
They study also found that fewer students are trying cigarettes. A little more than 58 percent of students in 2003 said they had tried smoking, down from more than 70 percent in 1999.
Higher prices for cigarettes and a wave of youth-oriented anti-tobacco programs in schools and the media were cited by health officials as the main factors behind the sharp decreases in smoking among high school students.
The CDC suggests the following should be done so the recent trend continues: decrease depictions of smoking in entertainment media, discouraging family and friends from giving cigarettes to high school students, promoting smoke-free homes, instituting school-based anti-smoking programs in combination with community efforts, and reduce the number of parents who smoke.
About half a million Americans die each year from smoking-related lung cancer, heart disease and other illnesses, making smoking the No. 1 preventable U.S. cause of death.
New Facility Opens in Auburn Technology Park North
After announcing plans to build a new facility in April, CV Holdings, LLC, officially opened for business on June 17. The 70,000 square foot facility is located in the Auburn Technology Park North and will eventually employ 300 people.CV Holdings will produce special medical and consumer plastic products for companies such as Platex, Johnson & Johnson and M&M Mars. The company currently has more than 250 United States and foreign patents on its technologies. Among those products are containers that have the ability to absorb moisture and absorb and emit gases.
The company, which has operations in New York, Pennsylvania, California and France, is expected to have an initial capital investment of $24 million including equipment. An additional $25 million investment is anticipated in the next few years.
In addition, the facility will initially employ 150 people, and the total will be 300 within two to three years. The jobs will pay between $11 and $12 on average and between $12 and $16 for skilled workers.
The local workforce, along with Auburn University's advanced technological staff and the relationship with city officials, are the main reasons for CV Holdings' decision to locate in Auburn.
CV Holdings is one of several companies that has located in Auburn in the past year. Stahlschmidt & Maiworm, Auburn Technologies and Electric Fuel are among those industries that have produced hundreds of jobs.
Auburn Mayor Bill Ham Jr. said these industries offer more opportunities and keep people from seeking employment elsewhere.
"There are so many people that come through, not only in our school system locally, but others that go to Auburn University and get degrees in engineering and other areas," Ham said. "Twenty years ago, we had very few, if any, jobs to make them want to stay here. Companies like this give people capabilities to stay in their home town and have excellent job opportunities."
Cicadas Were All Hype
This spring, the Brood X cicadas were expected to return with a vengeance and there were widespread media reports that this could be the worst year ever for the noisy insect. With all of the hype, the cicadas failed to put on a show.Designated as Brood X, or Brood Ten, this periodical insect should have emerged from subterranean dens in early May, about the time the soil temperature (four inches deep) reached 67 degrees F. Many states like Ohio were expecting one and half million cicadas per acre.
Many experts believe there could have been any number of different reasons that the bugs didn't emerge this year, from the soil not reaching the right temperature, to drought conditions in recent years. Development might have also been a factor, with more trees where female cicadas lay their eggs being cut down.
Infestations should have been particularly widespread throughout Tennessee, Kentucky and Indiana, as well as parts of Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina and northern Georgia.
Male cicadas are known for their distinctive mating call, and with populations numbering in the hundreds of thousands per acre, Dr. Frank Hale, an entomologist with the University of Tennessee Agricultural Extension Service, had claimed that the noise would be hard to escape. But, it looks like many areas will have to wait a few more years to hear the cicadas sing.
The 17-year cicadas, or Brood XIV, should hit areas in 2008, and that batch tends to make more predictable appearances. But for those who can't wait that long, there are always the old annual cicadas that emerge in early summer.
Bill Would Allow Companies to Sue Copying Programs
U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch, (R-Utah), along with other senators, has introduced a bill that would let artists and entertainment companies sue creators of products, like Kazaa and Morpheus and other copying programs, that encourage copyright violations.Hatch, along with Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), Tom Daschle (D-S.D.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), and Senator Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), are co-sponsors of the ?Inducing Infringement of Copyrights Act of 2004,? which would allow companies to be held liable if they ?intentionally induce? copyright infringement.
"This carefully drafted, bipartisan bill would respond to this erroneous decision by confirming that existing law should allow artists to bring civil actions against parties who intend to induce others to infringe copyrights," said Hatch in a statement.
The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) welcomes the legislation, while P2P United, a group which represents peer-to-peer services including Morpheus and eDonkey, blasted the bill as ?ill-defined, ill-devised, and the product of an unbelievably flawed legislative process.? P2P United adds that the bill could stifle the development of future technologies that could be used for copyright infringement but have substantial legitimate uses.
Currently, civil penalties for copyright infringement can be up to $30,000 per act of infringement, or up to $150,000 per act of willful infringement. Total damages are determined at trial.
"Public Knowledge is concerned that the bill is overbroad, because it regards almost any action that leads to infringement to be a potential offense even if the person who engages in the act never intended to cause infringement," says Gigi B. Sohn, president of Public Knowledge, an advocacy group focused on copyright law.
The Senate has only 35 working days before the fall elections, so the chances of the bill passing this session are slim.
Two More Corporations Locate in Auburn
Pyongsan America, Inc., and SCA, Inc., both announced plans to be the newest corporate residents in Auburn. The two announcements come at a time when the City of Auburn has been successful in attracting many new corporations during the past year.Pyongsans 25,000 square foot facility is being built along side with SCA's new plant in the Auburn Technology Park North. Pyongsan's initial capital investment will be $3 million and the company will create approximately 35 new jobs for Auburn. The company will expand the facility with an additional investment of $3 million and create 65 additional jobs over the next four to six years. The new Pyongsan facility is scheduled to be completed in mid-September 2004 and begin full production in January 2005.
Pyongsan will manufacture liquid and suction hose Pipe Assembly and Discharge Hose Pipe Assembly to Alabama Halla Climate Systems Corp., which is a Tier-1 supplier to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC in Montgomery, and other companies in the auto industry.
"We were extremely impressed with the advanced infrastructure in the Industrial Parks in Auburn and the enthusiastic and systematic economic development approach by City officials," Chairman of the Pyongsan Group, Bang Soo Lee said. "The well-trained labor pool was another important factor for our company as well as the proven successes of other international companies located in Auburn." Lee added, "We firmly believe that Pyongsan and Auburn will grow to be mutually beneficial partners for a very long time to come."
SCA, Inc. will supply plastic components to Alabama Halla Climate Systems Corp., which is a Tier-1 supplier to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, LLC in Montgomery, and other companies in the auto industry.
SCA will have an initial capital investment of $4.26 million and the creation/retention of approximately 40 jobs. The company anticipates an additional investment of $3.5 million and the creation of 40 additional jobs over the next four to six years. The 45,000 square foot facility will have a trial production period upon the completion of its facility, scheduled for September 2004, and full production is expected to begin in January 2005.
"We are proud to be a part of this great city of Auburn," SCAs Chairman and CEO, Woo Jong Koh said. "We will do our best to become one of your model corporate citizens. SCAs parent companies are known for their quality products and advanced technology. We are confident that our Auburn plant will be an exemplary operation in terms of quality, cost, timing, and advanced technology and one of Auburns success stories, as we have been in China and Thailand," Koh said. Koh added, "The local officials have been exceptionally helpful and patient as we worked through the corporate decision-making process, and we look forward to working together to further our common goals of a prosperous Auburn."
Vacuum Has New Features and Improvements
With the success of the original Roomba vacuum cleaners, iRobot hopes the new Roomba will be as popular as the original. iRobot recently announced that the new vacuum will include several new features, causing it to work more efficiently.The new Roomba Discovery will be available in the fall and will feature longer battery life, overall improved performance and an ability to detect dirt. The Burlington, Mass-based company says the new vacuum will make cleaning easier.
The biggest change to the new Roomba will include a charging station that all models use to find on their own when they are low on power. The charger emits two beams that help the Roomba find it, then the beams guide it into the charger base. Once it's fully charged, Roomba can rest there until you are ready to use it again, or, if it's in the middle of vacuuming a space, continue on until the job is complete.
Also new is the Active Dirt Response System. A new sonar system listens for dirt particles hitting the vacuum and then focuses the vacuum on that spot, a blue light then goes on to alert the user that Roomba's in this mode. While the vacuum still can't "seek out" dirt, it will detect dirt when it rolls over it and then spend extra time cleaning it up.
Roomba will still use its own patented algorithms to decide when the area is fully vacuumed, but company officials say these algorithms have been improved as well. One problem with the original Roomba was how easily it could get caught or stuck on something. Now it can tell more quickly when its wheels are moving, but the unit is not.
Another criticism of the original Roomba was that the dirt catcher was too small. The new models increase the capacity of the receptacle and filter and the vacuum's suction power. Even the path the dirt takes has changed. On previous models, the dirt went through the propeller system. Now it bypasses it. This should, iRobot officials explained, help the Roomba last longer than earlier models. The robot also has new wheels, brushes, and treads, designed to help it do a better job on high-pile carpet.
While robotics has not lived up to the promise of the last two decades, the market has begun to develop, thanks to improved technology and a change of thinking on how and where robots will be most useful.
Most companies now are no longer trying to develop humanoid companions. Instead, they are developing mobile units that can go into dangerous areas, such as sewer pipes or nuclear power plants. Other mobile units are being developed to perform repetitive, often menial tasks.
iRobot, which spun out of MIT, develops robots for both types of applications. The company has created a number of reconnaissance robots for the military, including the PackBot, a robotic minesweeper being used in Afghanistan.
The first model of the Roomba, which carries a price tag of $199, has sold more than 500,000 units, according to iRobot.
While all Roombas originally sold for $199.99, the high-end model, the Discover, will now sell for $249 and include two virtual walls (placed across openings you do not want Roomba to cross), an updated remote control, the charging station, and a wall-hanging unit. The entry-level $149 Roomba Red will include the dirt-detection system and just one virtual wall. It will also have fewer cleaning options.
Buy the new Roomba from Amazon
Corporation Expands in Opelika
Governor Bob Riley and Opelika Mayor Barbara Patton recently announced an expansion to the Mando America Corporation's facility in Opelika. Mando also announced the relocation of the company's corporate headquarters from Detroit to Opelika.Mando's facility in Opelika is their only North American manufacturing operation and is located in Northeast Opelika Industrial Park. Construction of the 150,000 square foot facility began in the summer of 2003 and was completed a year later. The company's expansion will add an additional 175,000 square foot of space and is scheduled for completion by spring of 2005. The expansion will represent an additional investment of $35 million and will create 170 additional new jobs. Mando's total investment in Opelika will increase to $65 million and the total number of employees increases to 320 associates when fully operational.
Along with the new expansion, Mando decided to relocate the corporate headquarters to Opelika. Mando America Corporation President, Mr. Gi-On Jeon moved his offices to the Opelika facility to oversee North American operations. Mando will continue to operate Sales & Marketing and R&D functions from the Detroit area.
"We appreciate the great assistance that the City of Opelika and her citizens have given us thus far," said Mando America President Gi-On Jeon. "We hope our growth and success will continue to contribute to Opelika and Alabama's prosperity."
Mando's facility in Opelika will produce brake corner modules, suspension modules and steering systems to support its customer base located throughout the United States. This also includes Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama, located in Hope Hull. The facility in Opelika will start-producing products for Hyundai Motor Manufacturing of Alabama in February 2005, as well as other customers in North America.
Offense Looks For Improvement Under Borges
September 4 is just around the corner. For football fans, that date has been marked on their calendars since last year's Music City Bowl. The win against Wisconsin gave fans something to look forward to after Auburn's disappointing 8-5 season.One bright spot during the Music City Bowl was quarterback Jason Campbell. Campbell, a 6-5, 228 pound Senior, was named MVP for his performance during the game that included the winning drive during the 4th quarter. Against Alabama, he had a career-high 270 yards on 18-of-27 passes, that also included a 64-yard touchdown pass. Campbell seemed poised to be the leader that all of the coaches knew he had the potential to be. The Wisconsin game was further proof that Campbell is ready to be in control of an offense that has all of the ingredients to be a dominant factor during the 2004 season.
Campbell will need to remain healthy throughout the upcoming season. The Tigers are thin at the quarterback position after backup Josh Sullivan decided to put away the pads and play baseball full time. Brandon Cox moved up to second string after Kelcy Luke decided to transfer to Alabama A&M University.
Cox, a 6-2, 192 pound Freshman, has only partcipated in bowl practice and spring practice after joining the team last December. This lack of experience at the backup position will be a concern once S.E.C. play begins. A strong, healthy quarterback will be a big key and if Campbell were to get hurt after facing hard hitting defenses in league play week after week, Cox will have to be ready to step in and lead the team. Hopefully, Cox will get much needed playing time during easy wins over Louisiana-Monroe on September 4, and The Citadel, September 25.
After Auburn experienced a dismal year on offense, Tommy Tuberville was forced to look for a replacement for Hugh Nall and hire a new offensive coordinator. Al Borges was named the new coordinator in February of this year. Borges, who became the third coordinator in three years, will be looked upon to revive an offense that was ranked near the bottom in nearly every category in the S.E.C.
At Indiana, Oregon and UCLA, Borges' offense had a reputation for setting records for passing yards and points per game. Borges' main task will involve teaching Campbell and the backup quarterbacks his new system.
Borges' reputation for explosive offenses will bring smiles to the young talented core of Auburn receivers. These receivers will be looking forward to racking up big yards and touchdown catches from Campbell's strong throwing arm.
Junior's Devin Aromashodu and Anthony Mix will be Campbell's main targets. Both receivers have good size and have seen playing time during big games. That experience and a good spring, helped them to be named starters for the upcoming season.
Backups Ben Obomanu, Courtney Taylor, and Silas Daniels will have important roles if one of the starters goes down due to injury.
Obomanu will forever be remembered for the up and down game he had against Ole Miss last year. He was Campbell's main target during a drive against the Rebels that helped the Tigers be in position to win the game. Inside the 5 yard line, Campbell saw a wide open Obomanu and threw him a perfect pass, only to see him drop what would have been the winning touchdown catch.
Taylor was awarded for his improvement during spring practice when he was named the Most Improved Offensive Skill Player by the coaching staff. Daniels, finished third on the team with 23 catches for 284 yards while playing in all 13 games.
Campbell and the receivers will be ready to prove themselves as two-a-days start in a few weeks, and this should make the 2004 season an exciting one for the Tigers. For the fans, it should erase the nightmares they experienced last year as they watched an offense that failed to score a touchdown during the first two games. Look for the offense to open up and put more points on the scoreboard starting September 4 at Jordan-Hare.
Phil Marion
Running Game Will Be Strong and Less Predictable
Last year, the phrase "Let's go crazy" became popular among Auburn players and fans. After the first play from scrimmage against Alabama, everyone in Jordan-Hare went crazy after an amazing run by one of Auburn's best running backs in school history.The 80-yard touchdown run by Carnell Williams helped jump start an offense that struggled the week before against Georgia. Williams, who only had five carries in the past two Iron Bowl games because of injuries, finished with 204 yards and two touchdowns as the Tigers beat Alabama 28-23.
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| Williams rushed for 1,307 yards and 17 touchdowns last season. |
Throughout his career at Auburn, Williams has been known for his ability to keep his feet moving and gain extra yards even when several defenders seem to have him under control. This toughness has enabled Williams to rush for 2,666 yards, which ranks sixth all-time, and third all-time with 33 rushing touchdowns. As his senior year approaches, his weight has gone up from 197 pounds last season, to 212 pounds. Those extra pounds will make it even harder for defenders to bring him down.
In January, a sigh of relief was heard among the Auburn faithful as Williams, and two other seniors decided to stay on the plains and skip the NFL draft. If Williams remains healthy, he could be a favorite to win the Heisman Trophy. He has already been named to several preseason honors including First-Team All-American by Lindy's College Football, Playboy All-American, and a Doak Walker Award candidate.
He was recently named as the only unanimous first-team selection on offense among Southeastern Conference coaches in the inaugural SEC Coaches' Pre-Season All-SEC Team. At the end of the season, look for Williams to add to his career rushing yards and bring home many awards.
Ronnie Brown also decided not to leave for the NFL so he could complete his final season at Auburn. Brown, who has gained 13 pounds since his junior weight of 220 pounds, will primarily be used in the upback position. New offensive coordinator Al Borges favors an offset formation, which will feature frequent motion by the upback. This constant motion by the upback will give Auburn another option at the wide receiver position. Borges has commented that Brown has the best hands on the team, making him a big target and dangerous receiver coming out of the backfield.
Borges thinks the new offset formation will make the offense less predictable. Borges also plans to put Brown in the tailback position for approximately one of every three series. When Brown moves into that slot, Borges said a fullback will rotate into Brown's upback slot to concentrate on blocking.
Jake Slaughter, a 6-2 237 pound junior, is Auburn's only true fullback. When Brown is inserted into the tailback position, he will be placed into the upback slot to do most of the blocking. During 2003, Slaughter saw playing time in all 13 games. If Auburn's running attack is successful, much of that success will be given to Slaughter for his blocking and his ability to open up big holes in the opponent's defense.
Backup running backs Tre Smith and Carl Stewart will play a lot of different positions in the offense. Both could see playing time as fullbacks. Smith earned the Eddie Welch Attitude and Effort Award from the coaching staff after spring drills. He rushed for 99 yards on 12 carries in the A-Day game. Smith will mainly be used as a punt returner and was named to the preseason second team All-SEC selection at punt returner by Athlon Sports.
The duo of Williams and Brown will feature the best Auburn backfield since the days of Bo Jackson and Lionel James. Both backs are unselfish, team players, who work towards making each other better. They both returned for their senior year so they could help the other seniors go out as winners and improve on what was a disappointing 2003 season. Look for the combination of Williams and Brown to be the best running back duo in the nation.
Phil Marion
Offense Looks For Improvement Under Borges
Food Guide Pyramid Is Confusing
Since first being published in 1992, most Americans are familiar with the federal Food Guide Pyramid, but a lot of them are confused on how to use it. The pyramid may be replaced as officials develop new guidelines on healthy eating.The Department of Agriculture announced plans to revisit the Food Guide Pyramid, an icon that was developed to help Americans use dietary guidelines to eat healthy.
Introduced 12 years ago, after almost $1 million was spent debating the shape of what was supposed to be the government's primary nutrition education device, the pyramid has not accomplished its goal, the department acknowledges.
Too many people are confused by the recommendations and can't figure out how to implement them. The proof, Agriculture Department officials say, is that two out of three Americans are overweight.
The increasing number of overweight Americans indicates that whatever the department has done in the past has not been successful. "We've got to reverse some trends," said Eric Hentges, executive director of the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion at the Agriculture Department. "We've got to connect with individuals. We've got to be able to communicate the major message of what's appropriate for you."
The agency says that 80 percent of Americans recognize the pyramid, which shows fats, oils and sweets at its point, widening to grains and cereals at the base. But, research indicates that few know what to do with the pyramid's information about appropriate serving sizes and numbers of servings.
Typical of the pyramid's shortcomings is that some people thought the graphic's recommendation of 6 to 11 daily servings from the grains group, such as bread, meant they could have anywhere from six to 11 servings. But, one serving is a slice of bread.
Only after the eater checks the pyramid's supplemental literature does it become clear that six servings are sufficient for people who don't burn a lot of calories. Eleven servings are for those with high metabolisms.
The updated Food Guide Pyramid also must reflect dietary guidelines based on the latest science, which are being updated by an advisory committee organized by the Health and Human Services Department. The new graphic and the final guidelines are being prepared for the secretaries of agriculture and HHS. The new graphic and guidelines are scheduled to be published in early 2005.
Offensive Line Looks For Respect
The offensive line often gets overlooked when the offense has success, but is harshly criticized when it has trouble putting points on the scoreboard. The 2004 Auburn offensive line hopes to quietly make a difference over last year's performance.  |
| Hugh Nall |
During 2003, the offensive line was given credit when Carnell Williams gained over 1,300 yards. They were also the main group that took the blame and heard negative comments from fans when Jason Campbell and the offense had trouble scoring. Campbell had problems completing passes because he was hurried by opposing defenses and was sacked many times during crucial drives. While the offense did show improvement against Alabama and Wisconsin, changes had to be made and Hugh Nall was moved back to offensive line coach.
With a talented group returning for the Tigers, and with the new season not far away, Nall will look for several players to be leaders and for the hard work during two-a-days to pay off so the offensive line will earn respect.
During the hot days of practice in August, the center position will be a battle between Jeremy Ingle and Steven Ross. During spring practice, Ingle had a slight edge over Ross, but Ross saw much improvement during the last week of spring. Ingle, a 6-2 275 pound senior from Montgomery, saw playing time during five games at center. Ross played both tight end and tackle during 2003 and played in all 13 games. He was part of the offensive line that was named the Coaches? Offensive Players of the Week for their performance against Mississippi State.
At left tackle, Marcus McNeill will start. At 6-9 and 340 pounds, McNeill will be intimidating for defenses on the other side of the ball, and should open up many holes for Auburn's talented running backs. He has been named a preseason second-team All-SEC selection by Athlon Sports. Since having back problems last fall, he has lost weight and should be more agile. King Dunlap will be the backup left tackle.
Left guard starter Ben Grubbs was named the most improved offensive lineman since being moved from tight end. He still has a lot to learn, but because of his athletic ability, he is seen as a tough, hard-nosed run blocker. Jonathan Palmer is the second-string left guard but will see playing time during certain downs and formations.
Danny Lindsey was moved from center to guard prior to spring drills. The Douglas, GA senior will start at right guard. In 2003, Lindsey helped open up holes for Williams to rush for 150 or more yards in three consecutive games. He was also presented with the Pat Dye Leadership Award by the coaching staff. Backup right guard Jarrod Britt missed the last two weeks of spring practice because of an injury. In 2003, he saw playing time in seven games including two SEC victories over Vanderbilt and Mississippi State.
Troy Reddick has started 16 games during his career at Auburn. Before spring drills, he was moved from guard to right tackle. Slated as the starter at right tackle after spring practice, Reddick has been named to the preseason first-team All-SEC selection by The Birmingham News. Rich Trucks is the second-string right tackle.
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| Cooper Wallace |
The tight ends also have the responsibility of blocking and protecting the quarterback, as well as being big targets on the receiving end. Auburn has a lot of depth and experience at the tight end position. Cooper Wallace, a 6-4, 253 pound junior, has been named to the preseason first-team All-SEC by Athlon Sports and second-team All-Conference by The Birmingham News. In 2003, Wallace started in 12 of 13 games, and had a career-high five catches for 60 yards against Georgia. He will start at tight end because of his size and experience.
Another talented tight end is sophomore Cole Bennett. He saw playing time in 11 games last year and saw much improvement during spring drills. New to the tight end position is Kyle Derozan after being moved from defensive end during the spring.
The Tiger's offensive line of 2004 will be young but with a lot of depth. This depth will provide good competition during two-a-days and allow the coaches to have plenty of options at each position. Leon Hart was a highly recruited offensive lineman from South Carolina. He picked Auburn over Ohio State and could see playing time if he is in good shape and learns the offense. Greg Smith, William Sullivan, and Antwoin Daniels are also newcomers that will be looked upon to learn the offense and develop as players for the future.
Phil Marion
Running Game Will Be Strong and Less Predictable
Offense Looks For Improvement Under Borges
Nashville Star Makes Stop In Columbus
The winner of Nashville Star has been touring the country this summer and his next performance is at the Columbus Civic Center on August 5. Brad Cotter quickly became a household name after winning the nine week competition.Cotter, 33, who grew up in Auburn, has been touring and recording since the age of 11. Between the ages of 11 and 17, he recorded five gospel albums, two of which were recorded on major labels. He moved to Nashville in 1993 to pursue a recording career. While in Nashville, he made a living as a freelance demo singer and songwriter, writing songs for Warner/Chappell and EMI Music. He was turned down by every label in Nashville at least four times. But, after winning the reality show in May, he signed a recording contract with Epic Records.
His debut CD "Patient Man" was released on July 6. It sold 37,000 copies during its first week and the first single "I Meant To," which debuted at number 41, was the highest charting first single by a new artist in the modern era of country music. The story behind the song, "I walked into Rick Giles' office (late as usual), to write. The first words out of my mouth were 'I meant to call you and tell you I'd be late, but as you know, I don't carry a cell phone and I forgot before I left my house. Hell, I meant to do a lot of things.'"
Over the years, Brad learned to play piano, guitar, drums, and bass. His biggest musical influences include Otis Redding, Marvin Gaye, Percy Sledge, Eric Clapton, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, and Merle Haggard.
The Nashville Star Tour features the three runner-ups, George Canyon, Matt Landahl and Lance Miller, along with the Nashville Star house band as opening acts. Tickets are available at the Civic Center box office or Ticketmaster for $16 and $20.
Young Defensive Line Wants To Make An Impression
Recruiting in college football is an important part of having a successful program. After Auburn lost five of the front seven on defense, the new recruits of defensive linemen come to campus eager to impress the coaches during practice in August.Defensive Coordinator Gene Chizik saw an Auburn defense that had a number five national ranking in total defense, seventh in rushing defense and ninth in scoring defense in 2003. Much of the success was attributed to five seniors, DeMarco McNeil, Spencer Johnson, Reggie Torbor, Dontarrious Thomas, and Karlos Dansby. While those five graduated or moved on to the NFL, Chiznik will look to the new recruits and the returning players from last year to help fill the void left by a memorable senior class.
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| Bret Eddins was named the team?s Most Improved Defensive Lineman by the coaching staff after spring drills. |
Defensive end for the Tigers will provide the most depth and experience of the front four. Bret Eddins and Doug Langenfeld are both seniors and saw playing time during most games last year. Eddins started nine games and played in all thirteen and finished the season with 20 tackles, six of those tackles were for loss and had 3.5 sacks. He registered a career-high five tackles with two tackles for a loss, half a sack and a broken up pass against Alabama. He was named the team?s Most Improved Defensive Lineman by the coaching staff after spring drills.
Lagenfeld will probably be the backup to Eddins because he missed spring practice with an injury. Stanley McClover and Marquies Gunn are both sophomores with excellent speed and good athletic ability, but will need to learn to play the run and go full speed on every down. McClover was named the Defensive MVP of A-Day after registering five tackles and a sack during the game.
Junior Tommy Jackson will start at noseguard. During 2003, he played in 12 games and totaled 29 tackles. Jackson played an important role during the Music City Bowl when he recovered a fumble which led to Auburn's final touchdown against Wisconsin.
Even though Jackson has been named the starter, Josh Thompson may start depending on who practices best from week to week. Thompson was redshirted last year and his experience in game situations is lacking. He did see much improvement during spring practice and was named the Most Improved Defensive Lineman by the coaching staff after spring drills.
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| Jay Ratliff will start at defensive tackle. |
Prior to spring practice, Jay Ratliff was moved from defensive end to defensive tackle. Ratliff has good speed and this will enable him to be a good pass rusher inside. Wayne Dickens, the second-string defensive tackle, played in all 13 games last year.
In order for the Tigers' defense to continue to be ranked high, Auburn must be able to play a lot of different players. Defensive tackle Pat Sims is part of the recent recruiting class that will be looking for playing time. Sims, a 6-4, 288 pound defensive lineman out of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, was a Class 5A Florida All-State selection his senior year when he recorded 75 tackles, 22 of which were for a loss. If Sims can learn a new defense, he'll give a boost to an already young line that lost three starters off of the Southeastern Conference's third best defense last year.
Other members of the most recent recruiting class will be given a look by Chizik and Tommy Tuberville to see who can help out right away. Most of the young recruits have already been on campus all summer taking classes and participating in voluntary workouts. Those workouts have given them an opportunity to ease into the big transition between high school and college athletics.
With two-a-days beginning this week, the newcomers who are able to learn quickly and stay mentally tough will have the best chance of seeing playing time. They came to Auburn to compete and be team players to help the defense be as successful as they were a year ago.
Phil Marion
Offensive Line Looks For Respect
Running Game Will Be Strong and Less Predictable
Offense Looks For Improvement Under Borges
Security Officials Say Olympic Games Will Be Safe
As the Olympic games begin, Greece will be the safest place on Earth after a record amount of money has been spent to ensure that athletes and visitors will be safe throughout the two week event.To keep everyone safe, money spent on security is more than four times what was spent for the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City and six times what was spent for the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney. Security, construction delays and other unexpected expenditures, has led to a cost overrun of some $1.7 billion, pushing Olympic-related expenses to at least $7.2 billion, according to recent estimates from government officials.
The main security apparatus is a $312 million command-and-control center built by a U.S. consortium that collects a constant stream of video, audio and other data beamed from around Greece, including eavesdropped telephone calls and conversations on street corners. Construction of the system was plagued by delays, however, and became functional only weeks ago.
The Olympic security operations are geared toward preventing a large-scale terrorist attack intended to produce mass casualties, such as threats from a hijacked airliner, chemical weapons or hostage-seeking gunmen, according to Greek and Western officials.
Counter-terrorism officials from Greece and elsewhere in Europe said there have been no signs or specific intelligence indicating that such attacks are being planned. More likely, they said, was the chance that the Olympics would be targeted by one of Greece's many small anarchist or radical political organizations that regularly ignite pipe bombs and other small explosives in Athens.
At least 100 FBI and State Department security personnel will assist the Greek government in safeguarding the U.S. team, which is made up of more than 500 athletes. Greek and U.S. forces will accompany U.S. athletes and those from other nations on the buses that shuttle them to events. Though the vast majority of U.S. athletes are expected to stay inside the heavily guarded Olympic Village, those that don't will be protected by security details.
To further ensure the safety of the U.S. Olympians, the U.S. Olympic Committee has provided them with emergency masks, urged them to travel in groups when they go about the city and encouraged them to show restraint when wearing red, white and blue or Team USA gear outside of the venues or Olympic Village.
Linebackers Ready To Continue Tradition
At the linebacker position under coach Joe Whitt, Auburn has seen many young men turn into outstanding players. The 2004 version of linebackers could once again have that tradition continue.Whitt's resume includes being a part of Auburn's four SEC titles and appearances in eight bowl games during the 1980s. He has coached numerous players that were All-SEC and All-America selections, and twenty players have gone on to play in the NFL. Probably the best linebacker duo in Auburn's history was that of Karlos Dansby and Dontarrious Thomas, who both were second round selections in the 2004 NFL draft. Both players left a lasting impression on the young linebackers who practiced beside them.
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| Travis Williams had 67 tackles in 2003. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) |
As Auburn's only returning starter at linebacker, junior Travis Williams hopes to continue the rich tradition of talented linebackers and pass on his experience and knowledge to his teammates that he learned from Dansby and Thomas. He's been moved from outside linebacker to middle linebacker to take Thomas' spot. In 2003, he finished with 67 tackles, behind only Dansby's 84 and Thomas' 75. His best game last year came against Ole Miss when he led the team with a career-high 12 tackles, including one for a loss.
It will be Williams' job to be the main guy and leader of a core of linebackers that showed improvement during spring practice. Travis has the ability to play all three linebacker positions, and this will give the younger players a chance to play and get experience at the middle linebacker position.
Sophomore Kevin Sears and junior Antarrious Williams entered preseason practices number one on the depth chart at the other linebacker positions. During their playing days at Auburn, they have 14 and 59 career tackles between them. Sears impressed the coaches during spring and was named the Most Improved Linebacker. The highlight during 2003 for Antarrious Williams was in the Tennessee game when he forced a fumble that was recovered by Auburn, which led to a touchdown.
With Auburn playing six linebackers during the game, Mayo Sowell, Derrick Graves, and Karibi Dede will all see plenty of playing time at each linebacker position. Sowell, the senior from Birmingham, saw action in 11 games in 2003 and had 14 tackles. Graves played in all 13 games and had 23 tackles. Dede will probably be the role player during nickle and dime packages because of his experience playing at defensive back. He has impressed the coaches with his sense of urgency and aggressiveness.
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| Joe Whitt |
Octavius Balkcom, a 6-4, 228 pound incoming freshman, understands the legacy and standards left by the linebackers who have played before him. He's eager to learn and contribute immediately, while carrying on the tradition left by Thomas and Dansby. Balkcom will look to bring his winning ways from high school to the Plains as he led Early County to a 12-1 record during his senior year in 2003.
Coach Whitt and Travis Williams will be responsible for getting the young group of linebackers ready for the upcoming season and showing them what it takes to be successful in the SEC. Williams started in 12 games last year and this will give him the confidence to provide leadership and on-field direction to his teammates to have them ready to play. The 2004 group of Auburn linebackers have the ability to play an important role in stopping the opponent's running game and keep the defense atop of the SEC.
Phil Marion
Young Defensive Line Wants To Make An Impression
Offensive Line Looks For Respect
Running Game Will Be Strong and Less Predictable
Offense Looks For Improvement Under Borges
Bedbugs Bite Again
While they were thought to be a thing of the past, bedbugs are quietly emerging once again from cracks and crevices at night to bite people while they sleep.As late as the 1950s, bedbugs were a considerable problem. With the development of DDT and other pesticides, bedbugs became almost nonexistent in Britain, the U.S., and many other developed countries. With the increases in world travel, many experts think they are being brought over from people who visit other countries that have bedbug problems. The pests can be carried back home with them in their luggage and on clothing.
Another possible factor in the spread of bedbugs is the increased resistance to certain insecticides, and the introduction of new pest-control methods that leave them unharmed.
In the U.S., the parasites are now widespread along both the East and West Coasts and everywhere in between. "There was a 300 percent increase in bedbug reports between 2000 and 2001," said Randall Armstrong, an agent with the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service. "Bedbug complaints increased another 70 percent the next year and another 70 percent from 2002 to 2003."
Bedbugs are notoriously difficult to locate. They hide in mattresses and furniture, under floorboards, and even inside electrical equipment, emerging to feed only when it's dark. Adults can survive up to a year without blood, allowing infestations to persist through periods when properties are vacant.
They bite the host most commonly around the waist while in bed, sleeping. However, bites may occur on exposed skin such as arms and legs.
If you think that you may have bedbugs in your home, you should start treatment by spraying or dusting the mattress and box spring. It may be necessary to cut open the net enclosure on the bottom of the box spring in order to properly inspect and treat this area. Most attention should be given to the edges under piping or seams or under mattress tufts or buttons. You must separate the mattress and box spring and treat areas in between as necessary.
Bed linens should be laundered in hot water as well as draperies hanging near the bed. Those items should be put through a dryer as well to help insure removal of insects or their eggs. Laundered items should be keep out of the bedbug infested area and/or sealed in securely tied heavy plastic bags.
A residual insecticide should be applied to bed frames and connecting points, floor and wall moldings as well as any other objects or hollows that offer "shelter" for bedbugs. Treat night tables and dressers by removing the drawers, the objects in the drawers and then spray in the corners of the drawers both inside and then on the bottom corners of each drawer. Also check behind any objects hanging on the wall such as behind picture frames or clocks.
If there is a wooden floor and there are gaps between the boards, be sure to treat there as well. When treating, try to think three dimensionally, looking up and down and observing the treatment area from the floor and from above, looking down.
Although these treatments should be effective, it may take some time for them to work. You may need to sleep in another area for several days and perhaps as long as one to two weeks. Unfortunately, the only way to know if the problem has been resolved is to try sleeping in the treated area once again.
El Nino Might Return
Residents of North America might experience a warmer and wetter winter this year as a result of another El Nino, U.S. government weather experts are predicting."Current observations ... indicate an enhanced likelihood of weak El Nino conditions from this fall through at least early 2005," the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in its monthly drought outlook report. "Although a weak El Nino is likely this fall and winter, impacts should be minor going into late autumn," it said.
If an El Nino does develop and persists through the end of the year, NOAA said it may ease drought in the U.S. Southwest. "There should be a slight increase in the chances for above-normal precipitation and increased streamflows over the Southwest this winter and early spring," the agency said.
El Nino, Spanish for "boy child," is a disruption of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific that has important consequences for weather around the globe, usually bringing to the west coast of North America higher than normal winter temperatures and rainfall. The abnormal warming of water in the Pacific Ocean happens every four to five years, and can last up to 18 months.
The last one, from May 2002 through March 2003, caused record rains in Europe and Australia's worst drought in a century. In the United States, it aggravated drought in the Plains states and heavy storms occurred in the south and east.
NOAA said on August 6 that sea surface temperatures had risen sharply in the central Pacific, possibly signaling the start of the anomaly first noticed by Latin American anchovy fishermen in the 19th century and named in honor of the Christ child as it tends to take place around the Christmas season.
Severe El Ninos, which happened in 1997 and 1998, caused extreme drought in Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia, while spawning rampant flooding in Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia. It killed hundreds of people and caused billions of dollars in damage.
Offseason Work Has Secondary Ready To Start Season
Last year, Auburn had a weakness in the secondary because of inexperience and lack of depth. This year, the coaches expect big things from a more mature and experienced group who are ready to play like veterans when the season starts on September 4.While Auburn only had 11 interceptions last year, that number should go up this year as certain players concentrate on one position instead of playing several. Junior Rosegreen started six games at corner because the secondary needed help there. He was then moved to strong safety where he started seven games. Gene Chizik will start Rosegreen at strong safety this year and believes he will have a better year just playing at strong safety.
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| Junior Rosegreen (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) |
Rosegreen was busy in the weight room during the offseason and was one of the leaders in the voluntary summer workouts. He has played in 38 games for the Tigers, including 27 as a starter. He has been named a second team all conference selection by voters at the 2004 SEC Media Days and preseason second-team All-SEC by the Birmingham News.
Donnay Young is behind Rosegreen at strong safety. Young played in all 13 games and started in two last season, while registering 23 tackles. The fifth-year senior should be a quality reserve at both free safety and strong safety.
Coming off a solid spring, Will Herring will be the starter at free safety again this year. Herring, a redshirt sophomore, has added eight pounds during offseason work in the weight room and will be a big defender at 6-3, 220 pounds. Chizik was pleased with Herring's performance during spring when he was more physical as the secondary worked on becoming better tacklers. Herring should have a strong season and will look to improve on his three interceptions and 48 tackles from last year.
Kevin Hobbs is the second-string free safety after being moved from cornerback during spring drills. In the spring, Chizik experimented with several position changes and was happy with the progress Hobbs made at free safety. But, with the season-ending knee injury to cornerback David Irons, Hobbs could see playing time at that position where he finished the 2003 season with three interceptions and 31 tackles. Against Louisiana-Monroe, one of those interceptions was returned 20 yards for a touchdown, which was Auburn?s only defensive score of the season.
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| Carlos Rogers |
Carlos Rogers should be one of the top cornerbacks in the country after he decided not to enter the NFL draft and return for his senior year. Rogers has been named a first-team preseason All-SEC selection by the Birmingham News and preseason second-team All-SEC selection by Athlon Sports.
The 6-1, 200 pound senior, started 12 games in 2003 despite having to play with pain because of a broken thumb. He finished with 29 tackles and led the team with nine deflected passes. His best performance came against Tennessee when he made a diving interception on the Vol?s last drive to help Auburn preserve a win, while having four tackles and two broken up passes in the game.
During 2004, Rogers will rely on his size and speed to shut down the SEC teams that have good passing games. He gained experience and confidence during the Music City Bowl when he was able to contain Wisconsin's Lee Evans, who was one of the top receivers in the country last year. He has told Chizik that he wants the responsibility of locking down one side of the field, and by doing that, he believes it will allow his teammates the freedom to pressure the quarterback. The secondary plans to use this aggressive scheme to try and neutralize the inexperience of Auburn's front seven.
The other starter at cornerback, Montavis Pitts, promises to be improved over last year after having a good spring. His athletic ability and speed will give Auburn the option of playing more man coverage than they did last year.
With the injury to Irons, and Courtney Denson transferring, the Tigers will look to the returning players and incoming freshmen to help fill the void. Eric Brock, the 6-1, 203 pound redshirt freshman, is listed as a free safety but could help out at the cornerback position.
Redshirt freshman Zach Gilbert has raised some eyebrows during preseason practice. Gilbert is a competitor who loves to play and has earned confidence from his teammates. His aggressive play will give him a chance to see playing time.
Other incoming players who have a chance to fill in the gaps at the cornerback position are Tony Bell, Steve Gandy, and Tristan Davis. All three should help give Auburn's defensive backs more depth.
Head coach Tommy Tuberville expects to see much improvement with tackling and a higher number of interceptions. With theses improvements, he is counting on the secondary to be one of the most solid parts of the 2004 Tigers.
Phil Marion
Linebackers Ready To Continue Tradition
Young Defensive Line Wants To Make An Impression
Offensive Line Looks For Respect
Running Game Will Be Strong and Less Predictable
Offense Looks For Improvement Under Borges
Guidelines For Gamedays Ensure Safety
With the new football season starting next week, new guidelines have been put in place along with parking suggestions to ensure visitors to campus have a safe and enjoyable experience.When traveling to and from campus, visitors should plan to park in the area from which they arrive in order to ease congestion. If you arrive from Montgomery via Exit 42 (Wire Rd.), park in the southwest part of campus. If you arrive from north I-85, look for parking on the north or east side of campus. Visitors coming to campus from Montgomery on I-85 should avoid Exit 51 because of construction.
The shuttle service is free of charge and runs 4 hours before kickoff, intermittently during the game and two hours after the game. To ride the shuttle, fans should park in the grass lots on the corner of Lem Morrison Drive and Donahue Drive or on Samford Avenue in the Facilities Division parking lot. You can also catch a shuttle from Colonial University Village shopping mall and K-Mart. Both are located on the corner of East University Drive and Opelika Road in Auburn. In Opelika, the shuttle will run from the new Tigertown shopping mall off I-85 at Exit 58.
Tailgating is a favorite thing for fans to do before and after the game. Tailgaters and RVs are allowed to arrive on campus no earlier than 4 p.m. on Friday. If you plan to bring a RV before 4 p.m. on Friday, you can park in the large grass parking areas located at the corner of Donahue Drive and Lem Morrison Drive. RVs must leave campus by 4 p.m. on Sunday.
No-RV zones have been established to create additional areas for tailgating and parking in the core part of campus. Signs will direct RVs, travel-trailers and campers to specially designated areas for parking.
The city of Auburn passed an ordinance that allows police to issue tickets that carry a daily fine of up to $500 for RVs that are parked illegally in areas marked with a No-RVs sign.
Walking to and from the game has been made safer with vehicles not being permitted on the Haley Concourse and are also not permitted on sidewalks on the east side of Mell Street between Roosevelt Drive and Samford Avenue.
If you plan on using a grill while you are tailgating, be sure not to use it within 50 feet of campus buildings or in other designated no-grill areas. Before leaving them unattended, extinguish charcoal fires with water.
Certain areas on campus have been designated for tailgating/picnicing only and vehicles are prohibited. The university wants to preserve areas of campus and protect the buildings and grounds. The areas include: Graves Amphitheatre; Cary Hall; in front of the Nichols ROTC Center and Wallace Center lawn; the corner of Thach Avenue and Mell Street; the corner of Mell Street and Roosevelt Drive; the corner of Magnolia Avenue and Donahue Drive; and the lawn area between Sewell Hall and Plainsman Park.
Construction projects on campus and in the city of Auburn may cause congestion problems in certain areas during gamedays. In order to make your trip to the Plains enjoyable, stay up to date with the latest traffic and parking information by visiting the Gameday 2004
website frequently.
Special Teams Play Important Role
Pressure felt to hit the winning field goal or to punt the ball deep inside your opponent's 20 yard line comes with special teams play. How well your special team players handle that pressure can often determine the outcome of a game.Punters and kickers often do their job unnoticed. When they perform well, they rarely hear praises. If their performance suffers, the criticism can never end. The pressure that kickers and punters endure in a game must be handled well to be successful, otherwise, they will lose their job.
While experienced kickers and punters feel pressure to perform during game situations, that pressure can be enormous for a freshman who is named the starting kicker in the middle of the season. John Vaughn was put in that situation after Philip Yost struggled early in 2003.
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| John Vaughn (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) |
Vaughn had an outstanding four years at Brentwood Academy where he only missed five field goals. Coming into his freshman year at Auburn, kicking in front of thousands of people made Vaughn realize how important the kicking game is on the college level. He soon learned that the transition between college and high school was more of a challenge than he expected. After missing three field goals from inside 39 yards in 2003, he had to focus during the offseason on his mistakes and take what he experienced as a freshman to improve his kicking game for his sophomore year.
During the summer, Vaughn kicked about 40 field goals every day to get his leg stronger so he could be at the top of his game for the start of the season in September. The extra offseason work has paid off and he has been more consistent during preseason practice. He has made 13 consecutive kicks dating back to the August 14 scrimmage, including his first four kicks from 24, 31, 37 and 44 yards in the scrimmage.
While Yost was known for kicking 50 and 60 yard field goals in high school, he has struggled at times while trying to make short kicks of 30 yards or less during his career at Auburn. Although he tied a school record when he hit a 57-yard field goal against Western Kentucky, he was mainly used for kickoffs during the last half of the season.
Yost has struggled during preseason practices and both scrimmages. He will again be used for kickoffs in 2004 because head coach Tommy Tuberville knows how important the kicking game is and hopes Yost's leg can remain strong throughout the year so he can consistently get kickoffs in the endzone.
As a true freshman last year, Kody Bliss was a big surprise to the coaches and fans when he had a better than average year handling punts. He finished the season with 2,748 yards on 64 punts for a 42.9 average. More importantly, he was able to have 21 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. As the season progressed, Bliss' punting improved with every game and played an important role in the victory over Wisconsin when he had five punts that averaged 45.2 yards.
As he begins his sophomore year, he understands the importance of field position as it gives the defense a chance to stop the opponent deep inside their territory and helps the offense get the ball back with good field position. Bliss will try and improve on his performance from last year as he helps the team control the field position game.
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| Tre Smith (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) |
Junior Tre Smith will be Auburn's top punt returner again in 2004 and has been named to the preseason second-team All-SEC selection at punt returner by Athlon Sports. In 2003, Smith returned 36 punts for 327 yards and eight kickoffs for 138 yards. He had a career-long punt return of 37 yards, and gained 62 yards on six returns against Mississippi State.
Special teams coach Eddie Gran knows experience is important when it comes to executing on punt returns and kickoff returns. He will depend on players from last year to help the team get momentum and score points off of special teams play. Tailback Carnell Williams and wideout Devin Aromashodu will handle the kickoff duties, with cornerback Carlos Rogers and true freshman tailbacks Jerald Watson and Brad Lester in reserve.
Phil Marion
Offseason Work Has Secondary Ready To Start Season
Linebackers Ready To Continue Tradition
Young Defensive Line Wants To Make An Impression
Offensive Line Looks For Respect
Running Game Will Be Strong and Less Predictable
Offense Looks For Improvement Under Borges
Parking Fees And Fines Increase On Campus
Increases in parking permits and fines greeted students and employees when they returned to campus for fall semester. Revenues from the increases will fund most university operations, including maintenance of campus streets and parking areas.Faculty and staff with "A" zone parking permits will pay $60, up from $30 last year. "B" zone permits increased from $20 to $30.
Students will see their parking fees increase to $30 from $15. Motorcycle permit fees will increase to $9 from $3, but bicycle permits will remain unchanged at $2. Implemented for the first time in 2003-04, visitor parking fees will remain $5 per day, and will continue to be available at the Dawson Building. Options costing from $25 to $100 per semester are also available.
The new parking fees are still a bargain when compared to other peer institutions. For non-reserved spaces at the University of Alabama, faculty and staff pay $60, $90 at the University of Mississippi to a minimum of $120 at the University of Georgia and $198 at the University of Florida.
Christine Curtis, who was responsible for coordinating the traffic and parking study that led to the changes, believes that this is the first general increase in parking fees in more than 20 years. It has been so long that I could not find anyone who could recall exactly when the last increase did occur, said Curtis, who has been a faculty member since 1976.
To deter violators, parking fines will also increase. The parking fines will have very little effect on faculty and staff because virtually everyone abides by the rules, Curtis said. The first parking ticket will cost $10 instead of $4. The second ticket will be $20 instead of $8, the third will increase from $16 to $40, and subsequent violations will be $50 each instead of $25.
Also, changes to parking zones were made to reduce an imbalance in parking availability for many faculty and staff. There are now 3.5 A permits for each A parking space, the highest ratio of any group on campus. The ratio will drop to 2.3 with the added spaces.
To maintain availability of B spaces for staff at the present level, graduate students who were previously eligible for B zone parking permits will be moved to the C zone category with undergraduates.
The ratio of student permits to spaces will increase from 2.7 to 3.0, but Curtis said the ratio is consistent with that of other campuses she checked. Areas affected involve the Lowder Building parking lot, the bottom level of the library parking deck, a small part of Haley B lot, the parking lot between Harbert Center and Ross Hall and the eastern two-thirds of the lot in front of Comer Hall.
The B spaces lost at the Lowder Building will be moved across Donahue Drive to a section of Max Morris parking area. The total number of student parking spaces will remain unchanged at 5,583.
An Alternative To Lasik Surgery
A permanent, implantable contact lens that can dramatically improve vision in patients with severe nearsightedness is expected to receive FDA approval by the end of 2004.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just released an update on its long-term clinical trial of implantable collamer lenses, which are used for moderate to high myopia (nearsightedness). People with myopia have more difficulty seeing distant objects as clearly as near objects.
The lens, which is inserted through a tiny incision and placed in front of the eye's natural lens, has already been shown to be safe and effective. Researchers are tracking how well the results hold up over time.
STAAR Surgical, the maker of one of the implantable collamer lenses under consideration, three-year study found that nearly 60 percent of the 294 subjects had 20/20 or better vision, and 95 percent achieved 20/40 or better. Nearly 97% of the patients said they would have the surgery again, and fewer than 1 percent said they weren't happy with the results.
The surgery takes about eight minutes and is performed using only anesthetic eye drops. The patient can see clearly immediately following the surgery.
The lens is designed to remain in the eye permanently, but if a patients vision changes, the lens can either be removed and changed, or the patient can get regular corrective glasses, contact lenses or LASIK surgery.
The technique is a breakthrough because it's the first time that people with severe myopia have a choice other than thick glasses or contact lenses. LASIK, which has become increasingly popular in the past decade, doesn't work for severely nearsighted patients.
The procedure is expected to cost twice as much as LASIK surgery, which runs about $1,000 per eye.
Predictions For Week 2 SEC Matchups
Auburn travels to Starkville to face Mississippi State in the SEC opener for both teams. The team that can stop the opponent's running game should come out with a win.Auburn at Mississippi State
Mississippi State head coach Sylvester Croom knows what his defense must do to have a chance against Auburn, stop Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown. Fresh off of their 28-7 win against Tulane, the Bulldogs didn't have much time to celebrate as their attention quickly turned to the Tigers. Auburn leads the series in games played in Starkville, 8-4-1. Auburn has also won seven of the last eleven meetings, and the last three contests.
Coach Tuberville and the Tigers expect the game to be a much tougher challenge than it has been the last two years. Coach Croom has his players excited and ready to play. The Bulldogs are young and also have a decent running game that features Jerious Norwood, who was named the SEC's offensive player of the week after rushing for 112 yards.
With both defenses prepared to stop the run, the passing game may be a deciding factor. Auburn has the advantage with senior quarterback Jason Campbell and a group of experienced receivers. The game should be close during the first half, but Auburn will pull away in the second half and win 30-14.
Ole Miss at Alabama
Ole Miss travels to Tuscaloosa for the SEC opener against the Crimson Tide. The Rebels are 0-1 after a losing to Memphis 20-13. Memphis controlled the game throughout and ruined the first career start for Micheal Spurlock, who is replacing Eli Manning at quarterback. Spurlock, the junior quarterback, was 11-of-31 passing for 182 yards.
Alabama cruised to an easy win over Utah State 48-17. Brodie Croyle, who underwent surgery on his non-throwing shoulder in December, completed 16 of 22 attempts for 205 yards with no interceptions.
Last year, Ole Miss defeated Alabama 42-28 behind the arm of Eli Manning. Without Manning, the Rebels will have a tough time throwing on an experienced Alabama secondary. Alabama has the advantage of being at home having won six straight in Tuscaloosa. Look for Mike Shula to start 2-0 in his second year as head coach as the Tide handle Ole Miss 24-10.
Georgia at South Carolina
Georgia plans on winning the SEC Eastern Division title again this year and the first step in reaching that goal will be a visit to Columbia to face the Gamecocks. South Carolina had the typical easy win over Vanderbilt last week and the Bulldogs showed Georgia Southern which team is best in the state by beating them 48-28.
In last year's contest, Georgia forced three Carolina turnovers and shutout the Gamecocks for the first three quarters en route to a 31-7 win in Athens. Bulldog quarterback David Greene threw for 208 yards and 2 TDs, both to wide receiver Reggie Brown, who had seven grabs for 104 yards.
Greene and the Bulldog defense will again be too much for Carolina as Georgia wins 37-10.
Texas at Arkansas
Arkansas shocked Texas in Austin last year when they won 38-28. Texas will seek revenge after watching the Razorback players celebrate on their field as they waved their state flag in the end zone and dug up pieces of the turf. The loss ruined Texas' hopes of a national title.
The Texas vs. Arkansas series dates back to 1894. They played every year for 60 years in the SWC and Texas holds a 54-21 lead in the series. Arkansas has won the last three meetings.
Both teams scored over 60 points last week in their season openers. Texas players expect a hostile reception and intimidating atmosphere in Razorback stadium. The Longhorn players will be ready to play and will win a close game 23-17.
Eastern Michigan at Florida
Florida had to wait a week to play their opener because of Hurricane Frances. Eastern Michigan comes into the game at 1-0 after beating Buffalo 37-34.
The Gators might be looking forward to next week's big game against Tennessee and could be rusty during the first quarter. Eastern Michigan will still be excited about their win against Buffalo. After quarterback Chris Leak and the Florida offense get going, this game will be a blowout. Gators win big 51-17.
Arkansas State at LSU
LSU escaped a scare last week at home against Oregon State. The Beavers were in control until LSU finally woke up in the 4th quarter and eventually won 22-21 in overtime.
Arkansas State visits Baton Rouge where they have been outscored 112-20 in the previous two meetings. LSU won't be sluggish in this game as they continue to put points on the scoreboard against Arkansas State and win with ease 55-13.
A Look Back At The SEC Games
Both Auburn and Alabama had impressive wins in their SEC openers. Auburn faces LSU at home this week, and Florida plays in Knoxville against Tennessee in the other important SEC matchup.
Auburn at Mississippi State
Auburn's running back duo of Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown both rushed for over 100 yards as the Tigers never trailed in their 43-14 win over Mississippi State.
Jason Campbell threw three touchdown passes and completed 8-of-17 passes for 139 yards. Anthony Mix had two touchdown catches and finished with 76 yards.
The Tigers' defense was able to shut out the Bulldogs until late in the fourth quarter when the second-string players gave up two touchdowns in the final few minutes. Auburn's attention now turns to LSU as they come to Jordan-Hare stadium for a SEC West showdown. Auburn will look to revenge an embarrassing lost of 31-7 to LSU last year.
The game will be nationally televised by CBS at 2:30 p.m. CT. Mississippi State will try to bounce back with a win as Maine comes to Starkville for the 6 p.m. CT kickoff.
Ole Miss at Alabama
Alabama improved to 2-0 as quarterback Brodie Croyle completed 14-of-22 pass attempts for 169 yards, and running back Ray Hudson accounted for 116 yards and a score on 14 carries in the 28-7 victory over Ole Miss in Tuscaloosa.
The Rebels scored their only touchdown of the game on an Eric Rice six-yard reception from Ethan Flatt early in the fourth quarter to avoid being shut out. Alabama, which controlled the ball for more than 37 minutes of the contest, outgained the Rebels 390-192 in total offense.
Jefferson Pilot Sports game of the week features Vanderbilt at Ole Miss and Alabama continues to play at home for the third week in a row when Western Carolina travels to Tuscaloosa for the 6 p.m. CT game.
Georgia at South Carolina
After South Carolina controlled the first half against Georgia, David Greene had two second-half touchdown passes and Paul Oliver's interception late in the fourth quarter gave Georgia another impressive road win over the Gamecocks 20-16.
With 6:21 left in the fourth, a fumble by the Bulldogs gave South Carolina the ball at the Georgia 16-yard line, but the Gamecocks failed to convert on a 4th-and-1 play and turned the ball over on downs.
Greene finished 19-of-38 passing for 213 yards and two touchdowns with an interception.
On Saturday, Marshall travels to Athens for the 1 p.m. ET meeting against Georgia, while South Carolina plays at home against South Florida at 7 p.m. ET.
Texas at Arkansas
Texas was able to forget last year's tough lost at home to Arkansas and win a close game 22-20 at Razorback Stadium. Texas' Cedric Benson rushed for 183 yards and scored two touchdowns, and quarterback Vince Young connected on 11-of-22 passes for 151 yards and two scores.
In the fourth quarter, Arkansas got within two points after Marcus Harrison hit a 35-yard field goal to make the score 22-20. The Razorbacks had some chances to take the lead but Texas caused a fumble with less than three minutes left on the Texas 13-yard line. In the final minute, Arkansas failed to get into field goal range and Razorbacks quarterback Matt Jones was picked off trying to throw a touchdown on the final play of the game.
Arkansas will face Louisiana-Monroe at home on Saturday with the kickoff at 6 p.m. CT.
Eastern Michigan at Florida
Florida finally got to play their first game as the Gators dominated Eastern Michigan 49-10 at The Swamp. Florida quarterback Chris Leak had a good outing throwing for 244 yards and three touchdowns.
Florida was able to break the game wide open when they dominated the third quarter with three more touchdowns. Leak threw touchdown passes of seven yards to Dallas Baker and four yards to Billy Latsko, then added a 39-yard throw to set up Skyler Thornton's one-yard TD run to make it 49-10 in the final minute of the quarter.
Eastern Michigan failed to get a first down in the second half until just over 12 minutes remained in the fourth quarter and the farthest penetration for the Eagles in the second half was the Florida 43.
The Gators were able to concentrate on the Eagles and not look ahead to their big game in Knoxville to face Tennessee. The game will be televised by CBS at 8 p.m. ET.
Arkansas State at LSU
No. 6 LSU continued to rack up points against Arkansas St. with a 53-3 win in Baton Rouge. The Tigers scored on six of their first seven drives in the first half. LSU starting quarterback Marcus Randall finished 5-of-7 passing for 59 yards before backup quarterback JaMarcus Russell came in and completed 7-of-11 passes for 151 yards.
Predictions For September 18 SEC Games
Last week's predictions were perfect with a 6-0 mark. This week's important SEC games feature LSU at Auburn, and Florida travels to Tennessee. Both games should be close and come down to the wire.
LSU at Auburn, CBS Sports, 2:30 p.m. CT
LSU opens conference play on the road when they travel to Auburn for a 2:30 p.m. contest that will be televised to a national audience by CBS. Both teams know how important a win would be for them to have a chance to win the SEC Western Division title.
In six of the last seven games, the winner of the Auburn-LSU series has scored at least 31 points. Last year, LSU won 31-7 in Baton Rouge. While Auburn is already 1-0 in the league after a convincing win over Mississippi State, this will be LSU's conference opener and their first road game of 2004.
The Tigers of LSU will face a hostile crowd of 87,451 in Jordan-Hare stadium and head coach Nick Saban knows his team has to get off to a fast start to silence the Auburn fans. So far, LSU's defense is only allowing 69 yards rushing per game. After Saturday's game, that average will go up after Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown show the national television audience just how good they are. Auburn will be looking for redemption after last year's game and will be ready for the challenge.
After a long week of trying to stay focused on the game instead of what Hurricane Ivan will do, both teams should have their game plans ready by Saturday's kickoff. Auburn should be able to win since they are playing at home and since they have two future NFL running backs on their team. Auburn wins a close one 23-19.
Florida at Tennessee, CBS Sports, 8 p.m. ET
The SEC East showdown will have Florida facing Tennessee. Tennessee has the highest winning percentage in the SEC during the last 10 seasons, with a 92-22 (.807) mark. The winner of the Florida-Tennessee game has played in the SEC Championship Game eight times. Five of the last eight meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less.
Florida quarterback Chris Leak had a great year as a true freshman last season. He led the Gators to a 6-3 mark, the highest winning percentage of any freshman quarterback in the nation in 2003. Completed 190 of 320 passes for 2,435 yards with 16 TDs and 11 INTs. He was also named 2003 SEC Freshman of the Year.
The Gators have the edge at the quarterback position. Florida will shock the Volunteers with a 24-21 win.
Western Carolina at Alabama, 6 p.m. CT
Alabama is 2-0 and 1-0 in the SEC after beating Ole Miss last week 28-7. The Crimson Tide will look to improve to 3-0 when they face Western Carolina this Saturday in Tuscaloosa.
Western Carolina's first year quarterback Bennett Swygert is a transfer from South Carolina. Swygert does have some experience playing in the SEC as a redshirt freshman for USC in 2003. He completed 11 of 21 passes for 160 yards with 2 TDs and an INT. The Catamounts are 2-0 this year after beating West Virginia State 77-7, and Nichols State 28-7.
Alabama has had the luxury of playing at home for the third straight week. The other two home games were easy wins and this one will be the same as the Crimson Tide win 49-10.
Marshall at Georgia 1 p.m. ET
Marshall is 0-2 after two tough losses to Troy and Ohio State by 3 points or less. Marshall will look for a win as they try to avoid having their first losing season in 20 years when they face a strong Georgia team in Athens. The Thundering Herd's last losing season was a 4-7 mark in 1983.
Georgia has won 11 straight non-conference games, dating back to the 2002 season opener. The Bulldogs look to remain undefeated on the year as they try to achieve their goal to win the national championship. Coach Mark Richt knows Marshall should be an easy win and doesn't want his team to look ahead to the October 2 game against LSU. Georgia will take care of business and win 42-14.
Louisiana-Monroe at Arkansas, 6 p.m. CT
Arkansas will be able to forget about the tough loss against Texas as they face a much easier opponent this week when Louisiana-Monroe comes to Razorback Stadium. Arkansas in a blowout 41-7.
Maine at Mississippi State, 6 p.m. CT
Mississippi State plays their third home game in a row as they welcome the Division I-AA Maine Black Bears to Starkville. Maine is 1-1 on the young season. The Bulldogs are 1-1 after losing to Auburn last weekend. Coach Croom wasn't pleased with the effort his players showed against Auburn. With all of the excitement that surrounded Croom's first SEC game last week, his players will be focused and ready for Maine. The trip to Starkville will be Maine's first-ever game against an SEC opponent and they will go back home with a loss of 34-10.
South Florida at South Carolina, 7 p.m. ET
South Florida travels to Williams-Brice Stadium to face the 1-1 Gamecocks. South Carolina lost a heartbreaker to Georgia last weekend 20-16. South Florida is 1-0 after beating Tennessee Tech 21-7.
After a disappointing season last year, coach Lou Holtz brought in five new coaches for his coaching staff. The new coaches will have to get the team ready to play after they had the Georgia game won. The Gamecocks should be able to take what they accomplished against Georgia and have a positive week of practice. They'll be ready to bounce back and win 34-13.
Vanderbilt at Ole Miss, JP Sports, 11:30 a.m. CT
Vanderbilt had a week off after suffering a loss to South Carolina. Commodore fans were hoping their team would be better this year as 21 of 22 starters are back from last year's squad. After losing big to the Gamecocks, it may be hard to tell if those returning starters will help make Vandy contenders this year.
Vandy may be visiting Oxford during the wrong weekend since Ole Miss will be hungry for a win after losing to Memphis and Alabama. The Rebels can't afford to start 0-3 and have that third lost be to Vandy. Head coach David Cutcliffe will do anything he can to prepare his Ole Miss team to win. Playing at home will give them the advantage as they are 20-3 in games played in Oxford. They will win another one in Oxford 26-15.
Indiana at Kentucky, 7 p.m. ET
Indiana travels to Lexington to face the 0-1 Kentucky Wildcats. Indiana comes in 2-0 after beating Central Michigan at home and winning on the road at Oregon. In his 3rd season at Indiana, Gerry DiNardo has an experienced quarterback and running back playing well for him. Kentucky had a decent team last year behind the arm of Jared Lorenzen. Lorenzen has moved on leaving the Wildcats to search for a replacement. Coach DiNardo and his Hoosiers are on a nice winning streak and that streak will continue with a 33-18 win over Kentucky.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Four
Auburn defeated The Citadel 33-3 and Alabama lost at Arkansas 27-10. Auburn will face Tennessee this Saturday in the SEC game of the week. Other important conference games include Arkansas at Florida and South Carolina at Alabama.
The Citadel at Auburn
Jason Campbell and the Tigers improved to 4-0 after a 33-3 rout of The Citadel at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday afternoon. Campbell had another solid performance completing 11-of-14 passes and a touchdown run. The Tigers finished with 234 rushing yards and outgained The Citadel 593-169.
Will Herring got things going for Auburn when he intercepted a pass on the first play from scrimmage. But, Carnell Williams gave it right back to the Bulldogs when he fumbled after his fourth carry of the game.
After a Citadel punt, Campbell led the offense on a 14-play touchdown drive. Carl Stewart's one-yard touchdown run gave Auburn the lead 7-0.
After The Citadel gave up a safety to make the score 9-0, Williams fumbled for a second time inside the Bulldog's 10-yard line, but then scored on a one-yard run and Campbell added a one-yard touchdown run later in the second as Auburn had a 23-0 edge heading into halftime.
In the third, John Vaughn hit a 33-yard field goal, and later in the fourth, Brandon Cox threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Jamoga Ramsey for Auburn's final points.
Alabama at Arkansas
Alabama fell to 3-1 on their first road trip of the season when they were defeated 27-10 by Arkansas. Matt Jones completed 7-of-12 passes and a touchdown as Arkansas improved to 3-1.
Arkansas scored first when Jones scored on a six-yard touchdown run with 10:13 in the first quarter. Alabama's Ray Hudson then scored on a 63-yard touchdown run and Brian Bostic split the uprights on a 37-yard field goal to give Alabama a 10-7 edge with 2:01 left in the first half.
The Razorbacks went into halftime with a 14-10 lead after Jones threw an 18-yard scoring pass to Peyton Hillis.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Razorbacks scored 13-unanswered points in the fourth. Hillis scored on a seven-yard run, which was followed by a failed extra-point attempt, and De'Arrius Howard found the end zone on a five-yard touchdown run to give Arkansas a 27-10 advantage with 1:12 left to play in the game.
Kentucky at Florida
Chris Leak completed 25-of-43 passes with three interceptions and a touchdown as Florida won their 18th straight over Kentucky 20-3. The Wildcats haven't beaten Florida since 1986 and last won in Gainesville in 1979.
The Gators outgained Kentucky 523-207 but struggled to put the game away until late in the fourth. A 43-yard punt return by Vernell Brown put the Gators at the Kentucky 34 and Leak threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ciatrick Fason to put the game away with just over four minutes remaining.
Mississippi State at LSU
Mississippi State was held scoreless for the first time this season when LSU cruised to a 51-0 win at home.
LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell completed 9-of-12 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 26 yards. LSU has won five straight and 12 of the last 13 against the Bulldogs, including a 41-6 victory over Mississippi State last season in Starkville.
The Bulldogs, 1-3, never got its offense going and finished with 130 total yards. The Tigers took control early and led 34-0 at halftime.
Russell's eight-yard touchdown run less than five minutes into the third quarter put LSU up 41-0. Xavier Carter's 67-yard TD pass from Matt Flynn and Jackson's 37-yard field goal in the fourth quarter completed the scoring.
Troy at South Carolina
South Carolina's defense continues to play well as they held Troy to just 207 total yards during Saturday's 17-7 victory at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Gamecocks 3-1, were led by quarterback Syvelle Newton who finished the game 10-of-14 for 98 yards. Midway through the first quarter, South Carolina scored first on a Cory Boyd three-yard touchdown run. Troy answered on a touchdown run by DeWhitt Betterson.
The Gamecocks then went up 10-7 on Josh Brown's 40-yard field goal. South Carolina extended its lead to 17-7 with a Newton six-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. The Gamecocks' defense then held Troy scoreless the rest of the way for the 10-point victory.
Louisiana Tech at Tennessee
Tennessee woke up after Louisiana Tech took an early 14-7 and won big 42-17 at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee was led by Cedric Houston, who rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns, and Erik Ainge, who completed 10-of-15 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns for the 3-0 Volunteers.
After Louisiana Tech led 14-7 with 32 seconds left in the first, the Volunteers scored 28 straight to build a 21-point lead. Louisiana Tech's Danny Horwedel hit a 30-yard field goal to make the score 35-17. Tennessee quarterback Brent Schaeffer then threw a 24-yard TD pass to Robert Meachem to put Tennessee up 42-17 with 1:41 left in the third. Schaeffer, who started the game for the Vols, was replaced by Ainge after going 0-for-3 on his first three passing attempts along with a sack.
The Bulldogs 2-2, were outgained 347-66 rushing yards, and 595-350 in net total yards.
Ole Miss at Wyoming
Ole Miss continues to struggle as the Wyoming Cowboys handed them their third loss of the season 37-32.
Wyoming was up 20-15 at halftime and then scored 10-straight points in the third. Josh Barge returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown and Deric Yaussi booted a 33- yard field goal to put Wyoming up 30-15 midway through the third quarter. Ole Miss then answered when Mike Espy had a 15-yard touchdown run and Jonathan Nichols kicked a 43- yard field goal to cut the Cowboys lead to 30-25 with 6:45 left in the fourth quarter.
Barge then scored his second touchdown of the game for the Cowboys when he caught a 69-yard touchdown pass from Bouknight to extend the Wyoming lead to 37-25 with 5:20 left to play.
Brandon Jacobs scored for the Rebels on a one-yard run to cut the Cowboys lead to 37-32 with 1:38 on the clock, but Wyoming ran out the clock for the five-point victory.
Vanderbilt at Navy
Vanderbilt lost a tough road game in Annapolis and gave up two turnovers to remain winless on the season.
Navy finally pulled away with 12:27 left in the fourth after quarterback Aaron Polanco ran 22 yards for a touchdown which put Navy up 29-19. Vanderbilt then answered with a touchdown to cut the lead to three but with only 2:30 left in the game. The Midshipmen then ran out the clock after recovering an on-side kick attempt by the Commodores and won 29-26.
Navy improved to 4-0 while gaining 366 total yards, compared to 329 yards for Vandy.
Predictions For September 25 SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 6-3 and the overall record is 12-3. This week, Auburn entertains The Citadel and Alabama travels to Arkansas in the SEC game of the week.
The Citadel at Auburn, 1:30 p.m. CT
The Tigers welcome I-AA The Citadel to Auburn for a game that will see Auburn play a lot of second-string players. The Tigers travel to Knoxville on October 2 and they want everyone healthy for that big game.
Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown should put up big numbers as The Citadel won't have a chance to stop them. The game will be over at halftime and Auburn will begin to look ahead to the Volunteers. The Tigers will be 4-0 after the 45-10 win.
Alabama at Arkansas, CBS Sports 2:30 p.m. CT
This matchup is the best one on the SEC schedule this week. A road game at Arkansas will be Alabama's first test of the year after having three straight home games. With Brodie Croyle being lost for the year, the Tide's offense may have a hard time being confident enough to win on the road.
The game will be Arkansas' SEC opener and they will need to win so they will have the momentum going into their other SEC games. This game should be as exciting as last year's game in Tuscaloosa when Arkansas won 34-31. Matt Jones had a big game in that meeting and will look to beat Alabama two years in a row.
The quarterback situation could be the deciding factor in this year's contest. Backup Alabama quarterback Marc Guillon will have a tough time filling in for Croyle and playing on the road in Razorback Stadium. Arkansas senior quarterback Matt Jones can make big plays and can be the difference in close games. Give the edge to Jones and Arkansas at home as they win an exciting one 27-23.
Kentucky at Florida, ESPN2 6:00 p.m. ET
In the past two years, the Wildcats have played Florida very close. Florida won by a field goal in 2003 and a touchdown in 2002. The Gators should be able to forget their tough lost against Tennessee last week and Ron Zook will have his team ready to play.
Kentucky is 1-1 after playing extremely well against Indiana last week as they put 51 points on the scoreboard. Kentucky's quarterback Shane Boyd had a career day and the offense finished with 560 yards. Kentucky will face a disgruntled Florida defense that will keep the Wildcats from scoring many points. The Gators start slow but by the fourth quarter, the game will be over as they win 40-17.
Mississippi State at LSU, Jefferson-Pilot Sports, 11:30 a.m. CT
Mississippi State is probably having trouble getting excited about playing at LSU this week after suffering an embarrassing lost to I-AA Maine at home last week.
Sylvester Croom will have a hard time getting his team motivated to play in front of a hostile crowd in Baton Rouge. His only hope is LSU will still be down after losing a close game at Auburn and they will come out flat.
LSU will look to rebound against the Bulldogs and take out their frustrations against them. The Tigers will be ready to play and win convincingly 45-10.
Troy at South Carolina 7 p.m. ET
After big wins against Marshall and Missouri, Troy looked bad last week as they lost to New Mexico State 22-18. The Trojans have a decent defense and in the first two games, have recorded 10 quarterback sacks. Their defense, along with a strong running game, should help them to have a better game this week in Columbia.
South Carolina should be 3-0 this year but they let Georgia come from behind and beat them at home. Last week, the Gamecocks pounded South Florida 34-3. Troy knows they will have trouble scoring against South Carolina's defense. The Gamecocks only gave up six points to Vanderbilt and 20 to Georgia.
Look for South Carolina's defense to continue to be dominating and not allow Troy to score many points as they win 27-13.
Louisiana Tech at Tennessee 7 p.m. ET
Tennessee may be guilty of daydreaming about their big game against Auburn on October 2. The Vols realize a win against the Tigers will put them in the drivers seat to go to the SEC championship game in December. But, Coach Fulmer will have them ready this week as Louisiana Tech comes to town.
Tennessee will be too big and powerful for Tech's small defense. The Bulldogs lost to Miami last week 48-0. This week, Louisiana Tech will see another blowout loss as Tennessee has two young talented quarterbacks and a decent defense. The Vols won't shut them out, but will win big 52-6.
Ole Miss at Wyoming 1 p.m. MT
Ole Miss travels to Laramie to face the Cowboys of Wyoming. Wyoming is 1-1 after beating Appalachian State 53-7, and loosing big at Texas A&M 31-0. Wyoming had last weekend off, and this could give them fresh legs when they hit the field.
The Rebels had a tough time getting their first win of the season against Vanderbilt last Saturday. It took a field goal in overtime to win 26-23. David Cutcliffe has finally found a quarterback in Ethan Flat. The Ole Miss defense has struggled so far this year and has given up 20 points to Memphis and 28 to Alabama.
Wyoming will look to take advantage of the mediocre Ole Miss defense and put points on the board. The final score may be high as both offenses have success. Ole Miss will come out with a win 34-29.
Vanderbilt at Navy 12:30 p.m. CT
Vanderbilt had the game won at Ole Miss last Saturday. It would have been a big road win and it would have ended their 12th consecutive road loss dating back to the 2001 season. Instead, the Commodores are 0-2 and now face an improved Navy team in Annapolis.
Navy is 3-0 this year after beating Duke 27-12, Northeastern 28-24, and Tulsa 29-0. Navy's quarterback Aaron Polanco has 300 yards on the ground this season, and fullback Kyle Eckel has more than 250. That is bad news for a Vandy defense that is allowing 450 yards on the ground in its first two ball games. The Commodores won't be able to stop the run and the Midshipmen will be too much for them to handle. Navy wins 38-14.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Five
Auburn defeated The Citadel 33-3 and Alabama lost at Arkansas 27-10. Auburn will face Tennessee this Saturday in the SEC game of the week. Other important conference games include Arkansas at Florida and South Carolina at Alabama.
The Citadel at Auburn
Jason Campbell and the Tigers improved to 4-0 after a 33-3 rout of The Citadel at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday afternoon. Campbell had another solid performance completing 11-of-14 passes and a touchdown run. The Tigers finished with 234 rushing yards and outgained The Citadel 593-169.
Will Herring got things going for Auburn when he intercepted a pass on the first play from scrimmage. But, Carnell Williams gave it right back to the Bulldogs when he fumbled after his fourth carry of the game.
After Auburn forced The Citadel to punt, Campbell led the offense on a 14-play touchdown drive. Carl Stewart's one-yard touchdown run gave Auburn the lead 7-0.
The Citadel then gave up a safety to make the score 9-0. Williams fumbled for a second time inside the Bulldog's 10-yard line, but then scored on a one-yard run and Campbell added a one-yard touchdown run later in the second as Auburn had a 23-0 edge heading into halftime.
In the third, John Vaughn hit a 33-yard field goal, and later in the fourth, Brandon Cox threw a nine-yard touchdown pass to Jamoga Ramsey for Auburn's final points.
Alabama at Arkansas
Alabama fell to 3-1 on their first road trip of the season when they were defeated 27-10 by Arkansas. Matt Jones completed 7-of-12 passes and a touchdown as Arkansas improved to 3-1.
Arkansas scored first when Jones scored on a six-yard touchdown run with 10:13 in the first quarter. Alabama's Ray Hudson then scored on a 63-yard touchdown run and Brian Bostic split the uprights on a 37-yard field goal to give Alabama a 10-7 edge with 2:01 left in the first half.
The Razorbacks went into halftime with a 14-10 lead after Jones threw an 18-yard scoring pass to Peyton Hillis.
After a scoreless third quarter, the Razorbacks scored 13-unanswered points in the fourth. Hillis scored on a seven-yard run, which was followed by a failed extra-point attempt, and De'Arrius Howard found the end zone on a five-yard touchdown run to give Arkansas a 27-10 advantage with 1:12 left to play in the game.
Kentucky at Florida
Chris Leak completed 25-of-43 passes with three interceptions and a touchdown as Florida won their 18th straight over Kentucky 20-3. The Wildcats haven't beaten Florida since 1986 and last won in Gainesville in 1979.
The Gators outgained Kentucky 523-207 but struggled to put the game away until late in the fourth. A 43-yard punt return by Vernell Brown put the Gators at the Kentucky 34 and Leak threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to Ciatrick Fason to put the game away with just over four minutes remaining.
Mississippi State at LSU
Mississippi State was held scoreless for the first time this season when LSU cruised to a 51-0 win at home.
LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell completed 9-of-12 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for 26 yards. LSU has won five straight and 12 of the last 13 against the Bulldogs, including a 41-6 victory over Mississippi State last season in Starkville.
The Bulldogs, 1-3, never got its offense going and finished with 130 total yards. The Tigers took control early and led 34-0 at halftime.
Russell's eight-yard touchdown run less than five minutes into the third quarter put LSU up 41-0. Xavier Carter's 67-yard TD pass from Matt Flynn and Jackson's 37-yard field goal in the fourth quarter completed the scoring.
Troy at South Carolina
South Carolina's defense continues to play well as they held Troy to just 207 total yards during Saturday's 17-7 victory at Williams-Brice Stadium.
The Gamecocks 3-1, were led by quarterback Syvelle Newton who finished the game 10-of-14 for 98 yards. Midway through the first quarter, South Carolina scored first on a Cory Boyd three-yard touchdown run. Troy answered on a touchdown run by DeWhitt Betterson.
The Gamecocks then went up 10-7 on Josh Brown's 40-yard field goal. South Carolina extended its lead to 17-7 with a Newton six-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter. The Gamecocks' defense then held Troy scoreless the rest of the way for the 10-point victory.
Louisiana Tech at Tennessee
Tennessee woke up after Louisiana Tech took an early 14-7 and won big 42-17 at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee was led by Cedric Houston, who rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns, and Erik Ainge, who completed 10-of-15 passes for 198 yards and three touchdowns for the 3-0 Volunteers.
After Louisiana Tech led 14-7 with 32 seconds left in the first, the Volunteers scored 28 straight to build a 21-point lead. Louisiana Tech's Danny Horwedel hit a 30-yard field goal to make the score 35-17. Tennessee quarterback Brent Schaeffer then threw a 24-yard TD pass to Robert Meachem to put Tennessee up 42-17 with 1:41 left in the third. Schaeffer, who started the game for the Vols, was replaced by Ainge after going 0-for-3 on his first three passing attempts along with a sack.
The Bulldogs 2-2, were outgained 347-66 rushing yards, and 595-350 in net total yards.
Ole Miss at Wyoming
Ole Miss continues to struggle as the Wyoming Cowboys handed them their third loss of the season 37-32.
Wyoming was up 20-15 at halftime and then scored 10-straight points in the third. Josh Barge returned a punt 87 yards for a touchdown and Deric Yaussi booted a 33- yard field goal to put Wyoming up 30-15 midway through the third quarter. Ole Miss then answered when Mike Espy had a 15-yard touchdown run and Jonathan Nichols kicked a 43- yard field goal to cut the Cowboys lead to 30-25 with 6:45 left in the fourth quarter.
Barge then scored his second touchdown of the game for the Cowboys when he caught a 69-yard touchdown pass from Bouknight to extend the Wyoming lead to 37-25 with 5:20 left to play.
Brandon Jacobs scored for the Rebels on a one-yard run to cut the Cowboys lead to 37-32 with 1:38 on the clock, but Wyoming ran out the clock for the five-point victory.
Vanderbilt at Navy
Vanderbilt lost a tough road game in Annapolis and gave up two turnovers to remain winless on the season.
Navy finally pulled away with 12:27 left in the fourth after quarterback Aaron Polanco ran 22 yards for a touchdown which put Navy up 29-19. Vanderbilt then answered with a touchdown to cut the lead to three but with only 2:30 left in the game. The Midshipmen then ran out the clock after recovering an on-side kick attempt by the Commodores and won 29-26.
Navy improved to 4-0 while gaining 366 total yards, compared to 329 yards for Vandy.
Predictions For October 2 SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 7-1 and overall 19-4. Two big games on the schedule this week include Auburn at Tennessee, and LSU plays at Georgia. The winners of both games should have the best chance of reaching the SEC championship game in Atlanta.
Auburn at Tennessee, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
Auburn will try and win in Knoxville for the first time since 1983. The Tigers will face a balanced Tennessee offense that has two talented quarterbacks. Auburn's defense will be up for the challenge as they only allow 246 yards per game this year. The Volunteers will have to find a way to gain yards on Auburn's stingy defense, as well as stop Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown.
Tennessee wants to get even after last year's 28-21 loss at Jordan-Hare. The Volunteers can't afford to gain only four rushing yards like last year if they want to win. Running back Cedric Houston averages 8.5 yards per carry. Tommy Tuberville will count on his young defense to handle the crowd noise and hold the Volunteer's running game under 200 yards to have a chance.
The game will feature two teams who need to win to keep their chances alive to reach the SEC championship game in December. Auburn's Jason Campbell and Tennessee's Erik Ainge will have to be successful throwing the ball if their team fails to gain yards on the ground. The team who can stop the run and be successful passing should come out with a win. Tennessee wins at home 21-17.
LSU at Georgia, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports
Georgia will try and become 4-0 as they face LSU at home. LSU is 3-1 after taking care of Mississippi State last week 51-0. The Tigers know that scoring points this week won't be easy. The Bulldogs will be out for revenge after losing two in a row to LSU.
Georgia's offense has struggled at times this year but the Bulldogs continue to find ways to win. David Greene is ranked 8th among SEC quarterbacks but his receivers have been unpredictable. Their defense has been able to keep them in games when the offense has been sluggish in the first half. Georgia must be able to score in the first half if they want to win this battle.
LSU will look to snap Georgia's 16 consecutive win streak at Sanford Stadium on Saturday. JaMarcus Russell will be the key if LSU can get a road win in Athens. The game will be low scoring but the Bulldogs have the advantage at home. Georgia stays undefeated with a 16-10 win.
South Carolina at Alabama, 5 p.m. CT, ESPN2
Marc Guillon, who made his first start last week against Arkansas, only completed 6-of-18 attempts for 57 yards. If Alabama wants to be eligible for a bowl game at the end of the year, Guillon must have better numbers this week versus a strong South Carolina defense.
If Alabama has trouble with their passing game, the Gamecocks should come out as winners as they hold the Crimson Tide's running game in check. South Carolina has the ability to have success with passing the ball and that could mean trouble for Alabama. The Gamecocks will win, 21-13.
Arkansas at Florida, 12 p.m. ET, CBS Sports
Arkansas is coming off of a big win against Alabama last week. The Razorbacks are 3-1, with the only loss to Texas. When they visit Florida on Saturday, it will be their first road trip of the season.
Florida hopes that running back Ciatrick Fason will continue where he left off last week. He had a big day against Kentucky with 210 rushing yards. Arkansas has struggled with the run this season allowing 165 yards per game.
The Razorbacks are young and it will be interesting to see how they handle the crowd at The Swamp. With an experienced quarterback leading their offense, Matt Jones and Arkansas should keep the game close. Florida will be too tough at home and will win 27-20.
Arkansas State at Ole Miss, 1 p.m. CT
Ole Miss is coming off a disappointing loss at Wyoming 37-32. If the Rebels were to be upset by Arkansas State, David Cutcliffe's job would seriously be in jeopardy. The game could be close as Arkansas State has been able to move the football so far this season.
Quarterback Ethan Flatt continued to struggle last week after having four interceptions and a fumble. Despite Flatt's struggles, the Rebels had 567 yards of offense against Wyoming. The Rebels will have their hands full against Arkansas State's quarterback Nick Noce who passed for over 400 yards against Memphis two weeks ago.
Ole Miss will win one at home and avoid an embarrassing loss. The score should be high but the Rebels should pull away at the end and post a 40-28 victory.
Ohio University at Kentucky, 7 p.m. ET
Kentucky will be at home this week against Ohio University. Kentucky was able to put points on the scoreboard against Indiana, scoring 51 just two weeks ago. But last week, the Wildcat offense struggled against Florida when they were held to only three points and a little over 200 yards of total offense.
The Ohio Bobcats have lost to Pittsburgh 24-3, and 40-20 to Miami-Ohio. This week, Ohio senior quarterback Ryan Hawk will try and continue the success he had in last week's win over Buffalo 34-0. Kentucky's secondary has struggled in recent years and Hawk will have the opportunity to have a big day passing. This game will light up the scoreboard but Kentucky will come out on top, 45-33.
Mississippi State at Vanderbilt, 6 p.m CT
Two teams that are desperate for a win will meet in Nashville on Saturday. Mississippi State and Vanderbilt have combined for only four conference wins the past three years. One of these teams will finally have another win in conference play.
The Bulldogs have a decent running game with Jerious Norwood averaging 4.4 yards per carry. That average comes against Auburn and LSU, two of the top defenses in the conference. That average should go up when he faces a Vandy defense that gives up 210 rushing yards per game.
The Commodores have shown some improvement this year when they lost in overtime to Ole Miss and lost a close one to Navy. If Vandy continues to keep games close, they should be able to get lucky and win one. The Commodores should win this one but only by a field goal, 28-25.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Six
Auburn dominated Tennessee in Knoxville 34-10 to remain undefeated. Jason Campbell was the leader on offense and Junior Rosegreen had a record four interceptions. The Tigers are at home against Louisiana Tech at 2:30 p.m. CT on October 9.
Auburn at Tennessee
Auburn had a 31-3 lead at halftime and the Tiger's defense was impressive as they handed Tennessee their first loss of the season 34-10. Jason Campbell threw for 252 yards and two touchdowns.
The Tigers forced a three-and-out on the first series of the game, and then drove down the field as Ronie Brown ran over Tennessee's Jason Allen, knocking the safety's helmet off on the way to a 9-yard touchdown run.
After the Vols responded with a field goal, the Tigers moved the ball down field again but failed to score when Brown fumbled at the 5 and Tennessee recovered at the 1. Tennessee's quarterback Erik Ainge lost the ball on a sneak and Auburn recovered. Campbell then found Ben Obomanu on a 5-yard touchdown pass to put the Tigers up 14-3.
Carnell Williams then ran for a 5-yard touchdown in the second quarter and most of the 107,828 fans in Neyland Stadium were stunned when that touchdown gave Auburn a 24-3 lead.
After Auburn's Travis Williams picked off Ainge's tipped pass at the Tigers 32 with 2:05 left in the half, Campbell went deep on the next play, hitting Brown for 38 yards. Moments later, Campbell threw a bullet to Courtney Taylor slanting over the middle and the receiver broke free for a 31-yard touchdown play and Auburn took a 28-point lead into halftime.
Williams and Brown each ran for a touchdown, and Junior Rosegreen had four interceptions to set a record for Auburn and tied the SEC mark.
Auburn improves to 5-0, and 3-0 in the SEC as they face Louisiana Tech at home on October 9. The Vols will travel to Athens to face Georgia.
South Carolina at Alabama
Alabama's only points came early in the second quarter when Brian Bostick hit a 29-yard field goal as South Carolina won 20-3 in Tuscaloosa. Both teams struggled offensively in the game, as South Carolina produced just 245 total yards, and Alabama managed only 209 yards.
Syvelle Newton rushed for 51 yards and two scores on 12 carries, and Demetri Summers paced the Gamecocks' ground attack with 73 rushing yards on 19 attempts.
Ray Hudson led the Tide with 76 rushing yards on 15 carries. Marc Guillon and Spen Pennington both struggled in the loss, as they combined for just 68 passing yards and four interceptions on 9-of-23 tosses.
LSU at Georgia
Georgia won their 17th straight home game and moved to 2-0 in the SEC with their 45-16 blowout win over LSU. David Greene threw a school-record five touchdown passes, while Reggie Brown and Fred Gibson each caught a pair of TD passes for the Bulldogs.
Georgia's defense recovered three fumbles and sacked the two LSU quarterbacks five times. The Bulldogs outgained the Tigers, 430-314, in total yards.
Georgia led 10-0 after the first quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Greene to Brown midway through the period and Andy Bailey's 32-yard field goal with 1:30 left in the frame.
The Bulldogs then led 17-0 after Greene hit Gibson with a two-yard scoring strike with a little more than three minutes into the second quarter.
After a 24-10 lead at halftime, Georgia reclaimed the momentum in the second half and never looked back. Greene capped a five-play, 71-yard drive by throwing a 24-yard pass to Gibson that made the score 31-10 with 5:12 left in the third quarter.
Greene then threw his record-breaking fifth touchdown pass of the day to Sean Bailey, to make it 38-10 with 1:59 remaining in the third. Georgia then went up 45-10 on Thomas Brown's one-yard TD run with 6:36 left in the fourth.
Randall's two-yard touchdown pass to Xavier Carter with 1:51 left to play ended the scoring and a tough day for the defending national champions.
Arkansas at Florida
Chris Leak had a career day as 16th-ranked Florida beat Arkansas 45-30 at The Swamp. Leak finished with 23-of-38 passes for 322 yards and three touchdowns.
Florida had a comfortable 38-7 lead in the third when Arkansas mounted a comeback. The Razorbacks scored on an 80-yard drive to cut the Florida lead to 38-14. After Florida went three-and-out, Jones ran 25 yards for a touchdown and followed it with a two-point conversion pass to pull Arkansas within 38-22 with 11:16 to play in the game.
The Razorback defense stopped the Gators again on three-and-out and Matt Jones then directed a six-play, 58-yard touchdown drive to bring Arkansas within eight. Arkansas' defense again forced Florida to punt without picking up a first down, but Florida's Channing Crowder intercepted a Jones pass.
Crowder's interception set up the Florida offense at the Arkansas 26, and Leak sealed the game when he tossed a two-yard touchdown pass to Dallas Baker with 1:46 left in the fourth.
Arkansas State at Ole Miss
Ole Miss avoided an embarrassing loss to Arkansas St. when they won at home 28-21. The Indian's quarterback Nick Noce passed for one touchdown and finished 17-of-39 for 230 yards and one interception.
Arkansas State led 14-13 at halftime and Ole Miss scored the only points in the third when Ethan Flatt found Lorenzo Townsend for a nine-yard touchdown pass to put the Rebels up 20-14. They increased their lead to 28-14 after a three-yard touchdown run by Brandon Jacobs and the two-point conversion was successful.
Noce's only passing score of the game, a 59-yard effort to Jerome Stegall, left Ole Miss up 28-21. The Indians had a chance to win with under a minute to play, but they failed to get a first down after four straight pass attempts.
Ohio at Kentucky
The Ohio Bobcats traveled to Lexington and beat Kentucky 28-16. Ohio was led by quarterback Ryan Hawk as he completed 7-of-15 pass attempts and a touchdown pass. The Bobcats are 3-2 and the loss puts Kentucky at 1-3 on the season.
With the score tied at seven to start the second quarter, Hawk gave the Bobcats the lead when he connected with Scott Mayle for a 44-yard touchdown pass. Taylor Begley nailed a 29-yard field goal for the Wildcats to cut the score to 14-10 at halftime.
The fourth quarter saw Ohio score twice after backup quarterback Austin Everson found Mayle for an 89-yard touchdown pass and a 12-yard touchdown run by Kalvin McRae gave the Bobcats a 28-10 lead. Kentucky's Lonnell Dewalt then caught a two-yard touchdown pass from Woodson late in the fourth quarter, but it was too late for Kentucky as the clock ran out.
Mississippi State at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt's 31-13 victory over Mississippi State was their first against an SEC West opponent since a 37-34 overtime victory over Ole Miss during the 1999 season. Quarterback Jay Cutler led the Commodores with 91 yards on 10-of-17 passes, and also ran 49 yards on 10 attempts.
Vandy scored 21 straight points in the second quarter to take control of the game. Cutler started the scoring in the second with a 26-yard touchdown run and it was then followed by a Steven Bright one-yard touchdown run. Cutler then threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Erik Davis, giving the Commodores a 24-7 halftime lead.
Vanderbilt improved to 1-3 on the season, while the Bulldogs lost their fourth straight.
Predictions For October 9 SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 5-2 and the overall record for the season is 24-6. Auburn hosts La Tech for Homecoming at 2:30 p.m. CT. Tennessee will be at Georgia and LSU travels to Florida in the other important SEC matchup.
Louisiana Tech at Auburn, 2:30 p.m. CT, Pay-Per-View
Talented Louisiana Tech running back Ryan Moats will be hoping for a big game when he visits Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday. Moats is starting to be recognized as a real contender for the Heisman Trophy. He is averaging 6.8 yards per carry after playing against Miami and Tennessee. Moats will be the best running back to visit the Plains in quite awhile. Auburn's defense will be ready as they haven't allowed a rushing touchdown this season.
The Bulldogs are 3-2 on the season and will try to spoil Auburn's Homecoming for the first time since Mississippi State won 24-17 in 1991. Louisiana Tech has the talent to keep the game close until the third quarter. In the fourth, Auburn's offensive line will wear down Tech's defense and the best backfield in the country will finish the game strong. The Tigers won't be caught looking ahead to their game against Arkansas next week, as they improve to 6-0 after the 40-14 victory.
Tennessee at Georgia, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports
Tennessee's quarterbacks were taken to school by the Auburn defense during the 34-10 blowout last week. As they get ready to travel to Athens this week, the Bulldog defense will look to teach them a few lessons also. Georgia has only allowed 19 points in their last 10 quarters of football. Mark Richt is 3-0 against the Vols, and if David Greene has another big day, the Vols may be looking at another blowout loss.
Coach Fulmer must have his team forget about the Auburn game if they want a chance to win. If they fail to do so, it could be a long afternoon for the Vols. Georgia seems to be hitting on all cylinders on both offense and defense. As the season goes on, look for them to get better. Richt will have his team ready to play and they will win 27-10.
LSU at Florida, 7:45 p.m. ET, ESPN
Florida was the only team last year to beat LSU. The early October victory was in Baton Rouge and the Gators were ten point underdogs. LSU will be underdogs when they travel to The Swamp on Saturday. They are already 0-2 away from home this season. If Chris Leak has another career day for Florida, it will be impossible for LSU to have a chance to win the SEC West with three conference losses.
LSU head coach Nick Saban knows The Swamp is a tough place to win, especially after the way his team lost to Georgia. Florida needs to win to keep their chances alive to win the SEC East. The Gators will win a close one 34-30 and then will begin to look forward to their big game against Georgia on October 30.
Alabama at Kentucky, 12:30 p.m. ET, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Alabama started the season 3-0 after beating cupcake opponents like Western Carolina at home. The Crimson Tide faithful thought their team might be on its way to a good year. But, after Brodie Croyle went down with a season-ending injury, the Tide has lost back-to-back games to Arkansas and South Carolina. Alabama could see a repeat of last year when they lost five of their last six games. A win over Kentucky could get them back on track as they face the meat of their schedule in October and November.
Kentucky lost to Ohio 28-16 last week. Quarterback Shane Boyd must have a better game this week if they want to have a chance to win. They also have to stop giving up turnovers and find a way to force some against Alabama. Alabama leads 12-2 in games played in Lexington, and they will win again in Lexington 21-16.
Ole Miss at South Carolina, 1 p.m. ET
Lou Holtz has his Gamecocks playing really well right now. His defense has been tough this season, holding their opponents to seven points or less in four of their five games. A good defense will help your team win many games in the SEC and it showed in last week's game against Alabama. The Gamecocks forced four interceptions in their 20-3 win against the Crimson Tide. If their defense continues to play well, the Gamecocks should go to a decent bowl game.
Ole Miss is struggling to be consistent on offense so far this season. They had to come from behind to beat 1-4 Arkansas State last week. The only team they might get another win against is Mississippi State. South Carolina will hold the Rebels to less than seven points as they win an easy one at home 27-6.
UAB at Mississippi State, 1:30 p.m. CT
Since beginning Division I-A football in 1996, UAB has come a long way. While they have to compete with Auburn and Alabama for the spotlight in the state of Alabama, the Blazers have done a good job of recruiting decent position players. They are 3-1 on the season after having back-to-back conference wins against Memphis and Cincinnati. UAB's only lost came to Florida State on September 18. When they travel to Starkville, star running back Dan Burks should have a big game against a weak Bulldog defense.
Sylvester Croom is having a tough year as first year coach for the Bulldogs. He should forget about this year and begin focusing on the future. Better days are ahead for Croom and his team. After a few years of recruiting, he'll have more success. On Saturday, the Bulldogs will lose again and UAB will improve to 4-1 after a 31-10 win.
Rutgers at Vanderbilt, 7 p.m. CT
Vanderbilt finally won their first game of the season last week against Mississippi State. The Vandy offense was able to gain 257 yards on the ground and they seem to be improving as the season progresses. Rutgers could be without their star running back Brian Leonard when they visit Nashville. If Leonard is out, it could be a long day for the Scarlet Knights. They will rely on quarterback Ryan Hart to have a big game against a weak Vandy secondary. If the Commodore offensive line can get healthy, they should have another decent game on the ground. Vandy should win their second game in a row and the final score will be close at 33-28.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Seven
Auburn improves to 6-0 and moves up to No. 4 in the AP poll after a convincing 52-7 win against La Tech. Tennessee and LSU got huge road wins on Saturday. Arkansas will travel to Auburn October 16 to try and upset the undefeated Tigers.
Louisiana Tech at Auburn
Ronnie Brown had a big game for the Tigers, rushing for 109 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries as Auburn handled Louisiana Tech 52-7. The Tigers improved to 6-0 and will face a tough Arkansas team on the Plains Saturday at 2:30 p.m. CT.
The Tigers scored early and often and took a 24-0 lead into halftime. In the third quarter, Jason Campbell hit Ben Obomanu for an eight-yard touchdown pass to give the Tigers a 31-0 lead. The 11-play, 96-yard drive was aided by a 43-yard run by Brown into the red zone. Campbell finished the game with 13-of-18 passes for 201 yards and two scores for Auburn.
The Bulldogs finally scored with 6:48 left in the third when Matt Kubik hit Johnathan Holland for a 78-yard touchdown pass.
Auburn ended the third with two long scores of their own to take a 45-7 lead into the final quarter. Campbell connected with Silas Daniels for an 87-yard touchdown pass and then Obomanu hauled in a 38-yard score from Brandon Cox.
The win gives Auburn an eight game winning streak and they are off to a 6-0 start since 1997. The Tigers posted 472 yards of total net offense, while holding Tech to just 222 yards.
Alabama at Kentucky
Alabama snapped a two-game losing streak with a 45-17 win over Kentucky. Alabama improves to 4-2 on the season, while Kentucky falls to 1-4.
Ray Hudson ran for 99 yards and a touchdown, but left the game with a possible season ending knee injury. Backup Alabama quarterback Spencer Pennington completed 7-of-11 attempts for 83 yards. Alabama was able to rack up 387 yards of total offense, while the Wildcats had only 177 yards.
Alabama got off to a fast start when they scored 14 straight points. Kentucky's quarterback Shane Boyd then ran for a one yard touchdown to make the score 14-7 with just over two minutes left in the first half. Brian Bostick then put the Crimson Tide up by 10 with his 36-yard field goal with nine seconds remaining in the second.
In the third, Kentucky cut the lead to 17-14 after Boyd found Jeremiah Drobney for a 38-yard touchdown pass. Alabama then took control on the game and scored 14 points in the third, and 14 more in the fourth.
Tennessee at Georgia
Georgia tried to rally late in the fourth but Tennessee held on to give the Bulldogs their first loss of the season, 19-14. Tennessee's freshman quarterback Erik Ainge threw two touchdown passes and finished 12-for-21 for 150 yards.
The Bulldogs had a chance to win after they drove down to the 19-yard line with one second left as receiver Fred Gibson got out of bounds just in time after a 21-yard reception. David Greene then floated one up toward the end zone, but it was knocked down along with the Bulldogs' hopes of remaining in the national championship picture.
The Tennessee defense frustrated Georgia quarterback David Greene with constant pressure. Greene was sacked five times, going 15-of-34 for 163 yards as the Bulldogs 4-1, saw their 17-game home win streak come to an end.
LSU at Florida
Florida failed to score in the second half and Marcus Randall hit Joseph Addaias for a 10-yard touchdown pass with just 27 seconds remaining to give LSU a 24-21 victory on the road. Randall came off the bench and completed 18-of-27 passes for 198 yards with two touchdowns and one interception for the 4-2 Tigers.
The Tigers, who trailed the entire game until the final score, were behind 21-17 when they started the game-winning drive at the 50-yard line with just 2:06 remaining. The six-play drive got off to a quick start when Addaias ran through the right side of the line for 16 yards down to the Florida 34. Five plays later, on 3rd-and-5, Randall found Addaias for the 10-yard score in the end zone.
LSU out gained Florida in total net offense, 464-236. The Tigers also picked up 29 first downs, compared to just 14 collected by the Gators
Ole Miss at South Carolina
Ole Miss got a big win on the road against the Gamecocks when Bill Flowers scored on a 29-yard touchdown pass with just over a minute left in the fourth quarter. The 31-28 win gives the Rebels a 3-3 record on the season, and the Gamecocks are 4-2.
The Rebels led 14-0 after the first quarter. The Gamecocks scored early in the second when Andy Boyd caught a 17-yard touchdown pass over the middle to make the score 14-7. Ole Miss then scored on a 13 play, 76-yard drive to again put them up by 14. The Gamecocks then had an impressive drive of 11 plays, 80-yards that led to a 38-yard touchdown run by Syvelle Newton to bring the score to 21-14 at the half.
South Carolina tied the game at 21 midway through the third when Troy Williamson grabbed a 33-yard touchdown catch on fourth-and-10. Jonathan Nichols' 25-yard field goal with five seconds left in the third put the Rebels back up 24-21 at the end of the quarter.
A 17-yard touchdown run by Demetris Summers 2:32 into the fourth quarter put the Gamecocks ahead 28-24 before Ole Miss was able to come from behind to win.
The Gamecocks' defense, first in the SEC in rushing defense and third against the pass, gave up 319 yards in the first half. South Carolina came in allowing 256 yards a game.
UAB at Mississippi State
The Bulldogs continue to struggle under first year head coach Sylvester Croom as UAB won in Starkville 27-13. It was the first-ever meeting between the two schools.
Mississippi State took an early 3-0 lead after Keith Andrews hit a long 48-yard field goal. The Blazers then scored 49 seconds later on a 52-yard touchdown pass from Darrell Hackney to Corey White. UAB increased its lead when Nick Hayes hit a 29-yard field goal to put them up 10-3. The Bulldogs scored a touchdown which tied the game at 10 to end the first half.
After halftime, the Blazers went up 17-10 with an 18-yard touchdown pass from Hackney to White. Mississippi State cut the lead to 17-13 with a 42-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter, but UAB put the game out of reach with 10 unanswered points.
The Bulldogs, 1-5, out gained UAB in total yards, 324-314.
Rutgers at Vanderbilt
Rutgers' quarterback Ryan Hart completed 31-of-40 pass attempts for 344 yards and two scores, and helped his team come-from-behind and win 37-34 against Vanderbilt. The win gives Rutgers a 3-2 record and the loss puts the Commodores at 1-4.
Vandy went up 10-0 early when Patrick Johnson nailed a 33-yard field goal, and that was followed by a 29-yard interception that was returned for a touchdown by Dominique Morris. The Scarlet Knights finally got on the scoreboard after a 35-yard field goal by Jeremy Ito.
The Commodores went into halftime with a comfortable 20-3 lead after a nine-yard run by Jeff Jennings midway through the second quarter and a 44-yard field goal by Johnson.
In the third, Vandy went up 27-3 when Jay Cutler found Erik Davis for a 27-yard touchdown pass. Brian Leonard then had two rushing touchdowns to cut the lead to 27-16 midway through the third. After a two-yard touchdown run by Cutler that put Vanderbilt up 34-16 late in the third quarter, Rutgers dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 21 points for the comeback victory.
Predictions For October 16 SEC Games
Predictions for last week were 3-4, with the overall record at 27-10. Arkansas visits Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. CT and CBS will carry the game. In other games, Southern Miss faces Alabama, and Tennessee plays at Ole Miss.
Arkansas at Auburn, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
If Auburn can win this week, they should be 9-0 when they face Georgia on November 13. Arkansas is 3-2 after losing close games to Texas and Florida. The Razorbacks have a history of not being able to stop the run. Last year, Carnell Williams ran for 150 yards and was the difference in the 10-3 win in Fayetteville. This year, Arkansas has allowed 145, 274, and 295 yards on the ground against Florida, Alabama and Texas respectively. Auburn's talented running backs could once again be the difference in another close game between the Tigers and Razorbacks.
Stopping Matt Jones will be Auburn's top priority during the game. If they can force Jones to throw the ball early and often, Arkansas could be in for a long day. If hurried, Jones is likely to throw interceptions and turnovers will hurt Arkansas' chances because Auburn's defense has 11 interceptions this season, which is tied for second nationally behind Kansas' 12 interceptions.
Arkansas will try and be the first team to have a rushing touchdown against Auburn this season. Arkansas must put points on the scoreboard against a stingy Tiger defense. That will be a tough task as Auburn is fourth nationally in scoring defense, holding opponents to 7.2 points per game.
In games played in Auburn, the Tigers have a 3-1-1 advantage. The West Coast offense will be too much for Arkansas, as Auburn improves to 7-0 after a 34-14 victory.
Southern Miss at Alabama, 2:30 p.m. CT, Pay-Per-View
No. 24 Southern Miss travels to Tuscaloosa to play an unpredictable 4-2 Alabama. The Golden Eagles are 4-0 after beating Nebraska, Tulane, South Florida and Houston. While starting quarterback Dustin Almond is questionable because of a hamstring injury he suffered against Houston last week, Southern Miss should be able to keep the game close because of their defense.
Although Alabama won with ease against Kentucky last week, Southern Miss has always been a strong opponent. The Golden Eagles have a talented group of linebackers that could force Alabama to depend on their passing game to win. With Ray Hudson possibly out because of a knee injury, Spencer Pennington will need to be solid and not have any interceptions. The Crimson Tide hold a 15-1-1 advantage in games played in Tuscaloosa, but this year Southern Miss will win 21-17 and remain undefeated.
Vanderbilt at Georgia, 12:30 p.m. ET, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Last year, Georgia had trouble with Vanderbilt until they finally put the game away in the fourth quarter. Vandy led at halftime 2-0, before Georgia scored 27 second-half points in the 27-8 win. The Vandy defense held Georgia to just 64 yards in the first half. This year could be the same after Georgia struggled on offense last week. Coach Mark Richt hopes his team can bounce back and cut down on penalties after being flagged 12 times for 82 yards against Tennessee.
After a disappointing loss to the Vols, Georgia will welcome the Commodores to Athens. In 29 games played in Athens, Georgia has won 24. Vandy played well last week in the first half against Rutgers, and then blew a 27-3 second half lead, when they were outscored 21-0 in the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs will regroup this week during practice and have a better game on offense for homecoming in Athens. Georgia pulls away in the second half for a comfortable 43-16 win.
Tennessee at Ole Miss, 8:00 p.m. CT, ESPN2
If Tennessee wants a possible rematch against Auburn in the Georgia Dome, they must take care of business in Oxford. The Vols took care of Georgia last week when their defense made Georgia's David Greene have one of his worse performances of his career. If they play that well for the rest of the season, the Vols will be hard to beat and their defense should take care of Ole Miss' weak passing game.
Ole Miss won last week by playing three quarterbacks. The Vols will be ready to defend against the three-quarterback rotation and their offense will take the field with Erik Ainge under center. After Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs run through big holes in the Ole Miss defense, Ainge will be able to find open receivers and have a good game against a weak Ole Miss secondary. The Vols improve to 5-1 in the SEC with a 30-14 win.
South Carolina at Kentucky, 7:00 p.m. ET
South Carolina surprised everyone last week when they were upset by Ole Miss. The Gamecock defense has been solid all year, but gave up 319 yards in the first half against the Rebels. They usually only give up 256 yards per game. When they travel to Lexington, they will face a Kentucky team that just looked bad against Alabama. The Wildcats gave up over 300 yards on the ground in the 45-17 loss.
If the 4-2 Gamecocks lose to Kentucky, Lou Holtz will have trouble getting his team ready to play the remaining four games on their schedule. History is on their side as South Carolina has won the last four meetings and in games played in Lexington, Carolina leads 5-3. Seven of the 12 meetings since 1992 have been decided by a touchdown-or-less, and this year will be the same. Carolina will still be sluggish after last week but will win a close game, 34-28.
Middle Tennessee State at Florida, 12:00 p.m. ET
This non-conference game was originally scheduled for September 4, but it was postponed due to Hurricane Frances. Middle Tennessee is probably wishing the game had already been played, especially since Florida lost a close one to LSU last week. The Gators will be looking forward to taking their frustrations out on someone, and this game will give them that opportunity.
Chris Leak had a bad game last week against the Tigers, completing just 15-of-33 passes for 142 yards. Leak will bounce back this week because talented quarterbacks usually learn from their mistakes and this game will give him that chance. Middle Tennessee's pass defense gives up about 300 yards per game. This will be the second meeting between these two schools. Back in 2000, Florida won 55-0. Look for a similar score this year against a 2-5 Middle Tennessee team. The Gators in a blowout, 49-7.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Eight
Auburn had an impressive 38-20 win over Arkansas. The Tigers move up to No. 3 in the AP poll and will face Kentucky on Saturday in Jordan-Hare. Kickoff is set for 1:30 p.m. CT and the game will not be televised.
Arkansas at Auburn
Jason Campbell had a career day as he completed 17-of-19 passes for a career-high 297 yards and three touchdowns during Auburn's 38-20 victory over Arkansas. Auburn improves to 7-0 on the season and will face Kentucky at home for a 1:30 p.m. CT kickoff.
Auburn took a commanding 30-0 lead after scoring on each of their first five possessions. Campbell got things going when he found a wide-open Devin Aromashodu on a flea-flicker for a 67-yard touchdown. After a John Vaughn 27-yard field goal put the Tigers up 10-0, Auburn extended its lead to 17-0 when Campbell delivered a 30-yard touchdown pass to Courtney Taylor at the 3:31 mark of the first quarter. The score capped a seven-play, 90-yard drive in which Campbell completed 4-of-5 passes for 68 yards.
The Razorbacks finally got on the board with a nine-play, 80-yard drive late in the first half. Matt Jones found Chris Baker over the middle for a 19-yard touchdown pass which made the score 30-7 at halftime.
After the half, Arkansas scored on a long 61-yard pass when Jones found Steven Harris down the right sideline on the first series of the third quarter. Campbell then put Auburn up 38-14 when he hit Ben Obumano for a 19-yard touchdown pass with 3:09 left in the third quarter. Obumano then hauled in the conversion attempt for a 38-14 lead.
The Tigers finished with 522 yards of total offense and Ronnie Brown was the leading rusher with 101 yards and a touchdown.
Southern Miss at Alabama
Southern Miss suffered their first loss of the season when Alabama won 27-3 at home. The Crimson Tide, 5-2, have won the last four meetings against the Golden Eagles.
Alabama started things off when Brian Bostick hit a 45-yard field goal and Tim Castille found the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown run to put them up 10-0 with 3:13 remaining in the first quarter. Southern Miss answered with Luke Johnson's 37-yard field goal at the 13:41 mark of the second quarter. Bostick added another field goal that gave Alabama a 13-3 lead at halftime.
Spencer Pennington got the scoring going in the second half with his 11-yard touchdown pass to Ken Darby at the 14:55 mark of the fourth quarter to put Alabama up 20-3. The score ended a 10-play drive that covered 86 yards in 5:51. Darby completed the scoring with a 10-yard touchdown run with less than six minutes remaining in the game.
Alabama faces Tennessee in Knoxville this week for the much anticipated rivalry game.
Vanderbilt at Georgia
Georgia took care of Vanderbilt in Athens with a 33-3 homecoming victory. The win is Georgia's tenth in a row against the Commodores.
David Greene finished with 191 yards on 14-of-21 pass attempts and two touchdowns. Jay Cutler was 12-of-22 for 133 yards for Vanderbilt, which has dropped two straight and 16 in a row on the road.
Georgia jumped out to a 14-0 lead after Thomas Brown ran 12 yards for the first score and Greene ran two yards for the next. The Bulldogs then went up 16-0 after they tackled running back Jeff Jennings in the end zone to record a safety in the second quarter. Patrick Johnson hit a 42-yard field goal to make the score 16-3 at the half.
Greene continued where he left off in the first half when he found Leonard Pope for a 22-yard touchdown pass to put the Bulldogs up 23-3. He followed that with a 38-yard touchdown pass to Brown for a 27-point advantage with under six minutes left in the third quarter. Georgia added a fourth-quarter field goal to complete the scoring.
Tennessee at Ole Miss
Erik Ainge completed 14-of-30 pass attempts for 232 yards and found Bret Smith for a 30-yard touchdown pass that helped Tennessee come from behind to win 21-17 at Ole Miss.
The Vols got off to a fast start in the first quarter when they went up 14-0. The opening drive went for 78 yards and Jabari Davis' scored on a one-yard touchdown run. Ethan Flatt was intercepted by Brandon Johnson on Ole Miss' first drive of the game, and Tennessee turned it into seven more points when Gerald Riggs capped a 55-yard drive with a 21-yard touchdown run.
Mississippi then cut the lead to 14-7 with 5:02 remaining in the second quarter when Brandon Jacobs scored on a one-yard touchdown run. After halftime, Ole Miss pulled within 14-10 when Jonathan Nichols kicked a 42-yard field goal with 5:02 remaining in the third quarter.
The Vols trailed 17-14 after Ainge threw an interception that was returned 34 yards for a touchdown by Bryan Brown with 11:01 remaining in the game. But Ainge bounced back nicely on the ensuing possession, hooking up with a diving Smith for a 30-yard touchdown and Tennessee held on to improve to 5-1, and 3-1 in the SEC.
South Carolina at Kentucky
South Carolina scored with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth when Troy Williamson caught a 19-yard touchdown pass from Mike Rathe. With the 12-7 victory over Kentucky, the Gamecocks improve to 5-2, while the Wildcats fall to 1-5 on the season.
Both teams failed to score in the first quarter, then in the second, South Carolina's Josh Brown connected on a 43-yard field goal to give the Gamecocks a 3-0 lead. Brown added three more points when he hit a 20-yard field goal with 6:32 left until halftime. South Carolina's stingy defense held Kentucky scoreless in the first half and took a 6-0 lead into halftime.
Kentucky finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth when Alexis Bwenge scored from two yards out to put the Wildcats up 7-6. Although the Gamecocks failed on a two-point conversion attempt following the late touchdown reception by Williamson, South Carolina held on for the five-point five victory.
Middle Tennessee State at Florida
Florida recovered after a disappointing loss to LSU last week with an easy 52-16 win over Middle Tennessee State. Chris Leak completed 17-of-22 attempts for 316 yards and three touchdowns and DeShawn Wynn added three rushing scores as Florida rolled at The Swamp.
The Gators scored first on a 37-yard field goal which capped an 11-play, 55- yard drive just 3:24 into the game for the early 3-0 lead. The Blue Raiders hit a 39-yard field goal to tie the game 3-3 with 7:47 left in the first.
Florida then scored 21 unanswered to extend their lead to 24-3. Leak got things started by firing a four-yard touchdown strike to Small with 2:46 remaining in the first quarter.
On Middle Tennessee State's following possession, quarterback Clint Marks was picked off by Demetrice Webb deep inside Blue Raiders' territory. Three plays later, Wynn's five-yard touchdown run gave the Gators a 17-3 lead late in the first.
The Gators then held the Blue Raiders to a three-and-out to start the second. Leak then found a wide open Caldwell for a long 62-yard touchdown pass and the lead swelled to 24-3 with 13:53 left in the second. Middle Tennessee State fought back thanks to a 37-yard touchdown pass with 8:53 to go in the second quarter to make the score 24-10. Florida scored again and Middle Tennessee's kicker hit a 41-yard field goal as time expired in the second to make it 31-13 at halftime.
Early in the third, Leak found Jackson for a 33-yard scoring strike to put the Gators up 38-13 with 12:52 remaining in the third. The Blue Raiders then added a 27-yard field goal with 7:23 left in the third, but Fason's 20-yard touchdown run moments later pushed the Gators lead to 45-16. Late in the third, Wynn added a nine-yard touchdown, his third of the day, for the final score.
Predictions For October 23 SEC Games
Predictions for last week were 5-1, and the overall record is 32-11. This week, Auburn entertains Kentucky at Jordan-Hare. Tennessee hosts Alabama, and Georgia plays at Arkansas in the big games this week in conference play.
Kentucky at Auburn, 1:30 p.m. CT, No Television
These two teams have not met since 1995 and Auburn has won 13 straight in the series. When Kentucky comes to Jordan-Hare, they will face a team that is probably playing better than any other team in the country. In the first half, the Tigers have outscored their opponents 149-19. Auburn has beaten all but one of its first seven opponents by double digits, with the lone exception coming in a dramatic 10-9 victory over defending BCS champion LSU in September.
If Auburn continues to play this well, they should have the opportunity to play in the BCS championship game. Kentucky is a team that doesn't have a chance of spoiling a perfect season for the Tigers.
If Auburn plays well in the first half, Jason Campbell and the other starters will make room for the backups. Tommy Tuberville has never faced Kentucky as a head coach and Rich Brooks has never coached against Auburn as a head coach. In games played in Auburn, Kentucky has never scored more than 18 points. That trend will continue as Auburn's defense has too much talent and experience. Tuberville will get his first win against the Wildcats and the Tigers will begin to look forward to their trip to Oxford next week. The Tigers improve to 8-0 with an easy 45-10 win.
Alabama at Tennessee, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
Alabama will face a Tennessee team that has bounced back nicely after losing at home against Auburn. The Vols have back-to-back road wins over Georgia and Ole Miss. Alabama comes to Knoxville after winning two in a row over Kentucky and Southern Miss. In each of the last three seasons, the road team has won this game, including a wild 5143 five overtime victory for Tennessee last year. The Crimson Tide will have problems winning this year because of their quarterback situation. Even with a good running game, Alabama and other SEC teams have trouble winning without a passing attack.
The Vols do have a good passing game along with running back Cedric Houston. Freshman Erik Ainge has grown up and seems to be improving each week. The balanced offensive attack from the Vols will test an Alabama defense that held Southern Miss to just three points. This is a big game for both teams. For Tennessee, a win would keep them in the hunt for the SEC Eastern Division title. For Alabama, a win would make them eligible for their first bowl trip since 2001.
Alabama leads the series with Tennessee 43-36-7, and is 20-18-1 in Knoxville. The Vols are 9-2 against the Tide under Fulmer. Fulmer knows how to motivate his team to play hard against Alabama. The Vols learned from the mistakes they made against Auburn and will be ready to stop Ken Darby. Vols pull away in the fourth quarter and win 27-14.
Troy at LSU, 8 p.m. CT
When Troy travels to Baton Rouge, it will be the largest crowd to ever see them play. How well they handle the crowd noise could determine if the Trojans are able to keep this game close until halftime.
If Troy's defense plays well, they should keep the game close. They only allowed a total of 46 points against Missouri, South Carolina and Marshall, winning two of those games outright. Their offense hasn't played well and quarterback Aaron Leak has completed just 47 percent of his passes and has thrown more interceptions than touchdowns. The only positive for Troy's offense is their running game. They average 4.5 yards per rush while allowing only 3.3.
LSU is rested and ready after a bye week. The key for LSU will be the play of quarterback Marcus Randall. Randall came off the bench and threw two touchdown passes, including a 10-yard pass to running back Joseph Addai with 27 seconds to play to lead LSU to victory over Florida, regaining his starting job in the process.
LSU has too much talent, size, and speed for Troy. The Tigers will improve to 5-2 after a 34-10 win Saturday night.
Georgia at Arkansas, 6 p.m. CT, ESPN2
Arkansas will get another chance to beat a top-10 opponent when Georgia comes to Fayetteville. The Razorbacks loss a close one to Texas and were blown out by Florida and Auburn. Matt Jones hurt his groin on the first play of the game against Auburn. Jones is questionable for this week's game but should be healthy enough to play.
Georgia has the tough task of playing its next four games on the road. The Bulldogs are facing an Arkansas team that needs a win. The Razorbacks are 3-3 and another loss could put them in danger of missing out on going to a bowl game. They must be able to stop Danny Ware and Thomas Brown. Last week, they became the first pair of Bulldog runners to go over 100 yards in the same game since Garrison Hearst and Mack Strong in 1992.
If Georgia continues to rack up the penalties, this game could end up being close. The Razorbacks have lost three straight against the Bulldogs, including a 30-3 loss in the 2002 SEC Championship game. Make it four straight as Jones plays hurt and Georgia's David Greene continues to play well on the road. Georgia in a close one, 31-27.
Florida at Mississippi State, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Mississippi State is 1-5, and is coming off a bye week while Florida pounded Middle Tennessee State 52-16 last week. The Gators can't afford to look ahead to their big game against Georgia next week. They need to win this one to keep their chances alive to win the SEC East. Florida won 52-0 last year in Gainesville. If they come to play, the game could see a similar score this year.
The Bulldogs have been hurt by turnovers and they are struggling to establish a decent running attack. Florida's Chris Leak and tailback Ciatrick Fason should have big games against a depleted Bulldog defense. MSU is giving up close to 32 points per game against Division I-A opponents. Florida leads the series 31-17-2. Win number 32 comes after a 45-17 victory in Starkville.
Eastern Kentucky at Vanderbilt, 1 p.m. CT
Vanderbilt will look for an easy win over 3-3 Eastern Kentucky. Vandy is 1-5 on the season but continues to play hard when they could easily pack up and go home. The Commodores simply don't have the talent to compete with the other teams in the conference, but against Division I-AA opponents, they expect to win. Over the past decade, the Commodores are 6-0 against Division I-AA teams.
Although Eastern Kentucky's 17 NCAA Division I-AA playoff appearances is the most of any other school, their defense will be challenged to stop Commodore running back Norval McKenzie and quarterback Jay Cutler. Earlier this season, EKU allowed Jacksonville State to gain 277 rushing yards. Vandy will take advantage of EKU's weak defense and win at home 31-14.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Nine
Auburn remained undefeated with a 42-10 victory over Kentucky. LSU held on to beat Troy 24-20 and Tennessee took control of the SEC East with a 17-14 win over Alabama.
Kentucky at Auburn
Carnell Williams had two touchdowns on 17 carries and he helped lead No. 3 ranked Auburn to an easy 42-10 victory over 1-6 Kentucky. Williams finished with 149 yards and Auburn improved to 8-0 and 4-0 in the SEC.
After the Tigers forced Kentucky to punt on their first possession, Williams scored on a one-yard touchdown run that capped a seven-play, 30-yard drive. Williams put Auburn up 14-0 after he found the end zone on a 9-yard run. Quentin Groves then sacked Kentucky quarterback Andre' Woodson which forced a fumble that led to a 12-yard scoring run by Ronnie Brown with 4:31 to go in the first quarter. Brown finished with 53 rushing yards and two touchdowns.
Auburn went into halftime with a comfortable 21-7 lead. Taylor Begley's 35-yard field goal less than two minutes into the third quarter pulled the Wildcats within 21-10. The Tigers then took over and opened a 28-10 advantage on a 17-yard touchdown run by Brown with 9:34 to go in the third. Campbell's seven-yard pass to Courtney Taylor on fourth down preceded the score and extended the nine-play, 80-yard drive.
Carl Stewart added a one-yard touchdown run with 2:46 remaining in the third to put Auburn ahead 35-10. Kevis Burnam's sack, fumble recovery and 15-yard touchdown run with 5:01 to go in the fourth capped the scoring for Auburn.
Auburn can win the SEC Western Division title with a victory at Ole Miss October 30. The game can be seen on ESPN, with the kickoff at 6:45 p.m. CT. Kentucky will travel to Mississippi State on Saturday.
Alabama at Tennessee
Tennessee defensive end Corey Campbell came up with a big interception during an Alabama drive late in the game and the Vols held on to win 17-14. Tennessee is 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the SEC. Alabama falls to 5-3, and 2-3 in conference play.
The Vols jumped out to a 7-0 lead on the second play of the game when Parys Haralson picked up a Spencer Pennington fumble and ran 18 yards for a touchdown. Alabama's defense set up a score later in the first when linebacker DeMeco Ryans intercepted Erik Ainge at the Tennessee 44. That led to Tim Castille's two- yard touchdown run and a tie game with 5:55 remaining in the first quarter.
The Crimson Tide went ahead 10-7 on Brian Bostick's 34-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Tennessee went up 14-10 after Derrick Tinsley's 45-yard punt return set up a 19-yard touchdown pass from Ainge to Jayson Swain. The Vols went into halftime with a 17-10 lead after James Wilhoit hit a 40-yard field goal.
Alabama pulled within 17-13 in the fourth quarter on Bostick's 47-yard field goal, but failed to score late in the game.
Tennessee will face South Carolina this week, while Alabama has the week off.
Troy at LSU
LSU had four turnovers, including three interceptions by Marcus Randall, and that led to 17 points for Troy as they barely lost in Baton Rouge 24-20. LSU out gained the Trojans by a 386-150 margin in net yards and owned a decisive 22-9 advantage in first downs.
Troy took a 20-17 lead on Greg Whibbs' 24-yard field goal with 3:59 to play before Randall led the Tigers down the field in just four plays. Skyler Green's 37-yard kick return set the Tigers up near midfield and Randall connected with Dwayne Bowe on a 13-yard pass into Trojan territory. Randall then ran for eight yards down to the Troy 29, and then found a wide-open David Jones down the right sideline to put the Tigers ahead 24-20.
The Trojans had one last chance to pull off the upset, but failed to move the ball against LSU's defense. Quarterback D.T. McDowell was called for a 15-yard intentional grounding penalty and was shaken up after being brought down by Kyle Williams. After Aaron Leak came in for McDowell, he ran for 11 yards on the following play, but then misfired on two straight throws to turn the ball over on downs.
LSU hosts Vanderbilt and Troy welcomes Idaho to campus on Saturday.
Georgia at Arkansas
Georgia made it four in a row over Arkansas after a tough 20-14 win Saturday night. David Greene had a great performance going 22-of-29 for 382 yards and two touchdown passes on the night. Georgia improves to 6-1 overall and 4-1 in the SEC. The Razorbacks fall to 3-4 and 1-3 in the conference.
Arkansas scored first when Matt Jones hit Marcus Monk on a 17-yard touchdown pass. Georgia then cut the lead 7-3 after Andy Bailey nailed a 31-yard field goal. The Bulldogs then went up 10-7 as Greene connected with Fred Gibson on a five-yard touchdown strike.
After the Arkansas offense failed to get a drive going, the Razorbacks' defense found the end zone. Arkansas' Jeb Huckeba sacked Greene at the Georgia 19-yard line and forced a fumble, which Marcus Harrison recovered and scampered 19 yards for a touchdown with a minute and a half left in the first half. That gave Arkansas a 14-10 lead at halftime.
Georgia scored first in the second half after Odell Thurman forced a fumble by Arkansas running back DeCo Birmingham, and Georgia's Derrick White recovered it. White returned it seven yards to the Razorbacks' 34 yard line. Five plays later, Greene found Leonard Pope in the end zone to put Georgia ahead 17-14.
David Pollack then sacked Jones deep in Arkansas territory, forcing a fumble on the play. Pollack recovered the fumble at the Arkansas eight-yard line. The Bulldogs failed to find the end zone and Bailey put them ahead 20-14 on his 24-yard field goal.
Georgia travels to Jacksonville for their matchup against Florida, and Arkansas has the week off.
Florida at Mississippi State
Sylvester Croom got his first big win as the head coach of Mississippi State when Jerious Norwood scored with just 32 seconds remaining in the fourth to give the Bulldogs a 38-31 over Florida. Croom also got his first SEC victory as Mississippi State improves to 1-3 in the SEC and 2-5 overall.
Mississippi State led 17-14 at the half and Florida then tied the game on their first drive of the third quarter when Matt Leach kicked a career high-tying 50-yard field goal. Mississippi State moved back in front 24-17 courtesy of Lowe's 73-yard punt return with 9:07 left in the third quarter.
Florida then tied the game on the next possession thanks to an amazing 55-yard touchdown run by Ciatrick Fason. The Bulldogs then took a 31-24 lead after a 17-play, 80-yard drive that ended on a one-yard scoring run by Norwood. Florida answered with a long drive of 73 yards that tied the game with 5:05 remaining in the fourth.
The Bulldogs then drove to the Florida 36-yard line and faced a 4th-and-3. However, Conner's pass was incomplete and the Gators took over. Two plays after that, Leak was intercepted by Jeramie Johnson at the Mississippi State 44-yard line, setting up Norwood's game-winning touchdown run five plays later.
Norwood finished with 174 yards on 29 carries and had two touchdowns. Florida quarterback Chris Leak completed 20-of-35 passes for 260 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. He also contributed a one-yard touchdown run.
Florida is 4-3 overall, and 2-3 in the conference. They will face Georgia October 30 in Jacksonville and Mississippi State will host Kentucky.
Eastern Kentucky at Vanderbilt
Eastern Kentucky moved the ball inside the Vanderbilt 40 yard line six times but had just one touchdown as they lost to the Commodores 19-7 in Nashville. The Colonels out gained Vandy 460 yards to 366 yards in the losing effort. Eastern Kentucky falls to 3-4 on the season and Vandy improves to 2-5.
Commodore quarterback Jay Cutler finished with 15-of-21 passes for 156 yards and a touchdown. Cutler helped Vandy take an early 6-0 lead after he found Brandon Smith on a 4-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter.
The Colonels only score of the game was a 45-yard touchdown catch and run by C.J. Hudson. Josh Greco hit Hudson on a screen pass, and the senior broke a tackle and sprinted down the right sideline for the score, EKU led 7-6.
Cutler then ran 55 yards for a touchdown with 10:44 remaining in the first half to give the Commodores the 13-7 lead. Cutler faked an option pitch to the right and sprinted through the Eastern Kentucky secondary for the longest touchdown of the season for the Commodores.
A pair of field goals in the third quarter gave Vandy a 19-7 lead and they held on for the non-conference victory. The Commodores travel to LSU and EKU will face Murray State on October 30.
Predictions For October 30 SEC Games
Last Week predictions were 5-1, and 37-12 overall. Auburn travels to Ole Miss as they try to clinch the Western Division title with a win. Georgia tries to defeat Florida for the first time in six years, and Tennessee travels to South Carolina.
Auburn at Ole Miss, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
Ole Miss had last week off to get healthy and rested to face Auburn. The Rebels are 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the conference. A win over the Tigers would keep them in the hunt for the Western Division title. It would also be their second win in a row in the series. The only quality win this year was a 31-28 victory at South Carolina. If the Rebels could upset No. 3 Auburn at home Saturday, it would be one of the biggest wins in school history. But, as long as the Tigers continue to outscore opponents 170-29 in the first half and continue to play well on defense, Auburn should head into their off week still undefeated at 9-0.
Jason Campbell should have a big game against an Ole Miss secondary that has trouble covering man-to-man without help from the safety. That will mean trouble for the Rebels against a quarterback who has a rating above 180, while completing over 67 percent of his passes with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 13-to-2. The only thing that could slow the Tigers down is if the defense fails to prepare for the possibility of seeing the Rebels play three quarterbacks during the game. They saw a similar game plan from Tennessee earlier in the season with two quarterbacks and handled it very well.
Auburn will be able to rest up next week as they get ready for Georgia on November 13. They won't be caught looking ahead to that big game and will take care of Ole Miss. Tuberville will improve to 4-2 against his former team and the Tigers will clinch the Western Division title with a 37-16 win.
Florida at Georgia, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports
Georgia needs to win to keep pace with Tennessee who also has a 4-1 record in the SEC East. That may be difficult to do against a team that has won six in a row and 13 of the last 14 in the world's largest outdoor cocktail party. Florida could win again this year after being embarrassed by Mississippi State and after head coach Ron Zook was fired on Monday. It has been reported that the players are very upset that Zook got the axe and it could give them that spark they need in a close game.
Georgia holds a 38-32-1 advantage in games played in Jacksonville. Bulldog quarterback David Greene has a 38-9 record as a starter but has never won against the Gators. Greene has started every one of those 38 victories. He needs one more win to tie another former SEC star, Tennessee's Peyton Manning, for the most wins by a Division I-A starting quarterback. If he plays as well as he did last week against Arkansas, when he completed 22-of-29 attempts for 382 yards, he should pick up win number 39.
The Georgia offense will try to keep things rolling against a Florida defense that yielded season highs last week in points, rushing yards (251), yards per rush (5.3), yards per play (5.8) and rushing touchdowns (three). Expect Florida's players to play with a lot of emotion to get a victory for Zook. Their defense will have trouble stopping Georgia in this close game. The Bulldogs snap the six game winning streak by the Gators and win 31-28.
Tennessee at South Carolina, 12:30 p.m. ET, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Tennessee's offense has struggled during the last few games, but the defense has picked up the slack. The Volunteers hope for a strong performance on both sides of the ball as they visit division rival South Carolina on Saturday. Lou Holtz's Gamecocks have had an extra week to prepare for this important matchup. The Gamecocks can improve to 6-2 and 4-2 in the SEC with a win. Carolina's defense should keep the Vols running game in check and force them to rely on quarterback Erik Ainge.
The Gamecock quarterbacks will need to find the SECs leading receiver, Troy Williamson, who is averaging 25 yards per catch this season. With Williamson involved, that should open things up for tailback Demetrius Summers and the Gamecocks rushing game.
The game should be low scoring and the field position game should play an important part. Tennessee can control the field position game with senior punter Dustin Colquitt. He has won games for the Vols before and could be the deciding factor on Saturday. The Vols win a close one 20-16.
Vanderbilt at LSU, 7 p.m. CT
LSU struggled last week against Troy. The defending national champions had to come from behind to win 24-20. The Tigers already have two losses and will look to finish out the season strong. If they continue to give up turnovers, the four remaining games on their schedule could be interesting. Three straight home games should give them the advantage. Vanderbilt is the first opponent to visit Baton Rouge. In games played there in the series, LSU leads 9-2-1.
The Commodores won 19-7 last week against I-AA Eastern Kentucky. Their defense gave up 460 yards in the game. LSU will need to stop Vanderbilt quarterback Jay Cutler and the option. The Tigers will look to have more success on the ground than they had against Troy. The Trojans held them to just 57 yards rushing, the lowest total of the year. The Commodores are confident they can put forth a similar effort. If LSU can gain more than 57 yards rushing and cut down on turnovers, they should win pretty easily. The Tigers win by three touchdowns, 35-14.
Kentucky at Mississippi State, 1 p.m. CT
Kentucky is the only team in the league without a conference win. Mississippi State finally got a conference win when they upset Florida last week. The Bulldogs won 38-31 after being 24-point underdogs. The Bulldogs are still riding high from the victory and should be ready to claim another conference win against the Wildcats.
Kentucky is 1-6 on the season and it is unlikely they will win another game. They have been hit with injuries to quarterback Shane Boyd and running back Tony Dixon. Boyd is out with a shoulder injury and Dixon is out indefinitely due to an ankle injury. Those injuries are devastating for a team that already lacks depth and talent.
These two teams have played every year since 1990. Kentucky has won the last two contests. In games played in Starkville, the Bulldogs lead 8-4. Mississippi State will use the momentum from last week's game to win for the second week in a row. Jerious Norwood will have another big game on Saturday. Bulldogs win 34-13.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week 10
Auburn locked up a trip to the conference championship game on December 4 after a big 35-14 win over Ole Miss. Georgia and Tennessee both won to remain tied at 5-1 in the SEC Eastern Division.
Auburn at Ole Miss
Auburn struggled on the road but still won 35-14 over Ole Miss. The Tigers are 9-0 on the season and 6-0 in the SEC. The win earned them a spot in the conference championship game with their 11th straight victory. Jason Campbell was 11-of-22 passing for 234 yards and a score, and Carnell Williams rushed for 96 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries while also catching two passes for 70 yards in the win. He also racked up 72 yards on six punt returns.
The Tigers came out sluggish during the first half and failed to score twice deep in Ole Miss territory. After getting the ball down to the Ole Miss 20-yard line, Campbell fumbled on the next play and the Rebels' McKinley Boykin recovered. Later in the first, the Tigers drove down to the Ole Miss one-yard line. Campbell tried to hit Anthony Mix on fourth-and-goal but the pass was caught just out of bounds.
Auburn finally scored after an eight-play, 99-yard drive on their final possession of the first half to go up 7-0 at halftime.
The Tigers woke up in the second half and started playing like the No. 3 ranked team in the country as they marched 76 yards in four plays to go up 14-0. Campbell found Williams on a 57-yard pass play down to the two-yard line of Ole Miss. Brown followed that with a two-yard touchdown run just 1:58 into the second half.
The Rebels made it 14-7 when Ethan Flatt converted on third-and-15 from his own 36 by hitting Bill Flowers on a 64-yard touchdown pass. Auburn's Will Herring then intercepted a pass by Flatt on the Rebels 44. Four plays after the interception, Campbell found Courtny Taylor on a nine-yard touchdown pass that put the Tigers up 21-7 late in the third quarter.
Ole Miss pulled to within 21-14 when Flatt threw a 25-yard scoring strike to Taye Biddle six seconds into the fourth quarter.
Auburn put the game away with two more touchdowns in the final 12 1/2 minutes. A one-yard touchdown run by Campbell gave the Tigers a 28-14 lead with 12:29 to play, capping a three-play drive that was set up by Williams' 38-yard punt return to the Ole Miss 25. Three plays after the Rebels' Travis Johnson intercepted a Campbell pass in the end zone, Flatt fumbled after he was sacked and Auburn's Karibi Dede recovered at the Ole Miss 39. Five plays later, Williams capped the scoring with a 29-yard touchdown run that made it 35-14 late in the fourth.
Both Auburn and Ole Miss are off this week. Auburn will face Georgia at home on November 13.
Florida at Georgia
Georgia beat Florida for the first time since 1997 when David Greene threw three touchdown passes, including a pair to Leonard Pope, as the Bulldogs won 31-24 in Jacksonville. Greene completed 15-of-23 passes for 255 yards to go along with his three scoring tosses. His first-ever win over Florida was his 39th career victory, tying the NCAA record held by Peyton Manning
The Bulldogs led 24-7 midway through the third before Florida quarterback Chris Leak connected with Andre Caldwell on a 57-yard touchdown pass that made the score 24-14 with 4:29 left in the quarter.
Georgia's offense failed to move the ball on its next two possessions and the Gators pulled to within 24-21 when Leak threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Billy Latsko. The eight-play, 70-yard drive was highlighted by a 38-yard run by Ciatrick Fason.
The Bulldogs then converted on third down when Green found Fred Gibson on a 15-yard touchdown pass that gave them a 31-21 lead midway through the fourth quarter. The Gators answered with a 12-play, 45-yard drive that ended with Matt Leach kicking a career-best, 52-yard field goal that made it a 31-24 game with 3:28 remaining. The Bulldogs recovered the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock for the victory.
Next up for Georgia is a trip to Lexington to battle Kentucky. Florida will travel to Vanderbilt.
Tennessee at South Carolina
Tennessee had a big win at South Carolina to keep them on track to win the SEC East and reach the championship game in Atlanta for a rematch against Auburn. The game was close during the first half, but the Vols scored 21 straight points in the third quarter to pull away and win 43-29. Cedric Houston had 190 yards rushing and a touchdown for the 7-1 Vols. Dondrial Pinkins completed 30-of-42 passes for 306 yards and two touchdowns for the 5-3 Gamecocks.
After South Carolina took an early 8-0 lead in the second quarter, the Vols tied the game late in the second when Erik Ainge found David Holbert for a 21-yard touchdown pass and backup quarterback Brent Schaeffer found the end zone for the two- point conversion.
Tennessee then scored 21 straight after the half to take a 29-8 lead. The Gamecocks pulled within 36-22 but the Vols put the game away on a Bret Smith 54-yard kickoff return for a touchdown.
Tennessee faces Notre Dame November 6, and South Carolina hosts Arkansas.
Vanderbilt at LSU
LSU took care of Vanderbilt in Baton Rouge Saturday night 24-7. The Tigers gained 273 rushing yards and improved to 3-2 in the SEC and 6-2 overall. The loss puts the Commodores at 1-4 in the SEC and 2-6 overall.
The game was close at halftime as LSU led 10-7. On their first drive in the third quarter, LSU went 81 yards on six plays to go up 17-7. The Tigers then held the Commodores to a punt on their next possession and Skylar Green returned the kick 65 yards for a touchdown to give the Tigers the 17-point victory.
LSU has a bye week and Vanderbilt will meet Florida in Gainesville.
Kentucky at Mississippi State
Mississippi State won for the second week in a row and improved to 3-5 overall, and 2-3 in the SEC after a 22-7 victory over Kentucky. Jerious Norwood had 165 yards on 24 carries, but quarterback Omar Conner struggled with 79 yards and two interceptions.
The Bulldogs did all of the scoring in the first half when Quiton Culberson returned an interception 35-yards for a touchdown and late in the second, Keith Andrews booted a 33- yard field goal to give the Bulldogs a 10-0 lead at the half.
Following a scoreless third quarter, Andrews was good again from 32-yards out to put Mississippi State up 13-0 early in the fourth. Kentucky cut the Bulldog lead to 13-7 after Shane Boyd found the end zone on a six-yard run.
The Bulldogs then sacked Boyd in the end zone for a safety and 11 seconds later, Fred Reid ran 32-yards for a touchdown to seal the win for Mississippi State.
Kentucky travels to Georgia and Mississippi State takes on Alabama November 6.
Predictions For November 6 SEC Games
Alabama welcomes Mississippi State to Tuscaloosa, while Arkansas travels to South Carolina in a must win game for both teams. Auburn has the weekend off. Last week's predictions were 5-0, with the overall record at 42-12.
Mississippi State at Alabama, 5:30 p.m. CT, ESPN2
The main focus this week in Tuscaloosa will be the return of Sylvester Croom and Mississippi State's two-game win streak. But, it should be about if the Bulldogs can run the ball against an Alabama defense that only allows 115 yards per game. The Bulldogs have two running backs who have the potential to test the Crimson Tide defense. Last week against Kentucky, Fred Reid gained 109 yards and Jerious Norwood racked up 165 yards for his third straight 100-yard rushing performance. Kentucky's defense doesn't come close to Alabama's. If both Reid and Norwood have similar numbers against the Tide, the Bulldogs will have an excellent chance of winning.
Alabama should be well rested after having last week off. This game will come down to which team is able to run the ball. The advantage goes to Alabama's running game and the fact that they lead the series in games played in Tuscaloosa 37-8-1. The Crimson Tide win that all important sixth game to make them bowl eligible with a 20-10 victory.
Georgia at Kentucky, 12:30 p.m. ET, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Georgia needs a win at Kentucky to stay in the hunt for the SEC Eastern Division title. If the Bulldogs are tied with Tennessee after the regular season is over, the Vols will go to Atlanta because they won at Georgia a few weeks ago. The Bulldogs should win at Kentucky before having to face third-ranked Auburn next week.
The Bulldogs have won seven straight against the Wildcats, including the last three at Commonwealth Stadium, and lead the series 45-10-2. Georgia has won the last two matchups by a combined 82-34 score.
Kentucky is 1-7 this year and who knows how they beat Indiana in early September. It would take a miracle for the Wildcats to win their second game of the season against Georgia. Miracles do happen, but not against David Greene and his outstanding performances on the road throughout his career. Greene will play well on the road again this week as the Bulldogs win 40-17.
Arkansas at South Carolina, 12:30 p.m. ET, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Arkansas has won five of the last six meetings with the Gamecocks, including 28-6 last year. South Carolina needs one more win to go to a bowl game. They need to get things done at home before finishing the season on the road against Florida and Clemson. Arkansas usually plays well on the road during the month of November, winning five of their last seven November road games.
Houston Nutt has had an extra week to get his Razorbacks ready to play. Quarterback Matt Jones is still not 100 percent after suffering a hamstring injury against Auburn. But, even when he's not 100 percent, he's still hard to slow down as was the case a few weeks ago during the Georgia game.
South Carolina has played well all season on defense and that effort has helped them win five games. The defense will play well this week and help them win an important sixth game. Gamecocks win at home 23-17.
Notre Dame at Tennessee, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports
Tennessee is looking forward to being off next week, but first they play Notre Dame at home. The Volunteers, 7-1, have played seven consecutive games without a bye week and are dealing with a number of injuries. Players who are injured include offensive line starters Cody Douglass and Michael Munoz, and backup quarterback Brent Schaeffer is out with a broken collarbone.
After its off week, Tennessee finishes its season against Vanderbilt and Kentucky, who have a combined 1-9 conference record. Wins in those games would give the Vols a place in the SEC title game and a rematch with Auburn.
Notre Dame is 5-3 on the season and needs to win only one of its three remaining games to become bowl eligible. The Fighting Irish has struggled on offense this year and quarterback Brady Quinn has completed only 54 percent of his passes, while throwing nearly as many interceptions as touchdown passes. The Vols' defense should be able to stop a Notre Dame rushing attack that only averages 3.1 yards per carry.
Tennessee will get a win over the Fighting Irish, then have a much needed bye week. Notre Dame will keep the game interesting until the Vols pull away 31-14.
Florida at Vanderbilt, 1 p.m. CT
Both of these teams are looking for wins and Florida is desperate for one. The Gators are unpredictable on defense and will face a Commodore quarterback who will be healthy after suffering a neck injury against LSU last week. Florida has little to play for and will have to play a perfect game in order to beat Vanderbilt.
The last time Ron Zooks Gators came to Nashville, they won by only four points as three touchdown favorites. Jay Cutler will lead the Commodore offense to a rare SEC victory. Vanderbilt wins a close one, 24-21.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week 11
Alabama took care of Mississippi State at home, while Georgia crushed Kentucky 62-17. The Bulldogs bring talented quarterback David Greene to Jordan-Hare Saturday for a 2:30 p.m. CT meeting with third-ranked Auburn. The game can be seen on CBS.
Mississippi State at Alabama
Ken Darby had a career night against Mississippi State, and Alabama improved to 6-3 overall, and 3-3 in the SEC after the 30-14 victory. Darby ran for 200 yards on 36 carries and a touchdown. Quarterback Spencer Pennington completed 9-of-15 passes for 119 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions for the Crimson Tide.
The Bulldogs got on the scoreboard first after Jerious Norwood broke away for a 50-yard touchdown run with just two minutes into the game that gave them an early 7-0 lead. Norwood finished the game with 96 yards and a touchdown.
Alabama then scored 17 unanswered points in the second quarter. After Brian Bostick hit a 24-yard field goal, Tyrone Prothro reached the end zone on a 21-yard run and Darby scored on a 14-yard scamper. The Tide took a 17-7 lead into halftime.
The Bulldogs cut their deficit to 17-14 on a 28-yard touchdown pass from Omarr Conner to Tee Milons. The only other points of the third quarter came on a 34-yard field goal by Bostick that put the Tide up 20-14.
Alabama's defense dominated the fourth quarter, and the offense added 10 insurance points. After a 47-yard field goal by Bostick, Pennington capped the scoring with a four-yard touchdown pass to Le'Ron McClain.
Mississippi State has a bye week, while Alabama hits the road and travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU November 13.
Georgia at Kentucky
Georgia improved to 8-1 overall and 6-1 in the SEC after an easy 62-17 victory over Kentucky. Georgia's 62 points against Kentucky were the most for the Bulldogs ever against Kentucky and the most they had scored since a 70-6 thrashing of Northeast Louisiana in 1994. It was the first time Georgia reached 62 points in a conference game since a 62-35 triumph over Vanderbilt in 1984.
David Greene set the record for most wins in Division I-A history with his 40th victory to surpass the mark of 39 by Peyton Manning of Tennessee. Greene completed 14-of-19 passes for 259 yards and one touchdown. He also set an SEC record for consecutive passes without an interception at 206, breaking the old mark of 200 set previously by Stewart Patridge of Ole Miss in 1997.
Georgia had a balanced attack and finished with 589 total yards, rushing for 245 and passing for 344.
The Bulldogs may be without running back Danny Ware for Saturday's game against Auburn. He left the Kentucky game in the first half after suffering a sprained knee and ankle. He is listed as day-to-day.
Arkansas at South Carolina
South Carolina came from behind on Syvelle Newton's game-winning touchdown pass to become bowl eligible after the 35-32 victory over Arkansas. Newton completed 11-of-16 passes for 98 yards and rushed 12 times for 49 yards as the Gamecocks improve to 6-3, and 4-3 in the SEC.
The Razorbacks scored first when Vickiel Vaughn returned an interception 52 yards for a touchdown early in the first quarter. Later in the first, the Gamecocks tied it at seven on a two-yard touchdown run from Dondrial Pinkins.
Quarterback Matt Jones gave Arkansas a 14-7 lead after his seven-yard touchdown run with 3:16 remaining in the first quarter. South Carolina responded with a three-yard touchdown run from Daccus Turman to tie the game 14-14 early in the second quarter. Chris Balseiro gave the Razorbacks a 17-14 edge late in the first half when he was good on a 32-yard field goal attempt.
The third quarter belonged to South Carolina as it racked up 14 straight points. Ko Simpson ran a fumble recovery back 57 yards for a touchdown and Newton ran five yards for a touchdown to give the Gamecocks a 28-17 advantage with 5:50 left in the third.
Arkansas came back with 15 consecutive points to open the scoring in the fourth quarter. Jones threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Marcus Monk and the Razorbacks completed a two-point conversion pass. De'Arrius Howard then found the end zone on a seven-yard run to put Arkansas ahead, 32-28, with 3:24 left in the second half.
Newton threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Troy Williamson with just 1:09 left to play in the game to give South Carolina a 35-32 lead and the victory.
Next up for Arkansas is a visit from Ole Miss and South Carolina plays at Florida November 13.
Notre Dame at Tennessee
Notre Dame improved to 7-7 against ranked teams under head coach Tyrone Willingham after beating ninth-ranked Tennessee 17-13 at Neyland Stadium. The win gives the Irish a chance to play in a bowl game with a 6-3 record. The Vols, 7-2, were led by Cedric Houston's 143 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
Rick Clausen came in as quarterback for the Vols in the second half after starter Erik Ainge suffered a separated right shoulder at the end of the first half. Mike Goolsby intercepted Clausen in the third quarter and ran it back 26 yards for a touchdown. That gave the Irish a 14-10 lead.
Two drives later, Clausen was able to recover from the costly interception as he led the Vols into Notre Dame territory and James Wilhoit hit a 33-yard field goal to bring the score to 14-13.
In the fourth quarter, the Irish managed to extend the lead to 17-13 on a D.J. Fitzpatrick 39-yard field goal. The Notre Dame defense held Tennessee from scoring to give them the important road victory.
Tennessee has a bye week before facing Vanderbilt in Nashville November 20.
Florida at Vanderbilt
Florida had a big day from running back Ciatrick Fason and quarterback Chris Leak in the 34-17 victory over Vanderbilt. Fason had 170 yards and a touchdown on 26 carries. Leak finished the game with 22-of-29 passes for 307 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The Gators are 5-4 overall, and 3-4 in the conference. The Commodores fall to 2-7 on the season, and 1-7 in conference play.
Vanderbilt took an early 10-0 lead after a Patrick Johnson 33-yard field goal and Moses Osemwegie recovered a fumble in the end zone for a touchdown with 5:10 left in the first quarter. Florida answered with a four-yard touchdown run from Fason to cut Vanderbilt's lead to 10-7 with just under two minutes remaining in the first quarter.
The Commodores responded midway through the second quarter when Norval McKenzie found the end zone on a 19-yard touchdown run to push the Vanderbilt advantage to 17-7. Leak cut the Gators' deficit to 17-14 on a two-yard touchdown run with just 10 seconds remaining until halftime.
Florida took control in the second half when they scored 20 unanswered points. Leak threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Tate Casey and Matt Leach kicked a 48-yard field goal to give the Gators a 24-17 lead with 2:59 left in the third quarter. Leak then connected with Dallas Baker on a 35-yard touchdown toss midway through the fourth, followed by a 47-yard field goal from Leach to cap the scoring 34-17 with 2:29 remaining.
Florida will face South Carolina in Gainesville, and Vanderbilt travels to Kentucky November 13.
Predictions For November 13 SEC Games
Electricity is in the air as Georgia comes to the Plains to try and hand No. 3 Auburn their first loss of the season. Kickoff is 2:30 p.m. CT and the game will be televised by CBS. Last week's predictions were 3-2, with the overall record at 45-14.
Georgia at Auburn, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
Auburn will look to beat Georgia for the first time since winning in Athens in 2001. The Bulldogs won 24-21 on a touchdown late in the fourth quarter in 2002, and last year Georgia dominated 26-7 at home. Both teams will play each other as top 10 opponents for the first time since 1983.
These two teams have very similar quarterbacks and running backs. Georgia quarterback David Greene plays very well on the road and usually avoids throwing interceptions. He has thrown an SEC-record 206 consecutive passes without an interception, and has only one this season compared to 16 TDs.
Jason Campbell has been outstanding ever since last year's Music City Bowl when he was named MVP. This season, he's the nation's third-rated passer, completing nearly 66 percent of his passes for 1,724 yards with 14 TDs and three interceptions. Campbell should have the advantage playing at home and will be determined to win his last game as a senior at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Running back Danny Ware may not play Saturday because of a sprained knee and ankle. Freshman Thomas Brown has been named the starter and has played well as a backup.
Auburn's Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown have been healthy throughout the season and continue to help lead a potent offense. The duo have combined for 1,551 yards with 16 touchdowns. Brown has been a reliable receiver out of the backfield and Williams continues to make defenses dread playing against him. The Tigers have more experienced running backs and this could be a deciding factor in a close game.
The Tigers' defense has played as well as any defense in the country this year. Auburn's defense is ranked second nationally in sacks with 34 and points allowed at 9.7 per game. They will need to pressure Greene and make him throw interceptions to have a chance to remain undefeated.
Auburn holds a 51-48-8 lead going into the 108th game of the series. Home field advantage hasn't been a factor with the Bulldogs having a 12-8-2 edge in games played at Auburn. The Tigers have an even better 17-9 mark in games played on Georgia's home field.
A victory Saturday would improve Auburn's chances of moving up to No. 2 in the polls and it would give the Bulldogs a rare loss. Georgia has the SEC's best record since 2000 at 48-13, a 78.7 winning percentage. The Tigers hold off a late Georgia rally to win 24-20.
Alabama at LSU, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
Alabama hopes to continue to dominate games played in Baton Rouge with another win. Alabama leads in games played there 23-6-2. The 2000 LSU win was the first by the Tigers against Alabama in Tiger Stadium since 1969. This SEC battle will feature two of the top four defenses in the nation. LSU was off last week and the Crimson Tide had a convincing win over Mississippi State.
During the off week, LSU had to figure out how to stop Ken Darby. The Tiger's offense must also figure out a way to score points since they have only scored 24 points or less in six of their eight games this season. Scoring points will be difficult to do against an Alabama defense that is playing well and a defense that hasnt allowed 200 passing yards in any game since their opening day victory over Utah State.
Alabama has had success by overpowering opponents with their rushing attack, a defense that plays well in the second half and on special teams with Tyrone Prothro giving them great field position with his kick and punt returns.
Since the visiting team has won six of the last eight meetings, Alabama should win another one in Baton Rouge 27-17.
South Carolina at Florida, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN2
Florida will face South Carolina for Homecoming on campus. The Gators are 57-20-1 in Homecoming games. These two teams have met every year since 1992, when South Carolina joined the SEC and in games played in Gainesville, the Gators lead, 9-0. The Gamecocks had an exciting win over Arkansas last week and the win made South Carolina bowl eligible for the first time since 2001.
Florida won at Vanderbilt 34-17 last week but turned the ball over four times in the first half. They hurt themselves repeatedly with 12 penalties for 108 yards, even erasing a touchdown with a personal foul. Only against the Commodores can a team make those mistakes and still come out with a win.
Against South Carolina, the Gators will look to give Ron Zook a win in his home finale. Florida has won its last three home games against the Gamecocks by 19, 20 and 21 points. Gators win, but only by two touchdowns, 35-21.
Ole Miss at Arkansas, 11:30 p.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Arkansas usually plays well at home and in games played in Fayetteville, the Razorbacks have won six out of seven against Ole Miss. The Rebels are coming off a bye week and Arkansas lost a close one last week against South Carolina.
Ole Miss should have trouble stopping Matt Jones. The senior quarterback is Arkansas' leading rusher. Jones will look to put last year's bad performance against the Rebels behind him. Jones was 12-for-29 for 140 yards with an interception in the 19-7 loss. Last year's game was a defensive battle with neither team gaining more than 300 total yards, Arkansas had 237 yards while Ole Miss amassed 275 yards.
The Rebel's defense is not the same unit that kept Jones from beating them last year. They have struggled to defend the run all season. They allowed 100 yards to Cadillac Williams, Ronnie Brown and Gerald Riggs in their last two games.
Arkansas must win this game to avoid having a disappointing season. The Razorbacks need to win their remaining three games just to become bowl eligible. Ole Miss falls on the road, 33-20.
Vanderbilt at Kentucky, 12:30 p.m. ET
This season, these two teams are a combined 111 in conference play and 315 overall. This series has probably been the most competitive series in the SEC, even though the outcome has never been important. Vanderbilt leads the series 37-35-4 and 31 of the 76 games in the series have been decided by seven-points-or-less.
Kentucky is reeling after losing at home 62-17 against Georgia. Against Florida last week, the Commodores were on the verge of winning until starting quarterback Jay Cutler left the game with an injury. Vanderbilt has been able to run the ball all season and against the Gators, they picked up 270 rushing yards.
Since the Wildcats have trouble stopping the run, Vanderbilt should hand Kentucky another loss. The last six meetings have been high scoring affairs with the average score being, Kentucky 34.7, Vanderbilt 22.8. The Commodores win another high scoring contest, 35-27.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week 12
Auburn dominated Georgia 24-6 to improve to 10-0 overall and 7-0 in the SEC. The Tigers end the regular season against Alabama in Tuscaloosa. Kickoff from Bryant-Denny Stadium is 2:30 p.m. CT and the game will be televised by CBS.
Georgia at Auburn
Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown combined for 260 total yards and each scored a touchdown for the second-ranked Tigers in the 24-6 victory over Georgia. Williams also threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Anthony Mix. Jason Campbell was 18-of-22 passing for 189 yards and threw a touchdown pass to Ronnie Brown, who finished with seven catches for 88 yards and 51 yards on 12 carries.
On the opening drive of the game, Georgia looked like it would give the Tigers a competitive game when they marched down to the Auburn 19-yard line. Auburn then forced the Bulldogs' Andy Bailey to try a 36-yard field goal. The attempt wasn't even close after the high snap from center.
Auburn then put together an impressive 80-yard drive and took a 7-0 lead on Jason Campbell's option toss to Williams.Williams ran the ball six times for 33 yards during the drive.
Georgia had an opportunity to score after David Pollack blocked a punt by Kody Bliss and the Bulldogs had the ball inside Auburn's 30. A personal foul call at the end of the play moved Georgia back to the Tigers' 41 to start the drive. David Greene then threw a 14-yard pass to Reggie Brown for a first down to move them down to the 27. Two plays later, Greene threw a pass intended for Brown in the end zone that was intercepted by Auburn's Carlos Rogers.
Off the turnover, Auburn drove 80 yards on nine plays and Williams put Auburn ahead 14-0 after his 29-yard touchdown pass to Mix with 5:11 left in the half. John Vaughn's 32-yard field goal with 30 seconds remaining in the second quarter gave the Tigers a 17-0 lead at halftime.
After a scoreless third quarter, Georgia's Gordon Ely-Kelso got off a 52-yard punt and Williams returned it 40 yards to the Bulldogs' 31. Five plays later, Campbell threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Brown to make it 24-0 in the opening minute of the fourth quarter.
Georgia's only touchdown came with just 2:13 remaining in the fourth when Greene led his team on a nine-play, 60-yard drive that finished with a six-yard touchdown pass to Leonard Pope on 4th-and-5. The two-point conversion pass fell incomplete and Auburn ran out the clock.
Auburn will take its 12-game winning streak up to Tuscaloosa on Saturday to face arch-rival Alabama. A win would keep the Tigers in the hunt for the national championship. A win by the Crimson Tide would have their fans bragging for many years.
Alabama at LSU
LSU held Alabama scoreless in the second half and won 26-10 for a rare victory over the Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium. Alabama was led by Kenneth Darby who rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown on 36 carries. Darby became the 11th player in school history to reach 1,000 yards on the ground in a single season.
After Alabama recovered a fumble that set them up on the LSU 12-yard line, quarterback Spencer Pennington was picked off in the end zone three plays later by Corey Webster. Webster returned it 44 yards and Alabama never recovered.
LSU failed to take advantage of the interception, and the Tigers pinned Alabama at its own two on a 40-yard punt by Chris Jackson. After an 11-yard run by Darby gave the Tide some breathing room, Pennington was sacked by Marcus Spears and the ball came loose. Cameron Vaughn picked it up and had an easy eight-yard run to the end zone to give the Tigers their first lead at 13-10.
The Tigers added to their lead after Joseph Addai caught a short pass in the flat before shaking a defender and headed down the left sideline for his 35-yard touchdown score. He scored again five minutes later on a 47-yard scamper that gave the Tigers a 26-10 advantage. The extra point was missed by Ryan Gaudet.
Alabama will play Auburn in Tuscaloosa on Saturday, and LSU hosts Ole Miss.
South Carolina at Florida
Chris Leak threw a career-high six touchdowns and Florida won 48-14 over South Carolina. Leak finished the night 18-of-31 for 319 yards as the Gators won their 16th consecutive homecoming game, beat the Gamecocks for the 14th straight time and became bowl eligible for the 14th year in row.
The Gamecocks scored the only points of the first quarter as Gonzie Gray found the end zone on a 13-yard run to put the visitors up by a score of 7-0.
Florida then tallied 48 unanswered points to take complete control, beginning with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Leak to Tate Casey. Minutes later in the second, Leak found Ciatrick Fason on a five-yard scoring strike. With 27 seconds to play in the half it, Leak found Casey for a four-yard touchdown pass to give the Gators a 21-7 lead at the break.
After halftime, Leak hit Chad Jackson with a 56-yard touchdown pass and then kicker Matt Leach converted a 40-yard field goal to push the lead to 31-7.
Leach opened the fourth with a 34-yard field goal, with Leak then capping the night with a 61-yard touchdown connection to Andre Caldwell and a 39-yard effort to Dallas Baker to make the score 48-7.
Florida will meet tenth-ranked Florida State in Tallahassee and South Carolina plays at Clemson Saturday.
Ole Miss at Arkansas
Matt Jones helped his team stay in the hunt for a bowl game after leading Arkansas to a 35-3 win over Ole Miss. Jones rushed for 126 yards on just five carries, and completed 11- of-16 passes for 108 yards. The Razorbacks racked up 452 total yards of offense, and 22 first downs.
Arkansas opened the first half with a 28-unanswered points after Peyton Hillis scored on a one-yard run and Decori Birmingham rumbled 11 yards for a touchdown to end the first quarter.
Jones then put his team up 21-0 on a long run of 72 yards that came on the first play of the second quarter. From his own 28, Jones faked a pitch on an option, split two defenders as he turned upfield and outraced everyone down the right sideline for the score. He then dunked the ball over the goal post, drawing a celebration penalty.
Just minutes later, Jones threw a two-yard touchdown toss to Jared Hicks, giving Arkansas a 28-0 advantage.
Ole Miss finally got on the scoreboard and cut the Razorbacks lead to 28-3 when Jonathan Nichols split the uprights on a 33-yard field goal attempt as time expired in the first half.
Hicks registered the only points of the second half when he caught a 23-yard touchdown pass from Jones midway through the third quarter.
Next for Arkansas is a trip to Mississippi State Saturday and Ole Miss is at LSU.
Vanderbilt at Kentucky
Kentucky snapped a seven-game losing streak and won a game in conference play after beating Vanderbilt 14-13 at home. The Wildcats finally played a game without committing a turnover. Kentucky and Vanderbilt have identical records at 2-8 overall, and 1-6 in the conference.
Vanderbilt led 7-0 at halftime after a seven-play, 71-yard touchdown drive on which Jeff Jennings scored on a 1-yard run early in the second quarter.
After halftime, Chris Young caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler, but the extra- point attempt was missed and the Commodores had a 13-0 advantage early the third quarter.
Kentucky came alive in the fourth quarter as they scored two unanswered touchdowns. Glen Holt, Jr. caught a seven-yard touchdown pass from Boyd early in the quarter, and the two combined again on a 25-yard scoring pass with just 1:39 left to give Kentucky the 14-13 victory.
The Wildcats have a bye week before playing at Tennessee November 27. Vanderbilt will play the Vols Saturday in Nashville.
Predictions For November 20 SEC Games
Auburn battles arch rival Alabama in a game that features two of the SEC's top defensive and rushing teams. Florida plays at FSU, and South Carolina travels to Clemson in other rivalry action. Last week predictions were 3-2, and overall 48-16.
Auburn at Alabama, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
In the 69th edition of the Iron Bowl, the game will feature two of the SEC's top defensive and rushing teams. Alabama leads the conference in total defense by allowing just 229.7 yards per game. Auburn is allowing 9.3 points per game, lowest in the nation, and has surrendered only 12 touchdowns all season.
Alabama averages 215 rushing yards per game and Auburn 201.4, but the running games could struggle against such strong defenses. Auburn surrenders just 100 yards per game on the ground and has only yielded one rushing touchdown.
The quarterbacks could be the difference if either team has trouble running the ball. The Tigers have the advantage with the SEC's leader in passing efficiency in Jason Campbell. Campbell has thrown 15 touchdown passes and just four interceptions. Alabama's Spencer Pennington is banged up after suffering a shoulder and rib injury in last week's 26-10 loss to LSU.
Since Brodie Croyle got hurt, the Tide has been unable to throw the football. In their last seven games they have completed just 63 passes for 696 yards, with ten interceptions and just three touchdown passes. Against South Carolina, Tennessee and LSU, Alabama was outscored 6326 while averaging just 208 yards per game on offense.
Auburn has now outscored their opposition 194-26 in the first half and only one team has scored more than 14 points against this defense. In the series, the team leading at halftime has won 73.5 percent of the time.
This year's game marks the 13th time one of the teams enters the Iron Bowl undefeated, not counting 1971, when both were. The unbeaten team has gone 10-2, with Auburn posting a 2-1 mark when it faces Alabama with a perfect record. And, in this rivalry over the past twenty years, the better team has won 18 of the 20 meetings.
The Tigers are clearly the better team and should improve to 5-0 in games played in Tuscaloosa. If Auburn gets off to a fast start in the first half, it will be a long afternoon for the Crimson Tide. Auburn wins 31-10.
Florida at Florida State, 7:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
Florida State needs to win Saturday against state-rival Florida to earn an automatic berth in a Bowl Championship Series game. Bobby Bowden's offense has struggled throughout the season, only averaging 26 points and 366 yards per game. Against North Carolina State last Thursday, the Seminoles finished with just 121 total yards, their lowest output in Bowden's 29 seasons as coach. The lack of offensive production can be blamed on their two inconsistent quarterbacks, Wyatt Sexton and Chris Rix.
Sexton replaced Rix at quarterback in September and went 4-1. But Bowden went back to Rix for the November 6 matchup with Duke after Sexton struggled early in the Seminoles' 20-17 loss at Maryland on October 30. Sexton took over for an ineffective Rix in the second half and threw for 220 yards in the Seminoles' 29-7 win over the Blue Devils.
Florida isn't as good defensively as North Carolina State, but the Gators will likely put some points on the board. Sexton will start and will need to help his team get into the end zone on multiple occasions.
Florida leads the all-time series 27-19-2, but Florida State has been dominant at home of late, going 7-0-1 at Doak Campbell Stadium since 1986. The home team should win this contest, but only by a field goal, 27-24.
Arkansas at Mississippi State, 1:30 p.m. CT
Arkansas has gone to a bowl game in each of Houston Nutt's first six years as head coach and he has never had a losing season. That streak could come to an end if the Razorbacks fail to win on the road at Mississippi State and at home against LSU November 26.
The Bulldogs have had a week to prepare for LSU and all three of their wins in 2004 have come in Starkville, two against SEC opponents. A third SEC win would match their total from the final three years of the Jackie Sherrill era combined. A win against Arkansas would send a message to the SEC that Syvester Croom will have his team ready to compete after a few years of recruiting.
The Razorbacks haven't won a road game all year. State's defense may have trouble stopping Matt Jones. Jones is playing well and is poised to give his team its first road win. Arkansas in a close game, 24-21.
South Carolina at Clemson, 12 p.m. ET, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
With rumors going around that Lou Holtz may retire and Steve Spurrier at the top of the list to take his place, it may be hard for Holtz to keep the attention of his players on playing at Clemson. But, with any rivalry game, players on both teams are always ready to do battle. This is the 102nd meeting between these two teams and Clemson holds a 61-36-4 lead. The Tigers are 5-5, while South Carolina has already qualified to go bowling at 6-4.
The Tigers have had an up and down season. They were losers of four in a row and then won four in a row before an unexpected 16-13 loss to Duke last week. They will need a win just to be eligible for a trip to a bowl game.
Last year, Clemson destroyed South Carolina 63-17 in a game Holtz called the most embarrassing moment in his football career. The Gamecocks will depend on wide receiver Troy Williamson to help them avenge last year's loss. Williamson has made 40 grabs for 809 yards and seven touchdowns this season.
The Gamecocks should win this one and Williamson should be the difference in the 28-17 victory.
Ole Miss at LSU, 7 p.m. CT
The Tigers are No. 4 in the nation in total defense and will look to hand Ole Miss another blowout loss. The Rebels were dismal last week against Arkansas in a game that was over before halftime. Like other teams in the conference, Ole Miss has quarterback problems and at times throughout the season, has played three quarterbacks during a game. This week, the Rebels should use only one quarterback if they want a shot at winning in Baton Rouge.
LSU has won four straight since losing to Georgia 45-16 on October 2. That loss put them out of another run at a national title, but the Tigers could finish with a 9-2 record and that would give them a chance to go to a nice bowl game. The last two games in the series have been decided by a total of four points as LSU won 14-13 in 2002 and 17-14 last year.
LSU holds a 51-37-4 advantage in the series, but the Rebels have won three of the last four at Tiger Stadium. The Tigers will reverse that trend when Ole Miss has trouble moving the ball against a tough defense. LSU wins 28-10.
Tennessee at Vanderbilt, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Tennessee can wrap up a trip to the SEC Championship game with a win over Vanderbilt. The Vols have won the last 21 meetings in the series dating back to 1983 and in games played in Nashville, Tennessee leads, 32-17-4.
Vanderbilt is coming off a 14-13 loss to Kentucky last week. Tennessee is coming off a bye week after some players were injured during the loss to Notre Dame. Three starters on the offensive line have missed playing time in recent games, but the bye week should have given them time to heal. The quarterback situation is up in the air as it appears that both Brent Schaeffer and Erik Ainge are out for the remainder of the season. Rick Clausen will likely start with C.J. Leak as the backup.
The Commodores' quarterback has also missed time with an injury in two of the last three games. Jay Cutler has a banged up shoulder and has been less mobile than he was during the first half of the season. The depth Vanderbilt has is lacking and it has shown during the second half in recent games. In their last five games against Division I-A competition, Vanderbilt has failed to score a single point in the fourth quarter, getting outscored 620. They also have the second weakest run stopping unit in the conference ahead of only Kentucky. Running backs Cedric Houston and Gerald Riggs should have big games.
Over the last three years, Tennessee has beaten Vanderbilt 380, 240 and 480. This year should be a little closer because of Tennessee's quarterback situation. Vols win 30-10.
Ian Young: Auburn's Key Ingredient
With only one player over 6-6, Auburn's success in this season's campaign will largely depend on the Tigers' ability to be successful from behind the arc. Head coach Jeff Lebo will look to senior Ian Young to be a leader and Auburn's main scorer.If this team is to be successful it will have to be reminiscent of former Kentucky coach Rick Pitino's Bambinos. The Bambinos were undersized, but were able to beat teams with quickness and their ability to hit three pointers.
No other player for the Auburn Tigers will be counted on more heavily than Ian Young. Young, a 6-3 combo guard who hails from Orlando, Florida, is the leading returning scorer from last year's team that finished with a 14-14 record.
How Ian Young came to Auburn is a story that should inspire us all. I interviewed Steve Kohn, Young's high school coach at Lake Howell High School in Orlando.
Kohn described Young's long journey to the Plains. Due to academic ineligibility, Young didn't play organized varsity basketball until his senior year of high school. "Ian Young only played the final 20 games of his senior year," said Kohn.
Entering his senior year in high school, Young knew that if he did not bring up his grades, his dream of playing basketball in college may never be realized. At the end of his junior year and heading into his senior year, Young applied himself and made 5 A's and one B to bring him up to par academically.
After achieving eligibility, Young did not disappoint, averaging 25 points a game his senior year.
Coach Kohn commented on what type of player Young was in high school. "Coming into his senior year, Young was a street player that needed to learn how to play team basketball." Coach Kohn also commented that Young had too much confidence in his own ability, but that throughout his senior year he learned to trust people and developed into much more of a team player.
When asked what type of person Ian Young is, coach Kohn described him as respectful and as a hard of a worker as you will find.
Young was so committed to making it at the collegiate level that he would wake up at 5 a.m. everyday his senior year and run steps at one of the local high schools. Coach Kohn also commented that Ian had a "tremendous faith in God."
Young gained enough attention his senior year of high school to receive a scholarship to Sante Fe Community College in Florida. Young broke his foot that year and had to sit out the 2000-2001 basketball season.
He then transferred to Des Moines Area Community College in Des Moines, Iowa where he played under head coach Orv Salmon.
Young made the most of this opportunity averaging 13 points a game his freshman year. Following up a solid freshman season at Des Moines, Young averaged 21 points a game his sophomore year and was named to the all conference team. He also garnered second team junior college all American honors.
Young had several colleges jockeying for his services after his sophomore year of junior college but he decided on Auburn.
Last year, Young averaged 10 points a game while playing in all 28 games for the 2003-2004 Auburn Tigers. Young had a career high 28 points against Alabama including 6-of-12 from three point range. Young caught fire toward the end of the season averaging almost 15 points a game in his last seven games.
When asked what NBA player Young reminds him of, coach Kohn described him as "a poor man's Joe Dumars who has a deadly pull up jump shot."
Young is already off to a hot start this season. Young poured in 28 points and 10 assists in the preseason game against Lee University November 12, leading the Tigers to a 98-78 victory. He also had 28 points in Auburn's 80-78 victory over Temple Friday night.
Young will be a key ingredient if Lebo's Bambinos are to have a successful season.
Steve Riser
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week 13
Auburn ended the regular season undefeated after beating Alabama 21-13. The Tigers will play Tennessee in Atlanta for the SEC Championship December 4. Florida ended the Zook era with a win over FSU, and LSU beat Ole Miss in Baton Rouge.
Auburn at Alabama
Auburn struggled during the first half but came alive early in the third quarter to beat Alabama 21-13. The win is the Tigers' 13th straight and they finish the regular season 11-0!
The Tigers' defense kept them in the game during the first half after they held the Crimson Tide to just two field goals when they could have easily scored two touchdowns.
Auburn tried to get on the scoreboard before halftime but failed after they marched 79 yards only to watch John Vaughn's 21-yard field goal bounce off the left upright and back into the end zone as time expired.
Jason Campbell was the difference in the second half. He completed 8-of-9 passes for 143 yards and two touchdowns in the third quarter, after passing for just 61 yards and an interception in the first half. Campbell hit Devin Aromashodu for a 51-yard pass down the left sideline and Carnell Williams bounced outside for a 5-yard touchdown to end a six-play, 80-yard drive. The touchdown run by Williams put Auburn ahead 7-6.
Campbell found Courtney Taylor for a 32-yard touchdown pass on third-and-17 on Auburn's next series to make it 14-6. The defense held Alabama to two three-and-out possessions with a holding penalty on the punt giving the Tide a first down.
Auburn then put the game out of reach with another score early in the fourth quarter. Brown's one-yard touchdown run made it 21-6 with 11:31 remaining in the game.
Alabama then drove 84 yards on 11 plays in the final minutes, scoring on Spencer Pennington's 18-yard pass to D.J. Hall with 1:26 left. Taylor recovered the onside kick for the Tigers, who ran out the clock and beat Alabama for the third straight year.
Auburn returns to practice Friday to begin preparations for their game against Tennessee in the SEC Championship game. The Tigers won in Knoxville 34-10 October 2.
Florida at Florida State
Florida won for the first time since 1986 in Tallahassee and upset No. 10 Florida State 20-13. The Gators ended any legitimate chance the Seminoles had of earning a third straight Bowl Championship Series berth. Florida State still could finish tied for the Atlantic Coast Conference title but would likely lose all tiebreaker scenarios because of their BCS ranking, which is expected to drop Monday.
After struggling with quarterback Wyatt Sexton in the first half, Chris Rix came off the bench and found Chauncey Stovall in the end zone for a touchdown with 8:30 to play in the fourth to cut Florida's lead to 13-10.
The Gators responded again to keep their distance. After FSU failed to pick up a loose ball as it went out of bounds, Fason scored from eight yards away to make it 20-10 with five minutes to play. The junior tailback rushed for 48 yards in all on the series.
Xavier Beitia drilled a 52-yard field goal on the Seminoles' next possession to narrow the gap to 20-13 with 3:48 remaining.
Zook gambled on 4th-and-1 early in the series, but the move paid off as Chris Leak converted a quarterback sneak for a first down at their own 25.
The Gators were then able to take the clock down to just over a minute before giving the ball up at Florida State's 45. Three straight completions by Rix got the ball down to the Florida 18. Forced into a 4th-and-10, Rix was pressured and threw off balance over the middle and was picked off by Jarvis Herring to end the game.
Florida improves to 7-4 on the season while FSU falls to 8-3.
Arkansas at Mississippi State
Arkansas beat Mississippi State for the sixth straight time after quarterback Matt Jones passed for 215 yards. The 24-21 victory helped the Razorbacks remain in the hunt for one of the league's eight bowl spots with a 5-5 record.
Mississippi State drew first blood, as it scored 14-straight points in the first quarter. Jerious Norwood rushed four yards for a touchdown and Omarr Conner threw a 26-yard touchdown pass to Tee Milons to give the Bulldogs a 14-0 lead with 5:14 left in the opening quarter.
The Razorbacks closed the first half with 17-unanswered points. Chris Balseiro kicked a 42-yard field goal, De'Arrius Howard scored from two yards out and Jones scored on a one-yard run to give Arkansas a 17-14 advantage at halftime.
Pierre Brown pushed the Razorbacks' lead to 24-14 when he returned a blocked field goal attempt 76 yards for a touchdown with 4:25 left in the third quarter.
The Bulldogs kept things close when Conner threw a two-yard scoring pass to Eric Butler to cut the Arkansas' lead to 24-21 with 10:44 remaining in the game. The Razorback defense stepped up the rest of the way and held on for the three-point victory.
Arkansas plays at home against LSU November 26, and Mississippi State plays archrival Ole Miss November 27.
South Carolina at Clemson
Clemson's Reggie Merriweather rushed for 125 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries as he led the Tigers to a 29-7 victory over South Carolina. Clemson improves to 6-5 and becomes bowl eligible.
The Tigers went up 14-0 in the first quarter after Merriweather found the end zone on a three-yard touchdown run and he then scored again from seven-yards out. The Gamecocks quickly responded when Cory Boyd caught a 54-yard touchdown toss from Syvelle Newton which cut the Tigers' advantage to 14-7 midway through the second quarter.
The second half was dominated by Clemson as the team racked up 15-unanswered points. Merriweather scored on a 12-yard carry, Jad Dean kicked a 21-yard field goal, a 24-yard field goal and a 20-yard field goal, which gave the Tigers a 29-7 edge with 9:16 left to play in the game.
The Tigers had 313 total yards of offense in the game, while holding the Gamecocks to 197 yards.
Lou Holtz has decided to retire and Steve Spurrier will take his place. Holtz is eighth all-time in NCAA history with 249 career wins, but guided the Gamecocks to a record of just 33-35 during his tenure.
Ole Miss at LSU, 7 p.m. CT
LSU racked up 441 yards rushing with the help of Alley Broussard's school-record 250 yards as LSU came from behind to beat Ole Miss 27-24. Broussard broke the previous mark of 246 yards that Kevin Faulk set against Houston September 7, 1996.
The Tigers opened the game with an eight-play, 74-yard drive that ended with a Broussard 1-yard touchdown run. The Rebels then cut LSU's lead to 7-3 on a 49-yard field goal by Jonathan Nichols. Broussard ran for his second touchdown as time ran out in the first quarter, and LSU was up 14-3.
Nichols' opened the second quarter with a 27-yard field goal to close the gap to 14-6. Robert Lane's 4-yard touchdown run with 3:03 left in the first half pulled the Rebels to within one at 14-13.
Chris Jackson then hit a 51-yard field goal to put LSU up by four. Ole Miss kept pace with Nichols' 22-yarder that pulled the Rebels within 17-16 at halftime.
Ole Miss took its first lead of the game when Trumaine McBride intercepted Russell early in the third quarter and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown. The Rebels' 2-point conversion was good and Ole Miss led 24-17. Jackson then connected on a 42-yard kick to pull LSU to 24-20 at the end of the third quarter.
With LSU trailing 24-20 in the fourth quarter, the Tigers drove 61 yards, with Broussard rushing for 27, Addai adding 19 and a pass interference call netting 15 more. Broussard gave LSU the lead with a 7-yard run with 10:51 left in the game.
LSU has won five straight overall and 10 in a row in Tiger Stadium. The Tigers finished perfect at home for the first time since 1972.
The Tigers face Arkansas November 26, and Ole Miss hosts Mississippi State for the Egg Bowl.
Tennessee at Vanderbilt
Tennessee clinched the SEC Eastern Division title with their 38-33 win over Vanderbilt. Quarterback Rick Clausen completed 19-of-30 passes for 189 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions in the victory.
The Volunteers never trailed after taking an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. The touchdown came after Vanderbilt fumbled inside its on 20-yard line and two plays later, Cedric Houston ran up the middle for the six-yard score. Tennessee extended their lead to 14-0 after a nine-play, 58-yard drive that ended with Houston's 11-yard touchdown run.
The Commodores reached the scoreboard with 2:13 left in the first on an 11- yard touchdown catch by Marlon White down the left side. Vanderbilt missed the extra point and trailed 14-6 heading into the second quarter.
On their first drive of the second, the Volunteers extended their lead to 21-6 after a five-yard touchdown run up the middle by Houston. On the 87-yard drive, Tony Brown converted a third down with a 20-yard reception into Vandy territory.
On Vanderbilt's next possession, Cutler fumbled again to set up another Tennessee score. Clausen connected with Jayson Swain for a 20-yard touchdown pass, and the Vols led 28-6.
The Commodores ended the first half with two touchdowns to cut the deficit to 28-20 at halftime. Smith hauled in an 80-yard score and Jeff Jennings ran in from three yards away.
In the third, the Vols scored the only points on James Wilhoit's 34-yard field goal and Swain caught a five-yard touchdown pass to put them up 38-20.
Vanderbilt accounted for all 13 points in the fourth. Jennings completed an 11- play, 71-yard drive with a nine-yard run. But the two-point conversion failed and the Commodores trailed 38-26. Then with 4:30 to play, Dustin Denning caught a three-yard score from Cutler to trim the deficit to 38-33.
Tennessee was forced to punt and Vanderbilt got the ball back at its own 20 with 2:16 left with a chance to win it. On the first play of the drive, Cutler was hit as he threw the ball and was intercepted by Roshaun Fellows to end the game.
The Vols face Auburn in the Georgia Dome for the SEC Championship December 4.
Predictions For November 27 SEC Games
Arkansas needs a win over LSU to become bowl eligible on Friday. On Saturday, Georgia entertains rival Georgia Tech, while Ole Miss and Mississippi State battle in the Egg Bowl. Overall predictions are 52-18, and last week was 4-2.
LSU at Arkansas, Friday, November 26, 1:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
Arkansas is 5-5, and with a win Friday, would have a chance at a school-record seventh straight bowl game. The Razorbacks are a perfect 170 playing in Little Rock under head coach Houston Nutt. In games played in Little Rock, LSU has lost three in a row with the last Tiger victory coming in 1996.
Last week, Arkansas won a close game over Mississippi State. In the 24-21 victory, Keith Andrews blocked the Bulldogs potential game-tying field goal in the third quarter, and Pierre Brown returned it 76 yards for the touchdown.
Senior quarterback Matt Jones has improved every week and is the SECs leading rusher at quarterback. This will be his last home game wearing an Arkansas uniform and he will be ready to lead his team to a victory over 8-2 LSU.
LSU had a big performance from Alley Broussard last week against Ole Miss when he set a school record with 250 rushing yards along with three touchdowns. The quarterback situation for the Tigers is still a problem as both JaMarcus Russell and Bryan Randall continue to struggle.
This game will come down to which team is able to stop the run. Jones will have his typical day running the ball, and Broussard should get decent yards against an Arkansas defense that has trouble stopping the run. The difference will be Jones and his ability to complete important passes. Arkansas wins this high scoring affair, 34-28.
Georgia Tech at Georgia, 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS Sports
Georgia will look to bounce back from a 24-6 loss to Auburn two weeks ago. They should be able to against a Georgia Tech team that is still stinging from their lost to Virginia last week. Tech is 6-4 on the season and needs a win over the Bulldogs to improve their bowl position. A win won't be easy against No. 8 Georgia in Athens. The Bulldogs have won three in a row in the series and Tech hasn't come within two touchdowns, losing 3117, 517 and 3417.
Part of the problem for Tech has been the inconsistent play of quarterback Reggie Ball. In the Yellow Jackets four losses, Ball has thrown 10 interceptions with only two touchdown passes. Last year, against the Bulldogs, Ball completed only eight passes for 80 yards. He will face one of the toughest defenses in the nation this week and he will need to find a way to complete more passes and avoid the turnovers.
Georgia is clearly the better team, with a defense that has held their opponents under 20 points in seven of their last nine games, and an offense that has gained over 500 yards three times in their last five games. Ball will be pressured constantly by Pollack and that means plenty of interceptions for Georgia's defensive backs. Georgia wins big again, 38-14.
Kentucky at Tennessee, 12:30 p.m. ET, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
These two teams meet for the 100th time and Tennessee has won the last 19 meetings, dating back to 1985. With a win over Kentucky, the Vols would improve to 5-0 against SEC Eastern division opponents this season. In games played in Knoxville, Tennessee leads, 35-10-6 and the Vols have scored more than 50 points in five of the last eight games against the Wildcats.
In the last two meetings, Kentucky was held to a combined total of seven points, and they havent scored more than 17 points in nine of their 10 games this season. The Wildcats rank 114th out of 117 Division I-A teams in total offense and also enter the game without an offensive coordinator after Monday's resignation of offensive coordinator Ron Hudson.
Fulmer's team may get caught looking ahead to their rematch against Auburn in the SEC Championship game December 4. After the Vols barely beat Vanderbilt 38-33 last week, Fulmer was already talking about Auburn in his post game news conference. The Tigers won the regular season battle 34-10.
Look for Tennessee to go through the motions and try to keep everyone healthy for Auburn. Rick Clausen will start at quarterback against Kentucky, and will more than likely start against Auburn. The Vols make it 20 in a row after a 31-13 victory.
Mississippi State at Ole Miss, 1 p.m. CT, No TV
Long-time intrastate and SEC rivals will square off this weekend in Oxford as the Ole Miss Rebels play host to Mississippi State for the 101st meeting of the "Battle for the Golden Egg." For the first time since 1997, the game will not be played on Thanksgiving. Both teams are 3-7 and Ole Miss will try for its third straight win in the series, which would be the first time a team has won three straight in the series since the Rebels did it in 1988-90. David Cutcliffe is 3-2 against the Bulldogs while Sylvester Croom is meeting Ole Miss for the first time as a head coach.
The Rebels have had a disappointing season after a 10-3 record last year. They had to rebuild a defense that returned just four starters and find a replacement for quarterback Eli Manning. Coach David Cutcliffes quarterback situation remains unsettled with three different players getting a shot and three different players failing to excel.
Mississippi State has shown promise with first year head coach Sylvester Croom. Croom got a huge win over Florida and his team has played well down the stretch with quarterback Omarr Connor. The Bulldogs also have a solid backfield with running backs Jerious Norwood and Fred Reid. Along with Conner, the trio has rushed for more the 1,600 yards.
The Bulldogs have the better defense of the two teams, and with an average offense, they should snap the Rebels' winning streak. Mississippi State wins the Egg Bowl 27-20.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week 14
Georgia held off Georgia Tech to win 19-13, and Tennessee scored two touchdowns in the fourth to beat Kentucky 37-31. This week, Tennessee and Auburn meet in Atlanta to decide the SEC champion. Kickoff is 5 p.m. CT and CBS will televise the game.
LSU at Arkansas
LSU beat Arkansas 43-14 to finish the season 9-2 after winning their last six games. The Tigers will now look forward to a likely New Year's Day bowl game.
The Tigers took a 7-0 lead as Marcus Randall hit Joseph Addai for a 20-yard touchdown pass with 7:38 left in the first quarter. On the seven-play, 66-yard drive, Randall was 3-of-3 for 58 yards.
The Razorbacks quickly tied the game as Peyton Hillis hauled in a seven-yard touchdown pass from senior quarterback Matt Jones. The two-play drive was aided by a 47-yard kick return by DeCori Birmingham and a 42-yard run by Hillis.
LSU went up 10-7 late in the first quarter when Chris Jackson hit a 46-yard field goal. Following the field goal, Arkansas was unsuccessful on a fake punt try deep in its own territory and LSU needed only one play to capitalize. Randall hit Addai down the left sideline for a 29-yard score to increase the lead to 17-7 with 13:23 remaining in the first half.
The Razorbacks were then forced to punt on their next series, but LSU returner Chevis Jackson fumbled the punt and Arkansas fell on the loose ball. Two plays later, Jones found Steven Harris in the back of the end zone for a 13-yard touchdown pass to bring the score to 17-14 with 10:09 left in the second period.
Chris Jackson's 53-yard kick with 7:58 left in the second quarter widened the margin to six and the Tigers added to their lead just before halftime. Randall's one-yard touchdown run capped an 11-play drive that put the Tigers up 27-14 at halftime.
LaRon Landry intercepted Jones on the first series of the third quarter and LSU took advantage of the turnover. Randall scored from seven yards out to put LSU up 34-14 with 9:48 left in the the third.
Jackson added a 27-yard field goal in the fourth and Shyrone Carey found the end zone from nine yards out late in the game to cap the scoring. The extra point on the late touchdown missed.
Georgia Tech at Georgia
Georgia held off a second half rally from Georgia Tech to win 19-13. Quarterback David Greene was replaced by D.J. Shockley late in the first quarter after he injured his left thumb after being knocked to the ground. Greene would return with 7:11 left in the game to lead his team to an important field goal which gave the Bulldogs a six-point edge with less than three minutes remaining.
The Bulldogs scored on their opening drive to go up 7-0. On 3rd-and-15 from the Georgia Tech 28-yard line, Greene found a wide open Fred Gibson down the left sideline for an easy touchdown with less than six minutes gone in the first quarter.
Shockley entered the game on Georgia's third series and set up another score by finding Leonard Pope for 35 yards to the Georgia Tech 24. The big play led to a 36-yard field goal by Andy Bailey and the Bulldogs led 10-0.
On Georgia's next possession, Reggie Brown caught Shockley's fade pass from three yards out and Bailey missed the point-after attempt. The Bulldogs led 16-0 at halftime.
After halftime, Tech scored 13 unanswered points in the third quarter to get back into the contest. Rotating Ball and Damarius Bilbo at quarterback on each possession, the Yellow Jackets cut the lead to 16-13 on P.J. Daniels' 1-yard touchdown run and a pair of field goals by Travis Bell.
Midway through the fourth, Greene went back into the game to try and get things going for the sluggish Bulldog offense. The senior quarterback completed an eight-yard pass to Reggie Brown on the first play of the series and Thomas Brown's pair of strong runs put Georgia into Tech territory. Greene later delivered a 12-yard throw, again to Brown, on 3rd-and-9 from the Yellow Jackets 39 before the drive stalled.
True freshman Brandon Coutu ended the drive with a 44-yard field goal, the first of his career, to extend Georgia's lead to six points with 2:16 to play.
Georgia Tech gave the Georgia fans a scare when they almost scored on their final possession. Ball teamed up with Thomas for a 37-yard pass to the Bulldogs' 21. Ball was sacked on second down and was forced to spike the ball on third down with the clock winding down. On fourth down, Ball was pressured by David Pollack and threw out of bounds as Georgia took over with 28 seconds left.
Georgia improves to 9-2 and is expected to play in either the Cotton or Outback Bowl on New Year's Day, while 6-5 Georgia Tech may get into the Champs Sports Bowl even with the loss.
Kentucky at Tennessee
Tennessee had to rally with two touchdowns in the fourth quarter to avoid losing to 2-9 Kentucky. The Vols won 37-31 on a Gerald Riggs 12-yard touchdown run with just 38 seconds left in the game.
Kentucky led 24-22 at halftime and Tennessee took the opening drive of the second half down to the Wildcats' one-yard line before being stopped on third down. Head coach Phillip Fulmer decided to kick a field goal instead of going for a touchdown. The field goal attempt was blocked and Kentucky took over at their 20-yard line.
The Wildcats then drove 80-yards in 13 plays and scored on quarterback Shane Boyd's one-yard sneak to go up 31-22 late in the third.
Tennessee had a chance to put points on the scoreboard early in the fourth, but the Vols elected to go for it on 4th-and-3 from the Kentucky eight-yard line and Clausen's pass to C.J. Fayton ended up short of the first-down marker.
The Vols then forced Kentucky to a quick punt and immediately drove down the field. The three-play, 65-yard drive was capped by Tony Brown's 12-yard touchdown reception and it cut Kentucky's lead to 31-29 with 9:39 left in the game.
After a series of punts, Tennessee got the ball back with 3:31 left in the fourth. At its own 40-yard line, the Vols moved the ball inside the 50 after Clausen found Riggs on a 15-yard pass. Three plays later, Clausen hit Fayton for seven yards to move the ball to the Kentucky 34 to keep the drive alive.
Tennessee was in field-goal range, but with Kentucky's Lonnell Dewalt having blocked an extra-point kick and a field goal earlier in the game, Tennessee passed up a chance to let the kicker try to win it.
From the 12-yard line, the Vols went up 37-31 when Riggs ran up the middle on third down for the touchdown, and Cedric Houston added another run for the 2-point conversion.
Tennessee will try and avenge a 34-10 loss to Auburn when they meet the Tigers in the SEC Championship game Saturday in Atlanta.
Mississippi State at Ole Miss
Ole Miss was led by backup quarterback Robert Lane in the 20-3 win over Mississippi State. Lane completed 10-of-17 passes for 108 yards with two interceptions. He also led the Rebels' ground attack with 97 yards on 16 carries.
The Rebels entered the game with one of the worst defenses in the league, but Ole Miss forced three turnovers, held Mississippi State to 88 total yards through three quarters and shut down running back Jerious Norwood. Norwood ran for just 24 yards, nearly 79 below his average.
Ole Miss scored 10 straight points after Lane found Lawrence Lilly on a four-yard touchdown pass and Jonathan Nichols nailed a 39-yard field goal.
Mississippi State's only points came on Keith Andrews' 23-yard field goal. It was set up by a 46-yard run by Fred Reid, who led the Bulldogs with 50 yards rushing.
In the fourth quarter, the Rebels scored 10 unanswered points when Lane ran two yards for a touchdown and Nichols kicked a 22-yard field goal to give Ole Miss a 20-3 lead with 11 minutes left to play.
Ole Miss had 421 yards of total offense in its final game of the year, while the Bulldogs closed out their season with its 17th-straight SEC road loss.
Prediction For Saturday's SEC Championship Game
Third-ranked Auburn will battle No. 15 Tennessee for the SEC title. Kickoff from Atlanta is set for 5 p.m. CT and CBS will televise the game. Last week's predictions were 2-2, and overall the record is 54-20.
Auburn (11-0) vs. Tennessee (9-2), 5 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
As Auburn prepares to face Tennessee for the second time this season, most experts say it's difficult to beat a team twice in one year. It has been done several times in the SEC when teams square off for the second time in the Championship Game.
Last year, LSU barely beat Georgia at home, then dominated the Bulldogs 34-13 in the Georgia Dome. In 1999, everyone thought Alabama would have trouble beating Florida again in Atlanta, but the Crimson Tide won easily 34-7. Auburn faces a difficult challenge of staying focused on the game and not the BCS mess. If they fail to do so, then it will be difficult to beat the Vols again.
There is no doubt Tennessee will be ready to play after an embarrassing 34-10 loss to Auburn at home October 2. The Vols have suffered some injuries since October. Senior left tackle Michael Munoz has been ruled out to play Saturday, quarterback Erik Ainge is injured and Brent Schaeffer may play if he gets clearance from doctors.
That leaves junior Rick Clausen as the starter against one of the best defenses in the nation. Clausen has played well since coming off the bench, completing 61.8 percent of his passes for 658 yards with four scores and five picks. Most of those numbers are against Vanderbilt and Kentucky, the two worst teams in the league. During the Kentucky game, Clausen threw two interceptions. It will be interesting to see how well he performs against a defense that has picked off a solid total of 14 balls to go along with 35 sacks and had five interceptions during the regular season game in Knoxville.
Tennessee tailback Cedric Houston has been consistent all year while rushing for 906 yards and six touchdowns. A big game from Houston may be the key in Saturday's game, but he will have to do it against a stingy Auburn defense that only gives up 9.6 ppg and 267 ypg. The Tigers also only allow 95.5 rushing ypg on an average of 2.9 ypc, and perhaps most impressive of all, teams have scored only one rushing touchdown against them in 44 quarters of action. Auburn's defense has no noticeable weakness and should have another strong performance since everyone has remained healthy with the exception of starting linebacker Antarrious Williams, who has a dislocated bone in his wrist.
Auburn's offense has been outstanding all season and quarterback Jason Campbell has been the leader. Campbell has completed 68.5 percent of his passes for 2,137 yards with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions. The Tigers average 33 points behind running backs Carnell Williams and Ronnie Brown. Williams has posted team-highs of 1,004 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Brown has gained 795 yards with eight scores.
The Vols' defense has been solid against the run all year, as opponents are gaining just 118 ypg on 3.4 ypc. Through 11 games, the Vols are allowing 22.7 ppg and 341.5 total ypg to its opponents. Although opposing quarterbacks have tossed 15 touchdowns against the defense, the Vols have picked off 14 balls. Tennessee has registered 31 sacks to go along with 21 takeaways. Parys Haralson leads the way with seven sacks, and Jason Allen is tops with 112 total tackles.
Campbell's ability to change plays at the line of scrimmage and stay poised under pressure may once again be the deciding factor. When Auburn had trouble running against Alabama two weeks ago, Campbell was able to find open receivers and helped get a sluggish offense moving. This will be a big concern for a Tennessee defense which ranks last in the SEC with 223.5 passing yards allowed per game.
Tennessee will be ready to ruin Auburn's chances to play for the national title. The Vols had it done to them three years ago in Atlanta. Tennessee was ranked second and poised to play Miami for the national title in the Rose Bowl following the 2001 season after upsetting Florida in their final game of the regular season. But Tennessee was stunned 31-20 by LSU in the SEC title game, giving the Tigers the league's automatic berth to a BCS bowl game.
The Vols are a 13 point underdog. Head coach Phillip Fulmer has been able to get his team ready to play in recent years as the underdog. Tennessee has been an underdog twice this season, at Georgia and at South Carolina. They won both of those games. The Vols were an underdog last year to Florida, Georgia and Miami. They won two of those three.
Auburn, like Tennessee, usually plays well as underdogs. Even though the Tigers are huge favorites, they should play as if they were the underdog and forget about what happened on October 2. Beating the Vols twice in the same season wouldn't be that unusual, but it would help Auburn's chances of making it to the Orange Bowl. The Tigers beat Tennessee again and improve to 12-0 after a 27-14 victory in Atlanta.
A Look Back At The SEC Championship
Auburn earned a trip to the Sugar Bowl with a 38-28 victory over Tennessee Saturday night. The Tigers are SEC champions for the first time since 1989. Jason Campbell was named MVP for throwing a career-high 374 yards and three touchdowns.The Tigers dominated the first half as they outgained the Volunteers 303-39 and had a 17-2 advantage in first downs. Auburn quickly went up 14-0 after scoring on their first two possessions. Campbell found Courtney Taylor for a 56-yard pass down to the Tennessee 30 on the game's first play from scrimmage, then later hooked up with Cooper Wallace for 21 yards to give Auburn a first-and-goal on the three.
On the next play, Williams fumbled on his way to a touchdown, but luckily for Auburn, Cole Bennett fell on the loose ball to put his team up 7-0 just 1:36 after the opening kickoff, the earliest first score in SEC Championship history.
Campbell was almost perfect on Auburn's next series, completing 5-of-6 for 43 yards. The Tigers went 66-yards on nine-plays and Williams found the end zone on a five-yard run.
Tennessee took advantage of a high snap to Auburn's punter Kody Bliss. Bliss was unable to catch the snap from center as it went over his head and he fell on it at the 14-yard line. Four plays later, Cedric Houston found the end zone from two yards out to cut Auburn's lead to 14-7.
The Tigers stayed poised after the turnover on special teams and put together another long drive that resulted in a touchdown. The drive was all Campbell as he rushed for 38 yards and connected on two passes to Taylor to give his team a 21-7 lead with 9:15 remaining in the half.
Auburn failed to put more points on the scoreboard just before halftime. After running 16 plays and holding the ball over six minutes, Campbell was picked off by Corey Campbell in the end zone with seven seconds to go. The interception came after Obumanu hauled in an 18-yard pass to the Tennessee 11 on 4th-and-6.
The Volunteers made the game interesting in the third quarter when they took advantage of another Auburn turnover. Campbell fumbled on the second play of the second half and Tennessee's Turk McBride recovered on the Auburn 19. That led to a 17-yard touchdown catch by Robert Meachem and brought the Vols to within seven.
Tennessee tied it 3 1/2 minutes later when Auburn gave Gerald Riggs a big hole to run through and he sprinted 80 yards to make it a 21-21 game. The run was the second-longest in SEC Championship history.
Auburn struck back quickly when Campbell put the Tigers up 28-21 after he found Devin Aromashudu for a 53-yard touchdown pass with 3:45 remaining in the third.
The Tigers got the ball back after a short punt by Tennessee's Dustin Colquitt on the ensuing drive and the Tigers went up by 10 after an 11-play, 39 yard drive that ended with John Vaughn's 22-yard field goal. Ronnie Brown ran five times for 23 yards as Auburn began to run time off the clock.
On the Volunteers next possession, Riggs ran for 54 yards to the Auburn 26 to start the drive. A 16-yard pass from Rick Clausen to Tony Brown put the ball on the nine, and Riggs found the end zone as Tennessee got to within 31-28 with just over 10 minutes left.
The Tigers took a comfortable 10 point lead on their next turn on offense, as Campbell delivered a 43-yard touchdown to Obumano with 6:56 to play and Auburn held on for a 38-28 victory.
Auburn is now 1-2 in visits to the SEC title game. Campbell became Auburn's career leader in quarterback victories with his 30th win as a starter, surpassing Stan White. Auburn is 30-0 under head coach Tommy Tuberville when scoring at least 30 points. The Tigers reach 12 wins for the first-time ever. Auburn went 11-0 in 1993 but was ineligible for the SEC title.
SACS Ends Auburn Probation
After being placed on probation last year, Auburn University was released from academic probation by The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools on Tuesday.Auburn was placed on probation by SACS in December 2003 after two reports from an independent attorney found evidence of governance problems and micromanagement by trustees.
The earlier report from the special SACS committee had expressed continued concern about the relationship between board members Bobby Lowder and Jack Miller, a Mobile attorney whose law firm has done more than $2.6 million in legal work for Colonial Bank, where Lowder is chief executive officer.
Interim president Ed Richardson's top priority after being hired last January was to help the university get off probation. Richardson and Governor Bob Riley spent Friday afternoon in Atlanta meeting with officials to try and convince them that the school has made enough management improvements to get off probation.
SACS could have extended probation until December 2005 or revoked Auburn's accreditation. If Auburn had lost its accreditation, the school wouldn't have been able to get federal funds and students' degrees might not be accepted elsewhere.
After announcing the decision, SACS Executive Director Jim Rogers said the agency will still monitor the university and Auburn will be required to submit two reports to SACS in September of 2005, one on financial ties between trustees and the other on the trustees' evaluation of Richardson's job as interim president.
Celebrate Auburn's SEC Championship
The Auburn Tigers finished the season 12-0 and 9-0 in the Southeastern Conference. The City of Auburn and Auburn University want everyone to come out to Toomer's Corner to celebrate the Tigers' perfect 2004 season.Auburn started the season ranked #17 in the AP poll and ended at #3 after going undefeated for the first time since 1993. The Tigers won 12 games, the most in school history. Auburn finished 9-0 in one of the toughest conferences in the nation. The Tigers won the SEC title for the first time since 1989. They won the title four other times during the 1957, 1983, 1987, and 1988 seasons.
Auburn became the sixth team in SEC history to have a 12-0 season. The other teams include: 1979 Alabama, 1980 Georgia, 1992 Alabama, 1995 Florida, 1998 Tennessee. All of the previously mentioned teams won national titles with the exception of the 1995 Florida team, which lost in the Fiesta Bowl. The Tigers are the fourth team to go undefeated in SEC play and win the SEC Championship Game.
Fans are encouraged to come out to Toomer's Corner Friday afternoon at 5 p.m. CT to take part in the special celebration for an undefeated season and SEC championship. Tommy Tuberville, the football team, the Auburn band, the cheerleaders, the Tiger Paws and Aubie will all make appearances.
The celebration will include comments from Tuberville, President Ed Richardson, and Auburn Mayor Bill Ham. The event will conclude with a traditional rolling of Toomer's Corner. Fans are encouraged to bring their own toilet tissue supply.
The rolling of Toomer's Corner takes place at the center of town, where the Auburn University campus meets the City of Auburn. It is believed the tradition began in the early 1960s. For several years, rollings occurred only after an away-game victory, but in the 1990s many home-game victories also ended with hundreds of fans rolling Toomer's and celebrating the big victory. Celebrations can go on for hours and can leave the heart of town looking like a typical snow covered day in Michigan.
Christmas Keeps Shipping Companies Busy
The U.S. Postal Service, United Parcel Service and other private pack-and-ship companies and stores are ready for the onslaught of Christmas customers.On December 13, The U.S. Postal Service had one of its busiest days of the year, as the annual holiday mailing rush was in full effect. The Postal Service expects to handle about 20 billion pieces of mail nationwide between Thanksgiving and Christmas, with the number of letters and cards that are postmarked rising 50 percent during that period. The week before Christmas sees the number of letters and cards sent tripled, compared with a normal day.
UPS anticipates delivering 340 million packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The company hires 70,000 extra people during that time, including seasonal and part-time employees. On an average day, UPS customers generate 9.1 million online tracking requests, which means they are using the Internet to track where their packages are going.
Online shopping contributes to the shipping volume. UPS said it serves all of the nation's top-10 online shopping sites, although it would not disclose specifics.
December 21 will be the busiest day of the year for UPS. They expect that 20 million packages will be shipped that day, that's 230 packages per second. On the average day, they usually deliver 13.6 million packages and documents.
The Postal Service offers a few other options for those who need to ship a package. One option is the Automated Postal Center, a machine in the post office lobby that's available 24 hours a day. At the Automated Postal Center, people can weigh their parcels and buy their postage without having to wait at a mail counter. The centers accept debit-card and credit-card payments, but not cash. The Postal Service introduced the service about seven months ago.
The USPS also offers online mailing for customers with Internet access. Under the service, called "Click N' Ship," customers can make arrangements for the Postal Service to pick up their mail at their home or office the next day for shipping. The Postal Service started the program about two years ago, but it has really become popular this year.
Sugar Bowl Proves Style Points Matter
I wanted to give my Auburn Tigers a shout out for their hard fought victory Monday night in the Sugar Bowl. Never has a team gone 13-0 especially in the SEC and not won the national championship.However, after watching the game last night I couldn't help but be dismayed at Auburn's decision to sit on the lead in the fourth quarter knowing full well that they needed HUGE style points to even have a chance at sharing in the national championship. After hearing Tommy Tuberville's comments Monday night I realized why. When asked why he went conservative in the fourth quarter Tuberville basically said that he wanted to win the game.
This brings up the larger point here that Tuberville was playing to win the game and go 13-0 instead of playing for the national championship. All year Auburn's offensive success has been predicated upon its ability to keep defenses off balance with it's run/pass combination.
Case in point. Up 24-3 on the road against Tennessee this season with about a minute left in the half Auburn's offensive coordinator could have run out the clock but instead he went for the jugular as Jason Campbell fired a touchdown strike to Courtney Taylor ripping the Vols heart out of their proverbial chest and taking away their will to win.
Auburn failed to exercise that killer instinct late in the game Monday night that had exemplified this team all season. If they had done so Auburn would have likely taken a least a share of the national championship.
Unfortunately, with the BCS the rules are the rules and the system is the system and until it changes you have to play within the system. Monday night dictated that Auburn needed to win and win decisively. Auburn's fourth quarter penchant for going conservative could have cost them a split of the national championship.
However with all that said I want to say that this Auburn team sums up everything that is right about college football. Star tailbacks Ronnie Brown and Carnell Williams along with Jim Thorpe award winner Carlos Rogers had every chance to go out last year into the draft, but instead decided to stick around for a title run. All three not only completed an undefeated season but increased their NFL stock and likely will be first round draft picks.
And as for Jason Campbell. He went from being the most maligned quarterback in Auburn history to likely one of the greatest in Auburn history leading the Tigers to an unblemished season. Thanks for persevering Jason under immense criticism and coming into your own this year. Savor the sugar sweet victory because you deserve it.
Until the BCS system is remedied with at least a plus one game, we will likely see situations like Auburn's in which teams run the table and don't even get a shot at playing for the title. If Auburn has to be the sacrificial lamb for the system to be changed then so be it. The 2004 Auburn Tigers will always be National Champs in my book.
Steve Riser
Championship Celebration
The 13-0 Auburn Tigers will be honored during the "Parade of Champions" which will take place January 15 at 2 p.m. CT at the south end of Jordan-Hare Stadium.The parade will include comments from head coach Tommy Tuberville and will conclude with a championship rolling of Toomer's Corner.
The route of the parade will proceed north on Donahue Drive and then continue east on West Magnolia concluding in front of Anders Bookstore. The team will then participate in a "Tiger Walk" to Toomer's Corner for a celebration ceremony.
Fans should line the parade route and then follow the parade to Toomer's Corner for the ceremony. Fans should also bring their own tissue for rolling of Toomer's Corner.
Members of the 13-0 Southeastern Conference championship team will participate in the parade. The Tigers finished No. 2 in both the Associated Press and USA Today/ESPN polls. Several seniors won awards for their performance during the season and Tuberville won the AP national coach of the year.
The 2004 team will go down in history as the first Auburn Football team to win 13 games in a single season. Auburn was 11-0 in 1993 but was ineligible for postseason play due to probation. Auburn's 10-0 1957 team won the national championship under head coach Shug Jordan.
Tourism's 2005 Campaign Kicks Off
The Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel 2005 Year of Alabama Food campaign is designed to convince travelers to visit the state, sample its fine restaurants, participate in food festivals and celebrate the rich culinary flavor of Alabama.Alabama Governor Bob Riley has proclaimed 2005 The Year of Alabama Food. The statewide tourism promotion will reach consumers in Alabama and surrounding states through a variety of different tactics.
Television will play a part in making the public aware of the new campaign. A new commercial featuring five different Alabama restaurants informs travelers about the variety of foods that are available in the state. It will be broadcast on more than 90 television stations in the U.S., primarily in the Southeast. More than $1 million in paid media plus free advertising on Raycom TV stations will support the campaign.
Alabama Public Television, in cooperation with the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel, will air a five-part series highlighting Alabama food products. "Seasoned to Taste: Alabama Food Festivals" highlights more than 10 types of produce from sweet potatoes in North Alabama to tomatoes in South Alabama.
A new Year of Alabama Food Web site has been launched at http://www.800alabama.com featuring recipes, a list of food festivals, restaurants and profiles of Alabama Tourism's top culinary ambassadors.
The Official State Dish Competition will provide an opportunity for chefs in the state to create "The Official State Dish." The call for recipes from professional chefs in Alabama will go out soon, and the deadline for receiving those recipes is in March. Regional competitions will be held in May in Huntsville, Birmingham, Auburn and Fairhope. The finals take place in Birmingham on July 16, 2005, during the first Alabama Food Festival at Pepper Place.
More than 75 food festivals will take place during The Year of Alabama Food where locals and visitors can experience great food, shop for local produce and take home Alabama recipes.
The Birmingham News has produced a 128-page book in conjunction with Alabama Tourism to support The Year of Alabama Food. It's called Alabama Classics: Unique Foods, Chefs & Recipes of Alabama. Several chapters highlight the state's home-grown brands such as Alaga Syrup, Golden Flake Potato Chips, Buffalo Rock soft drinks, Dale's Sauce, Big Bob Gibson's Barbecue Sauce among others. Copies will be distributed to food editors with major newspapers in the South.
A brochure titled "100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die" lists 100 memorable dishes in Alabama from the baked grits at Highland's Bar & Grill in Birmingham to the Crawfish pie at Ca-John's Faunsdale Bar & Grill in Faunsdale, Alabama.
Other tactics include the 2005 Alabama Vacation Guide, which contains four pages explaining the state's special relationship with food from barbecue and strawberries, to shrimp and tomatoes. Posters will also be displayed in Alabama's 30 welcome centers and rest areas throughout the year heralding The Year of Alabama Food.
The Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel hopes the new campaign will attract more visitors to the state than last year. According to the Center for Business and Economic Development at Auburn University in Montgomery, more than 18.9 million people visited the state during 2003 and spent more than $6.7 billion.
Pigskin Fan Poll Names Auburn National Champs
The inaugural Pigskin Fan Poll named Auburn as its first National Championship winner. The poll was created on the belief that if votes determine participants in a championship, fans should have a voice in that system.Pigskin Fan Poll used an e-mail verification registration system that eliminates all multiple votes from the same e-mail address. The system guarantees one vote per verified registered e-mail address.
Visitors to PigskinFanPoll.com were allowed to register and then vote to rank the Top 10 BCS teams. The final national championship vote was opened at midnight, January 4 and closed at midnight on January 8, 2005.
The final fan poll results: Auburn (.9444), USC (.8622), Utah (.7356), Oklahoma (.5556), Texas (.5222), Louisville (.4689), Georgia (.4556), Virginia Tech (.4133), California (.2844), and Boise State (.2578).
The poll used promotion through ESPN.com, FoxSports.com, CollegeSports.com, and national sports call-in shows to give fans all across the country the chance to pick a national champion. Votes from over 30 states in the U.S. were received.
A trophy was presented to the 13-0 Auburn Tigers and head coach Tommy Tuberville at the Parade of Champions celebration on Saturday, January 15. 12,000 fans gathered in downtown Auburn to roll Toomer's Corner and celebrate Auburn's undefeated season.
Pictures
from the celebration courtesy of Floyd Vest.
Seat Belt Use Is Up Among Alabamians
There is good news on the use of seat belts by Alabama citizens. According to a survey by state health officials, the use of seat belts in Alabama was at a record high in 2004. Seat belt use climbed from 77 percent in 2003 to 80 percent in 2004.State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williams said of the survey results: "We are excited about the unprecedented seat belt usage rate. Many partners have worked together to improve passenger safety in the state, and will continue to do so in the future."
Williamson gave credit for the seat belt increase to Alabama's "Click It or Ticket" campaign. The campaign prevented an estimated 20 fatalities, according to the Department of Public Safety.
The following is a list of some seat belt statistics and other information from the Alabama Department of Public Health:
Every hour someone dies in the United States because they weren't wearing a seat belt.
The fatality rate for people wearing seat belts in crashes is 1 in 732. The fatality rate for unrestrained individuals is 1 in 40.
Eighty percent of all vehicle crashes occur at speeds of less than 40 mph.
Half of all traffic fatalities occur at speeds of less than 40 mph.
Three out of four auto-related deaths occur within 25 miles of home.
At 30 mph, the impact of a crash has the same force as a fall from a three-story building.
A common cause of death and injury to children is being crushed by unbelted adults.
People ejected from cars are more likely to be killed than occupants restrained in their seats.
Hospital costs for unbelted crash victims average two-and -one-half to five times higher than costs for belt wearers.
Unbelted crash victims have higher insurance claims, raising insurance premiums for everyone.
Much of the cost that results from motor vehicle crashes is paid for with public funds. Increased belt use would save taxpayers billions of dollars every year.
Tiger Inducted Into Alabama Animal Hall of Fame
Auburn's famous mascot Tiger, along with two other animals, will be inducted into the Alabama Animal Hall of Fame in Huntsville on Saturday, January 29.Tiger, the 26-year-old eagle that has represented Auburn since 1986, was rescued by the Fish and Wildlife Service in the mid-1980s from an illegal breeding operation in Missouri. Tiger was then briefly placed in a rehabilitation facility in Kentucky before being transferred to Auburn.
The university officially named the golden eagle War Eagle VI, and in 2000, Tiger began flights inside Jordan-Hare Stadium before each home game. In 2002, she flew during the opening ceremonies of the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.
At Auburn, Tiger helps promote wildlife conservation as a part of the educational efforts of the College of Veterinary Medicine's Southeastern Raptor Center. She is housed by permission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Tiger and the two other animals, Jack Tipp, a dog that saved his owner's life, and the deceased Miss Baker, the first monkey sent into space in 1959, will be inducted during a black-tie ceremony at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center.
The ceremony, which begins at 6:30 p.m., will benefit the Alabama Veterinary Medical Foundation, part of the Alabama Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), which sponsors the hall of fame.
Tickets to the induction dinner are $100 a person and can be obtained by contacting the AVMA at 334-395-0086.
Play Ball!
The calendar says February, but at Plainsman Park, it's time for baseball. New head coach Tom Slater and his baseball Tigers open the 2005 season at home this weekend against Hofstra.Slater was named head coach on June 29, 2004 after serving as an assistant at Florida last season. The Gators made their first-ever Super Regional appearance while posting a 43-22 record. At age 36, Slater becomes the youngest head coach in the Southeastern Conference.
As an assistant coach at Auburn from 1995-2000, the Tigers' record of 265-111 was the most successful period in Auburn baseball. The Tigers played in five NCAA Regionals and one College World Series in 1997.
Slater left Auburn after the 2000 season to become head coach at VMI. During his three years at VMI, he turned around one of the worst Division I programs by directing the Keydets to a school-record 25 wins in 2003 and a school-record 16 conference victories in the same season.
The Tigers hope to improve on the 32-24 record from last season and a 12-18 mark in the SEC. Auburn failed to make the Southeastern Conference Tournament and a NCAA Regional for the first time since 1996. The key to a successful season in 2005 will depend on veteran pitcher Arnold Hughley.
Hughley was 6-4 last year and had the only complete game of the season, a 7-1 victory over Alabama April 17. Hughley will be the leader of a young staff until Chris Dennis, the other veteran pitcher, returns from an arm injury he suffered during the fall.
Josh Sullivan and Mike Felix will have to step up and pitch well if the Tigers want to lower the team's ERA from last season. Auburn finished 2004 with a team ERA of 4.81 and 5.76 in the SEC.
The middle relievers will be young but should be able to keep opponent's offenses in check for the closers to finish the game. True freshman Cliff Mullins will be the leader and will receive help from Ted Bryant and Arizona State transfer Josh Blake.
Auburn's closers will consist of junior Michael Nix and senior John Madden. Both pitchers have worked hard during the fall and are ready to play important roles on the pitching staff.
Auburn has a favorable schedule this year with 21 of its first 25 games at home including 15 straight home games from February 15-March 6. The Tigers do have tough road games at LSU, Georgia Tech, and a trip to Tallahassee next weekend to face Florida State.
In season openers since 1949, Auburn is 41-15 and have won 10 of the last 11 season openers dating back to 1994. The Tigers face Hofstra for only the second time this weekend and lead the all-time series 3-0 after sweeping the Pride last year in Plainsman Park.
The first pitch Friday afternoon is at 4 p.m. CT. Arnold Hughley starts for the Tigers while Charlie Frago starts for Hofstra. Saturday's game begins at 4 p.m. CT and Sunday the first pitch will be thrown at noon CT. Weather for this weekend's action will be mostly sunny with highs in the upper 50s to lower 60s.
Majority Of Alabamians Against Same-Sex Marriage
A survey done by a polling service at Auburn University found that the majority of Alabamians strongly support a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. The issue is being discussed in the current session of the Alabama Legislature.In the survey, 54 percent said they strongly supported a constitutional amendment, 4 percent mildly supported it, 11 percent were indifferent, 5 percent mildly opposed it, and 23 percent strongly opposed it. The poll has a margin of error plus or minus four percentage points.
Conducted by Auburn's Center for Governmental Services, the survey interviewed 624 randomly selected Alabama residents by telephone. The residents were 19 and older, and the interviews took place from January 24 through February 3.
Support to ban same-sex marriages has increased since a similar poll was conducted in July 2004. In July, 48 percent strongly supported an amendment while 28 percent strongly opposed one.
Both Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate want to make the ban on gay marriage a top priority. In the Legislature, the issue is when to present it to Alabama voters for approval, not whether to pass the constitutional amendment.
Democrats have problems with putting the issue on the general election ballot in November 2006 because they think it might cause conservative voters to show up and vote when they might not have voted otherwise, and they would likely vote for Republican candidates.
Republicans think if the issue is placed on the primary election in June 2006, the very conservative voters might skew the primary results more conservative than they would normally be.
New Options For Alabama Taxpayers
Tax season is here and W-2s, 1099s, and other financial statements were distributed to taxpayers in late January. The Alabama Department of Revenue (ADOR) offers the following information for taxpayers as they prepare their 2004 Alabama returns.During tax season last year, more than 750,000 Alabamians took advantage of Alabamas e-file options, comprising over 42 percent of the 1.7 million tax returns filed.
This year, the ADOR thinks the number of e-file users will increase because it provides faster refunds, more accurate returns, easy and convenient payment options, and confirmation that the state return was accepted in a safe, secure electronic filing environment.
The ADOR has improved its 2004 Alabama Form 40 for paper filers choosing fill-in returns. The 2004 Form 40 fill-in form has been enhanced to perform calculations and contains reference links to the Form 4952A; Schedule A, B and CR; Schedule D and E; and Schedule OC.
Taxpayers who use ADORs new fill-in form should have a full version of Adobe Acrobat Version 4.0 or higher so they can save an electronic copy of their completed Alabama return. Taxpayers using Acrobat Reader should print a copy for their records.
For several years, direct deposit for Alabama tax refunds has been offered to Alabama e-filers. Last year, 253,490 Alabama taxpayers opted to have their state income tax refunds direct-deposited into their checking accounts.
This year, the ADOR expanded its direct deposit offer to include certain paper filers. Paper filers who use software tax preparation programs utilizing 2-D Bar Code technology can now choose direct deposit and have their refunds deposited into their bank accounts.
Taxpayers who meet certain eligibility requirements may be able to e-file their state returns for free at the same time they e-file their federal returns.
For more information concerning eligibility requirements and a listing of online service providers offering free federal e-file, visit the IRS Web site at www.irs.gov or ADORs PC Online Filing at http://www.ador.state.al.us/incometax/PC_ONLINE.htm.
Blame Dropped Calls On Jammers
Many cell phone users may not know why they often experience dropped calls. A small device called a cell phone jammer that broadcasts a signal on the same frequencies as cell phones could be the reason.Cell phone jammers range in price from $250 to $2,000. They can be bought over the internet and come in a variety of shapes and sizes, from portable handhelds that look like cell phones to larger, fixed models as big as suitcases.
Cell phones operate by sending signals along a range of the electromagnetic spectrum reserved for their use. In the United States that part typically is measured as either 800 or 1,900 megahertz. The jammers interfere with any cell phone trying to transmit in that range, and it causes the phone's screen to simply indicate that no signal is available. This leaves most people thinking that they are in a dead spot and they don't know that their phone has been jammed.
In the United States, actively jamming a cell phone signal is illegal. If you're caught, you could be fined up to $11,000 and up to a year in jail. But getting caught is highly unlikely. The FCC has never charged anyone with this crime, even though the American market is one of the most important when it comes to selling cell phone jamming equipment.
According to the FCC, cell phone jammers should remain illegal. The agency argues that since commercial enterprises have purchased the rights to the spectrum, jamming their signals is a kind of property theft.
Jammers were first developed to help government security forces avert eavesdropping and thwart phone-triggered bombings. But by the late 1990s they were being sold to the public.
Those who buy the jammers include restaurants, schools (including some universities, which have installed the technology to stop students from using their phones during lectures), and personal users.
Alabama's Graduation Rate Ranks Low
The state of Alabama received some bad news from a new study about the graduation rate for its public high schools. While the national graduation rate has remained steady, Alabama's rate has declined substantially from 1991 to 2002.The study done by the Manhattan Institute, ranks Alabama 47th among states in graduation rates for the class of 2002, the latest year the study was conducted. Alabama's graduation rate decreased from 69 percent in 1991 to 58 percent in 2002.
Alabama ranked ahead of only South Carolina, which had the lowest rate in the nation. New Jersey had the highest graduation rate at 89 percent, followed by Iowa, Wisconsin and North Dakota who each graduated 85 percent of students in 2002.
Alabama State Department of Education officials suggest that two factors might have contributed to the decrease in graduation rates. Officials say the requirements to graduate are much higher than they were in 1991 and the poverty rate has increased over the last 10 years.
The study did bring good news for Alabama. There was a wide disparity between white and black student graduation rates, but the gap narrowed in Alabama. Nationwide in the class of 2002, 78 percent of white students graduated from high school, and 56 percent of black students graduated. In Alabama, the high school graduation rate for whites was 62 percent, for blacks 51 percent.
Alabama also did well compared to the national average for preparing high school graduates for college. 32 percent of 2002 Alabama graduates were prepared to attend a four-year college, while the national average was 34 percent.
The study defines students ready for college as those who left school with a regular diploma and other qualifications necessary to apply to a minimally selective four-year college.
Cameras Catch Motorists Running Red Lights
Motorists who run red lights in Alabama could be fined thanks to cameras catching them in the act if lawmakers pass bills created by state Senator Phil Poole, D-Moundville, and state Representative David Grimes, R-Montgomery.Nationwide, more than 900 people die and nearly 200,000 suffer injuries each year in crashes involving drivers who run red lights. About half the deaths are pedestrians or people in vehicles hit by offending drivers. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in Arlington Va., data from jurisdictions that have cameras at intersections show accidents are reduced significantly.
A camera is usually connected to a traffic signal and to sensors buried in pavement at a stop line. The camera takes a picture of the license plate and the traffic signal if a vehicle crosses a sensor faster than a pre-set speed after the signal turns red.
A police officer then reviews the images and the city mails the images and a ticket for as much as $250 to the owner of the vehicle photographed running the red light.
If someone fails to pay a fine, it wouldn't result in jail time. Red-light violations that are caught on camera won't count as points toward a driver license suspension or be used by any insurance company to determine premiums. But, vehicle owners with an unpaid ticket won't be able to renew a vehicle tag or driver license.
If the bills pass, cities would choose if they want to install cameras at intersections that are known to have problems with red-light violations. If cities do install cameras, it would have to post signs warning of automated cameras and hold a public awareness campaign for at least 30 days before they start mailing tickets.
Grimes' bill faces review by the Public Safety Committee of the House of Representatives, which meets March 9. Poole's bill passed a Senate review a few weeks ago on a 5-3 vote. He will modify it and then ask the full Senate to debate it.
Life Expectancy Continues to Rise
Americans are living longer according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS). The average life expectancy has reached a record high of 77.6 years, while women's life expectancy is 80.1 years.The report from NCHS, called "Deaths: Preliminary Data for 2003" shows life expectancy in 2003 is up slightly from 77.3 years in 2002. The report is based on data from 93 percent of state death records for 2003.
Also in the report, the gap between male and female life expectancy closed from 5.4 years in 2002 to 5.3 years in 2003, continuing a narrowing trend since the gap peaked in 1979 at 7.8 years.
The average life expectancy of white women has exceeded 80 years since 1998, but 2003 marked the first year the average life span of U.S. women of all races topped 80 years. For whites in general, life expectancy in 2003 was 78 years; for blacks, it was less than 73 years. Black men continued to have the shortest life expectancy, less than 70 years in 2003.
The NCHS attributes the rise in life expectancy to a decrease in deaths due to major causes like heart disease, whose death rate is down 3.6 percent, and cancer, whose death rate is down by 2.2 percent. The two diseases together are responsible for half of all deaths in the U.S.
Other death causes that have posted a decline in mortality rate are heart stroke, which is down by 4.6 percent, suicide, down by 3.7 percent, pneumonia and flu, down by 3.1 percent, chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, down by 2.1 percent, and accidents and unintentional injuries, down by 2.2 percent.
However, the death rate from Alzheimer's disease in the U.S. rose nearly 6 percent from 2002 to 2003. Mortality due to kidney disease, hypertension, and Parkinson’s disease also increased in 2003.
Laws Help Lower Teen Auto Deaths
Alabama, along with 46 other states, enacted graduated licensing laws between 1993 and 2003 that allow fewer 16-year-olds to drive. After the laws were passed, auto deaths involving 16-year-old drivers fell 26 percent.Although the rules vary by state, graduated licensing programs extend the learner's period, the time that teenagers must drive with an adult in the car. Further, they limit driving under conditions linked to crashes.
Motorists are at the greatest risk during their first year of driving - with speeding, driving at night and multiple passengers contributing to crashes, according to research cited by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety.
Among 16-year-olds who have full driving privileges, the rate of fatal crashes hasn't fallen, and it remains higher than that of any age group. Research shows the difference between the two groups points to the effect of the new laws, which keep most 16-year-olds from receiving unrestricted licenses and which are intended to curb risky practices.
Highway safety advocates want states to raise the minimum driving age to at least 17 for teenagers who are at the greatest risk during their first year of driving. Sixteen-year-olds are four times more likely than adult drivers to become involved in a crash and three times as likely to die in one, national statistics show.
Opponents say raising the minimum driving age would be almost impossible from a practical standpoint. Many responsible teen drivers need that privilege to hold jobs and take on family duties.
Safety officials believe more can be done to reduce crashes involving teen drivers. They suggest cracking down on teen seat-belt and speeding violators, better training for young drivers, and closing the loopholes in the graduated license laws.
Don't Expect Gas Prices To Lower Anytime Soon
Gasoline prices are expected to rise another 25 cents per gallon by the end of March and remain well above $2 a gallon through the summer driving season.Across Alabama, prices have been steadily rising since they bottomed out at the start of the year when they averaged around a $1.78.
The rise in gasoline prices are credited to the normal spring seasonal increase and a shortage because of a cold winter in the northeast that caused producers to turn out more fuel oil for home heating and less gasoline.
Crude oil is another reason for the steady increases. Crude oil, which makes up about half the cost of a gallon of gasoline, could surpass $60 a barrel in the coming weeks and stay high for some time because of growing global demand and the limited ability of producers to easily expand production.
Many gas stations across the state of Alabama have seen prices go up almost a full penny since last week according to a survey done by Triple-A. Regular unleaded averaged a $1.85; midgrade fuels costs an average of nearly $1.98; and premium has a median price of $2.03 per gallon. The auto club said diesel averages $2.07 across the state.
Triple A's survey of a few of the state's metro areas showed Birmingham had the cheapest average at a $1.83. Mobile and Huntsville prices were a little higher, averaging a $1.86.
Booster Seat Law Would Be Toughest In The Country
State Sen. Quinton Ross is sponsoring legislation that would require children to ride in booster seats until they weigh 80 pounds or turn 12 years old. If it passes, it would give Alabama one of the toughest child booster seat laws in the country.Ross became interested in car safety legislation like the booster seat bill after a traffic accident in Mobile in 2003 claimed the life of his 2-year-old niece, Kaytlen Nicole Tousiant.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children stay in booster seats until they are 4 feet 9 inches tall, which usually occurs between ages 8 and 12. Booster seat advocates wanted to use height as the standard, but legislators suggested a simpler standard, like age 12. Age 12 is when the average child reaches 80 pounds.
The current law in Alabama requires children to be in a safety seat until age 3. Those ages 4 and 5 must be restrained, but an adult seat belt is allowed under the law.
The adult seat belt creates safety problems because the lap belts often cross children's abdomens rather than their hips, and the shoulder belts cross their necks or faces rather than their chests. With the belts in the improper position, children are more likely to suffer spinal injuries in a collision. The booster seat fixes the problem by lifting a child so an adult seat belt fits properly.
Rep. Mac Gipson, R-Prattville, is sponsoring a bill like Ross' in the House. Gipson's bill has been approved by the House Public Safety Committee, and Ross' bill has been passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The legislation by Ross and Gipson provides that:
Child safety seats would have to be used in the rear-facing position until a child was 1 year old and weighed 20 pounds, safety seats would be used in the forward position until the child was at least 5 years old and 40 pounds, booster seats would be used until the child is 80 pounds or 12 years old.
If the legislation passes, it would raise the fine for not using a proper seat from $10 to $25. It would also assess points against a driver's record, much like a speeding ticket.
PG and PG-13 Gross More Than R-Rated Films
For the first time in 20 years, PG-rated films brought in more money than R-rated ones in 2004 as crowds went to the theater to watch family titles instead of racy stories or shoot-'em up action flicks.PG titles grossed $2.3 billion domestically, compared to $2.1 billion for R-rated films, according to figures released last week by the National Association of Theatre Owners. PG-13 movies did the most business with $4.4 billion.
Five of 2004's top-10 moneymakers were rated PG, which means they were open to all audiences, among them "Shrek 2," "The Incredibles" and "Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban." Out of the top 25, only four carried R ratings, which prohibit those younger than 17 from attending unless accompanied by an adult.
According to the theater owners group and the Motion Picture Association of America, domestic revenue at movie houses rose slightly to $9.5 billion, even though the actual number of tickets sold dropped 2.4 percent to 1.54 billion. The rise in domestic revenue is the result of the average cost of a movie ticket up 3 percent to $6.21.
Despite the drop in ticket sales, it was the third straight year that revenues came in above $9 billion. More people have gone to theaters during that stretch than in any three-year period since the late 1950s, when television began eroding movie audiences.
A fourth straight year of revenues above $9 billion could be in jeopardy due to the increase in movie piracy and because of the time it takes for movies to be released to DVD after it debuts in the theater happens within only a few months.
Illegal copies of major films, often shot by camcorders off movie screens, can turn up for download on the internet the same weekend the movies open. Pirated DVDs usually show up just days later.
Theater owners are worried that the shrinking gap between theatrical debuts and home video release of movies could potentially cost them money if moviegoers figure it is not worth going to the theater when the DVD release is just around the corner. The release of movies after they debut at the theater to DVD now averages just four months and 16 days.
If these two issues continue to exist, the Motion Picture Association of America thinks it will hurt the motion picture industry much like the illegal downloading of music off the internet has hurt the recording industry.
Alabamians Favor Having A Black Governor
According to a survey done earlier this year, the majority of Alabama voters like the idea of having a black governor. The survey was conducted in January and February by the Alabama Education Association's Capital Survey Research Center.Out of 879 registered voters who were interviewed for the survey, 74 percent felt very positive or somewhat positive about having a black governor. Slightly more than 7 percent said they felt somewhat or very negative.
The degree of enthusiasm for the idea of a black governor, measured by very positive and somewhat positive responses, varied among white and black voters in the survey.
Nearly 50 percent of the black voters and 29 percent of the white voters were very positive. 81 percent of the black voters and 73 percent of the white voters felt somewhat positive.
Among those who are Republicans, 23 percent were very positive on the idea of a black governor, and 49 percent said they were somewhat positive. More than 50 percent of Democrats were very positive, while 31 percent said they were somewhat that way.
The survey is favorable for Leeds, Ala. native and former Auburn basketball player Charles Barkley. Barkley, 43, plans on running for governor of Alabama some day. Barkley currently lives in Scottsdale, Ariz. and before running for governor, he would have to establish residency in the state for seven years.
Barkley has promised his teenage daughter, who's a sophomore in high school, he won't move until she graduates. 2014 would be the earliest he could run.
In his new book, "Who's Afraid of a Large Black Man?," Barkley interviews 13 influential Americans - from Bill Clinton and Barack Obama to Tiger Woods and George Lopez - who speak about race and racism, a topic the interviewer deems "the greatest cancer of my lifetime."
The book also explains how Barkley was unaware of all the things that happened in Alabama when he was a little kid, like the civil rights movement and the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham.
He also wrote the book to remind people how far the country has come in race relations and hopes kids will read it so they will know about the events that happened in the past.
Men's Tennis Hosts Alabama Saturday
The 31st-ranked Auburn men’s tennis team ends the regular season against arch-rival Alabama Saturday at 5 p.m. CT at the Luther Young Tennis Complex.The Tigers were on the road last weekend versus LSU and Arkansas and came away with a split. Without starters Tom George and Robbert Lathouwers, the Tigers suffered a disappointing 6-1 loss to LSU in Baton Rouge on Friday. Auburn head coach Eric Shore hopes his Tigers will get another shot at LSU at the SEC tournament next week.
On Sunday, Auburn faced an Arkansas team that is usually very tough to beat at home. Starters George and Lathouwers were back in action but they had limited roles as the Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 4-3.
After winning the doubles point, Auburn lost the next 3 singles off the court to go down 3-1 with the last 3 matches remaining in the third set.
Nick Lane won 6-2 in the 3rd to close the match to 3-2 and Alex Schweizer tied it up at 3 all with a hard fought 6-4 win in the 3rd. Brett Hunter then had the chance to clinch the win and he did just that after winning 6-4 in the 3rd.
Saturday's final match of the regular season is Senior Day and Auburn’s only senior Gabor Zoltan Pelva, will be recognized after the doubles competition. Pelva, who was the 2004 NCAA Semi-Finalist, is one of the greatest players in the history of Auburn men's tennis.
The match is also an All-Auburn, All-Orange event and the first 100 fans will receive free men’s tennis t-shirts and key chains. Free pizza is also available while it lasts.
Campaign Set To Help Americans Learn Anthem
The poem that Francis Scott Key jotted down as he saw an American flag still flying after a British bombardment at Baltimore's Fort McHenry in 1814 is still powerful and inspiring. But, most Americans don't know the words.The National Anthem Project has started a multi-year effort to teach or re-teach U.S. adults and children "The Star-Spangled Banner." The national education campaign is being led by the National Association for Music Education with first lady Laura Bush serving as honorary chairwoman.
The campaign was initiated following a Harris Poll that showed nearly two-thirds of Americans don't know the words to "The Star-Spangled Banner" and many are unaware of the historical events that inspired the penning of the song.
The National Association for Music Education will also use the campaign to underscore the importance of school music programs, since that is where most Americans learn the national anthem and other patriotic songs.
The campaign will include education initiatives in U.S. schools, special performances and alliances with professional sporting events, and an extensive marketing tour stopping in cities nationwide. It will culminate with a celebration and a massive singing of the anthem in the summer of 2007.
Blues Legend Performs In Columbus April 29
B.B. King still performs about 200 shows every year despite turning 80 soon and battling diabetes since 1990. King and his famous guitar Lucille will make a stop Friday at the Civic Center. The show begins at 8 p.m. ET and tickets are $30 to $40.For 60 years, King has traveled across America to tell millions of listeners about the pleasure and pain that is the essence of the blues. He will be recognized for all of those years of singing the blues with a monument that will be built in the tiny Delta town of Twist, Ark. The Arkansas Legislature recently approved a $5,000 expenditure to build the monument so everyone will know the story of the legendary bluesman.
The monument will likely include the story of how King started calling his guitars Lucille after a fire broke out while he was playing at a club in Twist. Two men started fighting over a woman and knocked over a makeshift heater. The entire club caught on fire and everyone, including King, went running for the door.
Once outside, King realized he left his $30 guitar behind and rushed back inside the burning building to retrieve it, narrowly escaping death. The next morning he learned that the woman that the two men were fighting over was a waitress named Lucille. King then decided to give the name to his guitar as a reminder to never do something so stupid again.
In March, King's new CD, "B.B. King: The Ultimate Collection," was released and contains 21 legendary hits and signature songs between 1951 and 2000, all on a single CD.
The 13-time Grammy award winner began a project in March that will be a series of duets with other musicians that include Elton John, Sting, U2 and Van Morrison. The album will be released later this year on the Universal Music label.
In June, groundbreaking for the $10 million B.B. King Museum will take place in Indianola, Miss., near his hometown of Itta Bene. The museum will be housed in a renovated cotton gin where King worked as a teenager.
Celebrate Art and Entertainment at CityFest
Auburn CityFest 2005 will be held on Saturday, April 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Kiesel Park. Hosted by Auburn Parks and Recreation, this rain or shine free outdoor festival is a celebration of arts and entertainment in the Auburn community.CityFest will have plenty of food choices for the entire family. Local and regional food vendors will be in the Eats and Treats Alley and they will feature southern festival foods including funnel cakes, ice cream, kettle korn, roasted and boiled peanuts, corn dogs, shish-ke-bobs, hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, homemade cider, nachos and cheese, and homemade lemonade.
Kids of all ages will stay busy with all of the activities that will take place throughout the day. The Children’s Imagination Station, located in one of Kiesel Park’s largest fields, will feature a Giant Inflatable Slide, Bungee Run, Golf Simulator, an Obstacle Course, Balloon Typhoon, Caterpillar Maze, baseball game, football game, Aubie, Smokey the Bear, and much more.
Sports fans will want to catch one of Auburn University's sports teams that will be on hand to meet and greet festival-goers. The Sports Team Tent will be located in front of the Nunn Winston House across from the Non Profit Vendor Showcase. Make sure to bring a camera to get your picture taken with your favorite athlete.
Members from the following teams will be at the tent signing autographs and answering your questions.
9:30 a.m: Men’s Golf
10:00 a.m.: Men’s Basketball
10:30 a.m.: Women’s Golf
11:00 a.m.: Women’s Tennis
11:30 a.m.: Volleyball
Noon: Football
1:00 p.m. : Swimming & Diving
1:30 p.m.: Women’s Basketball
TBA: Cheerleaders
For dog lovers, the 3rd Annual Mutt Strut will kick off CityFest Saturday morning. Mutt Strut is a 5K run/1 mile Fun Walk, with all proceeds benefiting the animals of the Lee County Humane Society. People are not required to have a dog to participate, but if you do bring your dog, they must wear a valid rabies vaccination tag or you will need to provide a rabies vaccination certificate.
The registration fee for Mutt Strut is $15, if received by April 29, and $17 the day of the race. Race day registration will be from 6:30 - 7:45 a.m. with the 5K (3.1 mile) run beginning at 8:00 a.m. and the 1 mile fun walk beginning at 8:30 a.m. For additional information, contact the Lee County Humane Society at 821-3222, or visit their website at www.spayyourpet.org.
Visitors traveling to CityFest from Interstate 85 should take Exit 51 and turn north onto College Street (Hwy 29) and drive 1.3 miles. Turn left onto Shug Jordan Parkway and drive 1 mile. Turn left onto Wire Road/Lee County 137 and drive 3 miles. Turn right onto Chadwick Lane and drive 1.1 miles. Turn left into Kiesel Park and look for Green and Pink vendor parking lots.
Those coming from 280 East, turn Right onto Hwy 147 and drive 2.8 miles . Turn right onto Shug Jordan Parkway and drive 2.5 miles. Turn right onto ramp that will take you to Hwy 14. Turn right onto Hwy 14 and drive 2 miles. Turn left onto Lee County 51 (Chadwick Lane). Drive 1 mile and Kiesel Park will be on your right. Look for Green and Pink vendor parking.
Hawaii 2005
Spanning the globe, this time we bring you photos of Hawaii. We start on the Island of Oahu, the most populous and home to the capitol, Honolulu. We wind up on the big island, Hawaii, site of the active Kilauea volcano.We hope you enjoy the flora and fauna, and all the sites of our 50th state.
Hawaii in Pictures
May Means Sweeps
For many television viewers, May means a whole month of exciting moments before the summer reruns begin. The major networks pull out all of the best programming during May sweeps as they try to win the ratings war.The month long special ratings period which features sitcoms, specials, movies and miniseries, is designed to set advertising rates in more than 200 cities. May 25, the final night of the 2004-2005 TV season, could go down in history.
Three powerhouse attractions, the crowning of the fourth "American Idol," the double-length season finale of serial hit "Lost" and the torn-from-the-headlines TV movie "Amber Frey: Witness for the Prosecution," will collide in what might be the most contentious weeknight ever.
Here are a few highlights from the big four networks as they end the TV season with a bang. All times are Eastern.
ABC
Monday, May 16: On The Bachelor finale, Charlie O'Connell makes his choice for a mate by handing out the final rose.
Friday, May 20: ABC goes down the yellow brick road for an all-new puppet version of the children's classic called The Muppets' Wizard of Oz which airs at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 22: The season finale of Desperate Housewives at 9 p.m. will be filled with suprises and a few romances will be rekindled.
Wednesday, May 25: If you choose not to watch the winner announced on American Idol, you can catch the finales of Lost at 8 p.m. and Alias at 10 p.m.
CBS
Sunday, May 8: A two-part miniseries about Elvis begins at 9 p.m. and concludes May 11. A documentary special will also air May 13, at 8 p.m.
Sunday, May 15: At 8 p.m., the final Survivor is named during a two-hour special, followed by a one-hour reunion.
Monday, May 16: The series finale of Everybody Loves Raymond airs at 9 p.m.
Thursday, May 19: The season finale of CSI begins at 9 p.m. and is directed by Quentin Tarantino.
NBC
Thursday, May 5: Noah Wyle begins his final three-episode run on ER starting at 10 p.m.
Friday, May 6: At 9 p.m., Third Watch ends its run as gang members attack the precinct house. Former regulars Michael Beach, Eddie Cibrian and Kim Raver make special appearances.
Monday, May 16: Hercules airs at 8 p.m. featuring Paul Telfer as the legendary strongman.
Thursday, May 19: Donald Trump names the new Apprentice at 9 p.m.
FOX
Wednesday, May 18: Eric(Topher Grace) makes his final "regular" appearance on the season finale of That '70s Show at 8 p.m. Eric is moving to Africa for a teaching gig in order to make money for college.
Monday, May 23: In the two-hour finale of 24 which airs at 8 p.m., Jack has lost the president, but still has two hours left to save the rest of us from a nuclear attack.
Tuesday, May 24 and Wednesday May 25: American Idol takes center stage and announces who America voted for in the fourth season of the very popular talent contest.
Card and Flowers Are Popular For Mother's Day
On the second Sunday in May, we give gifts for the special person in our lives on Mother's Day. Cards, flowers and jewelry are typically given as gifts and this year, many consumers will spend more on them than last year.This year, consumers plan to spend an average of $98.64 on Mother's Day, up slightly from $97.37 last year. More than half of consumers plan to purchase a Mother's Day card and a third of shoppers plan to buy flowers.
Hallmark reports Mother's Day is the third largest card-sending holiday in the United States and predicts that industry wide, Americans will send more than 150 million Mother's Day cards this year. It's estimated 50 percent of U.S. households give Mother's Day greeting cards, the highest participation rate of all seasons.
Florists will be busy as Mother's Day accounts for one-fifth of all holiday sales of flowers. Mother's Day ranks second only to Christmas in the purchase of flowers, according to the Society of American Florists. Of flowers purchased, it's estimated that 45 percent will be cut flowers and 32 percent will be outdoor bedding and gardening plants.
Consumers who purchase jewelry for mom will be the biggest spenders. The average consumer buying jewelry will spend $62.40. Those who buy clothing plan to spend $31.89 on that purchase and those who take mom out to eat plan to spend about $40.
Other popular items include gift certificates for movies, meals, books or record stores. But, many mothers may want a gift that can't be bought. They want a day of relaxation and a day off from the usual cooking and cleaning. Offer to do yard work, help around the house or make a home cooked meal. She will appreciate this more and it will save you from trying to find that perfect gift.
Free Concerts All Summer in Opelika
The City of Opelika will host a variety of musical entertainment throughout the summer as Opelika Parks and Recreation Department presents free concerts for the public. Bring the whole family for a relaxing evening on the bank of Rocky Brook Creek.The free outdoor concerts are held each Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. and take place at Municipal Park. The 15-week concert series will feature music everyone can enjoy including Gospel, Jazz, R & B, Oldies, Country, Big Band Swing, Folk, and Community Bands/
The Summer Swing series kicked off May 10 and will conclude August 9. The remaining schedule is as follows:
The Opelika Band Boosters will offer hamburgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken sandwiches for a nominal fee from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m. First American Bank of Opelika will have free lemonade during the concerts. The famous vintage train, the Rocky Brook Rocket, will bring smiles to children as it gives complimentary rides before each concert.
For more information call the Opelika Parks and Recreation Department at 334-705-5560 or e-mail bkent@ci.opelika.al.us.
Amber Alerts Now Sent To Cell Phones
With more than 60 percent of Americans owning wireless devices, Amber Alerts can now be sent to cell phones. This initiative will significantly increase the reach of the Amber Alert program.The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has partnered with nine national cell phone companies. Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Nextel are among the largest to announce their participation.
Customers who sign up can get Amber Alert "text" messages on their cell phones free of charge. The program is available to 182 million wireless customers around the country.
Cell phone users who participate in the program can designate up to five zip codes and would receive alerts if a child is reported missing in any of them. Subscribers would also be notified of alerts issued for their state or metropolitan area.
Subscribers with phones capable of receiving text messages can register at www.wirelessamberalerts.org or through participating carriers' Web sites. A typical message would include details about the missing child and contact information for reporting a sighting.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children says more than 200 children have been successfully found as a direct result of the Amber Alerts. The alerts are named for Amber Hagerman, a Texas girl who was kidnapped and murdered in the late 1990s.
New Look, More Secure Drivers License
In the Winter of 2005, Alabama began issuing newly designed driver licenses and identification cards. The new license has several features that will make duplication difficult and vertical ID's will be issued to minors.Alabama Department of Public Safety used technology to make these the most secure cards Alabama has ever issued. The technology used includes a 2-D bar code, magnetic stripe, digitized portrait image, signature and various other security features.
New machines will be used to produce both digital pictures and signatures that will be stored in a permanent database for easy retrieval in order to verify identification. The digital system will produce portrait-type pictures and photos according to age groups.
To stop those who are under 21 and under 18 from using fake ID's, the back of the license will have a 2-D bar code and magnetic stripe that contains demographic data from the front of the card.
The “Under 18/21” driver licenses and identification cards are now issued in a new vertical format that is immediately recognizable. Under 18/21 cards display the words “UNDER 18 UNTIL” and/or “UNDER 21 UNTIL” followed by the date the cardholder will turn 18 or 21 in bold red text. This text is positioned vertically next to the portrait.
Alabama’s new card design also includes the state capital and state seal. The state seal will fluoresce a full color image when enhanced with an ultraviolet light source.
The license also has a laminate feature on the front and back that increases the card's durability, security and tamper resistance. On the front, there is an "optically variable" image of the state outlined with "Alabama" text that changes color as one tilts the license for viewing.
Cityfest Kicks Off Summer in Montgomery
Montgomery's Jubilee Cityfest takes place every year over the Memorial Day Weekend. The three day event is a popular tourism attraction that features entertainment, cultural events, sporting events, and educational children's activities.Cityfest hours are Friday, May 27, 6:30 p.m.-11:30 p.m., Saturday, May 28, 1:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m., and Sunday, May 29, 1:00 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Daily admission is $25, and a weekend pass is $35. The weekend pass lets you enjoy performances by Lonestar, Boyz II Men, The Black Crowes, Steven Curtis Chapman, Phil Vassar, George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, Reo Speedwagon, Leann Rimes, Diamond Rio, The Wallflowers, Kool & The Gang and much more.
Kidsfest is another part of Cityfest that has a playground where parents and children can play together. The new location for Kidsfest this year is on the lawn of the Lurleen Wallace State Building. Hours for Kidsfest are 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.
Events during Kidsfest include the Food World Arts and Crafts Playhouse, Club Karaoke by Fontaine Entertainment lets you showcase your vocal talents and sing in front of a live audience, KidsFest Imagination Contest will showcase all of the imaginative flags created by 5th and 6th grade students from the area schools. Contest award ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 29, 3 p.m. on the Colonial Bank/VictoryLand/Cingular Wireless stage. Also enjoy walkabouts and inflatables like the bungee run, obstacle courses, giant slides and moonwalks.
Each year, Jubilee Cityfest continues to have an economic impact on Montgomery and the surrounding area. It has donated $50,000 to Montgomery public schools for a reading initiative and $40,000 for riverfront development. CityFest also allots weekend passes for non-profit organizations, public and private schools and service organizations to use for fund raising. In addition, the festival has donated to the United Way, Family Sunshine Center, Brantwood Childrens Home and McInnis School.
For a complete list of activities that will take place during Cityfest, visit their website, www.jubileecityfest.com.
Deaths Are Up On Alabama's Highways
According to preliminary reports from the Department of Public Safety, the number of deaths on Alabama highways are up 15 percent from 2003 to 2004. Public Safety officials blame the increase in highway deaths on the lack of state troopers.In 2003, there were 1,007 highway deaths, and preliminary reports for 2004 indicate there were 1,155 fatalities on Alabama highways. Most highway deaths last year did not occur on interstates. 31 percent occurred on county roads, 22 percent on state highways, 22 percent on U.S. highways and 12 percent on interstates. The remaining victims were killed on bicycles or all-terrain vehicles.
About half of fatal crashes in 2004 were caused by speed, driving under the influence or a combination of the two, according to state troopers. Out of 1,155 fatalities, 255 were DUI-related and 362 were speed-related. State troopers also report that each year the number of speed-related deaths continues to increase while the number of alcohol-related deaths holds steady.
Five of the seven counties in the Hoover-Birmingham Metropolitan Statistical Area posted increases in the number of road deaths from 2003 to 2004. Jefferson went from 84 fatals to 99, up 18 percent; Chilton from 13 to 16, up 23 percent; St. Clair from 18 to 23, up 28 percent; Shelby from 25 to 30, up 20 percent; and Walker from 23 to 31, up 35 percent.
The 1,155 fatalities include a 27 percent increase in the number of pedestrian deaths, from 64 in 2003 to 81 in 2004; a 44 percent increase in motorcyclist deaths, from 52 to 75; and a 133 percent increase in those killed on ATVs, from 6 to 14.
DPS officials blame part of the increase in highway deaths on the lack of enforcement. In 1981, a DPS study found that Alabama needed 800 to 1,000 troopers to patrol its highways. 25 years later, only 320 troopers patrol the highways.
Earlier this month, DPS officials lobbied the Legislature unsuccessfully for funds to hire 100 troopers. Gov. Bob Riley has proposed hiring 100 state troopers next year and 100 more in 2007. Lawmakers have not funded his proposal.
Exotic Plants Invade Alabama
Exotic invasive plants such as kudzu have become a big problem even though a lot of money is spent each year to control and eradicate them. State and federal agencies have decided to take action before the plants take over vast areas of the state.Kudzu, easily the most recognizable as it weaves through trees, is only part of the problem. The Alabama Invasive Plant Council recently released its "10 Worst Invasive Weeds" list and is in the process of developing a database to record the location and extent of invasive plants statewide. They will also use the database to list the treatments being used to control the plants.
On the list are kudzu, cogongrass, tropical soda apple, the tallow tree, Chinese privet, Japanese climbing fern, invasive roses, hydrilla, eurasion water milfoil and alligator weed.
"Many of the invasive plants came from Asia and were introduced as ornamental plantings, for erosion control or as livestock food plants," said wildlife biologist Thagard R. Colvin of the state Conservation Department in Andalusia. He said a major problem with these plants is that they have no natural predators in America, therefore, they can out-compete and replace native plants.
Ron Newsome, assistant maintenance engineer for roads at the Alabama Department of Transportation, said the agency spends about $2 million a year for all types of weed control, not just invasive species. He said he recommends use of herbicide because "it's cheaper than mowing."
Alabama Power Co. spends about $50 million a year maintaining and clearing around transmission and distribution lines, including tree trimming. About $3.5 million to $4 million a year is spent to battle plants of all kinds with herbicides.
The council hopes to promote management strategies rather than total eradication of the plants. Auburn University weed scientist Dr. David H. Teem, who serves on the council, cautioned that herbicides aren't always the best solution. He suggests using tillage because it works better by turning a weed-infested field into crops.
Early detection of invasive plants is important, and the council is forming a "rapid response network" in the eradication effort before the silent invaders become too costly to control.
Free Music Festival This Weekend At Lake Martin
The 15th Annual Alex City Jazz Festival is a free two-day event that begins Friday night in Alex City and ends Saturday night at the Lake Martin Amphitheater. Bring your family and friends out for Lake Martin's biggest musical event of the year.The Alex City Jazz Masters Big Band starts the festival off Friday night at 6 p.m. at the Tallapoosa Street Park in Alex City. Organized in March of 2003 by James Thompson and Rush Gavin, the seventeen piece group is staffed with professional musicians living on or around Lake Martin. The Jazz Masters band plays a wide range of music from the roaring 20’s through the “Big Band Era” of the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, to broadway hits of the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s.
After the Jazz Masters band finishes up at 7 p.m., 12-year-old Amanda Shaw takes the stage at 7:30 with her violin and her band, The Cute Guys. Amanda began playing the violin when she was four years old after seeing a symphony broadcast on television. Her parents bought her a small violin that was just her size and classical violin lessons soon began. At seven, she was the youngest person ever to play with the Baton Rouge Symphony as a soloist.
Amanda’s wide appeal crosses many lines of age, ethnicity and social standing. She recently performed with Ellis Marsalis, Rockin' Dopsie, Jr. and Doug Kershaw at the ceremony to release the Louisiana State Quarter and she teamed up with Cyndi Lauper to open for Cher at the New Orleans stop of the VH1 Divas/Cher Farewell Tour. Then a few weeks later, she opened for Charlie Daniels at Zephyr Field.
After Amanda dazzles the crowd with her performance, Grammy Award winner Delbert McClinton brings the first night of the festival to a close when he hits the stage at 9 p.m. McClinton has been making music for more than four decades and has hits like "Giving It Up For Your Love" and "Sandy Beaches." He won a Grammy with Bonnie Raitt for their "Good Man/Good Woman" duet, and over the years has enjoyed covers of his songs by Emmylou Harris, The Blues Brothers, Vince Gill, Wynonna, Lee Roy Parnell, Martina McBride, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
Saturday night at the Lake Martin Amphitheater, the Jazz Festival continues when Randall Bramblett performs at 6 p.m. Bramblett has toured and/or recorded with Greg Allman, Widespread Panic, Steve Winwood, Traffic, Robbie Robertson, Grateful Dead and many more.
The blues-based rock 'n' roll band Tishamingo begins their set at 7:30 p.m. Long-time friends originally from Tallahassee, Fla. got the name Tishamingo from the movie “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” With a mix of rock, blues, and the soul music of the late ‘60s and ‘70s, Tishamingo has a sound that is pleasing to all ages.
The Derek Trucks Band promises to end the Jazz Festival on a high note when they perform at 9 p.m. The DTB has been around for 10 years and blends jazz, rock, blues, Latin, Eastern Indian, and other world music into the sound that now defines the DTB.
Directions to Tallapoosa Street Park in Alexander City -
From Atlanta take I-85 South to Opelika - Take Opelika exit Hwy 280 W to Alexander City. In Alexander City take Hwy 63 N to downtown Alexander City.
From Birmingham take I-459 to Hwy 280 - Hwy 280 E to Alexander City. In Alexander City take Hwy 22 N to downtown Alexander City.
From Montgomery take Hwy 231 N to Hwy 14 E - Hwy 14 E to Hwy 63 N - Hwy 63 N to downtown Alexander City.
Directions to Lake Martin (Russell Lands) Amphitheater -
From Atlanta take I-85 South to Opelika - Take Opelika exit Hwy 280 W. Travel Hwy 280 W to Alexander City to Hwy 63 S. Travel Hwy 63 S (approximately 20 miles) to Lake Martin (Russell Lands) Amphitheater.
From Birmingham take Hwy 280 E to Alexander City, AL to Hwy 63 S . Travel Hwy 63 S (approximately 20 miles) to Lake Martin (Russell Lands) Amphitheater.
From Montgomery take Hwy 231 N to Hwy 9 N - Hwy 9 N to Hwy 280. Hwy 280 E to Hwy 63 S. Travel Hwy 63 S (approximately 20 miles) to Lake Martin (Russell Lands) Amphitheater.
For complete details about this weekend's Jazz Festival, please visit www.alexcityjazzfest.com.
Bill Would Raise License Fees for More Troopers
A new bill would enable the Department of Public Safety to hire more troopers and raise their pay. Alabama's governors and legislators have talked about the need to hire more troopers, but persistent budget problems have made changes difficult.The Alabama State Troopers Association is the driving force behind the legislation that would increase fees for drivers by raising the cost of a regular driver's license from $23 to $28, raising the price on each type of commercial driver's license by $5, and also increase the cost for getting a driver's record from the state Department of Public Safety from $5.75 to $10.
Also built into the legislation is a requirement to raise the pay of all arresting officers at the state Department of Public Safety by 4 percent a year for three consecutive years. That would include not only the troopers that patrol Alabama's highways, but also the investigators and other law enforcement officers in the department.
The bill would generate more than $13.5 million annually for public safety and would help pay state troopers with a more competitive salary that would reduce costly turnover. Alabama's starting pay for state troopers of $26,410 is the second lowest in the 11 Southeastern states, beating only South Carolina at $24,586. Arkansas leads the region at $34,405. Alabama's pay is also lower than several police departments, especially those in the Birmingham area, and some troopers are leaving for city jobs.
Department records show Alabama has 13 percent fewer state troopers on the highways now than in 1968. But the number of vehicles registered in Alabama is 251 percent greater than it was in 1968 and the number of licensed drivers is 93 percent larger. As the number of troopers has declined, their duties have grown, including new responsibilities for homeland security.
The association's three-bill package is working its way through state Senate committees, but insurance companies and the governor have raised objections to some portions.
Some insurance companies are objecting to part of the legislative package because they would pay much of the $8.3 million annually that the driver's record bill is expected to generate.
Governor Bob Riley says he's against any broad based tax that affects everybody. He also thinks the association's plan will only pay for salary increases. Riley also notes that the state needs 600 troopers on the road, not the current 370.
The governor has a plan of his own. He wants to take $40-million from the Department of Transportation and give it to the Department of Public Safety to be used for increases in troopers on the highways and their salaries.
Majority Of Alabamians Satisfied With Health Care
In a state where health care has historically been a problem, most Alabamians are happy with their current health care coverage. A recent poll found that the majority of Alabamians rank their health care coverage as good or excellent.In the Ask Alabama poll, 85 percent of those surveyed said they had health insurance coverage. That parallels a 2003 federal survey that found 86 percent of Alabamians had health insurance coverage. Of those, 68 percent had coverage through private plans, with the remainder through Medicaid, Medicare or the military.
Even though the poll found that most people are happy with their health care coverage, 48 percent report they have had significant problems with their health care providers in the last year. 32 percent said difficulty paying medical fees is their biggest concern. Other problems noted were loss of coverage or inability to obtain coverage because of medical history.
The survey also found that satisfaction with medical care was lower in rural areas than in major cities. And for those in rural areas, seeing a doctor can be a time-consuming trip. Of those responding, 13 percent said they had to drive 25 miles or more to see their family doctor.
While almost half of those surveyed report they worry about cost and have had problems with health care providers, 65 percent still believe the quality of health care in their own community is excellent or good and more than 80 percent feel they have adequate access to medical services.
The Ask Alabama poll, conducted by the Center for Governmental Services at Auburn University, had a sample size of 603 citizens 19 or older, and an estimated margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
Most Americans Would Rather Watch Movies At Home
Watching movies at the theater is becoming less popular as many Americans prefer the low cost and convenience of staying home to watch them. Three-fourths of Americans say they would rather watch a movie at home, an AP-AOL poll found. This is bad news for Hollywood as it continues to struggle to attract people to the theater. Hollywood is having the longest box-office slump in 20 years. So far, 2005 is shaping up to be the worst year for movie attendance in nearly a decade.
Through the first week in June, Hollywood's domestic revenues totaled $3.85 billion, down 6.4 percent from 2004. Factoring in higher ticket prices, the number of people who have gone to theaters is down 9 percent, according to box-office tracker Exhibitor Relations. If that pace continues through year's end, admissions for 2005 would total 1.345 billion, the lowest since 1996.
Some experts think the slump in ticket sales are temporary and are due to average movies. They believe the box office will rebound when better films arrive. But even the blockbuster debut of "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith" last month couldn't stop the slide.
Others see the slump as a sign that theaters are losing ground to home-entertainment options like DVDs, which are often available just months after films debut in theaters.
The poll found that home-entertainment options may be complementing rather than competing with those who go to the theater. Those who watch DVDs, watch pay-per-view movies on cable, download movies from the Internet and play computer games actually go to movies in theaters more than people at the same income levels who don't use those technologies.
Forty-seven percent believe movies are getting worse, while a third said they are getting better. The most popular types of movies are comedies, followed by dramas and action-adventure movies.
Airships Could Help Fight The War On Terror
In the future, the sky above the earth might be filled with floating orbs protecting people below from the enemy. This concept might resemble a sci-fi movie, but the development of unmanned spherical airships is becoming a reality.Spherical airships could be used to protect areas from terrorists and missile attacks, watch weather developments and perhaps even provide wireless telephone service to developing nations.
G. Guy Thomas, a science and technology adviser for the U.S. Coast Guard, predicts the lighter-than-air craft could carry equipment that would allow homeland security officials to detect approaching ships 500 to 1,000 miles from the coast. John Robinson, managing editor of the Washington-based Defense Daily, thinks airships could provide additional intelligence for troops in Iraq who are being attacked almost daily by roadside bombs.
Interest in airships has grown in recent years. Their advocates argue they are cheaper than satellites, which costs the government about $150 million. And unlike satellites, airships could return to earth for equipment upgrades.
Techsphere is one of the companies that will develop the airships and they will use a design perfected over the past 21 years by airship developer Hokan Colting of Canada, who set a world airship altitude record of 21,000 feet last year in a 62-foot version. His design is maneuvered by propellers mounted around the sides.
Georgia Institute of Technology researchers will develop a propulsion system, possibly using solar panels and fuel cells, to power the propellers during missions of a year or more at 65,000 feet. Other research is being done to help the airships survive the stratosphere's extreme temperatures and intense solar radiation.
Airships date back to 1783, when a French chemist flew the first manned hydrogen-filled balloon over Paris. Lockheed Martin began building helium-filled blimps for the Navy in 1928. The Germans offered trans-Atlantic flights on its luxurious hydrogen-filled Zeppelins until 35 people died in 1937 as the majestic Hindenburg erupted in flames while docking at Lakehurst, N.J.
Amber Alert System Has Flaws
The Amber Alert system have been active across the U.S. for over a year after Congress expanded the program. Many think the program doesn't work as well as it could, while others think kidnapped children are better off with the system.After being mandated across the country, some states are still trying to implement the procedures necessary in bringing the alerts to the public. Hampered by outdated Emergency Broadcast guidelines and bad policy, the system needs fine-tuning to be more effective.
Some problems arise because each state has different rules about case specifics that qualify for Amber Alerts. Also, police and families sometimes face layers of bureaucracy before local Amber Alert officials will agree to issue statewide alerts. In addition, states must negotiate the broadcasting of alerts across state lines.
"You've got something that kind of works sometimes, but it's inhibited by bad policy, by inadequate funding and by an inability to create a uniform system," said Mark Klaas, who became an advocate for missing children when his 12-year-old daughter Polly was kidnapped from her home in 1993 and killed.
Requiring a state to get permission from other states for cross-border Amber Alerts can cause delays, says Klaas. He cited a Georgia kidnapping that he said required 30 hours for permission to be granted for alerts to be broadcast in neighboring Alabama, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Those who support the system say the recovery of at least 134 children since 1999 has been linked to the Amber Alert's system of notifying the public of child kidnappings using television, radio and Internet broadcasts, as well as flashing highway signs.
When an Amber Alert is sounded, case details are flashed to media outlets describing the missing child and the suspected kidnappers. Highway traffic advisory signs are activated, and a special telephone number is distributed for people to call if they see the child or have any information.
Under the program, named after 9-year-old Amber Hagerman, who was abducted in Texas and killed in 1996, police also get immediate faxes, telephone text messages and e-mails describing the child and possible kidnappers.
Some parents question the time it takes to issue alerts, and local police are frustrated at having to fill out paperwork, attend classes, and also having to convince state officials that alerts should be issued.
The only way the government could require states to relay Amber Alerts nationwide immediately would be to federalize the program. Deborah Daniels, the assistant U.S. attorney general who coordinates state Amber Alert programs for the Justice Department, said that would be a mistake. The program works best when local authorities can weed out false or inaccurate reports, she said. Otherwise, the alerts could become as common as the shrieking car alarms many people ignore.
Auburn University Will Be Closed Monday
Auburn University will close Monday, July 11, in anticipation of high winds, heavy rains and potential tornadoes associated with Hurricane Dennis. AU officials expect the University to reopen on Tuesday, July 12.
New Quarterback, Same Receivers Lead Tigers in '05
How does a team try and top a perfect 13-0 season? And how does it replace a quarterback who was the SEC Offensive Player of the Year? By giving a quarterback who has very little experience his first career start under center and hoping for the best. | After Auburn wrapped up an undefeated season by beating Virginia Tech 16-13 in the Sugar Bowl January 3, Tiger fans began to wonder how Auburn would replace the outstanding senior year Jason Campbell had in 2004. Campbell finished the season with 2,700 yards and 20 touchdowns. Those numbers impressed many NFL teams, especially the Washington Redskins, who drafted Campbell in the first round of the NFL draft back in April. At the beginning of spring practice in March, Tuberville made it clear that Auburn had a quarterback controversy. After the A-day game on March 19, Brandon Cox emerged as the leader and put an end to the controversy after being named Most Valuable Player on offense for completing 12-of-13 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns.  | | All eyes will be on Cox when he gets his first career start against Georgia Tech in a nationally televised game by ESPN. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | The 6-2 redshirt sophomore from Trussville has wanted to be the starting quarterback since his arrival on the Plains. After being redshirted his freshman year for medical reasons and now that Campbell has moved on, Cox's goal will likely be reached when Auburn opens the season at home against Georgia Tech September 3. Luckily for Auburn, Cox had some experience during seven games last season, although most of the action was against teams like The Citadel and Louisiana-Monroe and when the Tigers were in complete control of the game. His best performance was during Auburn's 33-3 victory against The Citadel when he completed 11-of-17 passes for 165 yards and threw a touchdown. Offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Al Borges has a history of helping average quarterbacks mature and become outstanding players. Borges did it last year with Campbell and with Cade McKnown at UCLA, who was an All-American, a Heisman Trophy finalist and a first round selection in the NFL draft. With patience from the coaching staff and from the fans, Cox has the potential to be the leader Auburn is looking for at the quarterback position. Tuberville has commented on how Cox has a good arm and is a lot more mobile than he was at this time last year. He also said that Cox can get out of the pocket where he is able to do some things, which is more than he thought Cox would be able to do before spring drills. Redshirt freshmen Blake Field and Calvin Booker are listed on the depth chart as the co-number two quarterbacks. The depth chart will remain that way until the two freshmen compete in several scrimmages in August. After the scrimmages, the coaching staff will make a decision on who will be the backup to Cox. Borges has said that both quarterbacks showed improvement in the spring, but says each player needs to spend time in the offseason studying the offense and also spend time throwing the football to Auburn's talented wide receivers.  | | Taylor looks to have another big season for the Tigers in 2005. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | The wide receivers for 2005 are probably one of the best group of receivers in the nation. Receivers coach Greg Knox has four of his top wideouts returning from last season, including junior Courtney Taylor. Taylor led the team last year with 43 catches for 737 yards and was named the Most Improved Offensive Skill Player by the coaching staff after spring drills. Senior Devin Aromashodu is listed as the starter at split end, ahead of senior Ben Obomanu. Senior Anthony Mix is the starter at slot receiver, ahead of junior Lee Guess. When two-a-days start in August, the experienced group of receivers will need to help Auburn's young quarterback get ready for the grueling 11-game season when each team will try and halt the Tigers' 15-game winning streak. If Cox continues to improve during two-a-days, Auburn should be 5-0 after playing the first five games at home and well on the way to winning at least eight games in 2005.
Phil Marion |
Running Game Will Be Solid And Competitive
With two of the best running backs in school history headed to the NFL, the competition among Auburn's young tailbacks and which one gets the most carries this season should be interesting to watch when two-a-days begin in a few weeks on the Plains. | Running backs coach Eddie Gran probably wishes he had either Ronnie Brown or Carnell Williams back for another season, but knows all good things must come to an end. The Tigers will definitely miss Brown and Williams, but the future looks bright for Auburn to have a solid rushing game in 2005. While the backfield won't see the familiar numbers 23 and 24, head coach Tommy Tuberville plans to stay with the same two tailback system that saw great success last season. Auburn will name a starter at tailback, but the two tailback system will feature four running backs that will all see playing time during each game. The two backs who see the most action during the game will depend on who performs the best and impresses the coaches during summer two-a-days. Those practices and scrimmages in August will provide some good competition, which means each player will work that much harder to improve his chances of getting the most carries on Saturday's.  | | Tre Smith is back after missing most of last season with a shoulder injury. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Juniors Tre Smith and Kenny Irons have the most experience of Auburn's four tailbacks. Smith is healthy again after missing 10 games last season with a shoulder injury. He will likely be listed as the number one tailback and will probably see action as punt returner along with Devin Aromashodu. Despite being recruited by Auburn during his senior year at Dacula High School, Irons decided not to come here because of the depth the Tigers had at the running back position. He made the decision to play at South Carolina where he thought he would get more playing time. In 2002, Irons appeared in nine games for USC and ran for 201 yards on 47 attempts. But in 2003, his playing time was limited and he decided to transfer to Auburn. After sitting out last season, Irons is bigger and stronger after working out during the offseason and he is ready to make a big contribution to Auburn's running game. Sophomore Carl Stewart and redshirt freshman Brad Lester are behind Smith and Irons on the depth chart. Stewart saw action in all 13 games last season and was third on the team with 184 yards on 39 carries. His best performance was against The Citadel when he rushed for 91 yards and recorded his first career touchdown. Stewart has also bulked up during offseason workouts and should see more carries during the upcoming season.  | | Redshirt freshman Brad Lester is ready to compete for playing time. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Lester is the youngest of the four running backs but is capable of putting up big numbers when he has his hands on the ball. In high school at Parkview, Lester racked up 3,720 yards and 42 touchdowns during his junior year. His senior year numbers were just as impressive when he rushed for 2,090 yards and 27 touchdowns. He's healthy heading into two-a-days after pulling a hamstring a few weeks before spring practice started which kept him from participating in spring drills. Senior fullback Jake Slaughter played an important role in the Tigers' undefeated season last year and will be used primarily as a blocker again this season. While Ronnie Brown came out of the backfield as a receiver last season, Slaughter could be used in that same role now that Brown is gone. He was an effective receiver in high school and hopes to get a chance to show that part of his game during his last season on the Plains.
Phil Marion
New Quarterback, Same Receivers Lead Tigers in '05 |
Offensive Line & TE Play Big Role In AU's Success
The offensive line and tight ends will play a key role in helping Auburn's young quarterback and running backs keep the momentum going that was established last season when the offense put a lot of points on the scoreboard and racked up many yards. | When the Tigers open the 2005 season at home September 3 against Georgia Tech, the offense will look to have the same success from last season when the offense scored early and often, which all but secured a victory for Auburn by halftime. Much of that success was credited to the offensive line and tight ends which protected the quarterback and opened up huge holes for the running game. With the return of three starters from last year's offensive line, along with an experienced senior at tight end, the Tigers want to get off to a good start against the Yellow Jackets to help set the tone for the rest of the season. With the loss of senior center Jeremy Ingle and right guard Danny Lindsey, offensive line coach Hugh Nall wants the returning starters to set the tempo and provide leadership to the other offensive linemen. One starter from last year who is very capable of taking over the leadership role from Ingle and Lindsey is senior left tackle Marcus McNeill.  | | Marcus McNeill will anchor a talented offensive line. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | McNeill (6-9, 337), decided to come back for his senior year instead of entering the NFL Draft. Nall is excited about McNeill's decision to return and looks forward to the senior having another outstanding season which should see him bring home many awards. He has been named to the 2005 Outland Trophy Watch List and is also a preseason First-Team All-American by The Sporting News, Lindy's, Athlon Sports and the Blue Ribbon College Football Yearbook. Sophomore King Dunlap will be McNeill's backup. Dunlap (6-8, 292), played in 13 games last year primarily on special teams but also saw action at left tackle including 33 plays against The Citadel. Junior Ben Grubbs is another returning starter from last season. Grubbs (6-3, 302), started all 13 games last season at left guard and should be much improved after another summer learning how to play on the line after being moved from tight end last year during two-a-days. Junior Jonathan Palmer should see some playing time as a backup to Grubbs or at another position on the line. The starter at center is a little uncertain when practice begins this week. With Ingle graduating, there will be three players trying to win his job. Coming out of spring drills, walk-on sophomore Joe Cope was ahead of the other two but that could change quickly after they all participate in scrimmages this month. Cope will see competition from fellow sophomore Leon Hart who has been working at center since bowl practices last December. Nall thinks Hart has the potential to be as good as he's coached in whatever position he ends up playing. Behind Hart is senior Steven Ross who played in nine games last season before suffering a knee injury in November. Another position on the line left without a starter from last season is right guard. Tim Duckworth will likely be the starter after being moved from nose guard last summer. The extra work during the winter and spring drills should help him develop as a better player on the line and help him with the blocking assignments. The Tigers lost talented redshirt sophomore Jarrod Britt at right guard, who retired from football after being advised by doctors to let a chronic shoulder injury fully heal. Redshirt freshman Antwoin Daniels will probably be moved to be a backup to Duckworth so Auburn can be two-deep at right guard. Troy Reddick is another familiar starter on the line from last season. Reddick was moved from guard to tackle prior to spring drills. The 6-5, 335-pound senior will start at right tackle and is a preseason first-team All-SEC selection by the Birmingham News. Right tackle is another position where Daniels or Hart will see playing time so the Tigers will have depth during the long season.  | | Wallace wants to have a productive year in his last season in an Auburn Uniform. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | With All-SEC candidate Cooper Wallace leading the way, tight end will be a very deep and strong position for the upcoming season. Wallace, a 6-4, 265-pound senior, has 43 catches for 634 yards and three touchdowns during his career. Tight ends coach Steve Ensminger will let Cooper be like a coach and teach the younger tight ends how to be better players since he showed leadership ability during winter workouts. Ensminger also likes Wallace’s hands and his ability to run deep routes. For the senior who has 26 career starts, the main emphasis when two-a-days start will be fine-tuning his game. Junior Cole Bennett is the backup to Wallace again this year. Ensminger hopes Bennett can keep his weight up so he can be a more effective blocker. Charles Mullen, Danny Perry and Rick Pollard are all listed as tight ends but could see playing time at other positions. Ensminger and Wallace will have plenty of coaching to do when three highly regarded signees start preseason practice this week. Andrew McCain, Gabe McKenzie and Tommy Trott will need to be ready when the season starts as offensive coordinator Al Borges wants to make the tight end position a bigger part of the game plan each week. The offense will likely see sets with two tight ends as well as three tight ends on the field at the same time. Last year, a tight end lined up at fullback on occasion and that could happen again this year.
Phil Marion
Running Game Will Be Solid And Competitive
New Quarterback, Same Receivers Lead Tigers in '05 |
Speedy Defensive Ends Lead A Talented Line
With two-a-days starting this week, many Auburn fans wonder if the defense will be good in 2005. A new coordinator takes over a unit with plenty of speed and talent, but many preseason magazines pick the Tigers to finish second in the SEC West. | As the old saying goes, defense wins championships. The 2004 Auburn defense was as dominating as any defense in the country and that helped the Tigers finish the season undefeated and also win a sixth Southeastern Conference title. In 11 of Auburn's 13 games, the defense kept the opponent's offense from scoring on its opening drive. The defense gave up a national-best 11.3 points per game and only gave up four rushing touchdowns all season. New defensive coordinator David Gibbs knows it will be difficult to achieve the same kind of success the defense had last season, but he's confident that the defensive line will be good and challenge LSU for the SEC Western Division title despite losing starters Brett Eddins, Jay Ratliff, and Doug Langenfeld from last year’s top-notch line. Seniors Tommy Jackson and Wayne Dickens return as starters along with a group of young linemen who Gibbs wants to see play aggressive, and attack the line of scrimmage which will force opposing offenses to make mistakes. Gibbs will use the same defensive philosophy from last year that was built on speed and quickness, along with running a four-man front.  | | Tommy Jackson will provide senior leadership for the defense. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Jackson, a former Opelika star who was first-team all-SEC in 2004, has been named to the 2005 Outland Trophy Watch List. The Outland Trophy is presented annually to the nation's best interior offensive or defensive lineman. The starter at nose guard was also named to the Chuck Bednarik Award Watch List, which is given annually to the nation's outstanding Defensive Player of the Year. In 2004, Jackson recorded 51 tackles, including seven for loss, while starting in all of Auburn's 13 victories. He also registered at least two tackles in every game last season. Defensive line coach Don Dunn wants the Tigers to have plenty of depth at each position on the line so he can substitute often and keep players fresh during the grind of the long season. Sophomore Josh Thompson is the backup to Jackson but is one of the players Dunn will use at several other positions to give Auburn that much needed depth. Dunn was pleased with Thompson's progress during spring drills and says he could earn some starts at nose guard this season. Thompson saw playing time in all 13 games last year and recorded 23 tackles. Thompson could also challenge Dickens for the starting job at defensive tackle. Dickens is the starter going into two-a-days but hasn’t started a game since the 2002 season. The other backups at tackle are extremely unproven. Neil Brown, and redshirt freshmen Pat Sims combined for nine tackles in nine games last season. Redshirt freshman Tyronne Green will be working with the offense instead of the defensive line because head coach Tommy Tuberville thinks offense will be a good fit for Green and with the Tigers losing two reserve offensive linemen more depth is needed on offense.  | | McClover expects to record many sacks in 2005. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | The defensive ends for the Tigers should make life miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Sophomores Stanley McClover and Quentin Groves are exceptionally fast and Tuberville expects the duo to emerge as one of the best pass rushing tandems in the country. Last season, the two ends combined for 15 sacks despite only starting two games. Those 15 sacks led the team and was in the top five in the SEC statistics. Both have improved their game against the run during the offseason through hard work on the field and in the weight room. Tuberville plans to move McClover and Groves to tackle for third-down rush and blitz packages. This will give some of the backups an opportunity to be a part of the playing rotation at defensive end when Auburn lines up in those formations. Juniors Marquies Gunn and Christopher Browder will likely be used the most in third-down rush and blitz packages. Both saw plenty of action at defensive end last season and with the help of the other defensive linemen, the Tigers should contend for another SEC championship.
Phil Marion
Offensive Line & TE Play Big Role In AU's Success
Running Game Will Be Solid And Competitive
New Quarterback, Same Receivers Lead Tigers in '05 |
Linebackers Healthy And Ready To Defend SEC Title
Before the 2004 season began, there were doubts about how AU's linebackers would perform because of their size and lack of experience. The group played well despite the doubts and the starters from last year are back to defend their SEC title in '05. | For many football fans, the time between the end of spring drills and the beginning of the season in September can drag on for what seems like an eternity. While fans anxiously await that first game to kickoff, the linebackers used the summer months to improve their game and were busy in the weight room trying to add on a few extra pounds. Those extra pounds will make them more intimidating to opposing offenses and greatly improve their chances of making extra tackles The talented group of linebackers also spent the summer getting to know new defensive coordinator David Gibbs. Gibbs was hired a few weeks before spring practice began and the players are just now getting accustomed to Gibbs' style and what he expects from them during games on Saturdays. One player who benefited the most from summer workouts and getting to know Gibbs was senior weak-side linebacker Antarrious Williams. Williams injured his wrist last fall during the Georgia game. The injury forced him to miss Auburn's final three games and he also missed spring drills. His wrist is close to 100 percent and he's excited to be healthy for the season opener September 3 against Georgia Tech. Williams put in many hours in the training room during the offseason and has bulked up to 213 pounds. The extra weight hasn't slowed him down any as he is still Auburn's fastest linebacker and he has also developed a reputation for sharp tackling instincts. Williams should see his numbers improve over last season when he was seventh on the team with 44 tackles and 35 of those went as solo stops. Behind Williams on the depth chart is redshirt freshman Merrill Johnson. Williams thinks Johnson is a player everyone should keep an eye on because he has improved by leaps and bounds during the offseason. Johnson has been taking lessons from Williams on how to play the position of weak-side linebacker.  | | Travis Williams has impressed the coaches during preseason practice. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Senior Travis Williams, no relation to Antarrious, returns as the starter at middle linebacker. During his junior year, Williams played with a chip on his shoulder after everyone questioned if he was big enough to get the job done in the conference. He was determined to prove everyone wrong and he did by earning All-SEC honors after leading Auburn with 80 tackles, and 58 of those were solo stops. Williams suffered an ankle injury in Auburn's first major scrimmage of spring practice. While he let his ankle fully heal, Williams took on the duty as coach and along with linebackers coach Joe Whitt, helped his fellow linebackers improve their game. Kevis Burnam and Chris Evans are the backups at middle linebacker. Both have more size than Williams, but they lack experience. Burnam filled in for Williams in spring practice and the only action he saw last season was in the fourth quarter against The Citadel and Louisiana-Monroe when the game was over.  | | Kevin Sears is the biggest of Auburn's starting linebackers at 247 pounds. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Junior Kevin Sears returns as the starter at strong-side linebacker. Sears quietly gets the job done while both Travis and Antarrious get the most attention. He's happy to be overlooked because it gives him an advantage when he's not expected to be a factor on the field. Sears was also injured during the spring and backup Karibi Dede will probably see a lot of playing time during the upcoming season after being much improved in spring drills. Dede is a versatile player who can play at any linebacker position. An incoming freshman who head coach Tommy Tuberville expects to see playing time in 2005 is Tray Blackmon. Blackmon, Georgia’s Class AAA Player of the Year, was heavily recruited by Georgia but decided to come play on the Plains after seeing Auburn's other undersized linebackers have great success last year. He's been on campus since graduating from LaGrange High School in May and is eager to make an impact during fall practice. With all the returning starters healthy, this year's group of linebackers for the Tigers are expected to be the best group of linebackers in the SEC. While Auburn isn't picked to repeat as conference champions, the Tigers will take one game at a time and will likely surprise the experts by having another strong season.
Phil Marion
Speedy Defensive Ends Lead A Talented Line
Offensive Line & TE Play Big Role In AU's Success
Running Game Will Be Solid And Competitive
New Quarterback, Same Receivers Lead Tigers in '05 |
Secondary Ready To Play More Aggressive
Even though AU lost the top defensive back in the country and the defensive coordinator from last year, the players are excited about Chizik's replacement because he brings experience from both the professional and collegiate ranks to the defense. | David Gibbs, who spent the last four years as a secondary coach with the NFL’s Denver Broncos and previously served as defensive coordinator at the University of Minnesota from 1997-2000, was named defensive coordinator February 2. Gibbs will also handle the coaching duties at secondary. Head coach Tommy Tuberville hired Gibbs because last year's secondary had some trouble in man-to-man coverage. Gibbs' job is to correct that problem and his experience in the NFL will be a plus when Auburn is put to the test when teams try to go over the top because of the quickness and strength of the interior defense. Junior Rosegreen and the 2004 Jim Thorpe Award winner Carlos Rogers are gone from last year's secondary. Two starters from last year's squad, free safety Will Herring and cornerback Montavis Pitts are back to give the Tigers much needed experience in the secondary after Rosegreen and Rogers have moved on to the NFL.  | | Herring takes instruction from new defensive coordinator David Gibbs during fall practice. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Herring will be the leader in the secondary after starting all 13 games last season. He finished second on the team with 61 tackles despite being criticized for sloppy play and missed tackles. He hopes to continue to make strides this season and improve his consistency, particularly tackling. Behind Herring at free safety is sophomore Tony Bell. Bell played a big role on special teams last year but the coaching staff is high on his ability to play in the secondary after he gains experience from seeing playing time. Pitts saw a lot of action last season when Auburn's opponents threw the ball to his side of the field instead of going up against the All-American Rogers. He finished the season with 46 tackles, including 41 solo. The junior from Loachapoka spent the summer working on improving his technique in press coverage, and he also watched film to learn from the mistakes he made last year. Lorenzo Ferguson, Anthony Campbell and Zach Gilbert are backups to Pitts and really impressed the coaching staff in the spring by being competitive which will likely earn them some playing time. Pitts has also watched his backups improve and even though they are inexperienced, he thinks they'll perform well when they see action during games. David Irons is the other starter at cornerback. The senior is back after missing last season with a knee injury. Irons will be pressured by Kevin Hobbs and Patrick Lee for playing time. Hobbs started one game last year while Lee saw action in 12 games in a backup role.  | | Eric Brock is a new starter in the secondary in 2005. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Sophomore Eric Brock is penciled in as the starter at strong safety after being named the Most Improved Defensive Back after spring drills. Tuberville likes the progress he's seen from Brock during fall practice and says he has matured physically and mentally, and is really understanding how to play defense. Redshirt freshman Steve Gandy is Brock's backup at strong safety. Gandy loves the aggressive 4-3 system that Gibbs uses because it gives the defensive backs a chance to attack the quarterback in blitz situations. It also gives him and his fellow backs a chance to show off their speed and talent. Since his arrival on the Plains in February, Gibbs has made a big impression with his position players and they are excited to play for him because he's a players' coach. While Auburn may lack experience at some positions in the secondary, Gibbs' aggressive style should help the Tigers be prepared for aerial assaults from talented teams in the conference.
Phil Marion
New Quarterback, Same Receivers Lead Tigers in '05
Running Game Will Be Solid And Competitive
Offensive Line & TE Play Big Role In AU's Success
Speedy Defensive Ends Lead A Talented Line
Linebackers Healthy And Ready To Defend SEC Title |
Special Teams Will Be Strong Again
Auburn's special teams last year was consistent and that helped the Tigers win more games than any other team in school history. Both the place kicker and punter return for their junior years and the kicking game promises to be strong in 2005. | When the Auburn University ticket office announced in June that season tickets for the 2005 season were sold out, the majority of ticket buyers are probably more interested in watching how the offense performs and how the defense will keep opponents from scoring. Many fans don't think about special teams and if a bad punt could be the difference in the outcome of a game. For the coaching staff and the players who play on special teams, a lot of hard work takes place during the off season and preseason practice to make sure Auburn's special teams make plays necessary for the Tigers to come out with a victory.  | | Vaughn concentrates before attempting a field goal. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | John Vaughn probably didn't get enough credit for Auburn's 16-13 victory over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl. Without some crucial field goals when the offense struggled to reach the end zone in the first half, the Tigers' undefeated season probably wouldn't have become a reality. Vaughn was solid all season making 12-of-15 field goal attempts and he connected on a 29-yard field goal and kicked the extra-point that was the difference in a 10-9 win over LSU in September. Vaughn continues to improve as he enters his junior year. He was named the A-Day Special Teams MVP after connecting on three field goals, including two from 46 yards. He's also been named to the preseason watch list for the Lou Groza Award, which is named for NFL Hall of Fame kicker Lou Groza and is given annually to the top collegiate place-kicker in the country. Vaughn is kicking well in preseason practices and will be counted on to make important field goals when the offense struggles to put points on the scoreboard.  | | Bliss practices punts during preseason practice. (Photo courtesy of autigers.com) | Kody Bliss is Auburn's steady punter again in 2005. Bliss was used sparingly last season because the offense kept drives going by coming through on third down. Bliss did his job when called upon and averaged 42.3 yards on 47 punts and helped the Tigers hold Ole Miss to -7 return yards on punts. More importantly, he was able to have 17 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. As the season progressed, Bliss' punting improved with every game and it played an important role in the victory over Virginia Tech when his punts averaged 43 yards. As he begins his junior year, he understands the importance of field position as it gives the defense a chance to stop the opponent deep inside their territory and helps the offense get the ball back with good field position. Bliss will try and improve on his performance from last year as he helps the team control the field position game. Junior Tre Smith will be Auburn's punt returner in 2005. Smith missed 10 games last season because of a shoulder injury. Special teams coach Eddie Gran knows experience is important when it comes to executing on punt returns and kickoff returns. He will depend on players from last year to help the team get momentum and score points off of special teams play. Devin Aromashodu and Anthony Mix are back to handle the kickoff duties. Aromashodu had three kickoff returns that averaged 28.3 yards last season and returned a kickoff 48 yards, which was a career-long against Tennessee.
Phil Marion
New Quarterback, Same Receivers Lead Tigers in '05
Running Game Will Be Solid And Competitive
Offensive Line & TE Play Big Role In AU's Success
Speedy Defensive Ends Lead A Talented Line
Linebackers Healthy And Ready To Defend SEC Title
Secondary Ready To Play More Aggressive |
Predictions For Week 1 SEC Games
This week, Auburn and Georgia Tech play at Jordan-Hare Stadium Saturday night at 7:45 p.m. CT. Georgia and Boise St. meet for the first time in Athens, while Middle Tennessee State tries to upset Alabama in Tuscaloosa.Georgia Tech at Auburn, September 3, 7:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
Auburn will try and extend a 15-game winning streak against Georgia Tech on national television. Tech was 7-5 last season while the Tigers were a perfect 13-0. The sting left by the Yellow Jackets in 2003 after they won 17-3 in Atlanta is still felt by the Auburn coaches and players who experienced the embarrassing loss. The Tigers will be looking for revenge and are determined not to have the same thing happen in 2005.
Auburn will turn to sophomore quarterback Brandon Cox, a talented group of receivers, and running backs Tre Smith and Kenny Irons to continue the success the offense had last season when the Tigers were able to put up a lot of points on the scoreboard. Al Borges is back in his second season as offensive coordinator and he will have the offense ready to play against an unknown Tech defense. The offensive line for Auburn is solid and should give Cox plenty of time to make things happen when he needs to complete passes.
Tech has talented running back P.J. Daniels and receiver Calvin Johnson, but quarterback Reggie Ball is known for being inconsistent. Ball can make things happen but will have to do it against a strong Auburn defense. David Gibbs takes over as defensive coordinator and he will count on his talented linebackers to stop Ball and Tech's rushing attack.
The excitement of playing against Tech, along with a packed house at home, gives Auburn the advantage Saturday night. The Tigers start the season off with a 24-10 victory.
UCF at South Carolina, September 1, 6:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Steve Spurrier returns to the sidelines as head coach at South Carolina in a nationally televised game on ESPN. Good news for Spurrier in his first game in Columbia, the Gamecocks are 72-35-4 in opening day games and have won the last seven when opening the season at home. They have scored 33 points in each of the two previous meetings with the Golden Knights. USC returns 10 starters from last season's 6-5 squad.
UCF also has a new coach looking to get off to a good start. George O'Leary takes over a team that went 0-11 last season. O'Leary's first game as UCF's head coach will be spoiled by USC's redshirt sophomore quarterback Blake Mitchell and Spurrier's typical explosive offense. The Gamecocks win easy, 38-13.
Vanderbilt at Wake Forrest, September 1, 6 p.m. CT, ESPNU
The 2005 season for Vanderbilt should see a team improve from a 2-9 record last season and be more competitive. The Commodores return 43 lettermen including 13 starters. Vanderbilt linebacker Moses Osemwegie has been named to the preseason watch list for the prestigious Rotary Lombardi Award. For the second consecutive season, senior Jay Cutler has been named to the preseason watch list for the Davey O'Brien Award. Last season, Cutler became just the third Commodore quarterback in 50 years to complete 60 percent of his attempts.
Vanderbilt has won three straight versus the Demon Deacons. Wake had a losing 4-7 record last season and will be looking for a big win at home. The Demon Deacons will start the season 0-1 as Cutler picks up where he left off at the end of the season last year. Cutler steadily improved in each game and he will have another outstanding season. Commodores win on the road 35-14.
Middle Tennessee State at Alabama, September 3, 6 p.m. CT
Alabama head coach Mike Shula needs to start the season with a win to avoid being on the hot seat after just the first game of the young season. MTSU returns 18 starters from its 2004 squad that went 5-6. The Blue Raiders should give the Tide a tough game but with running backs Kenneth Darby and Tim Castille healthy for Alabama, the Tide's rushing game will be too strong in the 4th quarter and will be the difference. Alabama pulls out a close one in the 4th and wins by 10, 31-21.
Boise St. at Georgia, September 3, 4:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
This marks the first time that Georgia and Boise State have ever met on the football field. Boise State returns 17 starters and is coming off the best season in school history, which included 11 wins, the WAC Championship and a final top 15 ranking in both national polls. The Broncos have gone 12-1, 13-1 and 11-1 over the last three seasons. Quarterback Jared Zabransky returns along with eight starters back on both sides of the ball from a team that was seconds away from an undefeated season, losing 44-40 to Louisville in a thrilling Liberty Bowl.
Georgia lost quarterback David Greene, wide receivers Fred Gibson and Reggie Brown, along with defenders David Pollack, Odell Thurman and Thomas Davis to the NFL. The Bulldogs still have plenty of talent to have another successful season. Georgia is 84-24-3 (.770) in opening day games and have won eight straight season openers by a combined score of 317-97. Boise State will upset the Bulldogs and put an end to the eight straight wins in season openers for Georgia. Both teams will put plenty of points on the scoreboard but the Broncos will win by 5, 35-30.
North Texas at LSU, Postponed
LSU's football game versus North Texas, originally scheduled for Saturday night, will be rescheduled due to the impact of Hurricane Katrina.
UAB at Tennessee, September 3, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Tennessee is expected to win the SEC East and play LSU in the SEC Championship game. UAB will be a good test for the Vols and if Tennessee has a good showing against the Blazers, the Vols could meet everyone's expectations and have a strong season. Tennessee and UAB have met only once, with Tennessee winning 37-13 at homecoming during the Vols' 1998 National Championship season.
The Blazers were 7-5 last season and have improved each year under head coach Watson Brown. UAB has posted two wins against two SEC opponents during the last five years, winning at Mississippi State in 2004 and at LSU in 2000. Despite the off-the-field problems for Phillip Fulmer's team during the offseason, the Vols will be ready to play and will come away with a win in front of the home crowd in Knoxville. UAB keeps things close in the first half before the Vols take over in the second half and win 38-17.
Wyoming at Florida, September 3, 5 p.m. CT
Florida is another team that has a new coach. Urban Meyer takes over a team that finished 7-5 last season. Wyoming also finished 7-5. While 7-5 might be a successful season for the Cowboys, 7-5 was a major disappointment for Gator fans. Meyer brings a new look, a new attitude and a new offensive system to Gainesville and Florida should be much improved. Chris Leak returns at quarterback for the Gators and he should excel under Meyer's guidance. Leak and the Gators give Meyer his first win as head coach at Florida after an easy 42-13 win Saturday.
Missouri State at Arkansas, September 3, 6 p.m. CT
Formally known as Southwest Missouri State, the 6-5 team from last season will be playing its first football game under the new name Missouri State. Houston Nutt will see a new quarterback under center this season as Matt Jones departed for the NFL. Sophomore quarterback Robert Johnson will lead a young but talented offense that will feature freshmen running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring, who guided NC State to the top-ranked defense in the nation last year, has leading tackler strong-safety Vickiel Vaughn returning on defense. The Razorbacks should win seven games in 2005 and that starts with a 42-14 win over Missouri State.
Murray State at Mississippi State, September 3, 6 p.m. CT
Sylvester Croom begins his second season in Starkville as the head coach and should get the 2005 season off to a good start against I-AA Murray State. A victory over Murray State would give the Bulldogs back-to-back season-opening victories for the first time since the 2000-2001 seasons.
The Bulldogs had seven players selected to the Preseason All-SEC team as voted by the league's coaches. Running back Jerious Norwood returns to lead the offense. Last year, Norwood gained 1,050 yards and scored seven touchdowns. Quarterback Omarr Conner is back and hopes to improve on the 1,224 yards and six touchdowns he threw last season. The offensive line should be better and expect the defense to help the Bulldogs improve on the 3-8 season from last year. State wins at home 34-7.
Louisville at Kentucky, September 4, 2:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Louisville went 11-1 last season and Kentucky is coming off of probation that ended last season. The Wildcats lost two starting linebackers in the spring and tackle Ricky Abren is likely out because of a dislocated wrist. The running back situation is a concern and the offensive line is a work in progress. With all of the injuries and questions about who will play, it will be hard for Kentucky to compete with Louisville.
The Cardinals are loaded on offense and will be led by tailback Michael Bush. The offensive line averages 314 pounds and features four returning starters. The defense's front seven is also strong. Louisville will win big with all of the talent on offense. The Cardinals score early and often on the way to a 56-14 victory.
Ole Miss at Memphis, September 5, 3:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Ole Miss will try and stop back-to-back losses to Memphis when they meet Monday. The Rebels should be solid on defense, especially in the front seven, but the offense is a big question mark. They lost leading rusher Vashon Pearson to academics and none of the three quarterbacks contending for the starting job played consistently as Ole Miss went 4-7 last year.
Running back DeAngelo Williams leads a Memphis offense that doesn't have a quarterback on the roster who has thrown a pass in college. On defense, the Tigers return a solid linebacking corps. Without an experienced quarterback, Memphis will have trouble winning the first game of the year against the Rebels. New Ole Miss head coach Ed Orgeron gets a big win on the road. The Rebels win by 10, 24-14.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week One
Georgia Tech put an end to Auburn's 15-game winning streak, Georgia won big over Boise St. in Athens and Alabama defeated Middle Tennessee St. 26-7 in Tuscaloosa.Georgia Tech at Auburn
Auburn struggled in the first quarter and trailed 10-0 after Tech reached the end zone on the opening drive of the game, completing a seven-play, 65-yard drive on Reggie Ball's 35-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson. Then with 5:29 remaining in the first, Travis Bell was good from 32-yards out to complete the first quarter scoring.
The Tigers' offense finally got things going in the first minute of the second quarter when Brandon Cox found Devin Aromashodu for a 37-yard touchdown pass to cut the score to 10-7. Tech then marched 77-yards on 12-plays and P.J. Daniels scored from 2-yards out to put his team up 17-7 with 1:48 left in the first half. Auburn quickly answered and cut the lead to 17-14 when Cox connected with Ben Obomanu on a 15-yard touchdown pass.
Auburn's offense struggled in the second half and Cox threw four interceptions as the Tigers failed to put any points on the scoreboard. Tech extended its lead to 23-14 after Bell added two more field goals in the fourth quarter.
In his first start as quarterback for Auburn, Cox threw for 342 yards on 22-of-44 attempts and threw two touchdowns. Obomanu caught six passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.
The Tigers return to action against Mississippi State at home this week while Georgia Tech plays North Carolina at home.
Boise St. at Georgia
In a game that many thought would be close ended up being an easy win for 13th ranked Georgia. Boise St. couldn't recover after turning the ball over six times and lost 48-13 in Athens.
Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley threw for 289 yards and had six total touchdowns in his first start and receiver Martrez Milner caught three passes for 111 yards. Boise St. quarterback Jared Zabransky had a miserable performance and finished with 8-for-17 passing for 70 yards and four interceptions.
The Bulldogs take on South Carolina at home this week while Boise St. plays at Oregon St.
Middle Tennessee State at Alabama
Alabama had a solid game against Middle Tennessee in the season opener for both schools Saturday night. Brodie Croyle was 16-of-24 for 210 yards in the Tide's 26-7 victory.
Tim Castille rushed for two touchdowns for Alabama but only finished with just seven yards as the Tide gained 133 yards on 37 rushing attempts as a team. Alabama's defense held the Blue Raiders to just nine first downs and 157 yards of total offense on the night.
The Tide welcomes Southern Mississippi to Tuscaloosa this week, and the Blue Raiders play North Texas.
UCF at South Carolina
South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier improved to 15-1 in season-opening games in his 16 seasons as a head coach as the Gamecocks took care of Central Florida 24-15 Thursday night. USC quarterback Blake Mitchell threw for 330 yards and three touchdowns.
The Gamecocks scored 14-straight points in the first quarter before UCF cut the lead to 14-3 after a 22-yard field goal from Matt Prater. USC answered with a 22-yard field goal by Josh Brown to make it 17-3 at the half.
UCF kept things close in the second half before the game ended on an intentional safety by the Gamecocks with under a minute remaining. USC finished with 362 total yards in the contest, while UCF managed 341 yards of offense.
The Gamecocks play at Georgia Saturday and UCF plays at South Florida.
UAB at Tennessee
UAB played well on the road and came close to tying the game late in the fourth quarter before third-ranked Tennessee ran the clock out and won 17-10 in Knoxville. The Vols' Gerald Riggs, Jr. ran for 110 yards and Rick Clausen threw for 217 yards and a touchdown.
With 7:50 left in the fourth, the Blazers got to within seven after an 86-yard touchdown drive that was led by quarterback Darrell Hackney. Hackney completed 7-of-8 passes for 78 yards on the drive, capping it with a 27-yard catch and run to Reggie Lindsay. After Tennessee quarterback Erik Ainge threw an interception, UAB had great field position on the Vols' 45-yard line. After moving the ball down to the 12, UAB failed to score on fourth down and Tennessee then ran out the clock.
The Vols travel to Florida Saturday while UAB plays at Troy.
Wyoming at Florida
The Urban Meyer era at Florida got off to a good start with a 32-14 victory over Wyoming. Florida quarterback Chris Leak completed 26-of-34 passes for 320 yards and threw three touchdowns in the win.
This week, Florida is at home against Louisiana Tech and Wyoming is also at home against Louisiana-Monroe.
Missouri State at Arkansas
Arkansas opened the season with a 49-17 victory over Missouri State Saturday night. Peyton Hillis ran for 135 yards and three touchdowns, and the Razorbacks rushed for 483 yards, their most since running for 501 against Air Force in 1975.
Arkansas led 28-3 at halftime, but Division I-AA Missouri State made it 28-17 on an 86-yard touchdown run by P.J. Ikner in the third quarter. The Razorbacks put the game away in the fourth and now look forward to their game against Vanderbilt in Fayetteville Saturday.
Murray State at Mississippi State
The Bulldogs had an easy 38-6 victory against Murray State. Mississippi State quarterback Omarr Conner was 17-of-24 passing for 233 yards and threw a career-high four touchdown passes. Jerious Norwood rushed for 123 yards on 16 carries for the Bulldogs, and Mississippi State outgained the Racers 482-229 in total yards.
Mississippi State plays at Auburn this weekend as both teams open SEC play.
Vanderbilt at Wake Forest
Vandy came from behind late in the fourth quarter to win on the road 24-20. Quarterback Jay Cutler completed 25-of-36 pass attempts and threw for 276 yards and a touchdown in the victory.
Jeff Jennings scored late in the fourth on a five-yard run to secure the road win for the Commodores. Vanderbilt finished with 146 rushing yards while Wake Forest racked up 274 yards.
The Deamon Deacons play at Nebraska and Vanderbilt travels to Arkansas this weekend.
Louisville at Kentucky
12th-ranked Louisville played well in the first half before only kicking a field goal in the entire second half. The Cardinals led 28-7 at halftime and held off a second half surge by Kentucky to win 31-24 Sunday afternoon.
The Wildcats almost tied the game midway in the fourth, but Louisville came up with a huge stop. Andre Woodson, Kentucky's quarterback, had a chance to score from seven-yards out, but Louisville's Brandon Johnson stopped Woodson just before the goal line and stripped the ball loose before falling on it. The Cardinals were then able to control the clock by gaining some first downs.
Michael Bush ran for 128 yards for Louisville and Andre Woodson threw for 278 yards and two touchdowns for Kentucky. The Cardinals face Oregon State September 17 at home and the Wildcats play Idaho State this weekend.
Predictions For Week Two SEC Games
The first week of predictions were 9-2. This week's games, Auburn opens up SEC play at home against Miss. St., Georgia and South Carolina square off in Athens, and Southern Miss travels to Alabama.Mississippi State at Auburn, 11:30 a.m CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Mississippi State won its opener against I-AA Murray State 38-6 and now has a tough task of visiting Jordan-Hare Stadium after Auburn's disappointing loss to Georgia Tech. The Tigers have spent this week watching film to try and figure out how to correct the mistakes that were made against the Yellow Jackets. Auburn needs to see improvement from quarterback Brandon Cox and the running game. If they want to get off to a good start in conference play, they will also need to put more than 14 points on the scoreboard.
The Bulldogs are expected to be more competitive this year and have a decent quarterback in Omarr Conner and Jerious Norwood is a tailback who is capable of rushing for big yards. While Auburn failed to stop Reggie Ball and P.J. Daniels last week, Conner and Norwood will provide similar problems for the Tigers' defense this week. Head coach Sylvester Croom is in his second season and is still building his program. Luckily for Croom, Conner and Norwood are good enough to help the Bulldogs improve on a 3-8 record from last season.
Auburn leads the series 54-22-2 and also leads in games played on the Plains, 24-5. The meeting in Starkville last year resulted in a 43-14 victory for the Tigers but the game Saturday should be much closer. While many Tiger fans fear Auburn will have trouble putting the stinging loss to Tech behind them, Auburn should rebound and open conference play with a victory. The Tigers have won 12 straight SEC openers dating back to 1993 and that streak continues with a 24-17 victory over Mississippi State.
Southern Miss at Alabama, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN2
Southern Miss wasn't able to play last week because of Hurricane Katrina. Head coach Jeff Bower should have his team ready to play against Alabama despite the distractions from Katrina. Bower has led the Eagles to 11 straight winning seasons, including a 7-5 finish a year ago. Southern Miss returns plenty of talent from last year's team but the Eagles haven't had much luck against the Tide in recent years. Alabama has won the last four meetings, including a 27-3 triumph a year ago. The Tide also holds a 33-6-2 lead in the series.
While Alabama won easily last week against Middle Tennessee St., the offense struggled at times but still produced three touchdowns behind 345 total yards. The Tide's defense played well against the Blue Raiders and held them to just two first downs and 22 total yards in the second half. Alabama's defense is expected to play well all season and they should have another solid performance against Southern Miss this week. Alabama improves to 2-0 after a 21-10 victory.
South Carolina at Georgia, 4:30 p.m. CT, ESPN
Both teams won last week and will be looking to start conference play with a win. Georgia has won three straight in the series and is 24-6 against the Gamecocks in Athens including 19-5 in Sanford Stadium.
Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley was impressive last week when he set a school record by accounting for six touchdowns (5 passing, 1 rushing). He was 16-for-24 for 289 yards and a team-high 85 yards rushing in just three quarters. USC's defense struggled some last week against Central Florida and they will have their hands full trying to slow down Shockley.
While Steve Spurrier is back on the sidelines, he simply doesn't have the talent to beat the Bulldogs. Even though recent games in this series have been close, Shockley is very confident after his performance last week and he will have another solid game against the Gamecocks. Georgia makes it four straight against USC after a 38-17 victory.
LSU at Arizona State, 7:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
The game was moved to Tempe due to Hurricane Katrina. LSU had to postpone their season-opener against North Texas last week. The game Saturday marks the first-ever meeting between LSU and Arizona State. Arizona State opened the season with a 63-16 victory over Temple. Running back Keegan Herring carried the ball 12 times for 134 yards and 1 touchdown in his Sun Devil debut to become the first true freshman to rush for over 100 yards since Mike Williams during the 2000 season.
New LSU head coach Les Miles makes his debut on the road in a tough environment. If this game was being played in Baton Rouge, the Tigers would have the advantage. But with a new system and all of the distractions from last week, it will be hard for LSU to win on the road. The Sun Devils should win the low-scoring contest, 17-14.
Louisiana Tech at Florida, 5 p.m. CT
Florida gave Urban Meyer his first win as head coach with a 32-14 victory against Wyoming last Saturday. Meyer, who won multiple National Coach of the Year honors in 2003 and 2004 after posting a 22-2 record at Utah, brings a 17-game winning streak into the matchup against Louisiana Tech. The streak is the second-longest for any active head coach in the country behind Southern Cal's Pete Carroll (23).
Quarterback Chris Leak played well last week completing 26-of-34 passes for 320 yards. The defense for the Gators also looked impressive against the Cowboys and should improve each week once they get comfortable under Meyer's system.
The game against Florida will be the first of the year for the Bulldogs, who are coming off a 6-6 record in the 2004 season. The Louisiana Tech offensive unit lost six starters from a year ago, and there is not a proven leader at quarterback. The defense returns only four starters from a year ago. Florida will have complete control by halftime and will begin to look ahead to their matchup against Tennessee September 17. In the end, the Gators win 51-13.
Vanderbilt at Arkansas 6 p.m. CT
Vanderbilt is 1-0 for the first time in eight years after beating Wake Forest 24-20 last Thursday. Prior to the Wake Forest game, the last season opener won by the Commodores was a 29-12 victory against North Texas in 1997. Vanderbilt has a chance to have a decent team this year but they'll have a tough road game at Arkansas.
The Razorbacks rushed for 483 yards last week against Southwest Missouri State. Peyton Hillis rushed for 135 yards and three touchdowns, while freshman Felix Jones ran for 137 yards. While Arkansas' running game looks to be strong, the quarterback situation is a big question. The defense has a chance to be good as eight starters return, but it is the same defense that ranked 76th in total defense in 2004 and 50th in scoring defense.
This game should be close and the running game for the Razorbacks will be the difference. Arkansas wins 21-17.
Idaho State at Kentucky, 5 p.m. CT
This is the first-ever meeting between the Kentucky Wildcats and the Idaho State Bengals. Kentucky is 0-1 after a tough 31-24 loss to No. 12 Louisville last Sunday. The Wildcats rallied from a 21-point halftime deficit and held the Cardinals to just three points in the second half. Kentucky was led by wide receiver Keenan Burton who caught four passes for a career-high 98 yards and tailback Rafael Little, who rushed for a personal-best 71 yards. Quarterback Andre' Woodson completed 17-of-27 passes for 278 yards with two touchdowns.
Idaho State is 1-0 after a 38-13 win over Southern Utah. The Bengals are I-AA and even though they are playing Kentucky, I-AA teams usually mean easy victories for SEC teams. Kentucky should keep the momentum going they achieved in the second half against Louisville and win easily over Idaho State. Wildcats in a laugher, 44-7.
A Look Back At SEC Games From Week Two
Both Auburn and Georgia opened SEC play with victories at home. Auburn defeated Mississippi State 28-0 and Georgia won 17-15 over South Carolina. Alabama defeated Southern Miss 31-20 in Tuscaloosa.Mississippi State at Auburn
The Tigers bounced back from their season-opening loss to Georgia Tech last weekend to defeat Mississippi State 28-0 Saturday. Auburn's defense sacked Omarr Conner seven times for a loss of 35 yards and also recorded an interception. The stingy defense also held running back Jerious Norwood to just 39 yards on 10 carries.
Brandon Cox threw two touchdown passes in the first half and finished the afternoon with 12-of-18 completions for 202 yards. Cox found tight end Cole Bennett in the first stanza for a 33-yard touchdown strike that gave the Tigers an early 7-0 lead. Then in the second quarter, Cox hit Devin Aromashodu for a 5-yard touchdown pass that put Auburn up 14-0 at halftime.
Will Herring's fumble recovery on a misplayed punt turned into seven more points for the Tigers. Brad Lester scored from six-yards out to put his team up 28-0 in the fourth.
The shutout for the Tigers was their first in league play since beating Alabama 9-0 in 2000. Mississippi State has now lost 16 consecutive games against SEC West opponents.
Southern Miss at Alabama
Alabama defeated Southern Miss 30-21 in non-conference action Saturday night in Tuscaloosa. Brodie Croyle completed 21-of-37 pass attempts and threw a pair of touchdowns in the win.
The Tide's defense held the Golden Eagles' offense to just 199 yards of total offense. With a 21-17 lead at the half, Southern Miss failed to score in the second half. Alabama's Tim Castille scored twice from two-yards out in the second half to help the Tide defeat the Eagles. Alabama's offense racked up 470 total yards and the Tide is now 2-0.
Alabama opens conference play on the road this week at South Carolina.
South Carolina at Georgia
Georgia held off South Carolina in the fourth quarter to win 17-15 in Athens. D.J. Shockley completed just 8-of-17 passes for 112 yard and threw two interceptions for the Bulldogs.
Steve Spurrier is 11-2 all-time versus Georgia, with his only other defeat coming in 1997 when he coached at Florida. The Gamecocks fall to 1-1 on the season, while the Bulldogs improve to 2-0.
Georgia led 17-9 with 11:24 remaining in the fourth. South Carolina's Blake Mitchell got his team within two after his four-yard touchdown pass to Sydney Rice with 6:52 left to play. Mitchell then failed to find Rice in the end zone for the two-point conversion attempt. Georgia ran out most of the remaining time and then sealed the victory with a sack of Mitchell, forcing a 4th-and-19 on the South Carolina 13. The Gamecocks failed to get the ensuing first down in the final minute.
LSU at Arizona State
LSU opened their season with a 35-31 victory at Arizona State. JaMarcus Russell threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Early Doucet on fourth down with 1:13 left to play that gave the Tigers the come from behind victory. Russell finished 16-of-29 for 232 yards and capped a wild fourth quarter with the game-winning score.
Sam Keller had a huge performance in the loss for the Sun Devils. Keller threw for a career-high 461 yards along with four touchdowns, including a pair of scoring strikes that twice put Arizona State ahead in a final 15 minutes which featured 42 total points and five lead changes.
LSU is off this week and will host Tennessee September 24. The Sun Devils play Northwestern at home Saturday.
Vanderbilt at Arkansas
Vanderbilt opened SEC play with an exciting 28-24 come from behind victory over Arkansas in Fayetteville. Commodores' quarterback Jay Cutler found Marlon White from six yards out with 26 seconds left in the fourth for the winning touchdown. Culter completed 23-of-45 pass attempts for 278 yards and Vanderbilt is 2-0 on the young season.
The contest was tied 10-10 at the half and the Commodores took a 13-10 lead early in the third when Bryant Hahnfeldt hit a 28-yard field goal. Arkansas answered quickly and scored a pair of touchdowns to take a 24-13 lead heading into the fourth. In the fourth, the Commodores pulled within three points thanks to a Cutler 20-yard touchdown pass and two-point conversion toss to White, who would be heard from again in the game's final minute.
Vanderbilt has an excellent chance to become 3-0 when they host Ole Miss this week, while Arkansas travels to No. 1 ranked Southern Cal.
Louisiana Tech at Florida
Florida dominated La Tech at home Saturday and improved to 2-0 after the 41-3 victory. Chris Leak completed 13-of-23 passes for 219 yards for the Gators and also passed for two touchdowns. DeShawn Wynn added 101 rushing yards and three total touchdowns for Florida.
Florida Head coach Urban Meyer has won 18 straight games as a head coach and will look to extend that streak when his team opens conference play at home against 6th-ranked Tennessee. The Vols were off this week after beating UAB 17-10 September 3.
Idaho State at Kentucky
Kentucky bounced back from a disappointing 31-24 loss to Louisville on September 3 to defeat I-AA Idaho State 41-29 Saturday night in Lexington. The Wildcats' Rafael Little rushed for a career-high 104 yards and returned a fourth-quarter kickoff 99 yards for a touchdown.
The Bengals actually led 29-28 with 5:06 left in the fourth before Little put Kentucky up for good with the 99-yard kickoff return. It was the first kickoff return for a touchdown by Kentucky since November 2002, and the fourth-longest return in school history.
The Wildcats hit the road this week for a non-conference game at Indiana.
Predictions For Week Three SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 5-2, and overall they are 14-4. This week, Auburn and Georgia play non-conference games at home. In conference action, Alabama and South Carolina battle in Columbia, and Tennessee plays in The Swamp against Florida.Ball State at Auburn, 1:30 p.m CT, Pay-Per-View
Auburn's only meeting with Ball State was back in 2001 and the Tigers won 30-0. The Cardinals face an Auburn team that's 1-1 on the season, while Ball State is 0-2 after losing to Iowa 56-0 and Bowling Green 40-31. This season, the Cardinals will have played Iowa, Auburn, and Boston College. Last Year, they also played Boston College, Purdue and Missouri.
The Tigers are still searching for a running game. Overall, Auburn's running backs have gained 151 yards in two games. Tre Smith may miss Saturday's game after injuring his knee in the first half against Mississippi State. This week's game, and the game against Western Kentucky next week should give Auburn's running backs a chance to gain experience before the Tigers face tough SEC opponents in October and November.
Ball State will be without seven players when they visit the Plains because of NCAA violations that found athletes obtained textbooks not required for their own courses. Look for Auburn's defense to play well again this week and the Cardinals will fail to put any points on the scoreboard. The Tigers win 41-0.
Alabama at South Carolina, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS
South Carolina enters the game with Alabama very confident after a strong performance in Athens last weekend. The Gamecocks came up short in the 17-15 loss but had a chance to upset the Bulldogs. Alabama owns a 9-3 lead in the all-time series with South Carolina.
USC needs to be successful both in the air and on the ground. Quarterback Blake Mitchell has been solid so far, but the Gamecocks' rushing game has been weak. In the victory over Central Florida, USC netted 43 yards on 23 attempts, and in the loss to Georgia, the Gamecocks managed only 32 rushing yards on 28 carries. USC head coach Steve Spurrier wants to run the ball against a Tide defense that's excellent in stopping the run. Mitchell will have to be on top of his game if the Gamecocks want to win.
Alabama's rushing attack hasn't been all that impressive either. Quarterback Brodie Croyle is healthy and will be the key for the Tide in Saturday's game. Since the Gamecocks held D.J. Shockley to 8-of-17 passing with a pair of interceptions in last week's loss, they'll look to have the same performance this week and stop Croyle from putting up big numbers. While USC came up short last week, they should bounce back and win at home, 21-17.
Tennessee at Florida, 7 p.m. CT, CBS
In last year's meeting in Knoxville, the Vols kicked a field goal late in the fourth quarter to win 30-28. Under first year head coach Urban Meyer the Gators are 2-0, and the Vols are 1-0 after a 17-10 victory over UAB September 3.
Tennessee is ranked fifth and this matches the third-highest ranked Volunteer squad the Gators have ever faced as UT was No. 4 in 1997 and 2002. Four of the last seven games in the series have been decided by three points or less. The Gators are12-6 when Florida and Tennessee are both ranked.
Since the game in being played in The Swamp, Florida has the edge. The Gators by 10, 27-17.
Louisiana-Monroe at Georgia, 12:00 p.m. CT
Seventh-ranked Georgia takes on UL-Monroe in Athens. The Indians are 0-2 after losing to Wyoming and I-AA Northwestern State. The Bulldogs have been impressive so far this season, especially on defense. Georgia is 2-0 after big wins at home against Boise State and South Carolina. This weekend's game is the last of three straight home games to open the season for Georgia, and the squad has the tough task of playing its next three contests, all against SEC teams, on the road.
This contest will give head coach Mark Richt the opportunity to play a lot of young players while resting his starters so they'll be fresh for the next three games that are on the road. Expect the second and third string players to be on the field for Georgia before halftime. The Bulldogs can begin to look forward to the big matchup at Tennessee October 8. Georgia by 40, 47-7.
Arkansas at Southern California, 9:15 p.m. CT, FSN
Southern Cal is favored to win by 31 points and they could easily surpass that number. Arkansas is still trying to recover from the 28-24 loss to Vanderbilt at home last week. The Trojans are trying to win their third national championship in a row. They have also won a school-record 21 in a row at The Coliseum in Los Angeles. The only good news for the Razorbacks, they currently lead the nation in rushing offense. There's always bad news though when you play USC. The Trojans led the country last season in rushing defense.
USC dominates every team they play, and Saturday's game will have the same results. The Trojans win big, 51-10.
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
News coming out of Nashville over the summer had Vanderbilt being a much improved team in 2005, and so far the predictions were correct. With the road win at Arkansas last week, the Commodores matched their total for wins for the entire season last year.
After two victories on the road, Vanderbilt finally has a chance to play in front of the home crowd in Nashville this week. In the series with Ole Miss, the Commodores hold a 24-20-2 lead in games played in Nashville, although the Rebels have won the last five meetings at Vanderbilt Stadium.
The Rebels are 1-0 after winning 10-6 at Memphis September 5. They are looking for their first 2-0 start since 2002. Ole Miss leads the series 45-32-2 and have won 11 of the last 12 meetings since 1992. Vanderbilt's last win in the series was a 37-34 overtime victory in Oxford back in 1999. The Commodores will stay hot and improve to 3-0 after a 21-15 victory.
Mississippi State at Tulane, 7 p.m. CT
Tulane's season gets underway after almost being cancelled because of the damage left by Katrina. The Green Wave will use Louisiana Tech's facilities for the remainder of the year. Last year, Tulane finished 5-6 but should be able to improve on that mark with the return of several key players on each side of the ball. In the meeting last year with the Bulldogs, MSU won 28-7. With the win, the Bulldogs improved to 28-25-2 all-time against the Green Wave.
MSU is 1-1 after winning at home against Murray State in the season opener and then were blanked by Auburn 28-0 last weekend. Omarr Conner and Jerious Norwood failed to do much against the stingy Auburn defense. Tulane will be ready to play on Saturday after a long wait to start its season. MSU is still trying to figure out what went wrong against Auburn. The Green Wave start their season with a win, 24-14.
Kentucky at Indiana, 5:45 p.m. CT, ESPN Classic
Kentucky has won three straight in the series, including a 51-32 victory last season in Lexington. The overall series is deadlocked at 17-17-1. Indiana holds a 9-3-1 lead in games played in Bloomington. With a win Saturday, the Hoosiers would be 3-0 for the first time since 1994. The Wildcats are 1-1 after losing to Louisville and beating Idaho State 41-29 last Saturday.
If Kentucky plays like they did in the second half against Louisville, they could hand Indiana its first loss of the season. Even though the Wildcats have won three straight in the series, the Hoosiers will end that streak with a close 28-24 victory.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Three
Auburn and Georgia won easily at home in non-conference action. Florida won an important SEC game at home against Tennessee, and Alabama won on the road at South Carolina.Ball State at Auburn
In non-conference action at Jordan-Hare Stadium, the Tigers crushed Ball State 63-3. Kenny Irons led Auburn with 147 yards on 11 carries and two touchdowns.
In the contest, the Tigers rushed for 390 yards, had five tailbacks score and reached the end zone on every possession against the Cardinals. Brandon Cox was solid passing for 171 yards on 16-of-19 attempts and a score.
Ball State avoided the shutout with a 33-yard field goal by Brian Jackson at the 9:06 mark of the third quarter, but even that was answered on the ensuing kickoff with a 93-yard return for a touchdown by Brad Lester.
Auburn plays at home again this week when they face I-AA Western Kentucky for homecoming. Kickoff Saturday is at 1:30 p.m. CT.
Alabama at South Carolina
South Carolina's offense struggled at home in the 37-14 loss to Alabama. The Gamecocks gained just 71 yards on 19 rushing plays, and converted only 4-of-12 third-down attempts.
After USC tied the game 7-7 in the first quarter, the Tide scored 30 unanswered points, beginning with a 46-yard scoring strike from Brodie Croyle to Keith Brown with 3:06 to play in the first. Croyle finished the contest 12-of-21 for 115 yards.
With just under six minutes remaining in the game, the Gamecocks finally scored again when Blake Mitchell found Sidney Rice for a six-yard touchdown pass, resulting in a 23-point victory for Alabama.
Alabama plays Arkansas at home Saturday while USC hosts Troy.
Tennessee at Florida
Florida head coach Urban Meyer ran his overall winning streak to 19 straight games after the 16-7 victory over Tennessee. Meyer has the second longest active winning streak in the country behind only Southern California's Pete Carroll.
Tied 7-7 at halftime, three field goals in the second half by Chris Hetland helped the Gators knock off the Vols in The Swamp. Hetland was good from 38-yards and 35-yards in the third quarter, then added a short 20-yard kick in the fourth that gave Florida a two-score lead.
Tennessee tries to bounce back from the loss on the road at LSU this week and the Gators play at Kentucky.
Louisiana-Monroe at Georgia
Georgia defeated UL-Monroe 44-7 in Athens Saturday. D.J. Shockley completed 13-of-20 passes for 246 yards with a touchdown, while also rushing for 44 yards and a score on just three attempts.
UL-Monroe got as close as 10 points early in the third after a two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Steven Jyles. Georgia answered quickly and extended its lead 20-7 on a 40-yard field goal by Brandon Coutu, then went up 27-7 on Kregg Lumpkin's 18-yard touchdown run.
Charles Johnson added a defensive touchdown late in the third, recovering a fumble in the end zone. Coutu then nailed a 58-yard field goal to make the score 37-7 with 5:27 left to play. The final touchdown in the game for the Bulldogs came on Tyson Browning's 16-yard run after a UL-Monroe turnover.
Arkansas at Southern California
Matt Leinart ended the night with 18-of-24 completions for 381 yards and four touchdowns as No. 1 Southern California won easily 70-17 over Arkansas. Leinart has now thrown 78 touchdown passes in his career, surpassing John Elway (77) for second place in Pac-10 history. Reggie Bush contributed 195 total yards, including 125 on the ground, to go along with two scores for the two-time defending national champion Trojans, who extended the country's longest winning streak to 24 games.
USC scored a touchdown on 10 of its 13 possessions and amassed 736 net yards, compared to just 326 by the Razorbacks.
Arkansas plays a tough road game against Alabama this week, while the Trojans play at Oregon.
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is 3-0 after beating Ole Miss 31-23. Commodore running back Jeff Jennings rushed for 103 yards and three touchdowns, while quarterback Jay Cutler threw for 314 yards on 24-of-41 completions.
Jennings' final rushing touchdown came from one yard out with just 1:26 remaining to give Vanderbilt an eight-point lead. With their final chance, the Rebels lost quarterback Michael Spurlock to injury near midfield. Backup Robert Lane drove Ole Miss down to the Vanderbilt 16-yard line, but fumbled on third-and-five and the Commodores' Moses Osemwegie recovered with one second left to secure the win.
Vanderbilt, who had lost 11 of their last 12 meetings with the Rebels coming into the contest, outgained Ole Miss 523-400 on the day. The Rebels host Wyoming this week and the Commodores play Richmond at home.
Mississippi State at Tulane
In Shreveport, Tulane lost its first game of the season 21-14 to MSU. Bulldog running back Jerious Norwood rushed for 99 yards on 21 carries, and quarterback Omarr Conner threw for 108 yards on 13-of-26 attempts.
After a scoreless first half, MSU scored early in the third when Norwood pulled in a three-yard touchdown pass from Conner, then added to its lead midway through the quarter behind an Eric Butler 18-yard touchdown reception from Conner. Tulane finally scored when Damarcus Davis caught an11-yard touchdown pass from Lester Ricard. Then early in the fourth, the Green Wave made it 14-14 when Jovon Jackson ran for an 18-yard touchdown.
The Bulldogs put the game away when Norwood scored from 17-yards out and then the defense kept Tulane from scoring for the remainder of the contest. Neither team had much success moving the ball, as Tulane finished with just 293 total yards and MSU had only 225 yards.
MSU returns to conference action this week when they host seventh-ranked Georgia. Tulane plays at SMU.
Kentucky at Indiana
In non-conference action, Indiana improved to 3-0 after a 38-14 victory over Kentucky. Blake Powers completed 17-of-22 passes for 135 yards and four touchdowns for the Hoosiers and Chris Taylor finished with 176 yards on 17 attempts.
Indiana led 17-0 at the half and the Wildcats finally got on the board early in the third quarter when Rafael Little scored from 13-yards out. The Hoosiers extended their lead back to 17 points following a nine-yard pass from Powers to Brandon Walker-Roby just over a minute later, then Powers found James Hardy for a four-yard touchdown pass at the 1:26 mark in the third quarter.
Kentucky cut Indiana's lead to 31-14 when Andre' Woodson threw a 79-yard touchdown to Scott Mitchell. The fourth quarter opened with a one-yard touchdown run by Yamar Washington, giving Indiana the 24-point victory.
Kentucky meets Florida at home this week and the Hoosiers play at Wisconsin.
Predictions For Week Four SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 6-2, and overall they are 20-6. The top game in the conference this week features Tennessee at LSU. In other games, Auburn plays Western Kentucky, Georgia plays at Mississippi St., and Alabama is home against Arkansas.Western Kentucky at Auburn, 1:30 p.m CT
Auburn meets the top-ranked team in I-AA this week for homecoming on the Plains. The Tigers have played Western Kentucky just once previously, earning a 48-3 home victory on Sept. 27, 2003. Among Division I-AA teams, Western Kentucky is ranked fourth in the nation in both rushing offense (322.0) and rushing defense (31.0) and is sixth in total offense (502.0). Senior Lerron Moore is ranked second in Division I-AA averaging 150 yards rushing per game.
Auburn's defense only allowed 198 yards against Ball State last week and has given up just three points to their two most recent opponents. Quarterback Brandon Cox completed 84 percent of his passes on 16-of-19 against the Cardinals. Five different running backs scored seven touchdowns. Kenny Irons and Brad Lester combined to rush for 238 yards on only 19 carries.
This week's game against Western Kentucky should be more competitive than the 63-3 victory over Ball State last week. Auburn will once again have the opportunity to play a lot of young players and also rest some of the starters before getting back into conference action Oct. 1. The Tigers win their final non-conference game of the regular-season 45-9.
Arkansas at Alabama, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Alabama displayed a strong performance against South Carolina last week. Arkansas was embarrassed at Southern Cal. It seems these two teams are headed in the opposite direction. The Crimson Tide are 3-0 and Mike Shula is off the hot seat for now. Meanwhile, Arkansas is 1-2 and Houston Nutt is in danger of losing his job. Nutt could probably save his job with a big win in Tuscaloosa, but that isn't likely.
Junior running back Kenneth Darby was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week after rushing for 145 yards and one touchdown against the Gamecocks. Quarterback Brodie Croyle seems to have found his game and the offensive line for the Crimson Tide has played well despite being young.
Alabama's defense is probably one of the best in the nation. They have held all three of their opponents to under 250 yards of total offense. The Tide should keep a sluggish Razorback offense under 250 yards this week. Also expect Alabama to score early and often. Arkansas loses big for the second straight week, 42-13.
Georgia at Mississippi State, 8 p.m. CT, ESPN2
The battle of the Bulldogs takes place in Starkville. This is the first time they have played since 1997. Georgia leads the all-time series 14-5, including 3-1 in Starkville. UGA is 3-0 on the young season and the defense has been solid so far. In the three victories, the unit has only allowed 35 points while forcing 12 turnovers. On offense, D.J. Shockley averages 7.7 yards per carry while also throwing the ball effectively.
Mississippi State had a pretty big win on the road against Tulane last week, but the return to conference play against Georgia means they'll face a much better defense. Look for UGA to contain MSU quarterback Omarr Conner and running back Jerious Norwood much like Auburn did a few weeks ago. Georgia by 25, 35-10.
Tennessee at LSU, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
LSU had last week off while Tennessee lost 16-7 at Florida. In the loss to the Gators, the Vols' offense was anemic. No receiver had even 30 yards receiving, and running back Gerald Riggs rushed for only 86 yards. Tennessee also botched four separate special teams plays — a fumbled punt return, a poorly executed fake punt, a shanked punt and a blocked field goal attempt — which was the difference between winning and losing to the Gators.
The Tigers will be ready play for their home opener. LSU is 1-0 after a 35-31 victory at Arizona State. The defense gave up 461 passing yards against the Sun Devils and that would be a concern if they were playing a team with a strong passing game. The quarterback rotation of Erik Ainge and Rick Clausen for the Vols hasn't produced much offense. In two games this season, Tennessee has scored 24 total points.
In four of the last six meetings in this series, both teams have scored at least 20 points. In this year's meeting, only one team will score more than 20 points and that team will be LSU. The Tigers improve to 2-0 after the 24-14 victory.
Florida at Kentucky, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS
Florida is 3-0 under new head coach Urban Meyer. The Gators have won 18 straight against Kentucky. Florida's 18-game win streak against the Wildcats is the fifth longest current streak on the NCAA major division I most consecutive wins over a major opponent in an uninterrupted series list. The Wildcats' last win over the Gators was a 10-3 decision in Lexington in 1986.
The Gators may get caught looking ahead to next week's game at Alabama. That shouldn't happen as Meyer will have his team ready to play in Lexington. Florida makes it 19 straight against Kentucky after the 40-10 victory.
Troy at South Carolina, 6 p.m. CT, Pay-Per-View
The game Saturday will be the second meeting between these two schools. In the 17-7 victory last year for USC, the Gamecocks' defense limited the Trojans to just nine first downs and 207 total yards. Both teams suffered disappointing losses last week. Against Alabama, USC was held to under 300 yards of total offense and they haven't scored more than 24 points in any game this season.
The Trojans have struggled in the running game on both sides of the ball. Troy's opponents have rushed for 538 yards in three games, an average of 179.3 yards per contest, while the Trojans have gained just 155 yards rushing, an average of 51.7 yards per game.
Troy's defense is down from where it was last year and this should give USC a chance to get things going on offense. The Gamecocks finally put a lot of points on the scoreboard in the 30-7 victory.
Wyoming at Ole Miss, 6 p.m. CT
After losing 37-32 in the first-ever meeting with Wyoming last year in Laramie, Ole Miss never really recovered. The Rebels have a new head coach this year and will be looking for some revenge at home against the Cowboys. They will also look to bounce back from last week's loss to Vanderbilt.
Wyoming is 2-1 on the season after losing 32-14 at Florida to start the season, then they beat UL-Monroe at home and won at home against Air Force. In last year's meeting with Ole Miss, the Rebels outgained Wyoming, but had some costly turnovers in the second half. This year's contest should be close again with the Rebels coming out on top, 27-23.
Richmond at Vanderbilt, 6 p.m. CT
Vanderbilt is 3-0 to start a season for the first time since it produced a 4-0 record to start the 1984 campaign, and is 2-0 in the SEC for the first time since 1956. In non-conference action this week, the Commodores meet 1-2 Richmond. The Spiders loss to UMass and Lafayette to start the season before winning at Maine 26-21 last week.
Commodore quarterback Jay Cutler needs 17 yards to pass Greg Zolman's mark of 7,696 all-purpose yards for the school record. Vanderbilt may have a letdown this week after the big win over Ole Miss last week. With the next four games at home, the Commodores could possibly be 7-0. They'll definitely be 4-0 after the 38-12 victory over Richmond.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Four
Auburn took care of Western Kentucky at home. Both Alabama and Florida won to remain undefeated and will meet October 1 in Tuscaloosa. Vanderbilt is off to a great start and is the surprise team in the conference with a 4-0 record.Western Kentucky at Auburn
In his first career start, Blake Field led Auburn to a 37-14 victory over top-ranked I-AA Western Kentucky. Field completed 13-of-20 passes for 200 yards and threw three touchdowns in the contest after Brandon Cox got sick with a stomach virus and was unable to play. Cox will return as the starting quarterback when the Tigers host South Carolina Saturday night at 6 p.m. CT. The game can be seen on ESPN2.
Auburn led 24-0 at halftime and held the Hilltoppers to just 98 yards total offense in the first half. For the second week in a row, Kenny Irons rushed for over 100 yards. Irons rushed 18 times for 111 yards and scored a touchdown. The Tigers finished with 209 total yards on the ground.
Western Kentucky scored two fourth quarter touchdowns against the second-string Auburn defense. Quarterback Justin Haddix rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown and completed 11-of-21 passes for 176 yards for the Hilltoppers. He was intercepted twice.
Arkansas at Alabama
Alabama scored late in the fourth to put the game out of reach and improved to 4-0. Quarterback Brodie Croyle found D.J. Hall all alone in the endzone with 2:22 left to give the Crimson Tide the 24-13 conference victory. Croyle finished with 173 yards on 13-of-27 attempts and two touchdown passes.
Both offenses struggled in the first half and Alabama took a 7-3 lead into halftime. The Tide opened the third quarter with a 36-yard field goal by Jamie Christensen to go up 10-3. The score remained 10-3 until early in the fourth when Tim Castille scored from one-yard out with 14:53 left in the contest.
Arkansas fought back to cut Alabama's lead to 17-10 on just two plays that covered 82 yards. The Razorbacks then blocked a punt and Chris Balseiro cut it to 17-13 with his 27-yard field goal with 9:53 remaining. Alabama's Juwan Simpson then intercepted a Robert Johnson pass that set up the final touchdown pass by Croyle.
The Crimson Tide play fifth-ranked Florida at home this week and the Razorbacks have the weekend off.
Florida at Kentucky
Chris Leak had a huge day to lead Florida to a 49-29 victory over Kentucky in Lexington. Leak went 25-of-32 for 319 yards with four touchdowns on the afternoon and the Gators now look forward to the showdown with undefeated Alabama Saturday in Tuscaloosa. The game will be nationally televised by CBS with a kickoff time set for 2:30 p.m. CT.
With the victory Saturday, Florida has won 19 in a row over Kentucky and the Gators lead the all-time series 39-17.
Wyoming at Ole Miss
In Oxford, Wyoming defeated Ole Miss 24-14 in non-conference action. The Cowboys' Corey Bramlet completed 17-of-33 attempts for 220 yards and threw two touchdowns. Wyoming improves to 3-1 on the season, while the Rebels fall to 1-2.
Mico McSwain gave Ole Miss an early 7-0 lead on a 60-yard touchdown run. Wyoming then scored 24 unanswered points, beginning with a five-yard touchdown run by Wynel Seldon with 4:35 to play in the second. Jovon Bouknight, who finished with four catches for 60 yards, reeled in a 29-yard scoring strike from Bramlet, but a missed PAT left the Cowboys with a 13-7 advantage at halftime.
In the third, kicker Deric Yaussi's 53-yard field goal pushed the Wyoming advantage to 16-7. With six seconds to play in the quarter Bramlet hit Wade Betschart with a four-yard touchdown pass and then found Jason Wallace for the two-point conversion to go up 24-7.
Ole Miss backup quarterback Michael Spurlock, who completed 5-of-14 passes for 83 yards, found Mike Espy on a 41-yard TD connection at the 1:33 mark in the fourth to cut the margin to 10 points.
The Rebels play at Tennessee October 1 and Wyoming hosts UNLV.
Richmond at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt is 4-0 for the first time since 1984 after an easy 37-13 victory over I-AA Richmond. Quarterback Jay Cutler completed 28-of-40 for 263 yards and three touchdowns. Cutler set the school's total yardage record with 6,769 and also broke the touchdown record with 44.
The Commodores are just two wins away from becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1982. They host Middle Tennessee State in non-conference action this week.
Troy at South Carolina
South Carolina finally put a lot of points on the scoreboard against Troy and won at home 45-20. Gamecock quarterback Blake Mitchell completed 11-of-14 pass attempts for 177 yards and two touchdowns during the contest. Mitchell left with an apparent leg injury, but x-rays did not show any broken bones.
The highlight for the Trojans came on Leodis McKelvin's 100-yard kickoff return in the second quarter. Troy is 1-3 on the season, USC is now 2-2.
The Gamecocks return to conference action this week at Auburn and Troy plays at North Texas.
Georgia at Mississippi State
No. 7 Georgia defeated Mississippi State 23-10 in Starkville. D.J. Shockley threw for two touchdowns and Danny Ware and Leonard Pope both had touchdown catches for the Bulldogs. Shockley ended the night 21-of-36 for 312 yards as Georgia improved to 4-0 overall, 2-0 in the conference.
MSU took an early 3-0 after Keith Andrews hit a 34-yard field goal. Then on its ensuing possession, Georgia took a 7-3 lead after Shockley hit Ware on a 28-yard touchdown pass. Georgia went up 14-3 late in the second after Leonard Pope caught a 10-yard touchdown pass from Shockley.
Georgia scored on its first two possessions in the second half after kicker Brandon Coutu connected on kicks of 28 and 23-yards to extend Georgia's lead. Coutu also kicked another 23-yarder in the fourth quarter to put Georgia up 23-3. MSU scored in the fourth when Omarr Conner found Eric Butler four-yards out, but Georgia's defense held MSU from scoring late in the fourth to seal the victory.
Georgia has the weekend off before playing at Tennessee October 8. MSU hosts LSU this week.
Predictions For Week Five SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 6-2, and overall they are 26-8. The big matchup this week features Florida at Alabama. Both teams are 4-0 and nationally ranked. Auburn returns to conference action at home this week against South Carolina.South Carolina at Auburn, 6:00 p.m CT, ESPN2
Brandon Cox will be back under center this week after being out with a stomach virus last week when Western Kentucky visited Jordan-Hare. Backup Blake Field did a nice job in his first-career start against the Hilltoppers. After two straight games against non-conference opponents, Auburn's next seven are against SEC opponents, beginning with South Carolina at home this week.
The Gamecocks are fresh off a 45-20 victory against Troy last week. Quarterback Blake Mitchell suffered a leg injury and is doubtful to play against the Tigers. That gives Steve Spurrier no choice but to start backup Antonio Heffner in an hostile environment on the road. The Auburn defense should create a lot of turnovers as Heffner is likely to make some crucial mistakes. The USC running game has been weak this season with Mike Davis gaining just 138 total yards in four games.
The Tigers' offense has been solid since the sub-par performance against Georgia Tech. Running back Kenny Irons will look to have a big game against his former team as he tries to rush for over 100 yards in the third straight game. The injury situation looks good for Auburn and the starters are well rested after not playing much against Ball State and Western Kentucky. The stingy defense is only allowing 10 points per contest and it should hold the Gamecocks at or below 10. Auburn wins easily 34-10.
Florida at Alabama, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS
This should be a defensive battle as both teams have excellent defenses. Florida ranks fifth in overall defense and Alabama comes in ranked seventh. Both teams running games haven't been too impressive. The Gators average only 3.64 yards per attempt, and the Tide doesn't fair much better.
Both teams enter the game undefeated for the second time in the series and both are ranked for the 10th time in the series and the eighth time in the last nine meetings. The Crimson Tide holds a 19-12 edge, however, Florida has won seven of the last 10 meetings. Florida quarterback Chris Leak and Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle will have to play well and the quarterback that doesn't make any mistakes should help his team win. Since Alabama hasn't really played a solid opponent this year, the edge goes to Florida to win this contest on the road. The Gators by 7, 21-14.
LSU at Mississippi State, 1:30 p.m. CT
LSU looked like two different teams in the overtime loss at home to Tennessee. The Tigers dominated the first half, then fell flat in the second. It'll be interesting to see if they bounce back after the tough defeat while also having a short week to prepare for Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs are 2-2 on the season and are 0-2 in conference play after losing to Auburn September 10 and Georgia last week. Mississippi State is still a few years away from being competitive in the conference, but have enough talent on this year's squad to possibly pull off an upset.
MSU has not won a game against a divisional opponent since the final league game of the 2001 season, a streak that has reached a school-record 16 games. That streak should continue this week against LSU. The Tigers take out their frustrations against the Bulldogs and win 28-13.
Ole Miss at Tennessee, 11:30 p.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Tennessee also has a short week to prepare for Ole Miss after Monday's game. The short week will be more pleasant for the Vols since they came from behind to win on the road. Tennessee holds a 42-18-1 advantage in the series and has won 11 straight in the series since a 41-17 win in 1984 and 13 of the last 14 dating back to 1981.
After suffering a disappointing defeat at Vanderbilt two weeks ago, the Rebels were outplayed by Wyoming last week. The 24–14 home loss was only the third home loss in 26 games at Oxford against non-conference opposition. The quarterback situation for Ole Miss is really in bad shape. Robert Lane and starter Michael Spurlock have both been ineffective. Without a solid quarterback, the Rebels will have trouble winning many games.
The Vols may have trouble staying focused against a struggling Ole Miss team. That isn't likely to happen as they carry the momentum that was established in the second half against LSU over to this game. Tennessee wins at home, 27-9.
Middle Tennessee State at Vanderbilt, 6 p.m. CT
Vandy quarterback Jay Cutler continues to play well and that has helped the Commodores start 4-0 for the first time since 1984. Last week against Richmond, Cutler completed 70 percent of his passes on 28-of-40 for 262 yards.
This week, Middle Tennessee hopes to knock off Vandy and spoil their perfect season. The Blue Raiders had the week off to prepare for this game. To have a chance they’ll need to improve on the offensive side of the ball. MTSU is 0–3 and have failed to score more than seven points in each of their three losses.
The Commodores' offense and defense is too solid to let the Blue Raiders pull off the upset in Nashville. Vandy improves to 5-0 for the first time since 1937 after the 28-14 victory.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Five
Auburn defeated South Carolina 48-7, Alabama looked impressive at home against Florida, and Vanderbilt was upset by Middle Tennessee State in Nashville.South Carolina at Auburn
The Tigers improved to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the SEC after an impressive 48-7 victory over the Gamecocks. Auburn's defense held South Carolina to two first downs and 78 yards of total offense in the first half. It was the fourth game in a row that Auburn held its opponent scoreless in the first half.
With the loss, Steve Spurrier has now lost three straight Southeastern Conference games for the first time in his career. The Gamecocks fall to 2-3 overall and will face Kentucky at home this week.
Auburn has a much needed weekend off this week before going on the road October 15 at Arkansas and at LSU, October 22.
Florida at Alabama
Alabama dominated Florida and improved to 5-0 for the first time since 1996. The 31-3 victory helped the Tide move up to No. 7 in the latest AP poll, its highest ranking since being third in the September 3, 2000 poll.
Brodie Croyle completed 14-of-17 passes for 283 yards and two touchdowns. Tyrone Prothro was on the receiving end for most of those yards and caught both touchdowns. Things ended on a sour note for Prothro in the fourth quarter when he broke his leg in two places, which likely ended his season.
It was the Gators' worst defeat since losing 36-7 to LSU in 2002 and ended head coach Urban Meyer's personal 20-game winning streak at Utah and Florida. The Gators will look to bounce back against Mississippi State this week, while Alabama has the weekend off.
LSU at Mississippi State
LSU bounced back from a disappointing loss to Tennessee to defeat the Bulldogs 37-7. Mississippi State has now lost 17 straight against SEC Western Division opponents. LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell completed 20-of-23 passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns.
The last win for Mississippi State over an SEC West team was a 36-28 victory over Ole Miss in 2001. Omarr Conner was 9-of-22 for 141 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Bulldogs, who have dropped six straight and 13 of their last 14 meetings with LSU.
This week, LSU is at Vanderbilt and Mississippi State travels to Florida.
Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt
Vanderbilt came up short with no time left in regulation and lost 17-15 in non-conference action to MTSU. The 36-yard field goal attempt by Bryant Hahnfeldt was blocked and the Commodores' perfect season was spoiled by the 1-3 Blue Raiders.
The Commodores scored the only points of the first quarter on a 42-yard field goal by Hahnfeldt. MTSU would answer with back-to-back rushing touchdowns, a three-yard run by Clint Marks and an eight-yard run by Eugene Gross late in the second quarter.
Down 14-3, Hanfeldt was good from 20-yards out to make the score 14-6 at the half. Vanderbilt then got to within five in the third on another field goal by Hahnfeldt, this time from 42-yards out. Quarterback Jay Cutler then found Erik Davis on a 16-yard touchdown pass early in the fourth, but a failed two-point conversion left the Commodores leading only 15-14. The Blue Raiders then regained the lead with less than seven minutes left in regulation, as Colby Smith connected on a 29-yard kick.
With the loss, Vanderbilt falls to 4-1 and takes on LSU at home this week.
Ole Miss at Tennessee
Tennessee handled Ole Miss at Neyland Stadium and improves to 3-1 overall, 2-1 SEC. In the 27-10 victory, Gerald Riggs Jr. ran for 125 yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Rick Clausen completed 18 of his 35 attempts for 206 yards. The Volunteers have won the last 12 meetings with the Rebels.
Tennessee hosts Georgia this week in an important game that could decide the SEC East. Ole Miss plays the Citadel in non-conference action.
Predictions For Week Six SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 3-2, overall they are 29-10. The big game in the SEC this week features UGA at Tennessee. UGA is 4-0, UT is 3-1 and both teams are ranked in the top ten. Auburn is off this week and returns to action Oct. 15 at Arkansas.Georgia at Tennessee, 2:30 p.m CT, CBS
Last year, Georgia's 17-game winning streak at Sanford Stadium was snapped by the Vols in a 19–14 loss that kept them out of a third consecutive SEC Championship Game. That marked Phil Fulmer’s only win in the last five years against Mark Richt.
Bulldog quarterback D.J. Shockley and Tennessee quarterback Rick Clausen did not start in last year's contest. Shockley has started in each of Georgia's four games and has performed well. Clausen shared the starting job with Erik Ainge early in the season, but his impressive performance in the Vols' comeback victory at LSU earned him the start last week at home against Ole Miss. Clausen will start again this week which should give the Vols' offense balance and confidence.
Georgia has the advantage after having a bye week to prepare for the Vols, and Richt has been very strong with extra time to prepare, both during the regular season and in bowl games. Hopefully during the off week, the Bulldogs worked on the running game because so far this season it hasn't been too impressive. Georgia has had only three rushing touchdowns from their backs in their first four games. The running game will be put to the test when they face one of the fastest and toughest defenses in the conference. Tennessee's defense has held opponents to 2.2 yards per carry and 6.3 yards per pass attempt
Tennessee running back Gerald Riggs, Jr. could be the difference in Saturday's game. If Georgia's defense can keep Riggs from having a big day, the Bulldogs will win on the road. Georgia will keep Riggs under 100 yards rushing and win, 17-14.
Mississippi State at Florida, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Florida was humiliated last week at Alabama. Luckily for the Gators, this week's opponent for homecoming is Mississippi State. Florida has won 16 straight homecoming contests, marking the longest homecoming winning streak in school history.
The Gators lead the all-time series with MSU 31-18-2. Last year, the Bulldogs won 38-31 and Florida head coach Ron Zook likely lost his job because of the embarrassing loss in Starkville. While new head coach Urban Meyer failed to get his team ready to play at Alabama last week, Meyer will have the Gators ready to improve on the things that went wrong against the Tide.
Quarterback Chris Leak should have no trouble racking up a lot of passing yards against one the conference’s weakest pass defending teams. Plus, Florida has yet to find a decent rushing game. The Bulldogs have not defeated the Gators in Gainesville since 1965 and Florida will keep that streak alive after winning 41-16.
LSU at Vanderbilt, 6:00 p.m. CT, ESPN2
Vanderbilt had an excellent chance to start the season 5-0 but fell flat against Middle Tennessee last week. With seconds remaining in the fourth and down by three, the field goal attempt was blocked and the Commodores lost 17-15 to the Blue Raiders. Vanderbilt's season isn't ruined but it doesn't get any easier with a visit from LSU this week.
The Tigers are ranked No. 11 and Vanderbilt will be looking for its first victory over a ranked opponent in more than a decade. The Commodores' last victory over a team ranked as high as No. 11 was a 24-10 triumph over Florida on October 12, 1974. Vanderbilt, currently tied for the SEC Eastern Division lead, is also looking to go 3-0 in SEC play for the first time since 1950.
While Vanderbilt's season isn't ruined after the loss to Middle Tennessee, LSU's season could be if they stumble in Nashville. That shouldn't happen as the Tigers have more talent and speed than Vanderbilt. LSU may get caught looking ahead to Florida next week, but that won't happen until after the victory over the Commodores. The Tigers win a close one, 24-21.
Kentucky at South Carolina, 12:00 p.m. CT
Against Auburn last week, Steve Spurrier looked confused and his team was manhandled by the Tigers. This week, the Gamecocks return home to face Kentucky and Spurrier will look to avoid losing four straight Southeastern Conference games. Against Kentucky, Spurrier owns a perfect 12-0 record.
Rich Brooks' Kentucky team is once again trying to avoid finishing last in the SEC East. The Wildcats' offense features talented quarterback Andre’ Woodson and running back Rafael Little. That won't be enough talent to pull off the upset in Columbia. Spurrier improves to 13-0 against Kentucky after the 24-14 victory.
The Citadel at Ole Miss, 1 p.m. CT
Saturday's game will be the first ever meeting between these two teams. In homecoming games, the Rebels are 62-13-2 all-time and are riding an eight-game win streak on homecoming. Ole Miss is off to a 1-3 start for the second straight year. The last 1-3 start prior to 2004 was in 1988.
The Citadel should mean another victory for Ole Miss on homecoming. It won't be easy though. The Citadel trailed just 13–10 at the half against Florida State earlier this year. The Seminoles eventually won easily against the Bulldogs with seven second half touchdowns. The game will be close but the Rebels finally pull away late in the fourth quarter and win 28-20.
UL-Monroe at Arkansas, 6 p.m. CT
Arkansas returns to action this week after having a much needed bye. UL-Monroe started the year 0-3, but have won two straight, both Sun Belt conference wins. The Razorbacks need a win to help them gain confidence before they face Auburn October 15.
This week against the Indians, Arkansas' offense will rely on running the ball. The Razorbacks have four different backs that have carried at least 30 times with at least 240 rushing yards apiece. UL-Monroe is a familiar foe to SEC teams as they have faced eight SEC teams over the past four seasons. In those eight meetings, Charlie Weatherbie’s squad is 0–8 and none of the margins of defeat have been less than 28 points, including a 44–7 whipping at Georgia just three weeks ago.
A loss to UL-Monroe would definitely mean Houston Nutt would be fired at the end of the season, if not before. Nutt will avoid an embarrassing loss but the margin of victory won't be as much as many people predict. Arkansas by 18, 38-20.
A Look Back At The SEC Games From Week Six
Georgia remains undefeated after a big win against Tennessee on the road in Knoxville. Both Auburn and Alabama enjoyed the weekend off. The Tigers play at Arkansas Saturday, and the Tide faces Ole Miss in Oxford.Georgia at Tennessee
Fifth-ranked Georgia won an important SEC game on the road in Knoxville. The 27-14 victory over Tennessee gives the Bulldogs a 3-0 conference record and control in the SEC East division. Georgia has a favorable schedule to win the division. The Bulldogs' most difficult remaining league games are against Florida later this month and at home against Auburn in November.
The Vols, down 13-0, finally got on the scoreboard in the third when Jonathan Wade picked off Bulldog quarterback D.J. Shockley and returned it to the Georgia one yard line. Tennessee quarterback Rick Clausen then scored on a quarterback sneak. The Bulldogs went up 20-7 with 8:50 left in the fourth when Thomas Flowers returned a punt 54 yards for a touchdown. Thomas Brown, who finished with 94 yards on 20 carries, scored from 17-yards out to put Georgia up by 20 and secured the Bulldogs' first-ever three-game winning streak in Knoxville.
Georgia plays at Vanderbilt next week, while the Vols return to action on October 22 against Alabama.
Mississippi State at Florida
It was homecoming in Gainesville and Florida took care of Mississippi State 35-9. The Gators improve to 5-1 overall, 3-1 in the SEC. The Bulldogs, who lost starting quarterback Omarr Conner in the first half when he suffered a bruised sternum, fall to 2-4 overall and 0-4 in the conference.
Florida quarterback Chris Leak completed 18-of-33 passes for 244 yards and a touchdown, but was also picked off twice. Leak, who suffered an injury to his shoulder in the loss to Alabama last week, re-injured his shoulder late in the first quarter and sat out one series.
The Gators' defense and special teams helped them improve to 5-1 for the first time since 2001. The defense finished with six sacks, three turnovers and two safeties. Special teams downed four punts inside the 15-yard line, recovered a muffed punt to set up a score and blocked one for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Mississippi State will be off this weekend and will return to action October 22 at home against Houston. Florida travels to Baton Rouge to face LSU Saturday.
LSU at Vanderbilt
LSU defeated Vanderbilt 34-6 in conference action. The Commodores fall to 4-2 overall, 2-1 in the conference. The Tigers are now 3-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play.
To open the game, LSU went 80-yards on six-plays to take a 7-0 lead. JaMarcus Russell went 3-for-4 on the series, including a 30-yard touchdown pass to Dwayne Bowe. On their next possession, the Tigers pinned Vanderbilt on its own three-yard line with a 36-yard punt from Chris Jackson and Chase Pittman sacked quarterback Jay Cutler in the end zone two plays later to make it 9-0.
The Commodores' Andrew Pace forced a fumble late in the first quarter and Vanderbilt recovered it on the LSU one-yard line, but had to settle for a 36-yard field goal by Bryant Hahnfeldt after being denied the end zone three straight times. Vanderbilt added another field goal early in the third quarter after recovering another Russell fumble.
The Tigers extended their lead to 12-6 on a 36-yard field goal from Chris Jackson, which was set up by a Chevis Jackson interception. LSU scored 22 points in the fourth to put the game out of reach for Vanderbilt.
LSU returns home to play Florida Saturday, and Vanderbilt hosts Georgia.
Kentucky at South Carolina
South Carolina bounced back from the thumping Auburn gave them last week to defeat Kentucky 44-16. Blake Mitchell returned from a leg injury and completed 23-of-34 passes for 277 yards and threw two touchdowns. Steve Spurrier recorded his first conference win as coach of the Gamecocks.
Kentucky's Rafael Little racked up 120 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries and Arliss Beach rushed for 73 yards and a score on 11 carries. Quarterback Andre' Woodson struggled and finished with just 90 yards on 11-of-17 attempts with one interception.
South Carolina takes this week off before they face Vanderbilt in Columbia October 22. Kentucky also has the week off and will travel to Ole Miss October 22.
The Citadel at Ole Miss
Ole Miss defeated I-AA The Citadel 27-7 in Oxford. The Rebels only led 10-7 early in the third quarter before scoring the final 17 points against the Bulldogs. For the second time this season, The Citadel was competitive for a half against a I-A team. The Bulldogs trailed Florida State 13-10 at halftime of an eventual 62-10 loss.
Playing with a broken middle finger on his non-throwing hand, quarterback Micheal Spurlock helped Ole Miss put the Bulldogs away when he directed three straight scoring drives in the second half. He ran 1 yard for a touchdown and threw a 4-yard scoring pass to Mike Espy before Robert Bass kicked a 23-yard field goal to complete the scoring.
The Rebels take on No. 7 Alabama at home this week.
UL-Monroe at Arkansas
In non-conference play, Arkansas defeated UL-Monroe 44-15. Razorback quarterback Robert Johnson completed 12-of-17 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown. Running backs Darren McFadden and Felix Jones both broke the century mark on the ground.
UL-Monroe quarterback Steven Jyles completed only 11-of-25 pass attempts for 97 yards. Backup quarterback Kinsmon Lancaster was able to rush for 96 yards and one score on 13 carries.
Arkansas led 28-3 at the half and dominated the third quarter with 21 straight points. In the final seconds of the fourth quarter, Lancaster scored on a four-yard run for the Indians, but it was too late as they lost by a 29-point margin.
The Razorbacks return to conference action this week when they host Auburn.
Predictions For Week Seven SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 6-0, overall they are 35-10. This week, Auburn and Alabama hit the road in conference action. The Tigers play Arkansas, the Tide plays Ole Miss. Georgia plays at Vanderbilt, and Florida plays at LSU.Auburn at Arkansas, 6 p.m. CT, No Television
The Tigers hit the road for the first time in 2005 when they travel to Fayetteville. Auburn leads the all-time series 8-5-1, but Arkansas has won four of the last six contests. The winning team has scored 21 or more points in every game of the series except 2003, and the team leading at halftime in nine of the last 10 meetings has won the game.
Except for giving up 24 points in the opener against Georgia Tech, Auburn's defense has been solid. The Tigers have allowed just 9.5 points per game. The defense will be put to the test when it faces an Arkansas team that ranks third in the nation in rushing, averaging 286.4 yards per game. If the Tigers have success at slowing down the Razorback running game, they can also handle quarterback Robert Johnson and the passing attack, which ranks 113th in passing with 128.2 yards per contest.
On offense, Auburn has found a nice combination for its running game in Brad Lester and Kenny Irons. Lester will start this week, but Irons will see a lot of carries come his way. Quarterback Brandon Cox has settled down and hasn't thrown an interception since starting the season with four against the Yellow Jackets.
Hopefully the bye last weekend didn't interrupt Auburn's rhythm and timing that it established in the four straight games it has won since the loss to Tech. The Tigers will need to be sharp and play mistake free football as they start the toughest part of their schedule. A victory on the road this weekend would give the Tigers the confidence they need when they travel to LSU next week.
The defense will handle Arkansas' running game and will also create some turnovers which will lead to points for the Tiger offense. Auburn by 24, 38-14.
Alabama at Ole Miss, 11:00 a.m. CT, CBS
Ole Miss is trying to avoid its first 0-3 SEC start since 1984, and with a very confident team like Alabama up next, starting 0-4 in the conference is very likely. Without a leader at quarterback and a weak running game, this contest could get ugly for the Rebels.
The Crimson Tide's defense is one of the strongest in the nation and their offense has put up big numbers so far this season. Alabama averages 29.6 points per game and 402.4 yards of total offense. Quarterback Brodie Croyle has completed 76-of-126 passes for 1112 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. Kenneth Darby leads the SEC in rushing with 513 yards on 92 carries, averaging 102.6 yards per game and 5.6 per attempt.
After a bye week, Alabama should be well rested and ready to take care of Ole Miss before they take on Tennessee next week. The Tide by 27, 34-7.
Georgia at Vanderbilt, 6:15 p.m. CT, ESPN2
Georgia owns a 46-17-2 edge in the series including 20-11-2 in Nashville, and they have won 10 straight. The Bulldogs are coming off a huge win at Tennessee last week. The Commodores started the season 4-0 but has dropped the last two against Middle Tennessee and LSU. A victory over Georgia would give Vanderbilt its fifth overall win, the most since the 1996 squad finished 5-6. It would also be the earliest date a Vanderbilt squad reached five wins in team history.
In the victory at Tennessee, the Bulldogs' defense held the Vols without an offensive touchdown until the game’s final play. Georgia probably has the best defense in the conference and if they continue to play well for the rest of the season, they'll represent the Eastern division in the SEC championship game.
Vanderbilt usually keeps things close with the Bulldogs until Georgia wears them down with talent and size advantage in the fourth quarter. Last week against LSU, Vandy kept the game close until LSU scored 22 unanswered points in the final stanza. Expect the same this week as Georgia pulls away in the second half to win 34-16.
Florida at LSU, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS
Florida has been extremely successful against LSU in Baton Rouge, winning three straight, and they have won 14 of the last 17 in the series. Both teams haven't really had an impressive win over a talented team this season. In Florida's only big test a few weeks ago, they were blown out by Alabama. LSU was able to win at Arizona State early in September, and that was mostly by luck when they won late in the fourth quarter.
Both teams don't have much of a pass defense. Florida quarterback Chris Leak and LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell could have career-high numbers in a high scoring contest. The Tigers will finally defeat the Gators in Tiger Stadium. LSU by 7, 38-31.
A Look Back At SEC Games From Week Seven
Auburn had an impressive second half to defeat Arkansas in Fayetteville. Alabama won 13-10 against Ole Miss with a last second field goal. Georgia remains undefeated after a win against Vandy, and LSU beat Florida.Auburn at Arkansas
After a shaky first half, Auburn used halftime to make adjustments to its gameplan and scored 28 points in the second half to win on the road against Arkansas 34-17. With the victory, the Tigers have won three straight in the series and own a 9-5-1 all-time edge over the Razorbacks.
Kenny Irons, who was forced to step up and carry the load at running back after starter Brad Lester left the game with an injury, racked up a career-high 182 yards on 33 carries. Quarterback Brandon Cox played better in the second half when he threw three touchdowns. Cox finished the night with 203 yards and two interceptions on 17-of-26 attempts. The Tigers have won five consecutive games since losing to Georgia Tech in the season-opener.
Trailing 10-6 at the half, Auburn started the second half on fire. The Tigers marched 73 yards in seven plays on their opening possession, which ended when Cox hit Devin Aromashadu for a 17-yard touchdown pass with just under three minutes elapsed in the quarter.
Later in the third, Auburn went 85-yards on 14-plays to extend its lead to 20-10. Cox completed three consecutive passes on the series, including a five-yard touchdown pass to Tre Smith. The defense created a turnover that led to points for the Tigers when Karibi Dede intercepted a Robert Johnson pass at the Arkansas 24. Cox then found tight end Cooper Wallace nine-yards out for a touchdown that put Auburn up 27-10 early in the fourth quarter.
Arkansas then came alive and put together an 80-yard drive that resulted in a Darren McFadden 17-yard touchdown run to make the score 27-17. Auburn put the game away on Smith's seven-yard touchdown run with 3:37 left in the contest.
Auburn's schedule doesn't get any easier this week as they travel to Baton Rouge to face No. 7 LSU. The game will be televised by either ESPN or ESPN2 at 6:45 p.m. CT. Arkansas will also be on the road against No. 4 Georgia.
Alabama at Ole Miss
Alabama struggled on the road in Oxford but escaped with a 13-10 victory. Jamie Christensen kicked the winning field goal from 31-yards out as time expired. The Tide is 6-0 for the first time since 1996. Alabama opened the 1996 season 7-0 under Gene Stallings.
With the game tied at 10 and the Crimson Tide driving into Ole Miss territory late in the fourth, Matt Miller caught a seven-yard pass on third down to keep the chains moving. A few plays later on 3rd-and-1, Croyle ran for two yards and Kenneth Darby followed with a 16-yard burst to set up the game-winning field goal by Christensen.
Alabama returns home this week when they host Tennessee. Ole Miss tries to bounce back from the disappointing loss when they host Kentucky.
Florida at LSU
Florida continued to struggle on offense and lost again on the road 21-17 against LSU. The Tigers improve to 4-1, 3-1 in the league, and the Gators fall to 5-2, and 3-2 in the league.
Trailing 17-14 in the fourth, LSU drove 75-yards on 12-plays to take the lead for good. Joseph Addai scored from three-yards out and finished the day with a career-high 152 yards.
Florida enjoys a bye this week before facing Georgia in Jacksonville October 29.
Georgia at Vanderbilt
Georgia improved to 6-0 overall, 4-0 in the SEC after a solid 34-17 victory over Vanderbilt in Nashville. D.J. Shockley finished with 298 yards on 15-of-30 attempts and threw three touchdowns as the Bulldogs remain atop the SEC's Eastern Division standings.
Quarterback Jay Cutler went 15-of-28 for 174 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Commodores, who have dropped three in a row after winning their first four games of the season.
Georgia led 17-7 at the half and went up 24-7 on their first possession of the second half when Shockley hit Mohamed Massaquoi with a six-yard touchdown pass. Vanderbilt cut the deficit to 24-14 when Cutler hit Marlon White with a 14-yard touchdown pass on its ensuing possession.
Later in the third, both teams had to settle for field goals as Georgia held on to a 27-17 lead heading into the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs scored the only points in the final quarter when Shockley threw an 18-yard touchdown pass to Bryan McClendon.
Georgia should improve to 7-0 this week when they host Arkansas. Vanderbilt travels to South Carolina.
Predictions For Week Eight SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 4-0, overall they are 39-10. This week, AU plays at No. 7 LSU on ESPN at 6:45 p.m. CT. Bama plays rival Tenn. at home. Other games have Arkansas at UGA, Kentucky at Ole Miss, Vandy at South Carolina, and Houston at MSU.Auburn at LSU, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
Auburn plays on the road for the second straight week. Playing in Baton Rouge is one of the toughest places to play for a visiting team, especially at night. Auburn's last victory in Baton Rouge was a 41-7 blowout in 1999. Since then, the home team has won the last five meetings and LSU owns an 11-5-1 advantage against Auburn in games played in Tiger Stadium. A victory in Tiger Stadium would give Auburn a big advantage in the SEC West with arch-rival Alabama visiting Jordan-Hare Stadium next month.
LSU barely beat Florida last week. Against the Gators, LSU committed five turnovers and 11 penalties while allowing five quarterback sacks. Les Miles' team averages more than 10 penalties per game. Hopefully this week against Auburn, turnovers and penalties will hurt LSU, which will give Auburn a chance to win in hostile Tiger Stadium.
If Auburn keeps the contest close going into the fourth quarter, they have a shot of pulling off the mild upset of the No.7 ranked team. Expect the same from LSU, a lot of penalties and some turnovers. Auburn wins coming from behind in the fourth 21-14.
Tennessee at Alabama, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS
Tennessee would love to hand Alabama its first loss of the season. Head coach Phillip Fulmer is 10-2 against the Tide and the Vols have won nine of the last 10 meetings. Fulmer's team has been unpredictable this season after being picked to win the SEC Eastern division in the preseason.
The Vols had last weekend off and maybe with the extra time they figured out a way to be more consistent on offense. If they have success on offense, their defense could keep Alabama's offense in check much like Ole Miss did last week.
The Tide's defense has played well all season and should be able to slow down quarterback Rick Clausen and running back Gerald Riggs, Jr. Riggs hasn't had much success behind Tennessee's offensive line. He has only one rush of more than 20 yards all season, and averages only 4.2 yards per carry. That effort won't cut it in the conference, especially against Alabama's stingy defense.
The contest Saturday should be exciting to watch given the history between these two teams and as Alabama tries to remain undefeated. Both defenses should play well which will result in a low scoring contest. The Tide will find a way to win again this week. Alabama by four, 17-13.
Arkansas at Georgia, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Georgia has won four straight over Arkansas. The Bulldogs will be tested this week against a pair of talented freshman in Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. The Razorbacks lead the SEC and rank sixth nationally by averaging 263.3 yards a game. Georgia's defense ranks second in the SEC and eighth nationally by allowing just 91.2 rushing yards a game.
The Bulldogs will probably concentrate on stopping the run, which will force Arkansas to try and move the ball through the air. Georgia knows they must win games against teams like Arkansas to remain on track to play in the SEC Championship game. The Bulldogs win big, 41-14.
Vanderbilt at South Carolina, 12 p.m. CT
Vanderbilt opened the season 4-0, but has since loss its last three contests. South Carolina has been inconsistent under new head coach Steve Spurrier. Both teams need a victory in this game to keep their chances of becoming bowl eligible alive. The Gamecocks are 3-3, and still have to play at Tennessee and Arkansas, with home games versus Florida and Clemson. The Commodores are 4-3 with a game at home against Kentucky, and on the road at Florida and Tennessee.
South Carolina should be better prepared and rested for the contest after having last weekend off. Vanderbilt is probably a bit beat up after losing to a bigger and more talented Georgia team. While Spurrier doesn't have the talent to compete with the top teams in the conference yet, the Gamecocks should be able to handle Vanderbilt. The Gamecocks win a close game, 24-20.
Kentucky at Ole Miss, 1 p.m. CT
Ole Miss tries to bounce back from the heartbreaking loss to Alabama last week. Against the Wildcats, the Rebels enjoy a 6-2 advantage in games played in Oxford and have won three straight in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Both teams will be looking for their first SEC victory of the year.
Ed Orgeron's team seems to be improving on the defensive side of the ball. Last week against the Tide, they were able to hold a potent offensive unit to just 13 points. They should hold Kentucky to 13 points or less in this week's meeting in Oxford.
On offense, Ole Miss has found a quarterback in Michael Spurlock. Spurlock has thrown for more than 200 yards in each of the last three weeks, and should have another solid performance against one of the conference's weakest defenses. The Rebels by 15, 28-13.
Houston at Mississippi State, 1:30 p.m. CT
Houston is MSU's opponent for homecoming in Starkville. The Cougars and Bulldogs meet for the 14th time, with Houston leading 7-6 in the series. MSU has nine wins in the last 11 homecoming games, but the two losses have come in the last four years.
Sylvester Croom's team had a bye last weekend and Houston lost to Memphis. The Cougars' defense allows 171 yards rushing per contest and face a talented running back this week in Jerious Norwood. Norwood should be able to have a decent game against a weak Houston defense.
With Arkansas, Kentucky, and Ole Miss on their remaining schedule, the Bulldogs have a chance of winning more games than they did last season. That will help Croom recruit more talent, which will make MSU competitive in a few years. The Bulldogs win, 24-14.
A Look Back At SEC Games From Week Eight
Auburn lost 20-17 in overtime on the road at LSU. Alabama defeated Tennessee 6-3 in Tuscaloosa and Georgia barely beat Arkansas 23-20 after losing starting quarterback D.J. Shockley.Auburn at LSU
Auburn lost an exciting overtime game to LSU Saturday night in Baton Rouge. The 20-17 loss is Auburn's second in its last 22 games. Kenny Irons had a career-high 218 rushing yards and a score on 27 carries while Brandon Cox finished just 16-of-40 for 221 yards with a touchdown.
LSU scored first when Skyler Green returned a punt 66-yards with 5:20 left in the first quarter. Auburn answered when John Vaughn hit a 26-yard field goal with 12:46 left in the second period. Vaughn was only 1-for-6 on field goal attempts.
After halftime, Auburn took a 10-7 lead when Irons broke loose for a 74-yard touchdown run with 7:48 left in the third period. LSU answered quickly when it marched 80 yards in seven plays before JaMarcus Russell capped the series with an 18-yard scoring toss to Dwayne Bowe, making it 14-10 with 4:35 left in the third.
Trailing 14-10 late in the game, Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville decided to go for it on 4th-and-goal from the five-yard line. Cox hit Anthony Mix in the back of the end zone to give Auburn a 17-14 lead with 4:52 remaining in the fourth.
On LSU's ensuing series, the Tigers drove into Auburn territory, but Russell's third-down pass attempt was incomplete and Chris Jackson's season-high 44-yard kick with 1:40 left in regulation tied the game at 17-17.
Auburn took over and quickly proceeded downfield. Irons' 18-yard run brought the Tigers to LSU's 37 with 26 seconds left and after a short pass, Auburn spiked the ball with six seconds remaining. Vaughn's 49-yard attempt sailed well left and the game headed into overtime.
Auburn won the toss in overtime and elected to go on defense. On 3rd-and-long, LSU was poised to score a touchdown but Early Doucet dropped a pass in the end zone. Jackson then nailed a 30-yard field goal to make it 20-17. Auburn failed to make a first down and Vaughn's 39-yard kick hit the left upright.
The Tigers return to action Saturday when they take on Ole Miss at 11:30 a.m. CT at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Jefferson-Pilot Sports will televise the game. LSU hosts North Texas.
Tennessee at Alabama
Jamie Christensen's 34-yard field goal with 13 seconds left helped fifth-ranked Alabama defeat Tennessee 6-3 in Tuscaloosa. For the second straight week, Christensen connected on a game-winning field goal for the Tide. Last Saturday, he booted a 31-yard field goal as time expired in a 13-10 win over Ole Miss.
With the game tied at 3-3 in the fourth quarter, Tennessee was about to score a touchdown when fullback Corey Anderson fumbled after he was hit by Roman Harper. The ball went through the end zone for a touchback with 5:08 remaining.
After taking over at its own 20, Alabama put together a 10-play, 63-yard game-winning drive. The drive was highlighted by Brodie Croyle's 43-yard pass to DJ Hall on third down, placing Alabama at the Tennessee 35. Kenneth Darby's 11-yard run to the Tennessee 14 set up Christensen's winning kick.
Alabama plays Utah State this week, while Tennessee plays at home against South Carolina.
Arkansas at Georgia
Despite losing quarterback D.J. Shockley for most of the game, Georgia held on to beat Arkansas 23-20. With the win, the Bulldogs improve to 7-0, 5-0 in the conference while the Razorbacks fall to 2-5, 0-4 in the conference.
Before leaving the game due to an injury to his left knee, Shockley completed 6-of-10 passes for 74 yards and a 10-yard touchdown pass. The touchdown pass to Bryan McClendon gave the Bulldogs a 7-0 lead at the 10:43 mark of the first quarter. Georgia then went up 14-0 when Brannan Southerland reached the end zone from one yard out with 7:03 left in the second quarter.
Darren McFadden's 70-yard touchdown run put the Razorbacks on the scoreboard late in the second quarter. The Bulldogs answered when Brandon Coutu's 32-yard field goal gave them a 17-7 lead at halftime.
Early in the third, Chris Balseiro pulled Arkansas within 17-10 on a 33-yard field goal, but Coutu gave Georgia a 20-10 lead less than three minutes later with a 48-yarder. Arkansas had to rely on Balseiro again and he delivered a 35-yarder early in the fourth quarter to make it a 20-13 contest.
After Michael Grant's interception, the Razorbacks had a chance to get to within four but Balseiro missed wide left on a 45-yard field goal attempt at the 12:22 mark in the fourth.
After Georgia's offense stalled, Arkansas gave the ball right back to the Bulldogs when Peyton Hillis fumbled a punt. Mike Gilliam recovered for Georgia and Coutu kicked a 27-yard field goal to put his team up 23-13 with 7:41 to go. McFadden's one-yard touchdown run got Arkansas to within three but the Bulldog defense stopped them from scoring again.
Georgia plays Florida this week in the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party" in Jacksonville, Florida. Arkansas hosts South Carolina November 5.
Vanderbilt at South Carolina
South Carolina defeated Vanderbilt 35-28 in Columbia. Sidney Rice had a big day for the Gamecoocks, catching eight passes for 132 yards and three touchdowns.
The Gamecocks scored first when Rice pulled in a 16-yard touchdown pass from Blake Mitchell with just over two minutes remaining in the opening period. A 13-yard interception return by Vanderbilt's Cheron Thompson early in the second quarter tied the game at 7-7. The contest remained 7-7 as time expired in the first half.
Vanderbilt took its first lead of the game behind a Cassen Garrison two-yard touchdown run early in the third quarter. The Gamecocks answered midway through the frame with a Carson Askins 11-yard touchdown pass from Newton. South Carolina regained the lead just before the end of the third quarter behind a Rice 34-yard touchdown pass from Newton.
The Gamecocks went up 28-14 early in the fourth quarter when Newton scored from 10-yards out. Vanderbilt quickly answered when Earl Bennett caught a 41-yard touchdown pass from Jay Cutler. Down 28-21, Vanderbilt tied the game at 28-28 on Cassen Garrison's six-yard touchdown run with under four minutes to play.
South Carolina put the game away when Rice pulled down a game-winning three-yard touchdown pass from Mitchell with just under two minutes left.
Vanderbilt plays at Florida November 5, while the Gamecocks play at Tennessee Saturday.
Kentucky at Ole Miss
Ole Miss got its first victory in the conference by beating Kentucky 13-7. Quarterback Michael Spurlock threw for 198 yards and a touchdown for the Rebels.
The Rebels got on the scoreboard first late in the second stanza when Mike Espy caught a nine-yard touchdown pass from Spurlock. Matt Hinkle then hit a 45-yard field goal with five seconds left in the half to give Ole Miss a 10-0 lead at the half.
After a scoreless third quarter, Hinkle hit a 18-yard field goal at the 5:04 mark of the fourth quarter to increase the Ole Miss advantage to 13-0. Kentucky avoided the shutout with its lone score of the game, a four-yard touchdown run by Arliss Beach with 2:36 remaining.
Ole Miss travels to Auburn this week and Kentucky plays Mississippi State at home.
Houston at Mississippi State
Houston defeated Mississippi State 28-16 in Starkville. Despite the loss, Jerious Norwood had a record setting day for the Bulldogs. Norwood rushed for 257 yards, breaking the school record of 237 yards set by James Johnson back in 1998 against Alabama.
Mississippi State took a 3-0 lead late in the first quarter on Keith Andrews' 35-yard field goal. Andrews was good again from 44-yards out to put the Bulldogs up 6-0 early in the second quarter.
With just over 11 minutes remaining in the first half, Houston took a 7-6 lead on a three-yard touchdown run by Jackie Battle. MSU regained the lead less than two minutes later when Norwood scampered into the end zone on a 66-yard run.
Late in the second quarter, Vincent Marshall returned a punt 56-yards to give the Cougars a slim 14-13 lead at halftime.
Houston then went up 21-13 early in the third quarter when Kevin Kolb hit Kendal Briles on an 11-yard scoring strike. With Andrews on the sideline because of an injured leg, Adam Carlson split the uprights on a 20-yard field goal, cutting Houston's lead to 21-16 late in the third. A two-yard touchdown run by Battle late in the final frame pushed the Cougars' lead to 28-16.
Houston plays at Central Florida November 5. Mississippi State hits the road to play Kentucky this week.
Predictions For Week Nine SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 4-2, overall they are 43-12. This week, Auburn returns home to face Ole Miss at 11:30 a.m. CT. Georgia plays Florida in Jacksonville with a new quarterback under center. Alabama plays Utah State for homecoming.Ole Miss at Auburn, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Auburn was on a roll since falling to Georgia Tech in the season-opener. The Tigers were poised to defend their SEC title if they could defeat LSU in Baton Rouge. The 20-17 overtime loss was a blow to Auburn, but anything can happen down the stretch in conference play. If Auburn can somehow win its remaining four games and if LSU loses another game in the conference, the Tigers will be back in Atlanta to try and win another conference championship.
Auburn faces an Ole Miss team that is much improved since the beginning of the season, especially on defense. The Rebels enter the contest ranked sixth in scoring defense, fourth in pass defense and eighth in rushing defense in the conference. Two weeks ago against Alabama, they held the Tide to just 13 points and almost pulled off a big upset.
The challenge this week for the Rebels will be slowing down Kenny Irons and Brandon Cox. Irons rushed for a career-high 218 last week against LSU. Cox has continued to improve each week, but his receivers dropped several passes that should have been caught last week. Against the Rebels, the receiving corps must be more consistent and the kicking game has to improve. During practice this week, the coaches will make sure those two problems will be corrected.
Eight of the last 12 games in the Auburn/Ole Miss series have been decided by 10 points or less. The meeting Saturday will be decided by more than 10 points. Auburn by 20, 34-14.
Utah State at Alabama, 2 p.m. CT
Alabama's offense has struggled since losing Tyrone Prothro a few weeks ago. Since Prothro broke his leg, the offense has only scored one touchdown. Luckily for the Crimson Tide, their defense has been very stingy by not allowing many points during Prothro's absence. Utah State should be a perfect game for Alabama's offense to make improvements before huge games against LSU and Auburn in November.
The Tide's defense will continue to play well against Utah State when they hold the Aggies to a single touchdown. Mike Shula and his team improves to 8-0 on the season after a 38-7 victory.
Florida vs. Georgia, 2:30 p.m. CT, Jacksonville, FL, CBS
With the SEC East title on the line, Georgia will be without starting quarterback D. J. Shockley. Backup Joe Tereshinski, who was being used primarily on special teams, will make his first career start. He was 5-of-9 for 91 yards with an interception against Arkansas.
A few of the Bulldogs' players on the defensive side also suffered injuries against Arkansas. Rover C.J. Byrd, defensive tackle Dale Dixson, rover Tra Battle, nose tackle Ray Gant, and linebacker Brandon Miller won't be 100 percent for the Gators.
Florida quarterback Chris Leak will be playing with a sore shoulder and his receivers are banged up. Florida could turn its season around by beating fourth-ranked Georgia. While Georgia will be limited by injuries on defense, they still have enough talent to handle the Gators. The Bulldogs win the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party'' by 10, 24-14.
South Carolina at Tennessee, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN2
The Gamecocks are trying to become bowl eligible under new head coach Steve Spurrier. South Carolina is 4-3 and still has to play at Tennessee, at Arkansas, Florida and Clemson. To gain bowl eligibility the Gamecocks will have to beat two of these four squads.
Philip Fulmer's Tennessee squad is just trying to salvage a disappointing season. With last week's loss to rival Alabama and a meeting at Notre Dame November 5, the 2005 season for the Vols could be a total disaster.
South Carolina's offense seems to have found the answer in quarterback Blake Mitchell. Mitchell has completed better than 65 percent of his passes with an 11-to-5 touchdown-to-interception ratio. But, Spurrier's team suffered a huge loss when wide receiver/tailback Syvelle Newton went down with a season-ending torn ACL in last week's victory over Vanderbilt.
While the Gamecock offense has improved since the beginning of the season, Tennessee's has been moving in the other direction. Without running back Gerald Riggs, Jr. for the rest of the season, it looks like the defense will have to create turnovers and keep opponents off the scoreboard. That should be hard to do against South Carolina this week. The Vols are down and face South Carolina at the wrong time. The Gamecocks win in Knoxville, 14-10.
Mississippi State at Kentucky, 6 p.m. CT
With talented running back Jerious Norwood, Mississippi State should have a better record than 2-5. Norwood was named the conference's Offensive Player of the Week for gaining a school-record 257 yards in last week's loss to Houston. The offensive line seems to be getting the job done, but starting quarterback Omarr Conner is still struggling under center. Without a solid quarterback, it's tough to win many games in the SEC.
With a trip to Kentucky, Norwood has a chance to have another big game. Mississippi State should also win on the road against a conference opponent for the first time since a 35-17 victory on November 4, 2000 in Lexington. The Bulldogs win 21-13.
North Texas at LSU, 7 p.m. CT
After playing Florida and Auburn over the past two weeks, LSU gets a much needed break when they get a visit from Sun Belt Conference member North Texas. The Tigers are 28-0 all-time against current members of the Sun Belt. Two of those victories have come against North Texas, 49-7 in 1995 and 52-0 in 1999. This contest was originally scheduled for September 3, but Katrina forced the game to be moved.
LSU head coach Les Miles will have the opportunity to give his starters time to rest and get healthy against North Texas and next week's opponent Appalachian State before playing Alabama in Tuscaloosa. The Mean Green is 2-4 on the season and has been outscored 178-60. Against non-conference opposition, the numbers are even worse, as North Texas has been beaten by the likes of Tulsa, Kansas State and Louisiana Tech, 148-23.
Against North Texas, expect the Tigers to work on their offense as they try to figure out why it has been sluggish at times this season. LSU runs over the Mean Green, 48-7.
A Look Back At SEC Games From Week Nine
Auburn defeated Ole Miss 27-3 on the Plains to improve to 6-2 overall and 4-1 in the conference. Georgia fell to Florida in Jacksonville, South Carolina upset Tennessee, and Alabama won its homecoming game against Utah State.Ole Miss at Auburn
Auburn defeated Ole Miss 27-3 Saturday at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tigers are 6-2 overall, and 4-1 in conference play. The Rebels fall to 3-5 overall, and 1-4 in the conference under new head coach Ed Orgeron.
Kenny Irons had another big afternoon for the Tigers. Irons rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown on 32 carries. Quarterback Brandon Cox was solid against a tough Ole Miss defense. Cox finished the contest with 205 yards on 17-of-27 pass attempts and a touchdown.
Auburn scored first with 13:07 left in the second on a trick play. Wide receiver Courtney Taylor faked an end-around and threw a 28-yard touchdown to a wide open Devin Aromashodu. Ole Miss then cut the Tigers' lead to 7-3 on Matt Hinkle's 43-yard field goal with 8:41 left in the first half.
Right before halftime, John Vaughn was successful on two field goal tries that helped him get his confidence back after missing 5-of-6 in last Saturday's loss to LSU. With 2:37 left in the half, Vaughn was good from 35-yards out. Then, following Steve Gandy's interception at the Ole Miss 23-yard line, Vaughn connected on a 39-yard field goal that put Auburn up 13-3 at halftime.
The Tigers went up 20-3 with 6:46 left in the third when Cox found Ben Obomanu in the back of the end zone for a one-yard score on 4th-and-goal. The drive began at Ole Miss' 42 after a fumble, and was highlighted by 28 rushing yards from Irons and 17 yards passing by Cox. Auburn capped the scoring late in the fourth quarter when Irons scored on a four-yard run.
The Tigers hit the road this week when they travel to Lexington to face Kentucky. The Wildcats defeated Mississippi State 13-7 Saturday to improve to 2-5 overall and 1-3 in the SEC. Ole Miss plays Arkansas at home November 12.
Utah State at Alabama
Alabama won easily in a non-conference game against Utah State 35-3. Brodie Croyle threw for 279 yards on 22-of-31 attempts and threw three touchdowns. Running back Kenneth Darby ran for 147 yards and a score. The Crimson Tide take their perfect 8-0 record on the road to Mississippi State this week.
Croyle's favorite target on the afternoon was D.J. Hall, who caught 11 passes for 157 yards and a touchdown. The Crimson Tide racked up 493 total yards.
Alabama dominated the opening 30 minutes by outgaining Utah State 289-98 and holding the Aggies to just three first downs. The Tide led 21-0 at halftime and extended their lead to 28-3 in the final minute of the third quarter. Head coach Mike Shula rested most of his starters during the final quarter.
Florida vs Georgia
Florida handed Georgia its first loss of season down in Jacksonville. The 14-10 win helped the Gators to remain in contention to win the SEC East title. The Bulldogs were playing without starting quarterback D.J. Shockley. His replacement, Joe Tereshinski, was just 8-of-21 for 100 yards through the air, but did catch a touchdown pass from running back Thomas Brown and also rushed for 37 yards.
Florida scored on its first two possessions to take a 14-0 lead. On their first possession, the Gators put together a 13-play, 80-yard drive that consumed six minutes of the play clock.Quarterback Chris Leak scored from three-yards out. Leak completed 15-of-20 pass attempts for 108 yards on the day.
Florida then forced a Bulldog punt, which Vernell Brown returned 29 yards to the Georgia 41. Four plays later, Leak found Tate Casey in the back of the end zone for a one-yard touchdown completion with 6:09 remaining in the first quarter.
Georgia finally got on the scoreboard after Brandon Coutu's 31-yard field goal early in the second quarter and the score remained 14-3 at halftime.
The Bulldogs scored the only touchdown in the second half on a trick play by Brown to Tereshinski. Facing a 2nd-and-7 on the Gators' nine yard-line, Tereshinski pitched left to Brown before sprinting out to the right and stumbling to the ground. The quarterback regained his footing and leapt over a defender to haul in Brown's underthrown pass, then stretched the ball over the goal line.
The Bulldogs have the week off before playing at home against Auburn November 12. Florida hosts Vanderbilt at home this week.
South Carolina at Tennessee
South Carolina won for the first time in Knoxville Saturday night. The 16-15 upset victory also ended a 12-game losing streak to the Volunteers. The Gamecocks' Sydney Rice continues to play well, catching eight passes for 112 yards and two touchdowns in the contest.
South Carolina has won three straight games overall and travel to Arkansas Saturday. Tennessee has lost three straight and play at Notre Dame Saturday.
The Gamecocks scored first when Jonathan Joseph picked off a Rick Clausen pass early in the first quarter. Rice's 10th touchdown catch of the season made it 7-0 with eight minutes left in the first. Tennessee then tied the game with a 12-play, 72-yard drive culminated by Arian Foster's one-yard touchdown run with 2:43 remaining in the first quarter. Foster finished the day with 148 yards and a score on 25 carries.
James Wilhoit gave Tennessee a 10-7 lead after connecting on a 38-yard field goal. Minutes later, Vols defensive end Jason Hall sacked South Carolina quarterback Blake Mitchell in the end zone for a safety and a 12-7 advantage with 6:08 remaining before halftime. That score stood at the break.
In the second half, Mitchell helped the Gamecocks take a 13-12 lead after a 12-play drive that covered 80 yards resulted in a five-yard touchdown pass to Rice in traffic with 11:33 remaining in the fourth. Mitchell's two-point conversion pass fell incomplete. The quarterback was 6-of-7 for 75 yards on the drive.
Wilhoit then put Tennessee back in front 15-13 on a 43-yard field goal with less than eight minutes remaining in the game. South Carolina went ahead for good when Josh Brown's 49-yard field goal was good with 2:45 left in the contest.
North Texas at LSU
LSU defeated North Texas 56-3 in non-conference action. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell went 17-of-21 for 244 yards and a touchdown for the Tigers. LSU has won five straight after losing to Tennessee 30-27 in overtime on September 26th.
After leading 28-3 at halftime, the Tigers scored a touchdown late in the third to go up 35-3. LSU then scored 21 fourth-quarter points to blow the game wide open.
The Tigers play another non-conference game at home this week against Appalachian State. LSU then travels to Tuscaloosa to play fourth-ranked Alabama November 12 in an important SEC West matchup.
Mississippi State at Kentucky
During the 13-7 loss to Kentucky, Jerious Norwood became Mississippi State's all-time leading rusher with 2,888 yards during his career. Norwood finished the contest with 121 yards on 20 carries.
Kentucky went up 3-0 on Taylor Begley's 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. The Wildcats extended their lead to 10-0 at halftime when Rafael Little scored from eight-yards out. Little rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown.
Kentucky went up 13-0 after the break on Begley's 33-yard field goal. Mississippi State finally scored on Brandon Thornton's 19-yard run late in the third.
The Bulldogs host Alabama this week, while Kentucky plays Auburn.
Predictions For Week Ten SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 4-2, overall they are 47-14. This week, Auburn plays at Kentucky, Alabama takes its perfect record on the road to Mississippi State, and Tennessee meets Notre Dame in South Bend.Auburn at Kentucky, noon CT, No Television
Auburn travels to Kentucky this week before playing two of the toughest games on its schedule. Georgia and arch-rival Alabama lie ahead for the Tigers with the SEC Western Division title on the line. It would be easy for Auburn to not take the Wildcats too seriously, but Tommy Tuberville's team knows it must win out to have a chance to head back to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game.
The Tigers' offense has been sluggish at times over the past two weeks. Instead of punching the ball into the end zone, they've had to settle for field goals, which haven't been a sure thing. Every team experiences letdowns on offense during the season. Let's hope Auburn can get things going against Kentucky which will carry over to its final two contests.
On the defensive side, the Tigers have gotten better each week. Last week against Ole Miss, Auburn held Ed Orgeron's team to just 209 total yards. The defense has now held half of their opponents for the season to a touchdown or less. No opponent has gained more than 350 yards against them.
Ketucky's running back Rafael Little leads the SEC and ranks 12th nationally in all-purpose yardage with 158.6 yards per game. Little is the only offensive threat for the Wildcats. When Auburn's defense shuts him down, Kentucky will have to rely on quarterback Andre' Woodson. Woodson is a decent quarterback but the Tigers' secondary has shown they can handle opponent's passing attacks.
Hopefully Auburn will put the game away early so they can rest the starters in second half. The Tigers need to be healthy heading into "Amen Corner", and a trip to Lexington should help heal the nagging injuries. The Tigers' first visit to Lexington since 1995 will be a productive one. Auburn wins, 38-10.
Alabama at Mississippi State, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
Alabama will also try not to look ahead to games against LSU and Auburn. While the Tide is undefeated and ranked in the top five this season, they have dominated Mississippi State in recent years when they have struggled under head coach Mike Shula. Alabama has won 30-14, 38-0, 28-14 during the past three seasons, and this year's contest should see the Tide win big again.
Mississippi State dropped to 0-5 in SEC play, and 2-6 overall, with its loss at Kentucky this past Saturday. The Bulldogs have not beaten an SEC West opponent since defeating Ole Miss 36-28 to conclude the 2001 conference season. That streak will continue this week against a talented Alabama team. The Tide wins in Starkville, 35-7.
Tennessee at Notre Dame, 1:30 p.m. CT, NBC Sports
Things couldn't be any worse for Phil Fulmer's team. After losing to South Carolina for the first time in Knoxville Saturday, Randy Sanders resigned as offensive coordinator effective at the end of the season. The only positive thing for Tennessee is its defense. This week against Notre Dame, the Vols' defense will have to play over their head to have a shot of pulling off the upset.
While Tennessee has had a very disappointing season, Notre Dame's 5-2 record under new head coach Charlie Weis is a surprise. The Fighting Irish have been so impressed with Weis that they recently signed him to a 10-year contract worth $3-4 million dollars a year. Weis has his team poised to appear in a New Year's day bowl game and a victory over the Vols will help the Irish achieve that feat.
Tennessee faces its fifth top-10 opponent of the season Saturday when it takes on No. 8 Notre Dame. The Vols are 1-3 vs. top-10 opposition thus far in 2005. After Saturday's contest, they will be 1-4 vs. top-10 opponents. The Irish win by 14, 24-10.
Vanderbilt at Florida, 6:15 p.m. CT, ESPN2
These two teams are headed in the opposite direction. Vanderbilt has lost four in a row while Florida is back in contention to win the SEC East after a big win over Georgia last week.
One thing the Commodores and Gators have in common is the play of their quarterbacks. Jay Cutler continues to set records under center for Vanderbilt and Chris Leak is improving each week under new Florida coach Urban Meyer. One difference though, Leak has more talent to work with and has played well against Vanderbilt the last two years. Leak is 37-of-54 for 486 yards and three touchdowns in his two starts against the Commodores. His 10.59 yard per pass last season in Nashville were a career high against an SEC opponent.
Look for Leak to have another big game against Vanderbilt and the Gator defense will continue to be stingy. Florida runs over the Commodores, 34-9.
South Carolina at Arkansas, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
The Razorbacks will try and snap a two-game losing streak when they face South Carolina for homecoming. The 16-15 victory at Tennessee last week helped give the Gamecocks their first three-game winning streak in the conference since Sept. 28-Oct. 12, 2002. Arkansas leads the all-time series, 8-5, including a 5-1 advantage when the teams have met on the Razorbacks' home field.
Arkansas should give South Carolina problems with its rushing attack. Darren McFadden and Felix Jones have been outstanding despite being freshmen. As the Gamecocks showed last week against the Vols, they have trouble stopping the run. Arkansas should record its first victory in the conference after an 18-14 win.
Appalachian State at LSU, 7 p.m. CT
Appalachian State will be heavy underdogs when they face LSU at Tiger Stadium. Last week, the Tigers racked up 383 passing yards and 183 rushing yards in their 56-3 blowout of North Texas.
This week's game could be another blowout if LSU can stay focused on the Mountaineers before they travel to face No. 4 Alabama next week. Even though Appalachian State is an I-AA team, they rank at the top of the Southern Conference with a 6-2 overall mark. The Mountaineers will be a little more competitive than North Texas. LSU gives up two touchdowns but still wins big, 41-14.
A Look Back At SEC Games From Week Ten
Auburn defeated Kentucky 49-27 to improve to 7-2 overall and 5-1 in the conference. Alabama won on the road at Mississippi State, Vanderbilt took Florida to double overtime and Tennessee lost at Notre Dame.Auburn at Kentucky
Auburn defeated Kentucky 49-27 at Commonwealth Stadium. Kenny Irons and Tristan Davis had big performances on the ground for the Tigers. Irons had 103 yards on 23 carries and three touchdowns while Davis had 162 yards on 8 carries and a touchdown.
The Tigers have now won 15 of their last 16 SEC games, which includes the 2004 SEC Championship. Auburn's only loss came on October 22 against LSU. The Tigers have won 20 straight games when scoring at least 20 points, including a 7-0 mark this year.
Auburn takes on Georgia this week in Athens. The Bulldogs had last weekend off to rest up for the battle between the hedges Saturday night. Kickoff is at 6:45 p.m. CT and ESPN will broadcast the game.
Alabama at Mississippi State
Alabama had to rely on its defense to stay unbeaten on the road at Mississippi State. The Tide won 17-0 despite committing three turnovers on offense, but the defense held the Bulldogs to just 103 total yards and forced four turnovers.
After only having a 3-0 lead at halftime, Alabama scored a pair of touchdowns in the third quarter without the offense taking the field. Special teams made the first big play on the second half kickoff, as Jimmy Johns forced a fumble by Derek Pegues and Matt Miller scooped up the fumble and raced 15 yards into the end zone. Rudy Griffin then picked off a pass by Michael Henig and returned the interception 17 yards for the score.
This week, Alabama plays LSU at home, and Mississippi State is off.
Tennessee at Notre Dame
Notre Dame won 41-21 over Tennessee Saturday afternoon in South Bend. Brady Quinn threw for 295 yards on 20-of-33 passing with three touchdowns in the Irish victory.
With the game tied at 21 late in the third, Notre Dame scored the contest's final 20 points, all in the fourth quarter, to seal the win.
The Fighting Irish have won four of their last five games, while the Volunteers lost their fourth straight for the first time since 1988, which is also the last time they failed to go to a bowl game. Tennessee must win its last three against Memphis, Vanderbilt and Kentucky to become bowl eligible.
Vanderbilt at Florida
Florida blew a 14-point lead in the final 2 1/2 minutes of the fourth quarter but still beat Vanderbilt 49-42 in double overtime.
Gator quarterback Chris Leak found Jemalle Cornelius in the back of the end zone in the second overtime for a 16-yard touchdown pass. Reggie Lewis then intercepted a Jay Cutler pass on the next play to seal the win for 13th-ranked Florida at The Swamp.
Leak threw three touchdowns and completed 32-of-41 attempts for 257 yards. Cutler completed 28-of-42 passes for 361 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions.
Florida travels to South Carolina this week while Vanderbilt hosts Kentucky.
South Carolina at Arkansas
South Carolina won again on the road for the second straight week when they beat Arkansas 14-10 at Razorback Stadium. Blake Mitchell led the Gamecocks with 142 yards on 12-of-25 attempts and two touchdown passes. The Razorbacks moved to 0-5 in conference play for the first time since joining the SEC in 1992.
Darren McFadden had another impressive performance for Arkansas. McFadden racked up 187 yards on 32 carries on the afternoon.
South Carolina went up 7-0 midway through the first quarter on a seven-yard pass from Mitchell to Sidney Rice. The Razorbacks responded with two unanswered scores in the second quarter to carry a 10-7 edge into halftime. Peyton Hillis caught a four-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Casey Dick, followed by a 19-yard field goal by Chris Balseiro with just three seconds left in the frame.
The Gamecocks took the lead for good on the final play of the third quarter when Kenny McKinley hauled in a 42-yard scoring strike from Mitchell for the 14-10 lead.
Arkansas plays at Ole Miss this week and South Carolina hosts Florida.
Appalachian State at LSU
In non-conference action, LSU defeated I-AA Appalachian State 24-0. Quarterback JaMarcus Russell completed 16-of-22 attempts for 208 yards and threw two touchdowns. The Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa this week to play fourth-ranked Alabama. The contest kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CT and can be seen on CBS Sports.
LSU took a 7-0 lead on its first possession of the game after Russell found Dwayne Bowe nine-yards out to cap a nine-play, 72-yard drive. Bowe had five catches for 76 yards on the night.
The Tigers put together another long drive early in the second period that resulted in a one-yard touchdown run by Justin Vincent. Vincent carried the ball six times for 57 yards during the eight-play, 80-yard drive.
LSU scored again early in the fourth quarter when Russell connected with Keith Zinger on a nine-yard strike in the end zone to push the Tigers' lead to 21-0. Chris Jackson's 34-yard field goal extended LSU's lead to 24-0 with 7:01 left in the fourth.
Predictions For Week 11 SEC Games
Last week's predictions were 5-1, overall they are 52-15. This week, Auburn plays at Georgia on ESPN at 6:45 p.m. CT. LSU tries to knock off Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and Steve Spurrier's South Carolina team hosts Florida.Auburn at Georgia, 6:45 p.m. CT, ESPN
Auburn and Georgia renew the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry when the two teams meet Saturday in Athens. This will be the 109th meeting between the two teams, with Auburn holding a 52-48-8 edge in the series. It will also be the fifth time in the last six years that both teams will be nationally ranked entering the game.
Georgia quarterback D.J. Shockley will be starting again after being out for the Florida game. Auburn's secondary has improved each week but they will have their hands full trying to stop Shockley. The senior quarterback has averaged 9.4 yards every time he’s thrown the football, with a 12-to-4 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Hopefully he'll be rusty after not playing for three weeks which will cause him to make mistakes.
Auburn has the advantage over Georgia in the running game. Kenny Irons, Tristan Davis and Tre Smith combined for 364 yards rushing and five touchdowns in last week's 49-27 victory over Kentucky. The Tigers expect Brad Lester to return for the showdown in Athens. With four running backs ready to go, Auburn could rack up big yards again this week.
The Tigers' defense will be focused on stopping Shockley from making a big play that Georgia head coach Mark Richt may have to run the ball more than he planned on. This will be bad news as the Bulldogs' rushing attack has been weak this season and Auburn is more than capable of stopping the run.
Auburn has fared well in games played in Athens. The Tigers own a 17-9 record and they have won nine of their last 11 games at Sanford Stadium. In 2003 between the hedges, the Tigers were dominated 26-7. The players and coaches on the Auburn sideline for that game will feel much better about this year's results. The Tigers by seven, 21-14.
LSU at Alabama, 2:30 p.m. CT, CBS Sports
LSU must win at Alabama to keep its chances alive to reach the SEC Championship game. The Tigers are 6-9 all-time in Tuscaloosa, however, LSU has won two straight and three of the last four on the road against the Tide.
Defense wins championships and Alabama's may help them win the national championship for the first time since 1992 if they make it to the Rose Bowl. There has been a lot of talk about how it would be bad for college football if the Tide doesn't get a chance to play for the championship like Auburn wasn't able to do last season. While Alabama may go undefeated in 2005, they lack one thing Auburn had last season, an offense.
Since the 31-3 victory over Florida, Alabama has relied on its field goal kicker and defense to win close games against Ole Miss, Tennessee and Mississippi State. While they scored 35 points against Utah State two weeks ago, they'll face much tougher defenses against LSU and Auburn.
Against LSU, the Tide must find a way to score or their perfect season will come to an end. The Tigers' defense can keep Alabama in check but it will be interesting to see how their offense does against one of the top defenses in the country. LSU forces a few turnovers and that will be the difference in this low scoring game. The Tigers win 14-10.
Florida at South Carolina, 11:30 a.m. CT, Jefferson-Pilot Sports
Florida has been an unpredictable team this season. The Gators have solid victories over Tennessee and Georgia, but were totally embarrassed by Alabama. Their offense hasn't consistently put a lot of points on the scoreboard each week and probably won't have much success on the road at South Carolina.
The Gamecock defense has helped Steve Spurrier's team go from 2-3 to 6-3 after Auburn blew them out 48-7 October 1. While South Carolina has won four straight over conference teams that all have losing records, Spurrier is happy to get the wins and to be going to a bowl game. A victory over 7-2 Florida would give Spurrier a signature win in his first year in Columbia and it would help with his recruiting efforts.
The big challenge for the Gamecocks will be stopping Florida quarterback Chris Leak from having a big game. Leak is capable of putting up big numbers but he'll have to do it against a defense that has held three of their last five opponents under 100 yards passing. South Carolina wins a close one, 21-18.
Memphis at Tennessee, 1 p.m. CT
Tennessee is down but not out of possibly going to a bowl game. At 3-5, the Vols must win this week's game versus Memphis and then the next two against Vanderbilt and at Kentucky. Three wins to finish the season isn't impossible with a defense that has been solid all year, but Tennessee's offense must play better for Philip Fulmer's team to go bowling.
This week against Memphis, the Vols' defense should handle a Memphis squad that relies solely on its running game after two quarterbacks got hurt earlier in the season. The Tigers had to convert wide receiver Maurice Avery to quarterback and he hasn't been too productive under center. Avery has completed just 34 passes in eight games as starter. Tennessee has been able to stop the run all year, holding seven of its first eight foes under 100 yards on the ground.
If the Vols have success on offense, they should snap their four game losing streak. The offense finally shows up and Tennessee wins comfortably, 24-7.
Kentucky at Vanderbilt, 1 p.m. CT
Vanderbilt surprised everyone last week by taking Florida to double overtime at The Swamp. Even though the Gators won, the Commodores showed effort despite losing four straight before the game in Gainesville. Senior quarterback Jay Cutler continues to shine each week under center and should have another outstanding performance in his final game at Vanderbilt Stadium.
Kentucky head coach Rich Brooks will return next season after many thought this would be his final season. The Wildcats are 2-6 and haven't played well on the road. In road games at Indiana, South Carolina and Mississippi, they lost by more than 19 points per game and the defense has allowed 44 or more points three times in the last five games.
Vanderbilt will finally win after losing five straight. The Commodores by 21, 35-14.
Arkansas at Ole Miss, 1 p.m. CT
Arkansas is looking for its first conference victory of the season when it plays at Ole Miss. Houston Nutt's team won't be going to a bowl game this year but they can spoil LSU's season by keeping them out of the SEC Championship game when they play the Tigers later this month. Don't look for the Razorbacks to be too excited to play the Rebels this week. They'll save their best effort for LSU.
Ole Miss has played well on defense while struggling on offense. On defense, the Rebels are giving up less than 18 points per game and they have improved against the pass this season. On offense, they are still searching for a quarterback and have been held to just 26 points in their last three games.
Expect a low scoring game while Ole Miss holds Darren McFadden under 100-yards rushing. The Rebels by three, 13-10.
