CFI: The Next 25 (26-50) Plus 18 Bowl Teams

Seven Teams On the Cusp:

Atlantic Coast: Miami Hurricanes: Randy Shannon is doing a nice job of replenishing the ‘Canes talent pool. It will be fun watching youngsters such as quarterback Jacory Harris, linebacker Sean Spence, defensive tackle Marcus Fortson, defensive end Marcus Robinson, cornerback Brandon Harris, as well as wide outs Aldarius Johnson, LaRon Byrd and Travis Benjamin—octuplets who flashed ability as true freshmen—grow into stars.

Big East: South Florida Bulls: For the past two seasons the Bulls have been knocking on the door of the national scene—cracking the top ten each season—only to fall short of claiming their first Big East title. They are as talented as any team in the conference, but breaking in four new starters along the offensive line means they will have to settle for making their fifth straight (non-BCS) bowl trip.

Big Ten: Illinois Fighting Illini: With the likes of quarterback Juice Williams and wide out Arrelious Benn leading a deep stable of pass catchers, the Fighting Illini could have the most explosive offensive attack in the Big Ten. If they can find some semblance of consistency and some defense they will crash the top 25 and maybe make a second New Year’s Day bowl in three seasons.

Big XII: Kansas Jayhawks: With senior quarterback Todd Reesing set to pick apart Big XII defenses with his dynamic duo at receiver (junior Desmond Briscoe and senior Kerry Meier) and what should be an improved defense, Kansas hopes to win their first Big XII North crown. They host Nebraska, but must play Oklahoma, Texas, and Texas Tech from the South.

Pac-10: Oregon St. Beavers: Coach Mike Reilly has quietly been one of the most consistent head coaches in college football and despite a difficult schedule, he will have the Beavers among the better teams in the Pac-10. The Rodgers Boys—sophomore running back Jacquizz and junior wide out James—solidify the offense, but eight starters must be replaced on defense.

Southeastern Conference: Arkansas Razorbacks: If headman Bobby Petrino can harness Ryan Mallett’s vast potential—he may have the strongest arm in all of college football—the Razorbacks could be among the nation’s most improved teams this season. Tailback Michael Smith and tight end D. J. Williams are dynamic playmakers and the defense will be better for the lumps suffered in 2008.

Independents: Notre Dame Fighting Irish: The skill position talent is there—particularly at receiver (Golden Tate and Michael Floyd)—and Jimmy Clausen may actually live up to the hype, making the Irish a team on the rise. The biggest concerns come in the trenches, which are often where football games are won and lost. The O-Line is inconsistent, while the D-Line is unproven.

BCS Busters: TCU Horned Frogs: The young Horned Frogs (only 15 seniors) are likely a year a way from being BCS Bowl contenders, but should not be counted out this season, not with balance on both sides of the ball. Andy Dalton provides experience at quarterback, while end Jerry Hughes and linebacker Daryl Washington headline a speedy defense.

Rounding Out the Top 50 - The Best of the Rest:

Arizona Wildcats: The ‘Cats should continue to get better on the defensive side of the ball and there are several talented skill players ready to step up offensively, beginning with all-everything junior tight end Rob Gronkowski. As long as headman Mike Stoops can find a replacement for quarterback Willie Tuitama, Arizona should build on last season’s success.

Arizona St. Sun Devils: A six-game losing streak buried the Sun Devils in year two of the Dennis Erickson era. A talented front seven means they will make a bowl this season, but the fact they must replace Rudy Carpenter and are still searching for a winning combination along the offensive line means they will not reach double digits in wins as they did in 2007.

BYU Cougars: BYU is not far behind TCU or Utah in the race for the Mountain West crown and a BCS bowl. This group of Cougars is looking to become the first in school history to reach double figures in victories four years in a row. If the offensive line and wide receivers gel quickly, coupled with an improved defense, BYU will be dangerous.

Cincinnati Bearcats: In quarterback Tony Pike and wide receiver Mardy Gilyard, the Bearcats possess the offensive firepower to repeat as Big East Champs. However with only one starter returning on the defensive side of the ball, it will be an uphill climb. Chip Kelly is the conference’s best headman so they cannot be counted out, even in what amounts to a rebuilding year defensively.

East Carolina Pirates: With veteran quarterback Patrick Pinkney and strength in the trenches on both sides of the ball, the Pirates figure to be one of the most dangerous BCS Busters once again. There is not shortage of skill players on offense or the defensive backfield. Retaining head coach Skip Holtz was also a coup for the program.

Kentucky Wildcats: The ‘Cats had an explosive offense in 2007 led by quarterback Andre Woodson, but last season it was more of a defensive-minded squad which took them to a third straight bowl game. To make it four in a row, Rich Brooks hopes to find some balance. The offense has gained experience with stud linebacker Micah Johnson and corner Trevard Lindley on defense.

Maryland Terrapins: The Terps are led by an experienced senior signal caller in Chris Turner, but will be one of the youngest teams in the ACC in 2009. That, of course, doesn’t mean they lack talent. With no Georgia Tech or North Carolina on the docket their schedule is favorable and if they can gel sooner rather than later, Ralph Friedgen’s boys could surprise.

Missouri Tigers: After winning consecutive Big XII South titles, the Tigers figure to take a step back with the loss of quarterback Chase Daniels, wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, tight end Chase Coffman, defensive tackle Ziggy Hood, and safety William Moore. A home game versus Nebraska could set up a showdown with border rival KU for a spot in the conference championship game.

Nebraska Cornhuskers: The Cornhuskers won six of their final seven games in 2008, which is why they are being picked by many to regain their status as top dog of the Big XII North. Bo Pelini does appear to be the man to get them back on top, but that doesn’t mean they have to do it this season—not with only ten starters back from a nine-win team.

Nevada Wolf Pack: Which quarterback rushed for 1,130 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2008? No it wasn’t Tim Tebow, it was Wolf Pack junior Colin Kaepernick, one of the most exciting players in the nation. They also bring back the WAC rushing champs from 2008 (junior Vai Taua) and 2007 (senior Luke Lippincott).

North Carolina St. Wolfpack: Tom O’Brien appears to have the Wolfpack headed in the right direction and year three in Raleigh should be the first of many winning seasons to come (6-7 in 2008). Led by sophomore signal caller Russell Wilson the offense should be explosive, if they can get the defense turned around—a big if particularly in light of Nate Irving’s injury—NC State could be a sleeper in the ACC.

Northwestern Wildcats: With Pat Fitzgerald leading the program it should be no surprise the ‘Cats possess one of the top defenses in the Big Ten with a potential Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in senior end Corey Wootton, and one of the nation’s top secondaries (all four starters return, including three All-Big Ten performers). If skill players emerge on offense, watch out.

Rutgers Scarlet Knights: Two years ago the Scarlet Knights’ identity was running back Ray Rice (Rutgers’ all-time leading rusher). Last season it was the passing game, led by quarterback Mike Teel (Rutgers’ all-time leading passer) and wide out Kenny Britt (Rutgers’ all-time leading receiver). Who will step up to be the face of the 2009 team? With a lack of proven playmakers, RU isn’t ready to contend for the conference crown—maybe next year for these Jersey Boys.

South Carolina Gamecocks: It is absolutely stunning the struggles that South Carolina has had finding a quarterback under Steve Spurrier. Despite losing junior defensive backs Captain Munnerlyn and Emanuel Cook, the defense will be staunch once again. However unless junior signal caller Stephen Garcia begins to fulfill some of the promise many had for him, it might not matter.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles: With quarterback Austin Davis, running back Damion Fletcher, and wide receiver DeAndre Brown, as well as an experienced offensive line and a year under their belt in Larry Fedora’s system, the Golden Eagles should have the top offense in the East Division. If the defense catches up, this team will make some noise.

Texas Tech Red Raiders: Losing record-setting quarterback Graham Harrell and star receiver Michael Crabtree was expected, but losing the 22 sacks that junior ends Brandon Williams and McKinner Dixon recorded was not. The strong-armed Taylor Potts should flourish in the shotgun for Tech, who will be hard pressed to repeat their 11 wins of last season.

Wisconsin Badgers: Close losses, poor special teams play, and turnover margin did the Badgers in last season. If they don’t find some answers on defense and quarterback Dustin Sherer doesn’t improve, none of that will matter. The talent is there to stop the downward trend (12 wins in ’06, nine in ’07 & seven in ’08) since Brett Bielema took over, but they’re probably not looking at a top-25 finish.

Others Going Bowling:

Air Force Falcons: Sophomore Tim Jefferson gives the Falcons the type of dynamic presence at quarterback that their best teams have had. They will run the ball well—that is a given—whether or not they have an impact on the Mountain West race will be determined by Jefferson’s development as a passer and the defense. They will be better than last year’s eight-win squad.

Auburn Tigers: Gene Chizik’s first season in Auburn could be a rocky one. They still have questions at quarterback, a lack of playmakers on offense, and little depth in the front seven. While they will be looking up at Alabama once again—way up—there is enough talent with stars like end Antonio Coleman and tackle Lee Ziemba for Auburn to return to a bowl.

Baylor Bears: How do you not root for second-year headman Art Briles and sophomore quarterback Robert Griffin? For the first time since joining the Big XII, look for the Bears to post a winning season—or at least a non-losing regular season—and make a bowl. They have weapons on offense and a defense that should improve with the addition of defensive tackle Phil Taylor.

Buffalo Bulls: The class of the MAC East should again challenge for the conference title after pulling off the upset over Ball St. last season. Quarterback Drew Willy is gone, but stellar tailback James Starks and explosive pass catcher Naaman Roosevelt are back, as is headman Turner Gill who has led the turnaround. A strong back seven could make them better in 2009.

Central Michigan Chippewas: The passing game (quarterback Dan LeFevour, wide receivers Bryan Anderson and Antonio Brown) and a solid front seven (defensive end Frank Zombo, linebacker Nick Bellore) make the Chippewas the favorite in the MAC. However, an equally shaky offensive line and defensive backfield make them vulnerable to challengers.

Colorado Buffaloes: Season four of the Dan Hawkins era is a big one in Boulder. The Buffaloes regressed last season, due in part to rash of injuries. Quarterback play and how quickly the defense adjusts to a new scheme will decide how far they go in 2009—they could go anywhere from struggling to make a bowl to challenging for the Big XII North.

Connecticut Huskies: They must replace running back Donald Brown and quarterback Tyler Lorenzen on the offensive side of the ball. That won’t be easy, leaving the defense to lead the way. The Huskies are stacked at linebacker with a troika of starters returning in Scott Lutrus, Lawrence Wilson, and Greg Lloyd—all juniors.

Houston Cougars: Headman Kevin Sumlin had a solid debut in Houston and with quarterback Case Keenum, tailback Bryce Beall and wide receiver Tyron Carrier all back they should be just as good, if not better, in year two. Like many others in Conference USA, their defense needs work. Nevertheless, they are the team to beat in the West Division.

Memphis Tigers: With five bowl appearances in the past six seasons, headman Tommy West has earned some benefit of the doubt. The Tigers have a very solid defense and skill players galore—see running back Kevin Steele and wide out Carlos Singleton. If they can get improved play from the quarterback position, Memphis could be the surprise of Conference USA East.

Michigan Wolverines: With uncertainty at quarterback and a transition on defense (new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson), the Wolverines are still a year away from being “Michigan” again. Defensive end Brandon Graham, linebacker Obi Eze, and cornerback Donavan Warren are solid building blocks, and there are enough skill players on offense to make a bowl.

Navy Midshipmen: They lose offensive linchpins in quarterback Kaipo-Noa Kaheaku-Enhada, slotback Shun White, and fullback Eric Kettani, but you can still expect the Midshipmen to possess one of the top rushing attacks in the nation. What will be different is this season, it could be the defense that leads the way to a seventh straight bowl appearance.

Northern Illinois Huskies: He’s not at the level of Dan LeFevour or Tim Hiller, but Huskies’ sophomore signal caller Chandler Harnish flashed ability as a freshman while leading NIU to a bowl game. Harnish is more LeFevour in that he can hurt you with his arm and legs. A strong offensive line means the Huskies will boast a balanced offense.

Troy Trojans: There is little doubt the Trojans will once again be the class of the Sun Belt. Larry Blakeney continues to churn out stellar defensive units (and NFL prospects) led by senior ends Brandon Lang and Cameron Sheffield. This year with the return of quarterback Levi Brown, running back DuJuan Harris, and wide out Jerrel Jernigan, they could be just as good on offense.

Tulsa Golden Hurricane: As long as Todd Graham leads the Golden Hurricane, Tulsa will bring one of the nation’s most explosive offenses. For the third time in three years they will be breaking in a new quarterback, but there will be no shortage of weapons to throw to. An improved defense could help counter the losses of quarterback David Johnson and running back Tarrion Adams.

UTEP Miners: If you’re looking for a sleeper in Conference USA, the Miners are it. The combination of Trevor Vitattoe (quarterback) to Kris Adams (wide receiver)—both juniors—might be the best you haven’t seen. What held back Mike Price’s club in 2008 was defense, something they must overcome…again. The secondary has potential and could make UTEP a surprise in ’09.

Vanderbilt Commodores: They are not the most exciting team in the country—heck, punter Brett Upson was the MVP of their Music City Bowl victory—but Bobby Johnson’s squad is sound as they come. If they could just get some semblance of an offense to go along with their stellar defense, the ‘Dores could really make some noise in 2009.

Wake Forest Demon Deacons: With senior quarterback Riley Skinner and an experienced front five, Wake’s offense could the best they’ve had in years. With the likes of linebackers Aaron Curry and Stanley Arnoux, as well as defensive backs Alphonso Smith and Chip Vaughn off to the NFL, they will certainly need that offense to come through. One thing is for sure—Jim Grobe’s teams should never be underestimated.

Western Michigan Broncos: A solid offensive line—perhaps the best in the MAC—returns to block for strong-armed quarterback Tim Hiller and the shifty runner Brandon West. The senior duo will need to be at their playmaking best as Butch Jones is rebuilding the entire defense. A home game against Central Michigan gives them a chance to win the West.

Photo Credit: University of Miami Sports Media Relations Office, Mark A. Philbrick/BYU, Brian Utesch, Baylor University Athletics, University of Houston, Wake Forest Athletics Media Relations

Q&A: LB Wesley Woodyard, Denver Broncos

Transcription from Wesley Woodyard's appearance on All Access Football Radio's Football Friday Show with Daniel Mogollon, Ralph Mancini and Rodney Towe on February 20, 2009.

We have been talking about the combine and a lot of the different drills that guys do. You made our all-NFL combine team last year because you showed good speed, explosiveness in your broad jump, good quickness with your shuttle time, and you also showed the ability to maintain speed with your 60-yard shuttle. Talk about the different drills...

Woodyard: The 40 (yard dash) is the biggest drill of the combine, but to me, one of the most important drills is the L-drill, because that shows your change-of-direction speed and how fast you can pick up your speed. To me, that is one of the most important ones there.

What was the combine experience like as a whole? Was it kind of surreal? I mean, you check in and weigh in, then they measure you, you get poked and prodded by doctors, you get on the field and run, you take a psychology test, you interview with teams...was it a whirlwind experience?

Woodyard: It was kind of overwhelming. When we first got down to Indy we immediately went over to the doctors, spent a few hours over there, then we came back and had meetings with the coaches. To a lot of players, we weren’t really expecting all of that to happen so fast. It was strictly business from the time we got there to the time we left.

Did you have any fun, or was it all business, all the time ?

Woodyard: The only fun we had was competing against the other linebackers. To me, that was the most fun. Anytime I get a chance to compete and do something with football I have a lot of fun. One of my training partners was up there, Jerod Mayo. We trained together to prepare for the combine, so we were competing at everything we did. I had a lot of fun just seeing the other linebackers and competing against them.

Fast forward to the NFL. Your first pre-season game for the The Denver Broncos-walk us through what you were experiencing in your first game, your first NFL experience...what was going through your mind, and what really shocked you or amazed you?

Woodyard: The first time I got a chance to go in, some of the vets came up and told me, “let’s go youngster, it’s your time to show everybody what you can do.” The first play I got on the field, I ran down on the kickoff, busted the wedge, and made a tackle. I was like, “Wow, I’m really getting a chance to play in the NFL!” It really didn’t sink in until the next week, the next game. Just getting a chance to go out there, it meant a whole lot to me.

The NFL is called the “Not For Long” league sometimes, for a reason. As a 2nd-year player who made a very positive impact-especially given that you were an undrafted free agent-what is your mindset going into your second season, now that you have a season under your belt?

Woodyard: My mindset is the same as it was coming in as an undrafted rookie. I still have a lot to prove. I would like to get credit for a whole season starting in the NFL. It is deemed “Not For Long” sometimes, but that’s due to injuries and some people just not having a chance to make it out onto the football field. My mindset is to go out there and compete in the summer camp just like I don’t have a shot at making the team, so I am just going to give it my all every time I’m out there.

You’ve been around the NFL for a year now-is it more physically demanding or more mentally demanding? Do you have to do more work in the film room, or is it more physically demanding for you?

Woodyard: To me it is a combination of both, but I can say I spent a lot more time watching film this year than I did in college. I watched a lot of film in college, but when you are getting ready to play against some of the best coaches and players the game has ever seen, you have to make sure you are at your best and you have to understand what they can do. I would say we spend more time watching film than I have ever done in my life.

As you mentioned, you were an undrafted guy last year. We were all pretty surprised when your name didn’t get called that weekend-what was your reaction and how quickly were you able to bounce back and say, “Hey, I have to put that behind me and focus on making happen what I can make happen.”?

Woodyard: It was a big shock to me that I didn’t get drafted, but right after the draft the thing that got me...Coach Shanahan called me. He didn’t call me once, he called me twice to make sure that I understood everything was for real . When I went up there I realized that God gave me another chance to play football and I am the type of guy that loves to compete. Anytime I get a chance to compete and I can show my skills, I’m going to give it my all and make sure I turn some heads.

When your name wasn’t called in the first six rounds, are you hoping you won't be drafted? If you go undrafted, you have a certain degree of control over where you can go-were you getting calls from other teams trying to get you to go to their team?

Woodyard: That was one of the things when it gets late, everybody wants to hear their name called. But once you’re in those later rounds, it's better that you go undrafted because you get a chance to choose a team that doesn’t have a lot of depth at your position, or one that really didn’t draft anyone at your position. For me it, came down to two teams-the Broncos and the Chiefs. I looked at the Broncos' roster and figured I had a better chance to make the team there and I had a better chance at showing myself on the football field early.

Can you give us the highlight of your rookie season? You had a strong second half of the season. I believe you had three games with ten tackles in a game and please, before you answer, you're talking to three Jet fans here, so don’t tell us it was coming to the Meadowlands and beating the Jets.

Woodyard: (Laughs) I don’t want to say beating Brett Favre wouldn’t be one of them. I’ll just hold that one down as the second one, but I would have to say when we were playing the Atlanta Falcons. The week before the game, my special teams coach was taking me out for the special teams and I told him I could still play special teams, you don’t have to take me out. He told me when we need to put our guys in there, you’re going to be in there. He called on me to go make a special teams play to seal the victory on the kickoff . He put me in the game and it was funny, it was kind of crazy how all the veterans were looking for me to make plays, so I just ran down the field, made a tackle, and gave Atlanta bad field position going into their final drive.

You brought up coach Shanahan. How shocked were you when you heard that he was no longer going to be the coach?

Woodyard: Everybody was really shocked. It was something that no one really expected. Things happen for a reason. I think everybody’s pretty excited to get back to Denver and get a chance to workout with their teammates and meet the new coaching staff.

Talk about your coaching staff. I understand your defensive coordinator is Mike Nolan who formerly coached the San Francisco 49ers, what are your first impressions of the defensive coordinator? Also, we understand that Denver has released a number of players, so they are looking to revamp this defense. What are your impressions of the new coaching staff and what lies ahead for this defense?

Woodyard: I actually got a chance to play for Coach Nolan down at the Senior Bowl. He was a guy that demanded intensity and respect from everybody. He seemed like he was a very knowledgeable coach who loves the game of football. I think if you are going to be a defensive coach, you have to have that fire and he definitely has that fire.

You mentioned the intensity of a defensive coach. If I remember correctly, you were coached by Mike Singletary at the Senior Bowl as well and I don’t think there many more intense coaches than him. Can you talk about playing for him, even though it was only a couple of days, what was that like?

Woodyard: That was amazing. The first time I saw him, I felt like a little kid. My mouth dropped open. I ran up to him and introduced myself. His intensity and passion for the game...you just have to respect that. Just being around him made me want to come to practice every day and work hard, just so that I didn’t disappoint him. He was one of the great linebackers of the NFL and you just had to show respect every time you were around him.

It's time for "three and out". First down: Mixed martial arts or boxing?

Woodyard: Boxing.

Second down: Your favorite superhero of all time?

Woodyard: The Incredible Hulk. His characteristics remind me of a linebacker's.

Third down: What was your first big purchase when you got that NFL contract?

Woodyard: I paid out some bills for my mom. I like to see my mom happy, so I helped my mom out.

Liberty Bowl: East Carolina vs. Kentucky

By J.J. PESAVENTO

Memphis, TN * January 2, 2009 * 5:00 PM * ESPN

The East Carolina Pirates began the season 3-0 and in the process knocked off a pair of bowl teams in Virginia Tech and West Virginia. But they lost their next three games before winning six of their final seven contests including an upset win over Tulsa to win the Conference USA title and finish 9-4 on the season. Kentucky also got off to a fast start by winning their first four games but then faced a losing battle - SEC play. The Wildcats went 2-6 in against conference foes and dropped their final four to finish 6-6 on the season.

When the Pirates Have the Ball

East Carolina will throw a two back attack at Kentucky with Norman Whitley and Brandon Simmons doing the work. Whitley led the club in rushing yardage with 667 yards (four touchdowns) and Simmons led the team in rushing touchdowns with six. The pair will be running behind an offensive line that is led by Sean Allen, an All-Conference performer this season. The Pirates don't run the ball exceptionally well but they ran more than they threw during the season. Quarterback Patrick Pinkney will lead the passing attack after throwing for 2,379 yards and 12 touchdowns during the season. His primary targets during the season were Dwayne Harris (who missed the last three games of the season), Davon Drew and Alex Taylor. Simmons also plays a key role in the passing attack as he is third on the team in receptions (24) and tied for the team lead with three touchdown receptions (three) with Drew and Jamar Bryant. While their record doesn't show it, Kentucky has a better than average defense. Linebackers Micah Johnson, who led the team in solo tackles (57) and tackles for loss (11.5), Braxton Kelley and defensive lineman Myron Pryor lead the defense. The Wildcats also possess two fine defensive backs in Trevard Lindley and Marcus McClinton, each of who have four picks on the season and have combined for 19 pass breakups.

When the Wildcats Have the Ball

The Wildcats are not a juggernaut on the offensive ball to say the least. Their leading rusher, Tony Dixon, had 341 yards this season. Dixon and quarterback Randall Cobb (316 yards) each scored seven rushing touchdowns to lead the team. Cobb had taken over the duties at quarterback but is doubtful for the bowl game after undergoing knee surgery following the Tennessee game. This means Mike Hartline, who started the first eight games for the Wildcats, will get the call for Kentucky. Hartline threw for 1,462 yards with eight touchdowns. The Kentucky offense may not be threatening, but they do protect the quarterback well, allowing only 12 sacks all season to lead the SEC. This is good considering they will be facing an East Carolina defense that had several players receive all conference honors in 2008. Defensive lineman C.J. Wilson led Conference USA with 18.5 tackles for loss. He also led his team with 10.5 sacks. Linebackers Pierre Bell and Nick Johnson and defensive back Van Estridge all were around 90 tackles this year. Estridge and super freshman Emanuel Davis both had four picks with in 2008 and each returned one for a touchdown.

Final Analysis

This game will likely be a battle of two defenses. Neither team has a great offense as both Kentucky and East Carolina average around 23 points per game. One difference is that Kentucky does not allow many sacks, whereas East Carolina ranks around the middle of the pack. Kentucky also has an edge on punt returns but they will be facing Matt Dodge, who is one of the best punters in the country for East Carolina. The Pirates are coming in sky high after winning their conference title and in the end, they'll be the better team.

CFI Prediction: East Carolina 24, Kentucky 17

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, East Carolina University Athletic Media Relations

This Date in College Football History

Nov. 20, 1976: For the first time in 12 years, Kentucky beats Tennessee 7-0 in Knoxville. Wildcat quarterback Derrick Ramsey passes to running back Greg Woods who takes the ball 68 yards for the winning touchdown, as Kentucky (8-4) earns its first bowl bid since 1952.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Fans Weekend Guide - Week Twelve

The Conference Title is on the Line When…
Maryland Hosts North Carolina (November 15, 3:30, ABC): With their win over the Yellow Jackets, the Tar Heels created a three-way tie atop the Coastal Division with Virginia Tech, Miami and the Heels all 3-2 in conference play. Mean-while, the Terps’ loss to Virginia Tech was their second in ACC play – prior to that, they were the lone one loss team. Maryland is now a half game behind both Florida St. and Wake Forest, but Ralph Freidgen’s squad does control its own destiny and is 5-0 at home with three wins over (then) ranked foes. Having lost to the Hokies themselves, UNC needs help. They are 2-1 on the road, with their lone loss coming in overtime at Virginia, so this one should be a dandy. Keep an eye on junior wide outs Hakeem Hicks and Darrius Heyward-Bey.

Don’t Call it an Upset When…
BYU Visits Air Force (November 15, 3:30, CBS College Sports): Heading into the season, the BYU Cougars were the numero uno “BCS Buster”. However, a loss to TCU quickly changed that. The team on top is now their in-state rival, Utah, who the Cougars play next Saturday, but they best not look ahead. When Utah made the trip to Colorado Springs, they found themselves in a tie game before crossing the goal line in the final minute, proving the Falcons are no walkover. While BYU does it mostly with the arm of Max Hall, Air Force gains 76 percent of their yards on the ground. The Academy’s leading receiver, Josh Cousins, has 11 receptions, a number BYU tight end Dennis Pitta (67 receptions, 879 yards, six touchdowns) has equaled twice in a single game this season. And Pitta isn’t even the Cougars’ leading receiver – that would be Austin Collie with his 78 receptions for 1,185 yards and 13 touchdowns. While they do it in far different ways, expect both teams to find the end zone often in a thriller.

The Team That Can’t Afford to Look Ahead is…
Ohio St. Visiting Illinois (November 15, 12:00, ESPN): What could the Buckeyes be looking ahead to? For starters they are in the BCS hunt and could win a conference title if Penn St. is to fall to say…Michigan St., whom the Buckeyes defeated. Oh yeah, they play hated border rival Michigan AKA “that school up north” next week.

The Team on the Cusp is…
Kentucky Hosting Vanderbilt (November 15, 8:00, ESPN2): Or Vanderbilt visiting Kentucky – take your pick. With a win, the ‘Dores become bowl eligible for the first time since 1982 and after starting the season 5-0, Vandy is desperate for a victory. Kentucky has already secured their sixth win, but would be wise to add one more to the ‘W’ column to secure what would be their third straight bowl appearance, something they’ve done only once (from 1950-1952).

Photo Credit: UNC Athletic Communications

This Date in College Football History

Oct. 8, 1955: In Auburn, fullback Joe Childress and halfback Fob James (future Alabama governor) move into first and second place on Auburn's career rushing list, passing the mark set in 1942 by Monk Gafford (1,435 yards rushing). The Tigers play to a 14-14 tie with Kentucky.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame

Fans Weekend Guide - Week Six

Conference Pride is on the Line When…
North Carolina Hosts Connecticut (October 4, 7:00, ESPN2): Which conference has more to prove—the Big East or the ACC? The Tar Heels enter this game 3-1, including an impressive 44-12 win over Rutgers in their lone trip up north. Meanwhile, the undefeated Huskies took care of their previous ACC foe when they handled Virginia 45-10. Connecticut now must cross the Mason-Dixon Line for an inter-conference battle. UConn will be without their leader, Tyler Lorenzen went down last week and could be out for up to two months. Sophomore Zach Frazer will attempt to replace the talismanic Lorenzen. The Huskies still boast the nation’s leading rusher in Donald Brown (906 yards, 11 touchdowns). They won’t receive any sympathy from North Carolina, who lost their starting signal caller Tyler Yates a week earlier. Third stringer Cameron Sexton stepped in last week and threw for 242 yards and two touchdowns in UNC’s comeback win over Miami.

The Conference Title is on the Line When…
USC Hosts Oregon (October 4, 8:00, ABC): Entering the week, the Ducks sit atop the Pac-10 standings with a 2-0 record in conference play, while the Trojans are still smarting over their loss on Thursday night to Oregon St. USC is happy not to have to make the trip back to the great northwest, and Oregon should not expect a gracious host this Saturday. A week after USC lost the “Quizz Show”, you can be sure the Ducks will look to feed tailbacks Jeremiah Johnson and LeGarrett Blount. The onus will be on the Trojans’ talented front seven, led by stellar senior linebackers Rey Maualuga in the middle and Brian Cushing (below) at the strongside position.

Don’t Call it an Upset When…
Alabama Visits Kentucky (October 4, 3:30, CBS): OK…you can call it an upset. The Tide have ripped through two top teams in September, but everyone is susceptible to the upset bug. UK has an underrated front seven. Linebacker Braxton Kelley (above) leads the team with 21 tackles and three sacks and if Micah Johnson can return healthy, they may have enough bulk to handle Alabama’s physical rushing attack.

The Team That Can’t Afford to Look Ahead is…
Texas Visiting Colorado (October 4, 7:00, FoxSports): The ‘Horns take on the Sooners next week in Dallas in what figures to be a match-up of top five foes. However, before they get there, UT must conquer the Rockies. The Buffs are coming off a loss to FSU, but are dangerous at home— they knocked off No. 21 West Virginia this year and No. 3 Oklahoma last season.

The Team on the Cusp is…
Michigan St. Hosting Iowa (October 4, 12:00, ESPN2): Javon Ringer (897 yards, 12 touch-downs) is trying to single-handedly carry the Spartans into the top 25, but if they are to earn a ranking, the MSU defense will have to perform better than they did last week at Indiana.

A Football Fan’s Four-Pack…

Illinois @ Michigan – (October 4, 3:30, ABC): This match-up will mark the 90th meeting between the two Big-Ten programs, with Michigan holding a 9-1 advantage in the last 10 contests. Look for Illinois junior quarterback Juice Williams (above) to try and attack the Wolverines via the pass. Michigan’s defense has held opponents to 88.5 rushing yards per game, while allowing 220.8 through the air this season. The Illini’s porous run defense (182.5 yards per game) should allow freshman Sam McGuffie to have quite a day in “The Big House.”

Super Senior: Brit Miller, LB, Illinois

Star of Tomorrow: Sam McGuffie, RB, UM

FSU @ Miami – (October 4, 3:30, ABC): The Hurricanes and the Seminoles both enter the contest with very stingy run defenses. Miami ranks seventh nationally in rushing defense (65.0 yards per game), while FSU is eighth nationally in rushing defense (67.2). Just a hunch, but some pass plays may factor into the both game plans. Also look for Miami to have an extra-large chip on its shoulder coming off a heartbreaking loss to North Carolina. The Canes will be looking to take out their frustration on someone after falling victim to a scoring pass with 46 seconds left in their ACC opener last Saturday.

Super Senior: Derek Nicholson, LB, FSU

Star of Tomorrow: Sean Spence, LB, Miami

Arizona St. @ Cal – (October 4, 3:30, ABC): The Bears have won four of the last five meetings with the Sun Devils, but will be looking to avenge last year's 31-20 loss in Tempe. A match-up to keep an eye on is Arizona State’s senior signal caller Rudy Carpenter against the play-making corners of Cal, led by Syd’Quan Thompson and Brett Johnson.

Super Senior: Keegan Herring, RB, Arizona State

Star of Tomorrow: Shane Vereen, RB, Cal

Auburn @ Vanderbilt – (October 4, 6:00, ESPN): No. 13 Auburn has won its last 13 games against No. 19 Vanderbilt. But the Commodores, who are 2-0 in the SEC for just the third time since 1956, lead the nation in turnover margin (+2.25) and are tied for the national lead in fewest penalties (11). This should be a good test for a Vanderbilt squad that is nationally ranked for the first time since 1984. Look for a rugged SEC battle in this one.

Super Senior: Reshard Langford, S, Vanderbilt

Star of Tomorrow: Zac Ethridge, SS, Auburn

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, John Pyle

CFI RANKINGS: 26-50

THE BEST OF THE REST (26-40):

Boise St. Broncos: Ian Johnson returns for his third season as the Broncos top weapon—he has more career rushing yards and total touchdowns than any other active player. They are not as good as they were in 2006, but are always well coached. Defensively, the front seven looks solid with an experienced linebacking corps and excellent ends in Mike Williams and Ryan Winterswyk.

Cincinnati Bearcats: It’s looking more and more like Ben Mauk will not be back for the Bearcats, which is major loss for this season. In the broader picture, headman Brian Kelly is building a foundation (started by Mark Dantonio) for a perennial winner. Whoever is under center will have playmakers and defensively they return their top three players led by CB Mike Mickens.

Colorado Buffaloes: The Buffs took a major step forward and while another is not a given, Coach Hawkins is the goods in Boulder. They are young, but sophomore Cody Hawkins improved as the season went on and with targets Scotty McKnight and Josh Smith getting better as sophomores, as well as potential franchise back Darrell Scott, this offense could have some firepower.

Connecticut Huskies: It is easy to say the Huskies got lucky last season and weren’t as good as their record…because they did and they weren’t. But that has nothing to do with this year. The backfield of Andre Dixon and Donald Brown will be tough to stop and QB Tyler Lorenzen ensures they play mistake free football. Sophomore LBs Scott Lutrus and Lawrence Wilson are rising stars.

Fresno St. Bulldogs: The Dawgs are everyone’s darling heading into the season, ranked No.25 in the Coaches Poll. QB Tom Brandstater made major leaps from his sophomore to junior seasons and could be among the top passers in the nation this season. FSU is primed to knock off Rutgers, Wisconsin and/or UCLA in out of conference play, but their first WAC Title since 1999 would be sweeter.

Florida St. Seminoles: They are probably a year away from getting back into the top 25, so FSU fans must remain patient if they can. The offensive line is developing and in TB Antone Smith and WRs Greg Carr and Preston Parker they have playmakers. Speed is the main course on defense as well with DE Everett Brown, CB Tony Carter and SS Myron Rolle all potential impact players.

Kentucky Wildcats: The ‘Cats lose their top passer (Andre Woodson), rusher (Rafael Little) and top two receivers (Steve Johnson & Keenan Burton), and they play in the SEC East which is death. However, they return most of their defense and will—by necessity--change their identity this season. CB Trevard Lindley and DE Jeremy Jarmon are two of the best players people don’t know much about.

Maryland Terrapins: A strong offensive line and plethora of talented receivers, starting with junior Darius Heyward-Bey, means a bounce-back season in College Park. They showed flashes last season with upsets of Rutgers and Boston College and could have easily finished with a winning record considering they lost by three to UNC, by one to UVA and in OT to Wake Forest.

Michigan St. Spartans: Sparty appears to have found their man in Mark Dantonio, who ended a three-year bowl drought and more importantly, the “here we go again” mentality MSU seemed to have when things would go wrong. They’re set with QB Brian Hoyer and TB Javon Ringer, with sophomore ‘backers Greg Jones and Eric Gordon leading the way on defense.

North Carolina Tar Heels: The Heels are the up and coming team in the ACC and Frank Beamer and the Hokies better watch out--Butch Davis’ boys mean business. The architect of the Championship team in Miami looks to build another winner, and with DT Marvin Austin, DT Aleric Mullins, LB Quan Sturdivant and FS Deunta Williams—all sophomores—Davis has the foundation in place.

Oklahoma St. Cowboys: The Pokes’ offense gives them a chance to win any game. QB Zack Robinson can do it all, TE Brandon Pettigrew is a big target and sophomore WR Dez Bryant is ready to step up as the No. 1 target in Stillwater. The Cowboys averaged 46.6 PPG and 486.3 YPG and should be just as explosive this season. The only thing holding them back is a poor defense.

Oregon Ducks: The Ducks are ranked 20th in the Coaches Poll, but I cannot get their three-game losing streak to end the regular season (without Dennis Dixon) out of my head. The defense should be better, particularly in the secondary where Rover Patrick Chung is joined by junior corners Jairus Byrd and Walter Thurmond. If they solidify the backfield, Oregon could get back on track.

Penn St. Nittany Lions: The Nittany Lions have top 25 talent and I could see senior signal caller Daryll Clark having a Michael Robinson-esque final campaign. However, that dark cloud over Happy Valley is hard to ignore and it is difficult to predict how a bunch of 20-year olds will react. OLB Sean Lee (INJ), and DTs Chris Baker and Phillip Taylor will not be easily replaced.

Pittsburgh Panthers: The Panthers are the trendy pick out of the Big East this season, but before I can rank them in the top 25 they have to show me something. Dave Wannstedt has recruited well, but has yet to go bowling. Defensively, they should be improved behind the play of MIKE Scott McKillop, with super sophomore LeSean McCoy the workhorse on the offensive side of the ball.

South Carolina Gamecocks: With the likes of OLB/DE Eric Norwood, LB Jasper Brinkley, CB Captain Munnerlyn and SS Emanuel Cook the Gamecocks have a top-ten caliber defense in place. However, quarterbacks Chris Smelley and Tommy Beecher may not inspire much more than a whole lot of visor throwing this fall. If Coach Spurrier straightens that out, the sky’s the limit at USC.

Ten More to Keep an Eye On: Arizona, Boston College, Florida Atlantic, Nebraska, Oregon St., Purdue, Rutgers, TCU, UCF, UCLA

Tomorrow: The Top 25 Countdown Begins; Photo Credit: CU Sports Information Office, Collegiate Images, SEC Sports Media

CURRY LEAVES BOOTH FOR SIDELINES

Curry accepts new challenge as Georgia State coach.

ATLANTA (AP) -- Georgia State has its first football coach and, at 65, Bill Curry has a new job.

Curry, the former coach at Georgia Tech, Alabama and Kentucky who spent the last decade as a football commentator for ESPN, said Thursday he's ready for a new challenge after receiving a 5-year contract.

Curry was introduced as the first coach for Georgia State's new football program, which begins play in 2010. The Panthers will compete in the Colonial Athletic Association and will play their home games at the Georgia Dome.

Curry played at Georgia Tech from 1960 to 1964. He coached the Yellow Jackets for seven years in the 1980s before guiding Alabama to the 1989 Southeastern Conference championship.

Volunteers claim SEC East title with 52-50 win over Kentucky

By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Sorry Georgia, resilient Tennessee is back on top in the SEC East.

The Volunteers stuffed a scrambling Andre Woodson on a 2-point conversion attempt in the fourth overtime to secure a 52-50 victory Saturday against Kentucky and a spot in the Southeastern Conference title game.

No. 19 Tennessee's 23rd straight win over the Wildcats handed the Volunteers (9-3, 6-2) the division title and a shot at LSU in next week's SEC title game.

Tennessee and Georgia finished tied atop the East, but the Volunteers earned the title thanks to their 35-14 win over the Bulldogs on Oct. 6.

Erik Ainge threw for a career-high 397 yards and seven touchdowns and running back Arian Foster had 216 total yards for the Volunteers.

Woodson matched Ainge throw for throw, throwing for 430 yards and six touchdowns, but the Wildcats (7-5, 3-5) let a chance to beat the Vols for the first time since 1984 get away.

Tennessee's winning streak over the Wildcats is the longest active winning streak by one team over another in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Kentucky trailed by 17 points in the second half but had its chances late, none better than in the second overtime after Sam Maxwell intercepted Ainge near the goal line.

The Wildcats ran the ball on three straight plays to set Lones Seiber up for a 35-yard field goal. But the kick was blocked by Dan Williams.

The teams traded touchdowns in the third overtime, but the Wildcats stuffed Foster's 2-point conversion. A personal foul on the Volunteers following the conversion attempt pushed Tennessee back to the Kentucky 40 instead of the Kentucky 25 at the beginning of the fourth overtime.

No matter, Ainge hit a wide-open Quinton Hancock on the first play to put the Volunteers in front. Ainge then found Austin Rogers for the conversion over the middle.

Kentucky responded with a 2-yard touchdown run by Derrick Locke, but Woodson was stopped at the Tennessee 3 caught in between trying to find a receiver and taking off the for the end zone.

The victory capped an improbable run by the Volunteers, who seemed out of the race after being crushed at Alabama last month. Tennessee has now won five straight while Kentucky, which was on the fringe of the national championship hunt after upsetting No. 1 LSU in mid-October, has lost four of its last five.

It wasn't easy. Kentucky trailed 31-14 in the third quarter, but rallied to tie the game on a 20-yard field goal by Seiber on the last play of regulation.

That was just the start of the fun.

Yet whenever the Wildcats seemed to grab control, Ainge or Foster would step up and make a play. Foster ran for 118 yards and caught nine passes for 98 yards and a score.

Rafael Little had 77 yards rushing and caught 11 passes for 108 yards for the Wildcats. Jacob Tamme, Steve Johnson Keenan Burton - who helped usher the Wildcats into the Top 10 earlier in the season - combined for 23 catches, 273 yards and five scores.

The trio is part of a class of 16 Kentucky seniors who had hoped to make their final home game the exclamation point on a two-year period in which the program challenged some of the conference's elite.

Instead, the regular season ended the way most of the 22 before it, with a loss to their border rivals.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports

No. 19 Vols hope to fix road troubles against Kentucky

By BETH RUCKER
Associated Press Writer

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - The final obstacle between Tennessee and a Southeastern Conference Eastern Division title lies on the road - a place that hasn't been kind to the 19th-ranked Volunteers this season.

Tennessee (8-3, 5-2 SEC) has won only one game on the road this year and suffered all three of its bruising losses away from home. The Vols travel on Saturday to Kentucky (7-4, 3-4) to face a Wildcat team that's as good as the Vols have seen since they last lost in Lexington in 1981.

``I don't really know the perfect answer of why we haven't been good on the road,'' wide receiver Austin Rogers said. ``We've played some good teams on the road this year. We definitely need to treat it as a business trip like coach (Phillip) Fulmer says and go up there and get a W.''

Tennessee completed its home slate last weekend undefeated after squeaking by Vanderbilt with a 25-24 win. The Vols got one solid road win against Mississippi State, but lost to California, Florida and Alabama by a combined 77 points.

The Vols have given up an average 23.2 more points on the road than at home this season and have scored an averaged 38.1 points at home compared to 25.2 on the road.

Their home statistics have been better in almost every category: they run the ball better, convert on third down more frequently, hold opponents to fewer yards, draw fewer penalties and score more in the red zone.

Defensive coordinator John Chavis acknowledged that the Vols haven't played as well on the road as they needed to, but felt that ``everything that can go wrong did go wrong'' against California and Florida.

``We've had some turnovers that were returned for touchdowns. We've had some punt returns that were returned for touchdowns. Defensively we didn't get ourselves off the field. It was a combination of a lot of things,'' he said.

But Chavis and the rest of the Tennessee coaches say their team has grown significantly since those losses in September and October and benefited from a four-game home stand with both decisive wins and close calls.

Fulmer said he was forced to use some young players in the Vols' early road games because of injury, and those players are now more mature having played in several games.

``I have never made a big deal out of being at home or being on the road, and that's because you've got to play and win at both in this league,'' he said.

It may also help that Tennessee is confronted with the same must-win situation this weekend that it's faced since beating South Carolina at the end of October. Wins in every game since then, including Saturday's matchup with Kentucky, meant a trip to the SEC championship on Dec. 1.

Plus Tennessee has had a way with the Wildcats in recent history. The Vols' 22 consecutive wins over Kentucky is the longest active winning streak over a single opponent in the Football Bowl Subdivision.

Quarterback Erik Ainge said he likes where Tennessee is right now.

``I think we're playing good football. I think we're kind of hot right now. Whether it's 20 degrees and snowing or whether it's 55 degrees and sunny, we know it's still 11 on 11 and the field's the same size.''

Source: ncaafootball; Photo Credit: SECSportsmeda

No. 8 Georgia holds off No. 22 Kentucky, 24-13

ATHENS, Ga. (AP) -- Georgia has done all it can. Now, the Bulldogs need a little help to reach the Southeastern Conference championship game.

Knowshon Moreno ran for 124 yards, Matthew Stafford surprised Kentucky with a 10-yard touchdown run and No. 8 Georgia overcame four turnovers and an early deficit to beat 22nd-ranked Kentucky 24-13 Saturday.

The Bulldogs (9-2, 6-2 SEC) clinched at least a tie for first in the Eastern Division and will face top-ranked LSU in the Dec. 1 title game in nearby Atlanta if Tennessee loses either of its last two games.

The Vols were facing state rival Vanderbilt on Saturday, and will close the regular season next weekend at Kentucky.

The Wildcats (7-4, 3-4) didn't have any hope of reaching the SEC championship game, but they were trying to win out and claim at least a share of the division crown. But their high-scoring offense, which was averaging more than 37 points a game, couldn't take advantage of two interceptions and two fumbles by the Bulldogs.

Georgia's defense saved the day, holding Kentucky to its lowest output of the season, despite spotting the Wildcats a 10-lead, and helping avenge a 24-20 loss in Lexington last season.

Woodson, who came in with an SEC-leading 29 touchdown passes and just seven interceptions, had a rough afternoon against Georgia's blitzing defense. He was 24 of 41 for 268 yards, managed only one TD pass and was sacked five times.

The Bulldogs came up with two huge stops in the fourth quarter of their home finale.

First, with the Wildcats facing third-and-4 at the Georgia 15, Marcus Howard sacked Woodson for an 18-yard loss that left the visiting team to attempt a 51-yard field goal. Lones Seiber's kick was wide left and a little short with 10 minutes left.

After Kentucky got it back again deep in its own territory, Geno Atkins forced a punt by dumping Rafael Little for a 2-yard loss on third-and-1 with under 5 minutes to go. Georgia pushed it into field-goal range for Brandon Coutu, who wrapped up the win by hitting a 46-yarder with 2:09 left.

The celebration really began when Jeremy Lomax and Atkins sandwiched Woodson for the final time, leading to chants of ``Let's go Vandy!'' from the crowd of more than 92,000 at Sanford Stadium.

One week after wearing black jerseys for the first time in an emotional win over Auburn, the Bulldogs returned to their usual home red and got off to another rousing start. Asher Allen returned the opening kickoff 82 yards to the Kentucky 18.

But Moreno fumbled inside the 10 and Jeremy Jarmon recovered for the Wildcats.

Kentucky built a 10-0 lead before the first quarter was done. Woodson tossed a 36-yard touchdown pass to Keenan Burton, then Seiber connected from 31 yards after Stafford threw the first of his two interceptions.

Thomas Brown also fumbled for the Bulldogs, but the defense held Kentucky to only one field goal over the final three quarters.

Georgia made it 10-7 just before halftime when Moreno powered over from the 1. The freshman bounced back from that early mistake for his fifth straight 100-yard rushing game, the first Bulldogs back to accomplish that feat since Herschel Walker in 1982 while winning the Heisman Trophy.

Georgia surged to its first lead on its opening possession of the second half. Brown scored again from the 1 to make it 14-10.

Stafford gave the Bulldogs some breathing room with his touchdown run, which caught the Wildcats off guard. After faking a handoff to Brown running to the left, Stafford took off the other way and slid into the end zone with 5:40 left in the third.

Georgia closes the regular season next Saturday at Georgia Tech - then hopes to make a return trip to Atlanta the following week.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

CFI: THE SEC REPORT

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER

FULLY ARMED
* AT&Tebow does it again. He was more than just Superman as he passed for a career high 304 yards going 22-of-32 with one interception and two touchdowns. He shows that he has the whole package when healthy. He reads the field well and can hit receivers on the numbers. What makes it so hard for defenses is this guy is too big to just go down. He continues to make his case for the Heisman.

* Vanderbilt’s Mackenzi Adams continues to blossom in coach Bobby Johnson’s offense. He is managing the game better each week and that showed as he went 20-of-31 for a career high 193 yards and two touchdowns. Granted there is room for improvement as he made mistakes.

ROAD RUNNERS
* AT&Tebow again folks. He not only has a great passing day, but tops it off with 26 carries for 120 yards and five rushing touchdowns. You can see that this guy is for real as he goes head first into defenders with no fear. He knows that he is counted on to throw as well as run and he does both. No Percy Harvin was no problem for Tebow. Now all he needs is some help from other teams in the East to make it to Atlanta.

* Tennessee duo of Arian Foster and Montario Hardesty. The knew they had to control the ball and keep out of the hands of Arkansas’ two-headed monster of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. They combined for 33 carries and 148 yards and a Foster touchdown.

* Arkansas’ McFadden worked hard to get 117 yards on 22 carries. He was shut down to the tune of 25 yards in the first half but still managed to get over one hundred after his running mate Felix Jones was injured. Even though the bulk of those yards came after the game was about decided he still showed how good he can be.

BIG HITS
* UT had a defensive gem against Arkansas. Vols defensive coordinator John Chavis said his plan was what he called “probably the smallest package we’ve ever taken into a game since I’ve been here”. He told his players to buy into to the plan and they would come out winners. Then the defense went out and executed it to near perfection. The Hogs’ running game was shut down and they could never get into a rhythm. Give the defense an A on this day.

* The men in Georgia came out wearing black uniforms further showing that coach Mark Richt is not your laid back coach these days. He is trying to find every way to motivate his team as they find themselves at number nine in the BCS. They are fighting for an SEC East title as well as a BCS bowl berth. So when Auburn took a 20-17 lead in the third quarter the defense took over. They did not allow another score.

* The Mississippi State defense was just superb. They kept Alabama QB John Parker Wilson off balance all day as he finished a dismal 16-of-34 for 121 yards and two interceptions. Most importantly they held the ‘Bama offense out of the end zone. Anthony Johnson returned an interception 100 yards for a score on a bad pass by Wilson to close out the first half. The great effort made Mississippi State bowl eligible for the first time since 2000.

AIN’T THAT SPECIAL
* Alabama kicker Leigh Tiffin accounted for all of his team’s points in the loss to Mississippi State. He had field goals of 39, 51, 29, and 50 yards.

* UT’s is finding a return man in Denis Rogan, as he had a kickoff return for 78 yards as well as four punt returns for 32 yards. Kicker Daniel Lincoln continues his good season with two more filed goals and punter Britton Colquitt had five punts for 201 yards.

* Mississippi State special teams got 144 return yards in their win over Alabama.

INTO THE MINDS
* At Vanderbilt a win would make the ‘Dores bowl eligible for the first time in a quarter century. Mistakes cost them big in this one. They had eight penalties for 65 yards as well as two missed field goals and a missed point after. Then there was the sack late in the game followed by a spike instead of what most thought would be a timeout called. Finally it ended with an Adams pass that sailed over his receiver’s head on the final play. This was very discouraging for Coach Johnson as his team won the statistical battle but not the war. They out-gained the Wildcats, had more first downs, and controlled the time of possession.

* Down in Georgia Coach Richt is getting his team ready for the stretch run. They still need help in the East as Tennessee holds the tiebreaker but are also fighting for a BCS bowl berth. Richt has abandoned the laid back approach and is now using all kinds of tactics to fire up his team. First it was the celebration in the end zone against Florida and then they come out in black jerseys against Auburn. Let’s see what he comes up with next as his Dawgs try to bite and claw their way up the rankings.

* Tennessee controls their own destiny but they cannot afford to slip up. Coach Phillip Fulmer has installed an “us against the world” attitude and will need every bit of it if the Vols hope to play in Atlanta for the SEC title.

PHOTO CREDIT: SEC SPORTS MEDIA

Resilient Wildcats eager to repeat breakthrough win against Georgia

By WILL GRAVES
AP Sports Writer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) - Jacob Tamme considers himself a pretty tough guy.

Growing up a Kentucky football fan, then becoming a player on one of the Southeastern Conference's historically mediocre programs, has a way of steeling your resolve.

Still, the Wildcats' tight end admits he just couldn't control his emotions after Kentucky's 24-20 upset of Georgia a year ago.

``I balled for about 15 minutes on the field in front of everybody,'' Tamme said. ``It was such an emotional win because of the history of this program. Then, to be able to build on that since then, we've had some other great wins.''

The win was the breakthrough victory the Wildcats had been working toward for years.

And while there has been plenty of celebrating since the students stormed the Commonwealth Stadium turf after beating the Bulldogs last fall - namely victories over Louisville and LSU this season - there is something special about that moment that sticks with the No. 22 Wildcats (7-3, 3-3 SEC).

``It was definitely part of the process of this team learning how to win, and then learning to understand that they can win against good competition,'' coach Rich Brooks said. ``If you don't do it the first time, it's hard to do it the second time.''

The entire mindset of the program has changed in the last year, Tamme said. The proof is in the way the Wildcats reacted after surviving Vanderbilt on Saturday and all but assuring a second straight bowl bid.

``This time last year, we were really excited to be bowl eligible, and everybody was talking about bowls, and this year we do still want to continue to kind of make a mark in the SEC East,'' he said.

Though the Wildcats can't win the conference, they can still ruin the title hopes of No. 8 Georgia (8-2, 5-2) and No. 19 Tennessee. If Kentucky wins its final two games over the Bulldogs and Volunteers, it could lead to a three- or four-way tie for the SEC East crown.

If that happens, No. 14 Florida would earn the spot in the SEC title game against No. 1 LSU.

Yet, the Wildcats consider themselves far from spoilers, and as great as last year's win was, Brooks said it's no time to get nostalgic.

``The Georgia game last year means nothing for us going into this game,'' he said. ``We are at least still a factor in the SEC race, no matter how you cut it, we're a factor in it and we need to stay a factor in it.''

To stay a factor, the Wildcats will need to do something they haven't done in 30 years: win in Athens.

But this has been a year of firsts for a program more used to simply playing out the string in November. If the Wildcats win on Saturday, it would be the first time in school history they have knocked off three Top 10 teams in one season.

They're victories that couldn't have happened without the gritty victory over the Bulldogs a year ago.

``When we did get over that hump with the Georgia game last year, it allowed us to continue to progress from there,'' Tamme said.

The Wildcats know, however, that they can't afford the mistakes that plagued them against Vanderbilt.

The offensive line, solid for so much of the season, allowed the Commodores to consistently get pressure on quarterback Andre Woodson. And the defense allowed Vanderbilt to run for 239 yards, though it was able to stop the Commodores from tying the game in the final minute.

The resiliency the Wildcats showed in bouncing back following a disappointing loss to Mississippi State on Oct. 27, is just part of the difference in the program now and the one that struggled for respectability before knocking off the Bulldogs last year, according to defensive end Jeremy Jarmon.

``That was a devastating loss to Mississippi State,'' he said. ``They came in and played some good football and they were physical. It took a little bit out of us. But we were able to hang in there.''

It's something the Wildcats hope they can do against the surging Bulldogs. Georgia has won four straight games behind a suddenly explosive offense led by running back Knowshon Moreno and quarterback Matthew Stafford. The Bulldogs have averaged 43.7 points over their last three games, and looked dominant in a rout of Auburn last weekend.

And for all the progress the Wildcats have made in the last year, they feel they still have to prove themselves.

Center Eric Scott, a Woodstock, Ga. native, said there are those who consider Kentucky's win last year ``lucky,'' no matter how many times the Wildcats have come through in the clutch since their dramatic victory last fall.

``After that game, everyone was calling me, friends and family, telling me 'Good luck' and then other guys were calling me and telling me we got lucky,'' Scott said. ``(But) I think that hard work overrides a lot of luck. A lot of games, we've got darn lucky because sometimes the ball rolls your way. But in the games it doesn't, you've got to strap it on and grind it out. That's what we do now.''

Dog bites cat: Miss. State blasts No. 14 Kentucky, 31-14

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) -- Wesley Carroll threw for two touchdowns and Mississippi State forced a season-high six turnovers in a 31-14 victory over No. 14 Kentucky on Saturday.

Kentucky (6-3, 2-3 Southeastern Conference) has lost two straight since knocking off then-No. 1 LSU in triple overtime. A loss to Florida last Saturday dashed the Wildcats' national championship hopes, and the Homecoming loss to the Bulldogs likely knocks them out of the SEC title race, too.

Kentucky quarterback Andre Woodson was sacked three times and threw three second-half interceptions.

A year after the Wildcats turned their season around with a victory in Starkville, the Bulldogs returned the favor in Lexington to put themselves one win away from bowl eligibility.

Coach Sylvester Croom led Mississippi State (5-4, 2-3) to its third road win this year, including another signature victory last month at Auburn. The Bulldogs hadn't won three road games since their Independence Bowl season of 2000, the last time they appeared in postseason play.

Carroll, a freshman, threw for 152 yards and doubled his career TD total. Christian Ducre rushed for a career-high 119 yards, and his 34-yard TD run in the fourth quarter was the Bulldogs' longest running play of the year.

Kentucky committed five turnovers in the second half, including two big special teams disasters.

Alfonso Smith fumbled the opening kickoff of the half, setting up a 31-yard field goal by Mississippi State's Adam Carlson.

Then, punter Tim Masthay dropped the ball while trying to compensate for a high snap by running toward the first-down marker. The fumble set up Anthony Dixon's 1-yard TD that put the Bulldogs up 24-7.

Woodson and receiver Steve Johnson answered with a dazzling scoring play. Faced with fourth-and-8, Woodson threw an arching 37-yard pass to the end zone, and Johnson leapt over a defender to bring it in.

It was Johnson's second TD reception of the game and team-leading eighth of the year.

That was one of the few highlights for the Wildcats. One week after his best statistical game of the season with 415 yards and five TDs, Woodson wasn't nearly as sharp.

He completed 24 of 42 passes for 230 yards, but threw several ugly passes. Among them was a wobbler that was tipped before Keith Fitzhugh grabbed it for the first interception.

The Bulldogs compiled six first downs during an 80-yard drive on their opening possession to take a 7-0 lead. Dixon accounted for nearly half of those yards on the ground before Carroll found Jason Husband for an 11-yard TD.

Woodson tied with an 18-yard touchdown pass to Johnson but Carroll led Mississippi State back down the field on its next possession. Dixon failed to score on three carries from inside the 2 but Carroll then used play action to find Dixon wide open in the corner of the end zone, putting the Bulldogs ahead 14-7.

The Bulldogs converted their first six third-down attempts. When Kentucky finally got a stop midway through the second quarter, Blake McAdams boomed a 55-yard punt over the head of DeMoreo Ford to pin the Wildcats inside the 10.

Kentucky had a chance to pull closer before halftime, but Lones Seiber missed a 34-yard field goal.
SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: SEC SPORTS MEDIA

CFI: THE SEC REPORT

BY RAFAEL GARCIA
SEC INSIDER

FULLY ARMED

1. John Parker Wilson - 32-46 363 yards (career high) and three touchdowns: The Vols made him look like an NFL QB.
2. Mackenzi Adams - 8-16 123 yards: Not much, but he managed the game well for his first start.
3. Tim Tebow - 18-26 256 yards and four touchdowns: I think he is so big we ought to start calling him AT& Tebow.
4. Andre Woodson - 35-50 415 yards and five touchdowns: This guy is the real thing in case y'all didn't notice.

ROAD RUNNERS

1. Arkansas' two-headed monster of Darren McFadden and Felix Jones combine for 32 carries for 211 yards. Too bad that's all they have.
2. Tim Tebow 20 carries for 78 yards: Seems like he is this section every week.
3. Alabama Terry Grant 26-104: Helped his quarterback keeps the Volunteers off balance all day.

CATCH HAPPY

1. D.J Hall had 13 catches for 185 yards and two touchdowns: It seemed like he had about twice that many yards as he caught anything and everything thrown his way.
2. LSU'S Early Doucet had 10 grabs for 182 yards: He showed how important he is the Tiger offense now that he is back.
3. Kentucky duo of Steve Johnson and Dicky Lyons each caught eight passes with Johnson getting 128 yards and Lyons getting 124 more.

BIG HITS

1. How bout them Commodores: The way they manhandled South Carolina and had seven sacks by seven players. They also had two interceptions both by D.J Moore. When they had every reason not to show up…they just outplayed Steve Spurrier’s highly touted defense by holding them to just 26 yards rushing on 22 carries on offense.
2. Heads up to the Bama defense: They may have allowed Tennessee to move the ball several times in the second half but they held them scoreless too.

AIN’T THAT SPECIAL

1. LSU kicker Colt David continues to come up big: He had three more field goals, but more importantly, started another LSU comeback with his sure foot

INTO THE MINDS

1. After a losing to Vanderbilt, Coach Spurrier said that the loss to Vandy should not be a surprise. I take it that he is giving them too much credit or not giving enough credit to his team. Before and during the season he kept preaching how his team was ready to compete for the East. Well make up your mind coach because I am sure you did not have the ‘Dores in mind when you said that. It is also the wrong message to send to his team if he wants to keep their confidence up the rest of the way. They have to go to Knoxville next week and Arkansas and they have not fared well there recently. On top of that, those games are followed by a visit from Florida. He better get that famous motivation speech ready, if he does not, what started as a promising season can sink fast.

2. What does it take to get Tennessee back to its winning ways? Definitely not the brand of football they are playing. When you are running the ball well you don't punt on fourth and one when you need points. You do not run a fourth stringer on third and two when you have guys in front of him getting the job done. At one point in the first half, the Vols had almost three times as many passes as they did runs. Didn't offensive coordinator David Cutcliffe say not too long ago that he would run more? Yet, he continues to pass. In the third quarter they were driving down when they faced third and eight and Erik Ainge made a huge pass for the first down. Next play is a run right? Not these days. Cutcliffe calls pass and the ball was picked off. That ended any hopes for the Vols. The Alabama players would later say they noticed the Vols had given up. Look folks this may be acceptable in other conferences but not in the SEC boys. Here is where the big boys play and if Phillip Fulmer and his staff don't put some fight into their troops the heat will come hard and fast. Rocky Top just ain’t taking it anymore and the call for his head is getting louder with each loss.

3. Last but not least let’s hear it for Vanderbilt coach Bobby Johnson. For so long the Vandy fans have suffered. They have been as patient as Chicago Cub fans. After losing in the closing seconds last week, Johnson put his teams’ character to the test. They could fold it up for the season or show themselves and the football world that winning ways at Vandy are here to stay. Johnson had it all when Jay Cutler took over and offered a glimmer of hope for a sorry program. Then they lose Cutler to the draft and instead of packing it in…the coach told his team that this was a new day. The Vanderbilt Commodores would no longer be the doormat of the SEC East. He worked tirelessly with his coaches and players so that they would believe in themselves. The results are clear. No longer can a team come to Nashville and just expect a win. He has taught his kids the art of winning and it's getting contagious. Four wins in the book with two more for a bowl game. Chances look good for Vandy and the future is now brighter thanks in part to a heck of a game day coach. So now the fans wait for what may be the best stretch run this school has ever seen and possibly that elusive bowl bid...................Hip Hip Hooray.