OKLAHOMA STATE, TEXAS ARE TOSTITOS FIESTA BOWL NATIONAL TEAMS OF THE WEEK

DALLAS (FWAA) - The Oklahoma State Cowboys (6-0), with their 28-23 win at No. 3 Missouri, and the Texas Longhorns (6-0), with their 45-35 win over top-ranked Oklahoma, are the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Teams of the Week for games of the weekend of Oct. 11. It's the first time in the seven-year history of the award that teams have shared the honor.

Oklahoma State's Zac Robinson threw a pair of touchdown passes and ran for a score as the Cowboys improved to 6-0 by winning for the second straight time in Columbia. The Oklahoma State defense also intercepted three passes to lead the Cowboys to their 6-0 start, the school's best since 1997.

Spurred by Jordan Shipley's 96-yard kickoff return, Texas rallied from an early 14-3 deficit. Colt McCoy completed 28-of-35 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown while Chris Ogbonnaya added 127 yards on the ground in front of a record crowd of 92,182 at the newly-expanded Cotton Bowl. Shipley (112 yards) and fellow wideout Quan Cosby (122) each turned in a 100-yard day for the Longhorns, who moved to the top of the polls with the win.

Other Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Bowl National Team of the Week nominees for the weekend of Oct. 11 included:

· Florida (5-1): Tim Tebow threw two touchdown passes and ran for another as the Gators thumped defending national champion LSU, 51-21, in Gainesville.

· Toledo (2-4): Tyrrell Herbert returned one of his two interceptions 100 yards for a touchdown as Toledo upset Michigan, 13-10, becoming the first current Mid-American Conference school to defeat the Wolverines.

The FWAA has named a national team of the week since the 2002 season. This is the fifth season that the award has been sponsored by the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl.

Members of the FWAA board of directors and All-America committee decide the weekly honor. Each Monday during the 2008 college football season, the FWAA will name the Tostitos Bowl National Team of the Week through Dec. 1.

Sputtering in South Carolina

By ARTHUR DICESARE - SEC INSIDER

Maybe it’s me but I recall a time when Steve Spurrier’s teams put the fear of god into opposing defensive coordinators. These days, Spurrier’s teams are reduced to embarrassing loses like the one they had to Vanderbilt last Thursday, 24-17. The Spurrier South Carolina experience has been a disappointment to say the least. Now in his fourth year with the Gamecocks, Spurrier has finished 2nd once in the SEC East and his teams have not had that offensive swagger we were used to seeing from a team coached by the “Old ball coach”. While at Florida, Spurrier’s teams would come out throwing from the shotgun right off the bus. They were always loaded with talented wideouts and quarterbacks that fit the Spurrier pass-heavy mold. This system yielded three quarterbacks finishing in the top five of the Heisman voting, with Danny Wuerffel winning it all in 1996. Not to mention the fact that his teams were always in the national championship picture, taking home the prize in 1996. I find it hard to believe that a top high school quarterback would not want to play for Spurrier and his pass-heavy system. Maybe Spurrier has lost his touch in the recruiting game. Maybe his offense is behind the times, with everyone moving towards the spread. Maybe the SEC is just better than it was when he ruled it in the mid-90s. One thing is for sure: Spurrier and his teams were good for college football, they brought big plays and huge scoring to the SEC. I hope that he can recapture what he once had with the Gators. If not, we might see a great coach—one who once dominated the SEC with a .818 winning percentage and six SEC titles—fade quietly into obscurity.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Tuberville Names Auburn Quarterback

All Access Football reports that Chris Todd will start at quarterback for No. 9 Auburn on Saturday against Southern Mississippi.

Tigers coach Tommy Tuberville said Tuesday that he had planned to start Todd even before Kodi Burns was injured in the opener.

Burns, who started Auburn's 34-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe, was cut on his left leg in the third quarter. He practiced Tuesday on a limited basis and Tuberville said Burns wouldn't play unless he's fully recovered.

South Carolina Names Smelley As Starter

All Access Football has learned that Chris Smelley will start at quarterback for South Carolina against Vanderbilt on Thursday night.

Gamecocks coach Steve Spurrier said he made the decision after starter Tommy Beecher couldn't practice Monday because he couldn't lift his non-throwing shoulder. He said Smelley probably deserves to start even if Beecher was not injured.

Beecher threw four interceptions in his first career start last week against North Carolina State. The junior came out before the fourth quarter because he was hurt.
Smelley then completed all five of his passes and led the Gamecocks on three scoring drives. Stephen Garcia will probably be Smelley's backup unless Beecher's shoulder improves.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

CFI RANKINGS: #2 GEORGIA BULLDOGS

2007 RECORD: 11-2; SEC: 6-2
Won Sugar Bowl vs. Hawaii 41-10
LOCATION: Athens, Georgia
STADIUM: Sanford Stadium (92,746)
HEAD COACH: Mark Richt
OVERALL: 72-19 (7 seasons)
AT GEORGIA: 72-19 (7 seasons)

The Dawgs enter the season atop both polls, but their elevation to the top of the football world began long before anyone put pen to paper to vote this summer. The public began viewing Georgia differently last season, when they took it to the Florida Gators, and it had nothing to do with the much-ballyhooed end zone celebration. The shift in perception was about going toe-to-toe with the defending National Champs and future Heisman Trophy winner, then leaving zero doubt as to who the best team was that day. The Bulldogs were ranked 20th before beating the Gators and jumped to No. 10 following that win. They continued to move up until they reached No. 1 in the preseason polls.

WHEN THE DAWGS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Mike Bobo (2nd Season/8th at UGA)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: Thomas Brown, Sean Bailey, Chester Adams, Fernando Velasco, Trinton Sturdivant

Matthew Stafford is the most talented pocket passer in the college game and if his production matches his raw ability, the junior signal caller can take this offense to new heights. Stafford can spray passes across the field the field with ease--starting corner Asher Allen says only the JUGS machine throws the ball harder. To take that next step in his development, Stafford needs to become more accurate and push his completion percentage from 55.7 percent to over 60 percent. The easiest connection he will make—and arguably the most effective—is a handoff to super sophomore Knowshon Moreno. The New Jersey product isn’t the biggest or fastest back, but don’t tell that to the defenders he has run by or run over. Moreno plays the game at his own pace and is able to energize the entire unit. Don’t be surprised if the Dawgs look to a pair of freshman skill players in TB Caleb King and WR A.J. Green to be difference makers this season. The Achilles heel is the offensive line. They suffered through some growing pains last year with Trinton Sturdivant, Chris Davis and Josh Davis starting as freshmen. That maturation process was supposed to pay dividends in 2008, but with Sturdivant out for the season, they are scrambling for starters along the line once again.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) QB Matthew Stafford (JR), 2) RB Knowshon Moreno (SO)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Willie Martinez (2nd Season/8th at UGA)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: Marcus Howard, Kelin Johnson, Thomas Flowers

The Georgia defense is overlooked, but truth be told, the defense is the strength of this team. Traditionally, the best defenses “Between the Hedges” start up front and in the middle, which is the heart of this defense. Senior Jeff Owens and junior Geno Atkins are two of the better tackles in the game; each can penetrate, each can occupy multiple blockers. Behind them is the soul of this defense in linebackers Dannell Ellerbe and Rennie Curran. Ellerbe mans the middle and after a pair of disappointing seasons, this talented tackler finally broke through as a junior. He can cover sideline-to-sideline, as can his second year cohort Curran, who has lived up to his billing from day one. They have a solid, experienced secondary with cover corner Asher Allen, hard-hitting SS C.J. Byrd and FS Reshad Jones, a superstar in the making. Coming off the edge and hoping to help the DBs will be pass-rushers Jeremy Lomax (Sr.) and Roderick Battle (Jr.). Freshman Justin Houston is another name to remember.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) LB Dannell Ellerbe (SR), 2) FS Reshad Jones (SO)

THE SCHEDULE

The tallest hurdle the Dawgs must leap to reach the BCS Championship game is their brutal schedule. Everyone in the SEC has a tough road, but no one more so than Georgia. First, they play in the East, which features five bowl teams from a year ago. Florida is a top ten team, Tennessee a top 20 team and South Carolina resides just outside the top 25. SEC teams play their entire division and three teams from the other division—Georgia has to play all three ranked teams from the West—Alabama, LSU and Auburn. Out of conference, they play the Arizona St. Sun Devils (No. 15 in the AP Poll, No. 16 in the Coaches Poll). In all, they play six ranked teams. Of their four foes in the top 15, none comes to Athens to take on the Bulldogs—UGA must travel to Tempe, Baton Rouge and Auburn, while taking on the Gators in Jacksonville.

PIVOTAL POINT

Matthew Stafford: Yes, the offensive line is the biggest question mark and yes, the schedule is the toughest in the nation. But you know what can overcome all of that? An uber-talented signal caller with a rocket arm, and that’s what they have in Athens. Stafford wears No. 7 in honor of John Elway and, like his idol, has enough potential to be the No. 1 overall choice once he decides to move on to the NFL. But for now, Stafford has his sights set on a different kind of No. 1. He can be a difference maker. Georgia scored 12 points in their loss to South Carolina and 14 in their loss to Tennessee. Both times, Stafford failed to connect on even half of his throws, completing just 45 percent of his passes in the two losses. When he completed a majority of his tosses, the Dawgs were a perfect 10-0 in 2007.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

The Bulldogs have the pieces to win it all—a big time quarterback, a franchise tailback and a speedy defense bent on taking no prisoners. But that darn schedule keeps popping up. For the most part, regular season losses in college football can be pretty unforgiving although LSU won the national championship last season despite two losses. Georgia may need similar good fortune this season. The Dawgs are deserving of their number one ranking, but it’s not where you start, it’s where you finish and for the second consecutive year, the Athens faithful may end up wishing there was a playoff system in place.

CFI RANKINGS: #6 LSU TIGERS

2007 RECORD: 12-2; SEC: 6-2
Won BCS Championship Game vs. Ohio St. 38-24
LOCATION: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
STADIUM: Tiger Stadium (92,400)
HEAD COACH: Les Miles
OVERALL: 62-27 (7 seasons)
AT LSU: 34-6 (3 seasons)

Oh those Tigers! The Bayou Bengals broke through last season under Les Miles and captured their second national title in five years. They did so by taking on eight ranked opponents, overcoming a pair of heartbreaking triple overtime losses, and refusing to be distracted by the Les Miles-to-Michigan rumors. Offensively, they were not as explosive in the passing game without JaMarcus Russell, who skipped his senior season to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft. Also falling off a bit was the defense, which was not as dominant as at was a year earlier (19.9 PPG in ’07; 12.6 PPG in ‘06). However, Tiger fans don’t care a lick--the only thing that matters in Cajun Country is that Les Miles and his team are national champs.

WHEN THE BAYOU BENGALS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Gary Crowton (2nd Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
KEY LOSSES: Jacob Hester, Matt Flynn, Early Doucet, Carnell Stewart, Ryan Perrilloux (Dismissed from Team)

It appears that former Harvard junior varsity signal caller Andrew Hatch will be the starting quarterback in game one. Who will be under center when they travel east to take on Auburn in week four is anyone’s guess. The original plan was to have duel threat phenom Ryan Perrilloux take over, but he crossed the line one too many times, leaving Hatch and red-shirt freshman Jarrett Lee to battle for the starting role. Whoever leads the huddle will be well protected. Three likely All-SEC performers man the offensive line, with junior OT Ciron Black and senior OG Herman Johnson providing over 700 pounds of protection and C Brett Helms solid in the middle. Figuring out who will get the most carries is as difficult to decipher as the quarterback situation. In Keiland Williams, Charles Scott and Richard Murphy the Tigers possess three starting-caliber SEC backs, with Murphy providing the most speed. Throw in little man Trindon Holliday, a sprinter, and they have four backs that averaged between 6.6 and 7.2 yards per carry a year ago. They also are stocked at wide receiver. Demetrius Byrd could be the top senior receiver in the nation, Brandon LaFell is a burner, and true sophomore Terrance Toliver may be their most talented offensive player. TE Richard Dickson also has some ability.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) WR Demetrius Byrd (SR), 2) OG Herman Johnson (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Doug Mallory (1st Season/4th at LSU)
CO-DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Bradley Dale Peveto (1st Season/4th at LSU)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 5
KEY LOSSES: Glenn Dorsey, Ali Highsmith, Craig Steltz, Jonathan Zenon, Chevis Jackson

The Tigers lose the nation’s top defensive lineman with Glenn Dorsey moving on to the league where they play for pay…but would you believe they won’t miss a beat? Just because Dorsey is no longer a Tiger does not mean those scouts have stopped coming to the Bayou. LSU is eight deep in legitimate pro prospects along the line with Bowl MVP Ricky Jean-Francois leading the way. Francois did not play until the SEC Championship game last season, so he is almost like a new addition. On the outside, Kirston Pittman was their top pass rusher a year ago and Tyson Jackson is an excellent two-way player. Junior DT Al Woods may have the most potential of all, but will have to earn his playing time. Darry Beckwith is back at the MIKE and will have two new starters flanking him, but most of their worries surround how they will replace both starting corners. True freshman Patrick Peterson (formerly Johnson) is the player creating the most buzz. They are stacked at safety with a quartet of playmakers led by FS Curtis Taylor, who brings size and speed to the defensive backfield.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) DL Ricky Jean-Francois (JR), 2) LB Darry Beckwith (SR)

THE SCHEDULE

You remember that team from the FCS (formerly Division I-AA) that went into the Big House and upset the Michigan Wolverines a year ago? Well Appalachian St. looks to knock off a top 10 FBS team for the second straight season when they take on the Tigers. An upset is unlikely, but they could be LSU’s toughest out of conference test. The SEC opener could decide the West Division, as the Tigers visit Auburn. That contest is the biggest on the LSU schedule and kicks off a difficult five-game stretch where the Bengals play at Florida, at South Carolina, and host the Georgia Bulldogs. Three top tens teams over six weeks is a tough stretch for any team and will show what these Tigers are made of.

PIVOTAL POINT

Quarterback: The Tigers should be as good, if not better, at every position on the offensive side of the ball other than the most critical spot—quarterback. Their offensive line is among the best in the nation, their backfield as deep as any and they have more than enough playmakers in the passing game. But will it matter? That is the pressure that is on Hatch to start the season. If Ryan Perrilloux, the expected heir apparent, had stayed out of trouble off the field the Tigers could very well be the No. 1 team in the country with eyes on a repeat. But Perrilloux is not here and now, all eyes will be on the new quarterback in Baton Rouge. The Bayou Bengals will go as far as their quarterback takes them.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

The Tigers were the most talented team in America not only last season, but two years ago as well, and they very well may be this season as well. However, they have some questions they need to answer this year before they can be elevated to that status. Quarterback is the biggest one, but they are also breaking in several new starters on the defensive side of the ball, including a pair of unproven corners. Because of this upheaval, the Bayou Bengals will probably not repeat, but could be the most dangerous team in the nation by season’s end.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

CFI RANKINGS: #8 FLORIDA GATORS

2007 RECORD: 9-4; SEC: 5-3
Lost Capitol One Bowl vs. Michigan 41-35
LOCATION: Gainesville, Florida
STADIUM: Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (88,548)
HEAD COACH: Urban Meyer
OVERALL: 70-16 (7 seasons)
AT FLORIDA: 31-8 (3 seasons)

Lost in the aura of Tim Tebow and the amazing numbers he put up was the fact the Gators opened the season ranked No. 3 in the Coaches Poll (CFI Preseason No. 18) and finished ranked 16th. The Gators put a whuppin’ on several opponents—seven of their nine wins coming by at least 20 points—but were only 1-4 against their five opponents that finished the season ranked. On the flip side, they were breaking in nine new starters on defense, as well as a new quarterback in what was a pretty darn good rebuilding season.

WHEN THE GATORS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dan Mullen (4th Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Andre Caldwell, Carlton Medder, Drew Miller, Cornelius Ingram (Injured)

Tim Tebow had a season for the ages, shattering the glass ceiling for sophomores when it comes to the Heisman Trophy. What can he do for an encore? Hopefully for the Gators they won’t need Tebow to do as much. He is such a unique runner, reminiscent of an old school fullback with defenders bouncing off of him. He also has a big arm and made strides as a passer in his first season as the starter—his duel threat ability makes him the ultimate weapon in the spread offense. If he isn’t, Percy Harvin might be, whether it be catching the football or lining up in the backfield and running with the pigskin. If the Gators want to stretch the field, Luis Murphy and his 4.3 speed is the way to go. They suffered a major loss when WR/TE hybrid Cornelius Ingram went down, but do have a solid fill in with sophomore Aaron Hernandez. There is talent along the offensive line and at tailback, but both groups were inconsistent in ’07. The line must play better as a group and they are relying on heavily on the Pouncey brothers, a pair of sophomores. At tailback, Kestahn Moore returns, but expect either USC transfer Emmanuel Moody or electric freshman Chris Rainey to emerge.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) WR Percy Harvin (JR), 2) QB Tim Tebow (JR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Charlie Strong (4th Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: Derrick Harvey, Tony Joiner

A lot of young players were thrust into major roles on defense last season and the hope in Gainesville is that the ’08 edition of the Florida Gators will be better for it. MIKE Brandon Spikes stepped to the forefront as their leading tackler and top playmaker—a big reason the Gators led the SEC in rush defense. He is the leader of the defense, but others must step up. They need more production from their outside linebackers, as well as from the defensive tackle spot, where several freshmen and sophomores are competing for playing time. They must also replace premiere pass rusher Derrick Harvey, with ends Jermaine Cunningham and Carlos Dunlap possessing vast potential. Their biggest problem last season came in the secondary. Florida’s pass defense was dead last in the SEC as corners Joe Haden and Wondy Pierre-Louis were burned early and often, but there is hope for the duo, particularly Haden who made 12 starts as a true freshman. The most exciting player in the defensive backfield is another true sophomore, FS Major Wright, who only needs to play with more discipline to fulfill his potential.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) MLB Brandon Spikes (JR), 2) FS Major Wright (SO)

THE SCHEDULE

Out of conference they take on Miami at home early and Florida St. in Tallahassee late…these match-ups are great for college football, but not nearly as difficult as they would have been in the past. Their opener versus Hawaii is far easier than it would have been a year ago, but don’t worry—playing in the SEC is going to be as tough as ever. They open up conference play with a trip to Knoxville and play host to defending SEC and national champion LSU, as well as SEC East sleeper South Carolina. The game circled on everyone’s schedule is in Jacksonville, home of the “the world’s largest end zone celebration”. You can bet the Gators are chomping at the bit to square off with the ‘Dawgs.

PIVOTAL POINT

Finish vs. the Big Boys: The 2007 Gators were bullies to some extent. They beat up on the little guys on their schedule—Western Kentucky, Troy and Florida Atlantic—as expected. They also took it to some of the powers that be in college football, trouncing Tennessee 59-20 and laying a 45-12 beat down of Florida St. In both of those games, their rivals were quick to hang their heads and didn’t put up much of a fight. However, that wasn’t the case with their toughest opponents. Not only did Florida lose to four of the five teams they played that finished ranked, they were 1-3 in games decided by less than a touchdown, with their lone win coming against a 3-9 Ole Miss team. They did not overcome a fourth quarter deficit all season.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

The 2007 Gators were far more glamorous than the 2006 edition, but in their championship run, Florida was 5-0 in games decided by seven points or less, including a pair of late fourth quarter comebacks against Tennessee and South Carolina. What will the 2008 Gators deliver? The talent is there to contend for a National Championship, but they must do a better job closing out games against the other contenders in the SEC or they could just as easily find themselves in third place in the East just as they were a season ago.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

CFI RANKINGS: #14 TENNESSEE VOLUNTEERS

2007 RECORD: 10-4; SEC: 6-2
Won Outback Bowl vs. Wisconsin 21-17
LOCATION: Knoxville, Tennessee
STADIUM: Neyland Stadium (102,038)
HEAD COACH: Phillip Fulmer
OVERALL: 147-45 (16 seasons)
AT TENNESSEE: 147-45 (16 seasons)

There are high expectations in Rocky Top. Many are focusing on the fact that Tennessee hasn’t won a conference title since 1998 when they went a perfect 13-0 and won the BCS Championship. It doesn’t help that the Florida Gators won it all in 2006 and are led by Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow or that the Georgia Bulldogs ended last season ranked No. 2 in the country and enter this season at No. 1. The Vols did win the SEC East last season, but will be hard pressed to make their way back to the SEC Championship game in 2008.

WHEN THE VOLS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Dave Clawson (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: Erik Ainge, LaMarcus Coker, Brad Cottam, Chris Brown

Jonathan Crompton is entering his first season as the starting quarterback and he is set for success. Tennessee returns all five starters along the offensive line, a line that allowed only four sacks the entire 2007 season for an offense that aired the ball out over 500 times. Joining Crompton in the offensive backfield is Arian Foster who, barring injury, will leave Knoxville as the school’s all-time leading rusher. Backups Montario Hardesty and sophomore Lennon Creer are capable ball carriers. Also returning are the Vols’ top three receivers, Lucas Taylor, Austin Rogers and Josh Briscoe—all three had 50-plus catches for at least 500 yards last season. Look for super soph Gerald Jones to break out as a receiver and runner—he will even line up in the shot-gun at times. Crompton remains unproven but the highly touted signal caller has the strong arm and athleticism to flourish.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) WR Gerald Jones (SO), 2) OG Anthony Parker (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: John Chavis (14th Season/20th at Tennessee)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Jerod Mayo, Jonathan Hefney, Ryan Karl, Xavier Mitchell, Antonio Reynolds

The Vols’ secondary is stacked, beginning with the dynamic duo of Eric Berry and Demetrius Morley at safety. Berry lived up to the hype in his true freshman season, while Morley returns after missing last year due to off-the-field issues. They are talented at cornerback as well, where sophomores Dennis Rogan and Brent Vinson are competing for playing time. Junior LB Rico McCoy leads the front seven and should take over for Jerod Mayo and the lead the club in tackles. He’s undersized, but is a blur once he gets his sights set on the football and he packs a wallop when he gets there. The key will be the play of a pair of seniors along the defensive line, DE Robert Ayers and DT Demonte Bolden. Each is physically gifted, but neither has reached the lofty expectations set for them.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) SS Eric Berry (SO), 2) LB Rico McCoy (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

The Vols start the season on the left coast for a second straight year and expect better results at UCLA than they had in Berkeley last season (a 45-31 loss). The schedule does not get any easier when they return to the southeast, as Tennessee takes on two top ten teams (Florida, Auburn) in September and a third (Georgia) by midseason. They make trips to Auburn and Georgia, and while they play host to the Gators, Tennessee has struggled against their rival—Florida has won three in-a-row overall and three of four in Neyland Stadium. A 4-2 start would be impressive. In the second half of the season they must take on the Tide, as well as visit the ‘Cocks, but could end the year with six straight wins.

PIVOTAL POINT

D-Fense: Last season, Tennessee finished tenth in the SEC in scoring defense with the second worst pass defense in the conference. Opponents completed nearly 60 percent of their passes for an average of 6.8 yards per attempt—the second highest in the SEC. Their run defense wasn’t that much better, allowing 165 yards per game (they averaged 139 yards) and 4.2 yards per carry. Overall, they finished in the bottom half of the conference in turnovers forced, total defense, pass efficiency, first downs allowed, Red Zone defense and third down defense. That’s not vintage Tennessee football. Regardless of how well Crompton performs, if the defense does not step up, Tennessee will not challenge Georgia or Florida for the SEC East.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

If the Vols were in any other conference in America they would have an excellent chance to be considered a top ten team and would surely be among the favorites in the Big East and ACC, and prime challengers in the Big Ten and Pac-10. Alas, they are in the SEC and have to deal with life in the toughest, deepest, most talent rich conference in all the land. They are not a national title contender, but if they can win one of their early season division battles against Florida or Georgia (whom they defeated 35-14 last season), Tennessee could surprise. At the very least, the folks with the checkered end zone who sing “Rocky Top” should not be counted out…that’s when they are at their most dangerous.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

BREAKING NEWS: HATCH UNDER CENTER

Who knew replacing Matt Flynn (pictured), seventh round pick and third string hopeful for the Green Bay Packers, would be more difficult than replacing former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell?

Next Level Scouting Inc., reports that Andrew Hatch is the favorite to be the starting quarterback for LSU following a closed scrimmage earlier this week. The 6'4 junior transferred to LSU from Harvard prior to the 2007 season. Hatch appeared in one game before suffering a shoulder ailment. He was granted a medical red-shirt.

Originally, he was slated to attend BYU to play for then Cougars head coach Gary Crowton, who moved on to Oregon before joining Miles at LSU as the Tigers’ offensive coordinator.

At Harvard, Hatch saw action with the junior varsity team as a freshman, before heading off for a two-year Mormon mission in Chile. While in South America, the Provo, Utah native injured his knee playing soccer before returning to the States.

Hatch, who has competed with freshman Jarrett Lee for the starting role, is considered equally adept at running and throwing the football. Although Lee has the better arm, Hatch’s overall skills with the ball are considered superior at this point.

The heir apparent was supposed to be highly touted Ryan Perrilloux, but he was dismissed from the team in the offseason.

The Tigers are scheduled to host Appalachian State, Saturday, August 30th.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

CFI RANKINGS: #20 ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

2007 RECORD: 7-6; SEC: 4-4
Won Independence Bowl vs. Colorado 30-24
LOCATION: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
STADIUM: Bryant-Denny Stadium (92,138)
HEAD COACH: Nick Saban
OVERALL: 98-48-1 (12 seasons)
AT ALABAMA: 7-6 (1 season)

The Crimson Tide defeated Colorado in the Independence Bowl and they needed a victory there more than you think. The win not only ended a four-game losing streak that saw them drop from 6-2 to 6-6, it prevented them from posting back-to-back 6-7 seasons and their fourth non-winning season in five. The Tide hasn’t exactly been rolling along. The Tuscaloosa faithful hope year two of the Nick Saban era returns ’Bama to national prominence…a win over Auburn to reclaim the state wouldn’t be bad either.

WHEN THE TIDE HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Jim McElwain (1st Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 8
KEY LOSSES: DJ Hall, Matt Caddell, Keith Brown, Justin Britt

Senior signal caller John Parker Wilson returns with 26 starts under his belt and is the leader in the ‘Bama huddle. What they need from Wilson is consistency—he had six games with multiple touchdowns, but failed to throw any in six others. The Alabama native needs to cut down on the mistakes, make better decisions, and find a way to be more accurate with his passes. He will be throwing to a new starting receiving corps, but could have shiny new toy to play with in true freshman Julio Jones, a potential superstar. Protecting Wilson’s backside is Andre Smith, arguably the top left tackle in the nation. Smith and senior C Antoine Caldwell lead one of the nation’s most experienced lines. While the Tide must replace their top three pass catchers, they return their top five runners, with junior Glenn Coffee and sophomore Terry Grant both primed for breakout seasons. They are deep at tight end with experienced starters Nick Walker and Travis McCall, so expect plenty of two-tight end sets.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) OT Andre Smith (JR), 2) WR Julio Jones (FR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

HEAD DEFENSIVE COACH: Kevin Steele (2nd Season)
DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR: Kirby Smart (2nd Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Wallace Gilberry, Darren Mustin, Simeon Castille, Marcus Carter, Ezekial Knight

The defense should be better with a year of experience playing in Nick Saban’s three-four attack. Sophomore LB Rolando McLain is a perfect fit at 6’4”/250 pounds with the speed to cover sideline-to-sideline--a nice building block for the troika of Saban, Steele & Smart. They are thin at linebacker however, with Ezekial Knight leaving the team due to a heart ailment, the dismissal of Jimmy Johns (legal issues) and Prince Hall’s suspension. Saban will not hesitate to play youngsters (see McLain & Kareem Jackson) and it appears sophomore noseman Josh Chapman is making a push at the critical position. In the secondary, the Tide must replace two starters but should be among the best in the SEC with sophomore CB Jackson and senior FS Rashad Johnson, a pair of potential all-conference performers.

TOP PROSPECTS: 1) LB Rolando McLain (SO), 2) CB Kareem Jackson (SO)

THE SCHEDULE

The Tide play ACC favorite Clemson in Atlanta to open up the year, and a win could jump start the Tide’s season…but a bad loss could plant seeds of doubt. Once they get into SEC action, they’ll find the conference schedule makers did them no favors. While they host the season finale with in-state rival Auburn, three of their four toughest conference games are away from the friendly confines. Saying Baton Rouge, Knoxville and Athens will be unfriendly is an understatement…so much for Southern hospitality. While Georgia is the preseason No. 1 team in the Coaches Poll and Tennessee is the hated border rival, the most buzz will be generated by Saban’s return to Cajun Country.

PIVOTAL POINT

The Defensive Front Seven: Ends Bobby Greenwood and Brandon Deaderick return, but they combined for only three sacks and 7.5 tackles for a loss—not exactly prolific playmakers. Who will replace Wallace Gilberry’s (10 sacks) production? At linebacker, not only did they lose seniors Darren Mustin (80 tackles) and Keith Saunders, but Knight—an emerging force—is also out with his aforementioned medical problem, and who knows what they will get from the talented Hall? They may need some of the recruits to step up as McLain did last season. One thing is for sure—a Nick Saban-led defense should never be counted out. In addition, Kevin Steele is the only returning defensive coordinator in the SEC West—a fact that shouldn’t be overlooked.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

Something tells me seven wins and an Independence Bowl victory isn’t going to cut it at ‘Bama in year two under Saban…nor should it. Cautious optimism is called for—we saw glimpses of success last season, but the four-game losing streak to end the regular season is still fresh on everyone’s mind. The schedule is tough and with Auburn and LSU in the West, don’t expect an SEC Title just yet. Finishing among the ranked is not an unreachable goal by any means.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

SOUTH CAROLINA'S GARCIA INJURES ANKLE

The Associated Press is reporting that redshirt freshman signal caller Stephen Garcia will miss a week of practice with a sprained ankle, including tomorrow night’s scheduled scrimmage. Garcia suffered the injury in Saturday night’s scrimmage. He practiced on Sunday, albeit on a limited basis.

He completed six-of-eight passes for 67 yards, one touchdown and one interception.

Garcia only recently joined the team (August 1), following a school-imposed suspension for underage drinking. He was originally scheduled to return on August 15, but hit the practice field sooner because of good behavior.

He also missed spring practice and his most recent run-in with the law was not his first. Garcia had two prior incidents, one of which was also alcohol related.

The Gamecocks, who finished 6-6 last season and failed to make a bowl, return a stellar defense. However, they have serious questions at the quarterback position and while Garcia is officially the No.3 quarterback on the depth chart, he is widely considered their most talented signal caller.

Chris Smelley, one of the two quarterbacks ahead of Garcia on the depth chart, was also nicked up on Saturday, spraining his thumb on his throwing hand. Smelley did not practice on Sunday, but did return on Monday.

Smelley, a sophomore, was 9-of-18 for 114 yards and two touchdowns in Saturday’s scrimmage. Junior Tommy Beecher also threw for two scores, completing 9-of-13 passes for a team-high 123 yards. Neither QB threw an interception.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

Top Tight End Prospect To Miss '08

Next Level Scouting, Inc. is reporting that Florida senior tight end Cornelius Ingram will miss the upcoming college football season after an MRI on his left knee revealed a torn ACL.

He had an MRI on his left knee Thursday morning to determine the extent of the injury he suffered during 1-on-1 drills during Tuesday's fall practice. Team doctors initially diagnosed him with a strained left knee, according to one source, but the full extent of the injury was not known until yesterday.

Ingram had thought about declaring for the NFL Draft as an underclassmen, but felt returning for his senior year could help improve his grade with the hopes of being taken in the first-round.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

POWE GETTING IN SHAPE

Next Level Scouting, Inc. is reporting that Mississippi junior defensive tackle Jerrell Powe, who was finally cleared academically by the NCAA in late July, has reportedly lost nearly 50 pounds and is currently down to the 340-345-pound range. He would like to get down even further during the course of fall drills and has high hopes for his first SEC campaign.

Powe was a Top-20 rated prep prospect coming out of high school in 2005 and college football fans and insiders have been waiting for years to see him develop. The 2004 Prep All-American joins senior defensive tackle Peria Jerry (pictured) and junior end Greg Hardy in what could be one of the most talented defensive lines in the nation.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

INGRAM INJURES KNEE

Next Level Scouting, Inc. is reporting that Florida senior tight end Cornelius Ingram will have an MRI on his left knee on Thursday morning to determine the extent of the injury he suffered during 1-on-1 drills during Tuesday's practice. Team doctors have initially diagnosed him with a strained left knee, according to one source, but the full extent of how badly he is hurt will not be known until the results of the MRI and when the swelling subsides.

Ingram declared for the NFL Draft following his junior season, but later changed his mind and decided to return for his final campaign in Gainesville. After coming to Florida as a quarterback, he found his niche as a tight end and had an excellent junior season with 34 receptions for 508 yards (14.9 yards per catch) and seven touchdowns on his way to earning second team All-SEC honors.

Ingram has been named to the 2008 John Mackey Watch list. His seven receiving touchdowns in 2007 tied him with Andre “Bubba” Caldwell for the team lead, and he is expected to be one of Tim Tebow’s favorite targets this season.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media

CFI: POST GAME - WEEK 13 PART II

OH, THOSE TIGERS

Everyone knows about the Missouri Tigers’ two-headed monster at tight end in senior Martin Rucker (5 receptions, 40 yards, TD) and Chase Coffman (2 receptions, 14 yards) -- a duo the Jayhawks did a nice job of containing. Last year’s leading receiver Will Franklin (5 receptions, 32 yards) only put up modest numbers himself, while freshman sensation Jeremy Maclin led them with his 10 grabs, but again KU had to be happy they kept the record-setting playmaker to only 6.9 yards per grab. How did Chase Daniel throw for 361 yards, you might ask? Career days from sophomore Danario Alexander (8 receptions, 117 yards, TD) and junior Tommy Saunders (8 receptions, 82 yards) certainly helped him achieve those numbers. It seemed like every time Daniel needed a big play, he looked to the 6’4” Alexander.

You know what else this means? The Tigers could be just as dangerous in 2008 with Daniel, Maclin, Alexander, Saunders and Coffman returning.

On the defensive side of the ball, one player stood out among the others -- junior safety William Moore (pictured). He was all over the field Saturday night, tied with linebacker Sean Weatherspoon for the team lead in tackles (seven). Moore also had a tackle for a loss displaying his ability to play near the line of scrimmage and made a key interception near the goal line, stifling a Kansas drive. Moore is a tremendous athlete who can play either safety position. He was also part of a secondary that took Kansas’ top receiver out of the game. Marcus Henry was limited to two receptions for 17 yards…in his three previous games the senior put up 18 receptions for 392 yards and five touchdowns.

ONE PLAY AWAY

The Hokies win over Virginia has them in the ACC Championship, but had their stellar defense been able to make one stop on a rainy night back in October against Matt Ryan, Tech would be right there with West Virginia and Missouri staking a claim to one of the two spots for the BCS Championship game.

MATTY ICE IS STILL NICE

Speaking of Mr. Ryan, before you write him off as a Heisman candidate let’s at least take a look at what he’s done “wrong”. At 8-0 and coming off his thrilling comeback in Blacksburg, Ryan was atop the Heisman race. In four November games, Ryan has thrown for 1,520 yards (380 yards per game). The problem? His touchdown to interception ratio was only 9:8 -- it was 19:8 over the first eight games. Not two mention two losses to start November, but let us not forget that the Eagles have won ten games and are in the ACC Championship game, far exceeding expectations. In his final game in front of the “Beantown” faithful, Ryan threw for 369 yards and three touchdowns against Miami. He also snapped a 15-game losing streak to the ‘Canes, which dates back to the “Flutie game” in 1984. Ryan’s 28th touchdown pass set a new single season school record, surpassing Flutie’s 27 in his Heisman season.

WHY NOT?

In the season of Appalachian St. and Stanford, why not UCLA in the Rose Bowl?

If the UCLA Bruins defeat the USC Trojans and Arizona upends Arizona St. it would leave four teams tied atop the conference standing: USC, UCLA, Arizona St. and the Oregon-Oregon St. winner. With wins over Oregon, Oregon St. and USC (assuming for these purposes), the Bruins would be 2-1 in a head-to-head comparison. If the Ducks win (at home vs. OSU), it would come down to Oregon and UCLA, with the Bruins coming out on top by virtue of their 16-0 win last week. If the Beavers win, losses to USC, UCLA and ASU would knock them out of the running, while the remaining three all split the round robin. The next tiebreaker would knock out the Sun Devils since they lost to “the team occupying the highest position in the final regular season standings”, which is likely to be USC. That leaves us with the teams from the City of Angels and the Bruins winning out again, by virtue of their (hypothetical) win this week over the Men of Troy.

Got all of that?

And you thought the BCS was confusing.

MOMENTUM

It was interesting that the day after the LSU Tigers dropped a 50-48 contest in triple overtime to Arkansas, the Tennessee Volunteers defeated Kentucky in four overtimes, 52-50. So will the Vols build on their emotional win, which included blowing a 17-point lead, UT blocking a potential game-winning field goal in the second overtime, before a two-point conversion from Erik Ainge to Austin Rogers was the difference? Or will LSU come in down? In Baton Rouge, the two-point play was also decisive, as Felix Jones ran it in (following Peyton Hillis’ TD run), with Darren McFadden on the sideline, while Matt Flynn’s final pass landed softly in the hands of an Arkansas’ defender. The Bayou Bengals are sure to lament a 4th-and-10 they allowed Casey Dick to convert in the first overtime.

Photo Credit: Mizzou Media Relations

Ole Miss hires former Arkansas coach Houston Nutt

By CHRIS TALBOTT
Associated Press Writer

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Houston Nutt wasn't out of a job for long: He was hired as Mississippi's football coach just hours after resigning at Arkansas.

Nutt agreed to a contract late Monday night, and replaces Ed Orgeron, who was fired Saturday after the Rebels lost to rival Mississippi State and finished 3-9.

The hiring of Nutt was confirmed by a person close to the program who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made.

Nutt resigned even though the Razorbacks upset then-No. 1 LSU 50-48 in triple overtime last week.

Mississippi planned an announcement on its coaching situation later Tuesday.

Nutt, a proven winner, fits the description of the coach Ole Miss was looking for. He is 111-70 in 15 years as a head coach at Arkansas, Boise State and Murray State.

And he's been a winner in the Southeastern Conference, too. Nutt, a native of Little Rock, Ark., rebuilt the Arkansas program, going 75-48 since he replaced Danny Ford in 1997. He was 42-38 in conference with one of his biggest wins last week against LSU.

While Arkansas is likely headed to the Cotton Bowl, Nutt will be on the recruiting trail trying to hold together the promising class Orgeron was assembling.

The 50-year-old Nutt said Monday he left Arkansas to help mend a split among fans after off-the-field problems were compounded by a difficult season. The Razorbacks started the year in the Top 25 and were expected to contend for the SEC West title.

Arkansas lost its first three SEC games and dropped out of the poll in September, fueling fan discontent over last year's transfer of quarterback Mitch Mustain and the loss of offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who left for Tulsa.

A call to Nutt's agent, Jimmy Sexton, was not immediately returned.

Nutt takes over a program that has foundered since a 10-win season in 2003 under David Cutcliffe. The Rebels won a share of the SEC West that season with Eli Manning at quarterback.

Since then Ole Miss has had four or fewer wins in four seasons. Cutcliffe was fired for a lack of effort in recruiting and hoped Orgeron, who helped build two national title teams at USC as Pete Carroll's recruiting coordinator, would bring the kind of energy needed to build a winner.

Orgeron finished 10-25 and was routinely the target of fan discontent.

Athletic director Pete Boone and Chancellor Robert Khayat endorsed Orgeron midway through the season, but decided to go in a new direction after the Rebels lost five of six to end the season.

Embattled Nutt out as Arkansas coach, leaves team to Herring

By NOAH TRISTER
AP Sports Writer

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - Houston Nutt finished his career at Arkansas with a win over top-ranked LSU.

That was one of few bright moments this year for the embattled coach.

``Last Friday night, in front of the nation ... that one heartbeat, that togetherness,'' Nutt said. ``The celebrating locker room is what you live for. I can't explain what that meant to me.''

Nutt resigned Monday, giving up his job three days after that memorable victory. Defensive coordinator Reggie Herring will coach Arkansas in its bowl game.

Nutt, 50, said he hoped his departure would unify the state, which has been torn with turmoil surrounding the football program.

``Deep, deep down in my heart as an Arkansan, as a person that loves the Razorbacks so much, (I wanted) for the state to come together as one,'' Nutt said. ``At this time, I didn't think we could have one heartbeat.''

Rumors of Nutt's departure surrounded the program after the loss last winter of key recruits and a popular assistant coach. Trouble mounted for the coach after the Razorbacks lost their first three Southeastern Conference games after a turmoil-filled offseason.

Arkansas did rebound to finish the regular season 8-4 and knocked LSU out of the nation's No. 1 spot with a 50-48, triple-overtime victory over the Tigers on Friday.

Two weeks ago, the university strongly denied reports that this would be Nutt's last season as Arkansas' coach. On Sunday, Nutt said Chancellor John A. White and outgoing athletic director Frank Broyles wanted him to return, but he said more talks with the university were forthcoming.

``Houston's decision to resign was neither forced, or encouraged, or requested,'' White said.

White said Nutt's contract gave the coach a set of ``golden handcuffs'' under which Nutt would have to pay the university if he takes another coaching job while also forfeiting a significant amount of money. White said he told Nutt he would ask the Razorback Foundation to free Nutt of the obligations.

Arkansas began this season in the Top 25 but fell out in September. The Razorbacks ended up 4-4 in league play.

Nutt went 75-48 at Arkansas since being hired in December 1997 to replace Danny Ford. Only Broyles (144) has won more games with the Razorbacks. Nutt took the Hogs to two Southeastern Conference title games, losing each time. He went 42-38 in SEC regular-season games and went to bowls during his first six seasons at Arkansas.

``I'm going to remember the good times,'' Broyles said.

A year ago at this time, Arkansas was preparing to play for the SEC title, which the school has never won. In fact, the Razorbacks started 10-1 in 2006 before losing to LSU, to Florida for the conference championship and to Wisconsin in the Capital One Bowl.

Nutt's status was never the same afterward. In January, offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn left to join the staff at Tulsa, lending credence to speculation not everyone was on the same page. A short while later quarterback Mitch Mustain transferred.

As the team struggled this year, planes were spotted at games towing anti-Nutt banners.

``It's sad that it had to end like this,'' star running back and Heisman Trophy hopeful Darren McFadden said. ``Coach Nutt, I love playing for him. He's a great coach.''

Herring, in his third season as Arkansas' defensive coordinator, will take over for the time being.

``Although it is extremely difficult to see coach Nutt leave, I am honored and welcome the challenge of leading the Razorback football team and working with the other coaches on our staff as we prepare our team for a bowl game and as we continue to recruit,'' Herring said in a statement.

Athletic director-designate Jeff Long, who replaces Broyles on Jan. 1, will direct the search for Nutt's replacement.

Despite the announcement, the mood Monday was upbeat. Arkansas is still basking in the glow of last week's win. Nutt's name also figures to be mentioned in connection with other openings. His overall record as a college coach is 111-70, including four years at Murray State and one at Boise State before taking over at Arkansas.

Nutt went to Central High School in Little Rock. He played quarterback at Arkansas before transferring to Oklahoma State following the 1977 season.

``I'd just encourage everybody - everybody,'' Nutt said. ``Let's all come together. Let's be Razorbacks. Once you're a Razorback, you're always a Razorback - for life.''

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

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

Black Friday: No. 1 LSU Falls to Arkansas in 3OT

By BRETT MARTEL
AP Sports Writer

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - LSU's national title hopes were crushed by a Heisman-worthy performance.

Darren McFadden rushed for three touchdowns and threw for another to lift Arkansas to a 50-48, three-overtime victory over the top-ranked Tigers on Friday.

Peyton Hillis also scored three TDs, the last in the third overtime. Felix Jones ran for the critical 2-point conversion to make it 50-42 Razorbacks (8-4, 4-4 SEC).

LSU (10-2, 6-2) responded when Matt Flynn found Brandon LaFell for a 9-yard TD, but Matterral Richardson intercepted the 2-point conversion attempt, and Arkansas' bench emptied onto the field in triumph.

McFadden, last year's Heisman Trophy runner-up, rushed for 206 yards 32 carries and now has 1,725 yards rushing this season. No doubt there are West Virginia and Ohio State fans who'd vote for McFadden for Heisman if they could.

By knocking off LSU, which was in first place in the BCS standings, Arkansas boosted the national championship hopes of West Virginia and Ohio State.

McFadden wasn't the only running back LSU had trouble wrapping up.

Hillis and Jones each ran for 89 yards as Arkansas finished with a 385 yards on the ground against one of the best run defenses in the country.

It's the second time this season the Tigers have fallen while at No. 1 and it's probably too late in the season now for them to get another chance.

The winner of tomorrow night's game between No. 2 Kansas and No. 3 Missouri will likely take over the top spot in the rankings and the BCS standings. No. 4 West Virginia, which was third in the BCS standings, has a chance to sneak up to at least No. 2 in each with a win over Connecticut.

As for Ohio State, the Buckeyes are done and waiting it out. They were fifth in the last BCS standings.

Flynn finished 209 yards passing and three touchdowns. He also ran for another score in the first overtime, when LSU could have emerged victorious with a stop on fourth-and-10.

But Casey Dick found Hillis open for a 12-yard game to keep the Razorbacks alive, then later found Hillis again for a 9-yard tying TD.

Jacob Hester rushed for 126 yards and two TDs for LSU, which had to rally from a seven-point deficits three times in the second half, and convert two fourth-down plays on its last drive in regulation, just to force overtime.

But in the end, Arkansas and embattled coach Houston Nutt walked away holding the ``Golden Boot,'' a trophy shaped like the states of Arkansas and Louisiana.

Nutt, who will have his team in a bowl game, may not be back with the Hogs next season after growing unrest in Fayatteville, Ark., and a slow start to the season. Arkansas officials have yet to confirm that, however, and firing Nutt may be a less popular move now.

LSU had already clinched the SEC West Division and will move on to the conference title game in Atlanta on Dec. 1, but will do so feeling a little hollow after letting a chance at a national title slip away. Winning the SEC title will put LSU in New Orleans in January, but for the Sugar Bowl, not the BCS Championship game they wanted to be in a week later.

Source: ncaafootball.com; Photo Credit: University of Arkansas

CFI: THIS DATE IN HISTORY

Nov. 24, 1994: Florida races to a 31-3 lead over Florida State with 13 minutes left in the game before the Seminoles stage one of their greatest comebacks in school history to end the contest in a 31-31 deadlock. FSU quarterback Danney Kanell completes 18-of-22 passes for 232 yards in the final period, and the Seminoles go for a tying extra-point kick with 1:45 remaining after a four-TD quarter.

Credit: The National Football Foundation & College Hall of Fame; Photo Credit: Florida St. University