SEC Week Four Preview

By ARTHUR DICESARE - SEC INSIDER

With great teams, a strong sense of tradition, and a seemingly endless supply of top players, it’s a no brainier to call the SEC the flagship conference. In this recent “BCS” era the SEC has separated itself from the other top conferences. They have won four national championships--more than any other conference--and they bring back the reigning Heisman Trophy winner in Tim Tebow. With five teams ranked in the top 10, it is the first time since the AP poll began in 1936, that any conference has had five teams ranked in the top ten. Let’s take a look ahead to three key match-ups in the SEC this week.

#4 Florida @ Tennessee 3:30pm: The third Saturday in September always provides us with one of the SEC’s best match-ups. Even with Tennessee off to a slow start, you can expect a hard fought game on both sides. Tennessee will look to exact some revenge for the 59-20 beat down they took last year in the Swamp. The likelihood of us seeing a down-to-the-wire classic is slim. One of the many enjoyable match-ups to watch will come when Florida receiver Percy Harvin is split out against Tennessee safety Eric Berry. Both are among the best in the conference. Florida simply has too much firepower on offense. PREDICTION: Gators big, 34-13.

#6 LSU @ #10 Auburn 7:45pm: The last four match-ups, were decided by a combined 14 points, including a last second win by LSU last season and an over time game in 2005. When these teams get together, you can expect hard hitting and superior athletes—they will keep you on the edge of your seat. The 2008 version should be a low scoring defensive battle, and the winner may just be sparked by a late turnover or a special teams play. PREDICTION: Picking a winner is like watching a pendulum. Go with Auburn protecting home field in a squeaker, 14-13.

#3 Georgia @ Arizona State 8:00pm: Georgia comes off a grind it out win on the road against South Carolina, while Arizona St. limps in off a terrible loss at home to UNLV. The Sun Devils have allowed an average of 129 yards rushing to their first three opponents, and none of them had a back as talented as Knowshon Moreno. Expect Moreno to have a huge game, which will open up the passing lanes for Matthew Stafford. If Georgia doesn’t look ahead to Alabama, they should be fine. PREDICTION: Georgia takes care of business 31-17.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media