Blog...SEC Under-The-Radar Games

The SEC has its share of great games on the 2008 docket. LSU goes to Auburn, Nick Saban returns to Baton Rouge, UGA and Florida play in the World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party and Auburn looks for #7 over the Tide. However, there are several under-the-radar games that will be very entertaining for all college football fans, not just fans of the SEC.

Georgia @ South Carolina – September 13, 2008
Last season, in the second game of the season, a late drive by the Bulldogs fell short as Jasper Brinkley intercepted Matt Stafford to seal a 16-12 South Carolina win over the Bulldogs. At the time, it seemed like a great game between two good teams. South Carolina would eventually move into the top 10, only to falter down the stretch. However, it was this game that cost the Georgia Bulldogs the SEC East Title, and a potential shot at a National Title. Georgia fans typically don’t need a reason to hate Steve Spurrier, but after he cost the Dawgs at, what some believe, was their date with destiny, Mark Richt and Co. will be out for revenge in this early-season tilt in Columbia.

South Carolina is a bit of a mystery this season, but the onus in the game is on the Bulldogs. The 2008 national title hype began in Athens last November, and hasn’t let up one bit. This isn’t a revenge game, it’s a statement game for the 2008 Bulldog season. They feel, despite their brutal schedule, that they fit the National Championship mold. This is the first chance they have to prove it. In order to do it, starting QB Matt Stafford will have to improve on his 54% career completion percentage and career 26/23 touchdown/interception ratio.

Arkansas @ Auburn – October 11, 2008
Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino returns to the plains to take on the Auburn Tigers, and coach Tommy Tuberville, whose job he tried to steal shortly before the 2003 Iron Bowl. Auburn fans desperately want “Jetgate” to disappear. It won’t, nor should it. Like it or not – and as an Auburn fan, I don’t - it’s part of Auburn’s history and part of Tuberville’s legacy at Auburn.

Both teams have question marks. Arkansas will be looking to replace Darren McFadden and Felix Jones, while Auburn will be breaking in two new coordinators, a new offense and a new starting QB. It will be a tough test for the Razorbacks, who will be stepping into a hostile environment of Auburn fans, who undoubtedly will be looking to share their disdain with Petrino.

Tuberville downplayed the game recently at SEC Media Days in Birmingham, Ala., saying that it’s nothing more than hype, and he shares no ill will towards Petrino. For a guy that rarely runs the score up, and always carries himself with class, that isn’t surprising. But, don’t be surprised, if given the chance, Tuberville takes a shot or two to stick it to his former offensive coordinator.

Of course, the bigger question might be, after five games, will Bobby Petrino still be the Razorbacks head coach?

Alabama @ Tennessee – October 25, 2008
This game always seems to be important to both teams and fan bases, but nobody else seems to care. You should this season. For a defending division champion, the Vols are certainly flying WELL under the radar season, considering all the Georgia and Florida hype. Purely for football purposes, this game could decide their SEC East fate. However, that certainly won’t be the whole story.

The Alabama recruiting scandal seems like the story that won’t die. And it’s the Alabama fans that won’t let it die. Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer was served with a subpoena by lawyers representing former Alabama booster Wendell Smith at the recently-completed SEC Media Days. It was a purposely-timed and tasteless stunt by the law firm, looking to capitalize on the popularity of Media Days. Fulmer isn’t happy about it, and may take out his frustration on the Tide in Knoxville.

Ole Miss @ Arkansas – October 25, 2008
On the same day that Alabama visits Tennessee, former Arkansas, and current Ole Miss head coach Houston Nutt, will return to Arkansas, to take on his former team, the Razorbacks. Nutt left Arkansas after 10 seasons amid unprecedented controversy from the Arkansas administration and fan base. Nutt has moved on to Ole Miss, where he actually was predicted to finish higher than Arkansas this season by the SEC media members.

Ole Miss has what you would call “cautious hope” this season with Nutt, who is one of the most underrated coaches in the SEC. In is former Texas QB Jevan Snead, who will be given the reigns after Brent Schaeffer’s 92 promotions and demotions last season. Stability is key for the Rebs, and Nutt plans on bringing it this season, which could be better-than-advertised for Ole Miss.

Story Archive:
SEC Under-The-Radar Games - July 26, 2008
Enough With The Buckeyes – July 16, 2008
SEC Coaches: How Many Is Too Many? - July 8, 2008
New Coordinators No Problem For Auburn - July 1, 2008

Questions or comments? E-mail me Barrett Sallee