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Alabama …senior tight end Nick Walker. He’s the Tide’s number-two target this year with 23 catches, and has been a nice safety valve for John Parker Wilson in the short passing game. LSU’s linebackers have been truly awful at times this season, playing with almost no discipline, whether it’s maintaining gap assignment against the run or biting on play-action fakes in the passing game. Alabama would be wise to target the 6-5 Walker.
Arkansas … sophomore tight end D.J. Williams. He’s tied for the conference lead in receptions, and he’ll be facing a quality group of linebackers this week in Eric Norwood and Jasper Brinkley. Williams has been the focus point of the Arkansas passing game this season, and if the Razorbacks want to make plans in December, a win this weekend in Columbia will be very important.
Auburn …sophomore quarterback Kodi Burns. The wheels have officially come off in eastern Alabama after four straight losses. Auburn shouldn’t (at this point the Tigers can’t afford to take anybody lightly) have much of a problem with Tennessee-Martin, but the most important thing to watch this week is for Burns to have a consistent and mistake-free game. He clearly has the skill set to be an effective quarterback if Auburn can figure out how to use him. But he needs to take control of himself through poise and good decision-making.
LSU …junior defensive end Rahim Alem. The Tigers’ Alem has developed into one of the SEC’s top speed pass-rushers from the edge, with a first step and relentless hustle that’s been too quick for most left tackles. Enter Alabama’s 340-pound All-America candidate Andre Smith. Last year, Kirston Pittman gave Smith hell – if ( and this could be a big if ) LSU can get Bama into some predictable passing situations, Alem will give him another workout.
Mississippi State …Off this week.
Ole Miss …Off this week.