_Missouri takes on Georgia today at Memorial Stadium. Take a look at the other matchups around the Southeastern Conference this Saturday._
**Bye Week:**
_South Carolina (3-3, 2-3)_
When it rains it pours, and right now it’s coming down like cats and dogs in Columbia, South Carolina. Fresh off a last-second defeat to Missouri, the Gamecocks went out and laid a huge egg in a 45-38 loss to Kentucky. Not only is South Carolina virtually out of SEC title contention, but it is going to have rally for bowl eligibility. Quarterback Dylan Thompson has to improve after throwing three more interceptions last week, including crucial pick six. The Gamecocks have a week to iron out their offensive wrinkles before hitting the field against Furman next Saturday.
**Gambler’s Special:**
_Charleston Southern (5-0) vs. Vanderbilt (1-5, 0-4)_
If you’re caught red-handed watching this D-list college football action, then you better have money on it. Halfway through a still young season, Vanderbilt has already reclaimed its spot as the doormat of the SEC. With five losses and six contests remaining, it’s going to take a few miracles to salvage this season and make a bowl. The Commodores were smashed 44-17 by Georgia last week and are looking to rebound against the lone FCS opponent on their schedule. However, Vanderbilt might even struggle with this week’s cupcake, as Charleston Southern is undefeated rolling into Nashville. Vanderbilt coach Derek Mason better have his team ready to play today, because this week’s game might be the last winnable game of the season.
**Cupcake Central:**
_Louisiana-Monroe (3-2) vs. Kentucky (4-1, 2-1)_
After almost a year and a half, coach Mark Stoops finally got Kentucky its much-needed statement win with a 45-38 victory over South Carolina a week ago. And with a triple overtime loss at Florida as the only blemish on their schedule, the Wildcats are sitting pretty in second place in the SEC Eastern Division. Who would’ve thought? This week’s matchup against Louisiana-Monroe isn’t as sexy as the past few conference clashes, but Stoops’ squad has to avoid a letdown performance. The Warhawks have one of the weaker offenses in all of college football (119th in points per game) while Kentucky actually boasts one of the nation’s better defenses (24th in points allowed per game). All signs here point to a Kentucky victory, which would put the Wildcats one more win away from its first bowl game appearance since 2010.
_Chattanooga (3-2) vs. Tennessee (2-3, 0-2)_
Last week had to be rough if you’re a Tennessee fan. After leading for three quarters, the Vols imploded in the 4th quarter and let the Florida Gators escape with a 10-9 win. It has to be frustrating enough to be unable to punch it into the endzone, but quarterback Justin Worley’s two late interceptions didn’t ease the offensive headache. Tennessee has now dropped three games in a row and dipped below .500 as well. This week’s cupcake matchup might be just what coach Butch Jones needs to get his team back on the right track before they resume conference play.
_No. 7 Alabama (4-1, 1-1) vs. Arkansas (3-2, 0-2)_
Arkansas is no cupcake. But Alabama is not going to lose this game. After faltering on the national stage to Ole Miss team last week, the Crimson Tide have to be hungry to get back out on the field. Despite the 23-17 loss at the hands of the Rebels, the Tide held their own and were in it until the bitter end. Coach Nick Saban hasn’t lost in back-to-back weeks since taking over at Alabama in 2007, so you better believe he will have his team ready to go. Both teams can easily rack up points, but Alabama’s defense will be the difference in this one.
**Upset Alert:**
_LSU (4-2, 0-2) vs. Florida (3-1, 2-1)_
With the possible exception of South Carolina, there can’t be two fanbases more disappointed than LSU and Florida. Both teams came into the season with title aspirations, and both are practically already out of the hunt. LSU fell to Auburn 41-7 last week and Florida barely escaped from Knoxville with a 10-9 victory thanks to quarterback Treon Harris’ late-game heroics. Less than 24 hours after his debut, though, Harris became the subject of a police investigation. The charges have since been dropped and his suspension has been lifted, but coach Will Muschamp maintains the freshman quarterback will not play today. With both teams playing struggling quarterbacks — Jeff Driskel and Anthony Jennings — the score of this one could stay in the single digits.
_No. 3 Ole Miss (5-0, 2-0) vs. No. 14 Texas A&M (5-1, 2-1)_
All of the sudden, after one week, these two teams have swapped places. Ole Miss is coming off one of its greatest wins in program history while Texas A&M just delivered its most embarrassing performance since joining the SEC. While the Aggies only have one loss, this is a must-win game for Texas A&M. A loss to the Rebels at home would surely knock the Aggies out of the SEC title race and drastically change the course of their season. Meanwhile, a win for Ole Miss would catapult the team to new heights. The Rebels would firmly plant themselves in the driver’s seat in the SEC West.
The Aggies are easily the most potent offensive team the Rebels have faced this season and despite the Rebel’s great defense, points will be scored… lots of them. Bo Wallace better be prepared for a shootout this week or Ole Miss will be going down in College Station.
**Game of the Week:**
_No. 2 Auburn (5-0, 2-0) vs. No. 3 Mississippi State (5-0, 2-0)_
This one was a no-brainer. No. 2 versus No. 3; unbeaten versus unbeaten.
The new kids on the block square off against the defending champions today in a heavy-weight clash. Mississippi State proved its mettle last week by completely dismantling Texas A&M in a 48-31 victory. Meanwhile, Auburn was busy pummelling conference foe LSU in a 41-7 beatdown. Both of these squads have looked as good as any this season, but today there’s no consolation prize. A loss here is a huge setback in the SEC title race, possibly an insurmountable one. Both teams rank in the top 25 nationally in every major offensive and defensive stat, so this game is a close to a wash as you can get. While Mississippi State has the homefield advantage and the cowbells to match, the Auburn Tigers have the real edge with their big game experience from last year, which is why Auburn will leave Starkville with the win.
