If you’ve got plans, cancel them. If you’re going out, stay home. Stop everything because Saturday provides some of the best tackle football all season. In fact, when you get home from the Tennessee game after the second quarter, turn on ABC and you’ll be set.
Kentucky at Tennessee, 12:30 p.m. on Jefferson Pilot
The cellar dwellers from the East bring their dismal 2-8 record into Neyland Stadium with wishes of snapping a 15-game losing streak against the Vols which dates back to 1984.
It won’t happen.
However, don’t expect UK to be hog washed like Arkansas was last week. The Cats can score and they will.
As for the Vols, Travis Henry will be in the spotlight. In his last game at Neyland Stadium, Henry should break Tennessee’s all-time rushing record. He needs 135 yards against the nation’s 76th-ranked defense.
Vols outscore the Cats while Henry scampers for 172 yards.
No. 4 Florida at No. 3 Florida State, 8 p.m. on ABC
In five of the last seven meetings, the winner of this game has gone on to play for the national title. Can you say big game?
Both of these offenses are explosive. However, the Seminoles have the advantage with Heisman candidate Chris Weinke. He has just the experience and potential to exploit the Gator defense, which has struggled at times this year.
The Gators, on the other hand, have two QBs in Jesse Palmer and Rex Grossman. If, as suggested by coach Steve Spurrier, Florida switches QBs every play, it will be a long night for the Gators.
Noles put Gators in their place.
No. 25 South Carolina at No. 16 Clemson, 3:30 p.m. on ABC (regional)
Both the Gamecocks and the Tigers are coming off of losses that ended their hopes of a conference title. So, both have a little extra incentive to win this heralded in-state rivalry.
Clemson QB Woodrow Dantzler is suffering from tendinitis in the ankle but he will probably play. That could hurt the Tigers as USC boasts the No. 16 defense in the nation.
The Cocks will rely on running back Derek Watson and QB Phil Petty to spread out the offensive attack.
Gamecocks pull out the win, proving the SEC is superior.
No. 19 Michigan at No. 12 Ohio State, 12 p.m. on ABC
The Buckeyes have a glimmer of hope for a Rose Bowl appearance this year. But they must get by the Wolverines who have dominated State in recent years.
Plain and simple, the A-Train is what will keep the Buckeyes from winning. Michigan’s Anthony Thomas ranks fourth nationally in rushing with 149.1 yards. Look for the Wolverines to pound the ball with Thomas so he can break Michigan’s all-time rushing mark of 4,393. A-Train needs 165 yards to do so.
Choo! Choo!
No. 5 Oregon at No. 8 Oregon State, 3:30 p.m. on ABC (regional)
A trip to the Rose Bowl is on the line when the Ducks face the Beavers in the Civil War.
Oregon has won eight in a row, their longest streak since 1933. A win will give them the Pac-10 championship. Their only problem is that they rank No. 40 in the nation against the run.
And run is exactly what the Beavers will do with Ken Simonton. Simonton ranks eighth nationally on the ground at 136.1 yards. The Beavers also play some good defense too.
The Union didn’t win the Civil War, Oregon State did.
No. 18 Auburn at Alabama, 3:30 p.m. on CBS
It’s been 99 years since the Tigers have played in Tuscaloosa. But it has taken Rudi Johnson less than a year to establish himself as a premiere running back at 139 yards per game.
The Tide is out in Alabama as head coach Mike DuBose will be coaching his last game on the Crimson sideline. In fact, the only think looking good for Bama is that it’s almost basketball season.
This year’s Iron Bowl could be closer than expected with Bama having nothing to lose. An Auburn win should put them in the SEC championship.
Rudi! Rudi! Rudi!
