to the offense Meyer has imposed on his players (particularly QB Chris Leak) that are better suited for a pro-style offense. Injuries at wide receiver have slowed the implementation of the offense also. The Gators have not scored more than 17 points against any of the top SEC defenses (LSU, Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee). It appears Meyer’s offense is not effective against disciplined, fast and talented defenses. Carolina’s defense, which has made some improvement, is not as good statistically overall as the four defenses previously mentioned. But, it has been very good at keeping opposing offenses out of the end zone and playing tough in the red zone.

Carolina’s offense hasn’t been anything to write home about. Like the Gator offense, it has been good against average defenses, but has struggled against above-average defenses. However, the Gamecock offense has been very good in the red zone.

Florida and Carolina have faced several common opponents (Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Georgia, Kentucky, Alabama) and the results of those games seem to indicate they are evenly matched.

The Gators ( +17 in turnovers) have been very good at ball security while the Gamecocks ( +2) have not been nearly as good. In a game between two teams that seem evenly matched from a competitive standpoint, turnovers may decide the game.

The other deciding factor may be coaching. Give Carolina’s unflappable coach Spurrier the edge here. He has been pushing more correct buttons this season than Florida coach Meyer.

If this game is a blowout, Florida wins. Most all signs point to a close game, wherein coaching and momentum will be paramount. Both of these point to a Gamecock victory by a 24-20 score.

LSU at ALABAMA

What happens when a one-horse team takes on a three-horse team?

The Tide has been struggling on offense and special teams since losing all-everything Ty Prothro. The Tigers are the better offensive team and they have an edge in making big plays on special team.

Defense has been the cornerstone of the 2004 and 2005 Tide teams. The play of the Tide defense will determine the outcome of this game. If it can shut down the Tiger offense, there is hope the Tide can stay undefeated.

This should be a defensive struggle with points hard to score. There appears to be something special about the Tide this year and that destiny is on its side. Look for the Tide to find a way to win by a score around 13-10.

ARKANSAS at OLE MISS

The Hogs are in danger of going winless in the SEC. The Rebels are the Hogs’ next-best chance to stop the string.

Both the Hogs and Rebels have made some improvement as the season has progressed. The Hogs seem to have made the most improvement and that should be the difference in what should be a close game.

The Hog ground game and hot-shot freshman QB Casey Dick should propel the Hogs to a 20-13 victory.

KENTUCKY at VANDERBILT

Neither Kentucky nor Vanderbilt have decent defenses. The Commodores have the more explosive offense. They will win a relatively high-scoring game by a 33-21 score.

MEMPHIS at TENNESSEE

The Vols are perhaps the most disappointing team of the 2005 season. If their heads are close to being straight on, they will win this game. If they just roll out their helmets, a huge upset is possible. No one know their state of mind, but their talent advantage should be enough to pull out a 20-10 win.

AUBURN at GEORGIA

This longtime rivalry is very much what fabled rivalries are all about…both the expected and unexpected.

Predicting the outcome of this game is most difficult. These two teams are about as evenly matched as two teams can be. Both are ranked very high in most all the SEC stats and are two of the top three SEC teams in total offense and defense. Both are solid in special teams play.

Auburn has made steady improvement as the season has progressed. The Bulldogs have been steady during the season.

The outcome could rest on the mobility (or lack thereof) of Dawg QB D. J. Shockley. If he can scramble effectively, the Dawgs have a slight advantage.

Defense should rule the day with the homestanding Dawgs claiming a 17-13 victory.