USC (4 GAMES)

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: C
The Gamecocks have played two above average teams (Georgia and Alabama) and two below-average teams (UCF and Troy)

OFFENSE (8th SEC Stats): C-
The passing game has been average, but the ground attack is woeful. Ground game must improve for the Gamecocks to have a winning season. BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: QB Blake Mitchell, WR Sidney Rice

DEFENSE (7th SEC Stats): D+
Pass defense has been acceptable, but the run defense is perhaps the worst in the SEC. Defense cannot get off the field, but is doing a good job at QB sacks. BEST DEFENSVIE PLAYER TO DATE: LB Mike West

SPECIAL TEAMS: F
Improvement needed in every phase

FLORIDA (4 games)

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: C-
The Gators have faced only one decent team (Tennessee) and one average team (Wyoming)

OFFENSE (4th SEC Stats): B-
Passing game is above average. The running game is average at best. BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: QB Chris Leak, WR Chad Jackson

DEFENSE (1st SEC Stats): A
The Gator defense is doing a super job against both the run and the pass. Also, it is third best in the SEC scoring defense stats. BEST DEFENSVIE PLAYER TO DATE: LB Brandon Siler

SPECIAL TEAMS: C Great is some areas, very poor in others.

TENNESSEE (3 games)

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: B+
Florida and LSU are legitimate Top 15 teams, while UAB is a competitive team

OFFENSE (9th SEC Stats): C-
The Vol offense finally showed some life in the second half of their most recent game (LSU) after scoring just 24 points in their first 2 ½ games. QB Clausen may make the passing game at least average. The ground game has to get untracked against quality defenses. BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: No player has consistently well, but QB Clausen may be the spark the offense needs based on his performance against LSU

DEFENSE (5th SEC Stats): B-
Many expected the Vol defense to be dominant in 2005. It hasn’t been great but it has played okay against good competition. BEST DEFENSVIE PLAYER TO DATE: CB Jason Allen

SPECIAL TEAMS: D+ Below average in most categories

VANDERBILT (4 games)

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: D
Wake Forest, Richmond, Ole Miss and Arkansas aren’t playing great ball this season. The Commodores had to rally to win three of the four.

OFFENSE (2nd SEC Stats): B+
The Commodores are winning because the offense has made crucial plays and can make the drives to win a game or eat clock. BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: QB Jay Cutler

DEFENSE (9th SEC Stats): C
The statistics aren’t that good against either the pass or the run. The defense is bending but not breaking. Holding a stable of good Arkansas running backs under 200 yards was impressive. BEST DEFENSVIE PLAYER TO DATE: LB Moses Osemwegie

SPECIAL TEAMS: C-
Average or less in just about all phases

KENTUCKY (4 games)

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: C
Florida and Louisville were ranked teams, while Idaho State is D1-AA and Indiana is so-so.)

OFFENSE (12th SEC Stats): D
Neither the aerial attack or the ground attack are going to keep opposing defensive coordinators from sleeping at night. BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: TB Rafael Little

DEFENSE (12th SEC Stats): F
Opposing offensive coordinators lick their chops when preparing for the Wildcats. BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: CB Muhammad Abdullah

SPECIAL TEAMS: B-

Overall, one of the best in the SEC

GEORGIA (4 games)

STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE: D+
Thus far, the Dawgs have faced too struggling SEC teams (USC and MSU), one cream puff (Louisiana-Monroe) and one supposedly Top 25 team (Boise State)

OFFENSE (1st SEC Stats): A-
The Dawgs are doing an overall great job both in the air and on the ground. However, they haven’t faced a stiff defense yet. BEST OFFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: QB D. J. Shockley

DEFENSE (3rd SEC Stats): C
The four offenses the Dawg defenses has faced thus far are not anything to write home about. But, they have been dominant in those games and big-time ball hawks. BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER TO DATE: DB Greg Blue

SPECIAL TEAMS: C- Okay in some areas…bad in others.