Mississippi State (2-5) vs. Kentucky (1-6)

The Bulldogs shocked the nation with a 38-31 upset over Florida on Saturday. It was obviously clear in the 1st quarter of the

game that the Dogs had come to play, the only question was whether they could hold on. They did just that and RB Jerious

Norwood put the proverbial “nail in the coffin” with a 37-yd. TD run with :37 seconds left in the 4 th quarter. With that run

adding to his totals, Norwood was honored with the SEC 's offensive player of the week award a few days ago.

By looking at the numbers, an upset appeared to be impossible. State was LAST in the nation among Division I schools in

scoring and had lost to Maine (Div. II) earlier in the season. Even my buddy Clay Sweet thought I had forgotten my medication

when I called the upset on live radio Friday night. The fallout: Florida fired coach Ron Zook and his entire staff effective at

season end. Spurrier anyone? (Actually, I think the next head coach at Florida will be Utah head coach, Urban Meyer.)

A year ago, the character of this team was dirt, and so was the effort being put forth each week. This year, head coach Sylvester

Croom has these guys still playing hard despite their record and it is paying off. The Bulldogs will get a chance at SEC win number

two this weekend when the Kentucky Wildcats come to Starkville . Could head coach Rich Brooks be next in the unemployment

line?

I would love to jump on the State bandwagon right now, but the Bulldogs are still long from being consistent. This game will be

close with the edge going to the home team. If anyone sees Ron Zook, be sure to let him know that the Saints are looking for help.

Gator's Take: BULLDOGS 26 Wildcats 23

Ole Miss (3-4) vs. #3 Auburn (8-0)

This week, the Rebels can resurrect what has so far been a disappointing season as they host the Auburn Tigers. The Rebels had an

extra week to prepare for perhaps the hottest team in the nation. Expect to see the three-headed monster system at QB again this

week from Ole Miss. Unlike, MSU's scheduling good fortune last week, this is not a sandwich game for Auburn and an upset here

is highly unlikely.

Auburn has an off week next week before there showdowns with Georgia and Alabama to end the regular season. The Tigers are a

perfect 8-0 and have done it with a strong running game and an even stronger defense. Kentucky managed only 37 yards rushing on

36 carries in last weeks game though the Wildcats did manage to score the first touchdown on the ground allowed by the Tigers all

season.

It wouldn't surprise me any if the Rebs came out with a nothing to lose attitude early and made some plays. What's scary is, Auburn

played horrible last week against Kentucky and STILL won 42-10. Judging from their strength of schedule (#10 Georgia, Alabama,

SEC Championship game vs. #10 Georgia), the Tigers could lose a game and still meet USC in this year's BCS Championship Game.

However, it won't be this week.

Gator's Take: TIGERS 27 Rebels 16