Saturday's college football preview

Around the nation

Alabama at South Carolina

Finally, an opponent that might actually be able to run on the No. 1 Crimson Tide.

The Gamecocks have running back Marcus Lattimore and a devotion to a physical run game, which is lacking throughout college football. Carolina has something else going for it: the off week.

While Alabama was taking care of business against Florida, South Carolina was spending two weeks studying film of the Crimson Tide's defense.

South Carolina still has to stop Alabama's offense, but quarterback Greg McElroy has cooled off after a hot start. That means the extra defender is creeping back into the run/tackle box, just as in 2009 when Alabama had to squeeze out a win against Tennessee.

This is a chance, once and for all, for Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia to gain the trust of coach Steve Spurrier.

Garcia was an emotional wreck after Spurrier benched him in the loss at Auburn.

He does not like the nagging and negativity of the Ol' Ball Coach, but if he wants a chance to play in the NFL with that strong arm, Garcia better come to a meeting of the minds with Spurrier starting this week.

By Ray Glier For the AJC

Alabama at South Carolina

Finally, an opponent that might actually be able to run on the No. 1 Crimson Tide. The Gamecocks have running back Marcus Lattimore and a devotion to a physical run game, which is lacking throughout college football. Carolina has something else going for it: the off week. While Alabama was taking care of Florida, South Carolina was spending two weeks studying film of the Crimson Tide's defense.

This is a chance, once and for all, for Gamecocks quarterback Stephen Garcia to gain the trust of coach Steve Spurrier. Garcia was an emotional wreck after Spurrier benched him in the loss at Auburn. He does not like the nagging and negativity of the Ol' Ball Coach, but if he wants a chance to play in the NFL with that strong arm, Garcia better come to a meeting of the minds with Spurrier starting this week.

Around the SEC

LSU at Florida

Les Miles probably won't have any clock-management issues in this game. The Gators are a seven-point favorite, but they could run away with this by halftime if the LSU defense is not tip-top. Florida is angry after that waxing at Alabama. Also, LSU can't score against air. If the Tigers go to quarterback Jarrett Lee, Florida has ball-hawking defensive backs more than capable of adding to Lee's pick-six total. The last time Florida hosted LSU it was ugly: 51-21 in 2008.

Auburn at Kentucky

The eighth-ranked Tigers (5-0) better be careful because Kentucky (3-2) has weapons on offense, and Auburn's defense has some soft spots (No. 89 in pass defense). The Wildcats are at home, but that is no remedy for quarterback Cam Newton, who has accounted for 17 touchdowns (12 passing, five running) in five games. Newton is averaging 94 yards rushing per game. Auburn's offensive line has four seniors and a junior who are coming together as a solid group. When you go on the road in the SEC having a veteran line to contend with noise is a huge plus. With close games, Auburn is steeling itself for a possible showdown with No. 1 Alabama. The Tigers have won by three, three, and eight points. This is another chance to add a layer of steel because this game may be close for a while.

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M (in Arlington, Texas)

When the No. 11 Razorbacks get a lead with that big-time passing game, they need to sit on it. They need to run the football and burn time off the clock. They rank 102nd in rushing offense nationally, so they need some balance. Arkansas, which was off last week, had one carry for 4 yards in the fourth quarter in the 24-20 loss to No. 1 Alabama when it was trying to protect a lead. A few first downs rushing, and they would be in the national-championship discussion. A&M (3-1) gives up only 68 yards rushing per game, but that has been against mostly small-fry competition.

Mississippi State at Houston

The Bulldogs (3-2) have an easy schedule this season and do not play a non-conference opponent from a BCS league. They get a break here with Houston playing without its star quarterback Case Keenum. Mississippi State did beat Georgia and has improved under second-year coach Dan Mullen. If it wins Saturday, Mississippi State should be on its way to six wins and a bowl.

Around the ACC

Boston College at N.C. State

The Wolfpack (4-1) missed too many tackles against a fast team, and it cost them last week against Virginia Tech. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw three interceptions in a mistake-filled game for State. Boston College will not be able to cause as many problems. Wilson should get the Pack back on track with a big game full of redemption.

Clemson at North Carolina

The best running back in South Carolina might not be the Gamecocks' Marcus Lattimore, after all. It might be the Clemson flash Andre Ellington, who has seven touchdowns and averages 7 yards per carry. This is against the likes of Auburn and Miami. The Tigers are 2-2, and North Carolina is 2-2, but there is a significant gap between the teams. The Tar Heels' defense is not fast enough to keep up with Ellington, who could have a big day.

Florida State at Miami

The Hurricanes are ranked No. 13, and the Seminoles are ranked No. 23. They usually are rude to each other, and there is plenty at stake on the recruiting trail in this game. It's the first time in four seasons that they both have been ranked when playing each other It's a nationally televised game and a chance for the ACC to regain a little status. Each team's only loss has been to a top-10 team: Miami to Ohio State and FSU to Oklahoma. Both clubs have above-average quarterbacks in Jacory Harris (Miami) and Christian Ponder (FSU).

Around the nation

Michigan State at Michigan

Mark Dantonio, the Michigan State coach, is out of the hospital. Denard Robinson, the Michigan quarterback, is out of the infirmary, so to speak, after resting a bruised knee. The battle for Michigan can commence. No. 18 Michigan (5-0) is not very good on defense (102nd nationally) in its quirky 3-3-5 defense, but it hasn't had to be because of Robinson and the offense. Robinson has 930 yards rushing, which is 181 yards per game, tops in the nation. The 17th-ranked Spartans (5-0) give up just 101 yards per game rushing and need to surround Robinson and bring him down.

USC at Stanford

This will be the symbolic passing of the torch in the Pac-10. USC is disappearing from West Coast supremacy and getting replaced by the likes of Stanford and Oregon. At least, that's what it looks like. The Cardinal got their heads handed to them by the Ducks last week, but they are at home and motivated to get back on track for a BCS game.

San Jose State at Nevada

Why watch? Just to see the track meet Nevada puts on. These guys can scoot. Also, Nevada plays Boise State on Nov. 26. Just keep an eye out for Nevada and its jet-set formations.

Indiana at Ohio State

Why watch? If Oregon keeps beating up teams, the Buckeyes could lose their spot as No. 2 in the country. There is still a lack of trust in Jim Tressel and his Buckeyes. Does anybody really want to see these guys in the national-championship game against Alabama? Wouldn't Alabama vs. Oregon be a better matchup? The pollsters might think so if Ohio State does not find another gear.

Ray Glier, for the AJCMichigan State at Michigan

Mark Dantonio, the Michigan State coach, is out of the hospital. Denard Robinson, the Michigan quarterback, is out of the infirmary, so to speak, after resting a bruised knee. The battle for Michigan can commence. No. 18 Michigan (5-0) is not very good on defense (102nd nationally) in its quirky 3-3-5 alignment, but it hasn't had to be because of Robinson and the offense. Robinson has 930 yards rushing, which is 181 yards per game, tops in the nation. The 17th-ranked Spartans (5-0) give up just 101 yards per game rushing and need to surround Robinson and bring him down.

USC at Stanford

San Jose State at Nevada

Why watch? Just to see the track meet Nevada puts on. These guys can scoot. Also, Nevada plays Boise State on Nov. 26. Just keep an eye out for Nevada and its jet-set formations.

Indiana at Ohio State

Why watch? If Oregon keeps beating up teams, the Buckeyes could lose their spot as No. 2 in the country. There is still a lack of trust in the Buckeyes. Does anybody really want to see these guys in the national title game against Alabama? Wouldn't Alabama vs. Oregon be a better matchup? The pollsters might think so if Ohio State does not find another gear.AROUND THE SEC

LSU at Florida

Arkansas vs. Texas A&M

When the No. 11 Razorbacks get a lead with that big-time passing game, they need to sit on it. They need to run the ball and burn time off the clock in this neutral-field game in Arlington, Texas. They rank 102nd in rushing offense nationally, so they need some balance. Arkansas, which was off last week, had one carry for 4 yards in the fourth quarter in the 24-20 loss to Alabama when it was trying to protect a lead. A few first downs rushing and it would be in the national championship discussion. A&M (3-1) gives up only 68 yards rushing per game, but that has been against mostly small-fry competition.

Mississippi State at Houston

The Bulldogs (3-2) have an easy schedule this season and do not play a nonconference opponent from a BCS league. They get a break here with Houston playing without its star quarterback, Case Keenum. Mississippi State beat Georgia and has improved under second-year coach Dan Mullen. If it wins today, Mississippi State should be on its way to six wins and a bowl.

Auburn at Kentucky

The eighth-ranked Tigers (5-0) better be careful because Kentucky (3-2) has weapons on offense, and Auburn's defense has some soft spots (No. 89 in pass defense). The Wildcats are at home, but that is no remedy for quarterback Cameron Newton (below), who has accounted for 17 touchdowns (12 passing, five running) in five games. Newton, a Westlake High grad, is averaging 94 yards rushing per game. Auburn's offensive line has four seniors and a junior who are coming together as a solid group. When you go on the road in the SEC, having a veteran line to contend with noise is a huge plus. With close games, Auburn is steeling itself for a possible showdown with No. 1 Alabama. The Tigers have won by three, three and eight points. This is another chance to add a layer of steel because this game might be close for a while.Boston College at N.C. State

The Wolfpack (4-1) missed too many tackles against a fast team, and it cost them last week against Virginia Tech. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw three interceptions in a mistake-filled game. Boston College will not be able to cause as many problems. Wilson should get the 'Pack back on track with a big game full of redemption.

Clemson at

North Carolina

The best running back in South Carolina might not be the Gamecocks' Marcus Lattimore, after all. It might be the Clemson flash, Andre Ellington, who has seven touchdowns and averages 7 yards per carry. This is against the likes of Auburn and Miami. The Tigers are 2-2 and North Carolina is 2-2, but there is a significant gap between the teams. The Tar Heels' defense is not fast enough to keep up with Ellington, who could have a big day.

Florida State at Miami

The Hurricanes are ranked No. 13 and the Seminoles are ranked No. 23. They usually are rude to each other, and there is plenty at stake on the recruiting trail in this game. It's the first time in four seasons that they both have been ranked when playing each other. It's a nationally televised game and a chance for the ACC to regain a little status. Each team's only loss has been to a top-10 team: Miami to Ohio State and FSU to Oklahoma. Both squads have above-average quarterbacks in Jacory Harris (Miami) and Christian Ponder (FSU).AROUND THE ACCNATIONAL GAMES TO WATCH