Picking 10 games to watch in the SEC is like picking the 10 best Italian restaurants in New York City. When isn’t there a bitter rivalry, marquee matchup or compelling storyline? It happens every week in the SEC. The games are listed in order of the dates they’re played:
Alabama vs. Clemson, Aug. 30: Everybody’s been wondering how good these Alabama freshmen are and how many of them are going to play. We get to find out right out of the gate against the No. 9-ranked Tigers in the Georgia Dome.
Auburn at Mississippi State, Sept. 13: If Mississippi State takes care of business in its first two games against Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana, get ready for the most anticipated home game in Starkville since Sylvester Croom arrived.
LSU at Auburn, Sept. 20: The West won’t necessarily be won on this day, but the loser will be on the outside looking in. And if you love high-voltage defense played at warp speed, then Jordan-Hare Stadium will be the place to be on the third Saturday in September.
Florida at Tennessee, Sept. 20: It’s doubtful that Phillip Fulmer has endured a more humiliating loss than the 39-point drubbing Florida pinned on Tennessee last season. The Gators rubbed the Vols’ noses in it. Fulmer and Co. get a chance to return the favor.
Georgia at Arizona State, Sept. 20: The third of three huge games on this day involving SEC teams and one of the best intersectional matchups of the year. Georgia travels out west to play only a week after taking on South Carolina in Columbia. We find out early what the Bulldogs are made of.
LSU at Florida, Oct. 11: Just the mere thought of LSU’s defensive front seven versus Tim Tebow, Percy Harvin and Chris Rainey gets the adrenalin flowing. Last season’s game was one of the hardest hitting affairs this conference has seen in a long time.
Florida vs. Georgia, Nov. 1: What doesn’t this one have? Heisman Trophy hopefuls. Two of the best quarterbacks in the country. A rivalry that only grew more intense last season after Georgia’s celebration dance in the end zone. Many thanks to Mark Richt for spicing up the game that used to be known for its catchy name.
Alabama at LSU, Nov. 8: For a guy that won one national championship at LSU and recruited many of the players that helped the Tigers win a second one last season, Nick Saban isn’t going to win many popularity contests in Louisiana. He returns to LSU for the first time this season as Alabama’s head coach. Think Tiger Stadium will be rocking?
Espn.com
8/25/08
Magnolia Tribune
