Alabama at LSU is a dynamic matchup, and the SEC has four games Saturday that could produce bowl-eligible teams.
Victories by LSU, Kentucky, Tennessee and Arkansas would give the SEC eight teams poised for postseason play with three weeks left in the season.
There is some interest outside their fan bases in the Florida-at-Arkansas game because both programs, for different reasons, have something to prove.
But much of America will watch the Tide try to win at night in Death Valley.
Alabama seems ready for its third consecutive trip to the College Football Playoff regardless of what happens Saturday, but much is at stake for LSU's interim head coach, Ed Orgeron.
Orgeron has been under something of a shadow since he was fired at Ole Miss after three years with a 10-25 record, but as the interim head coach at USC and now LSU -- where he is 3-0 -- Orgeron is 9-2. Tigers Nation wants a winner, and while Houston's Tom Herman remains a hot name despite two losses, he might be more interested in Texas or USC if those jobs come open.
Florida State's Jimbo Fisher already has left the Tigers at the altar, so he should be out of the running.
Went 6-1 last week to bring the season total to 64-17.
Here's this week's picks:
Florida at Arkansas
Despite being ranked No. 11, the Gators seem to be thriving under the overused campaign of "we get no respect." This starts the run of the toughest part of the Gators' season. The Razorbacks appear to have gotten healthy with the bye week and have tweaked their defense, which was vulnerable on the edges. Austin Allen is the key for the Hogs: Keep him safe and give him time to throw and they will win. Arkansas 28-21.
Alabama at LSU
The atmosphere will be electric, even though there are some Tigers faithful who are torn between a victory and not wanting to improve Orgeron's odds to be their head coach. Everything points to the Tide in this game. Great defense, outstanding freshman quarterback, good running backs and offensive line. Plus, Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin would like to get some consideration to be the Tigers next head coach. Leonard Fournette gives LSU a chance, but he really needs a little help. Alabama 38-24.
Vanderbilt at Auburn
The Tigers are red hot, having won five in a row since Gus Malzahn made two changes -- he gave the offensive play-calling duties to offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee and switched his visor to a baseball cap. The Commodores have won two in a row and are improving. Auburn 31-21.
Georgia at Kentucky
Kirby Smart needs this one as he's starting to look like an experiment gone wrong as a head coach. The Bulldogs are just 2-4 in SEC play and 4-4 overall. The Wildcats are riding a three-game winning streak and are really liking being in second place in the SEC East. Kentucky 31-24.
Georgia Southern at Ole Miss
The Rebels can't get out of the SEC West cellar, but they can stop a three-game losing streak. Ole Miss 28-0.
Texas A&M at Mississippi State
Not an easy road trip for the Aggies, who can't afford to stumble if they want to remain in the playoff picture. The Bulldogs' November schedule is brutal, with dates against A&M, Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss. Texas A&M 35-21.
Missouri at South Carolina
The Tigers are searching for their first conference victory. The Gamecocks are trying to prove the victory over Tennessee wasn't a fluke. South Carolina 28-17.
Tennessee Tech at Tennessee
This could be the highlight of the season for the Vols. They can get bowl eligible. Tennessee 31-14.
Sports on 11/04/2016