No. 4 LSU overcomes in 40-27 win over No. 3 Oregon

Jarrett Lee admirably directed LSU’s offense in place of suspended quarterback Jordan Jefferson and missing cornerback-punt returner Cliff Harris was too much for Oregon to overcome in a rare season-opening matchup of top-five teams on a neutral field. Lee threw for a touchdown, on a pass against the freshman defensive back filling in for Harris, and fourth-ranked LSU defeated the No. 3 Ducks 40-27 Saturday night while converting three of Oregon’s four turnovers into 20 points. Michael Ford and Spencer Ware had touchdown runs in a span of 3:20 late in the third quarter after third-string Oregon running back De’Anthony Thomas fumbled on consecutive touches, one on a rushing attempt and then on the ensuing kickoff. It was the Tigers’ second consecutive game at Cowboys Stadium. They ended their 2010 season there in January with a 41-24 victory over Texas A&M in the Cotton Bowl when Jefferson passed for three touchdowns and ran for another score. But Jefferson is now suspended indefinitely, as is reserve linebacker Josh Johns, because they are facing felony charges of second degree battery stemming from a bar fight near campus last month. Harris, who can be found on most preseason All-America teams, was suspended in June after police caught him driving 118 mph, and also having a suspended license at the time. Oregon, which lost to Auburn in the BCS national championship game last season, has consecutive losses for the first time since they losing its last three regular-season games in 2007. LSU took a 16-13 lead just before halftime, going ahead to stay, on Rueben Randle’s 10-yard TD catch from Lee. Randle caught the ball in the front corner of the end zone over freshman cornerback Terrance Mitchell, in the spot Harris would have been playing on defense. The other LSU touchdown before halftime came when fill-in punt returner Kenjon Barner fielded a punt inside the 5, took a couple of steps backs. That’s when Tyrann Mathieu stripped the ball away, scooped it up after it bounced on the turf and took a couple of steps into the end zone. LSU has won 34 consecutive nonconference games, the longest such streak in the nation, including all 23 in the regular season under seventh-year coach Les Miles. The overall streak dates back to the Tigers’ 26-8 loss to Virginia Tech in the 2002 season opener. Lee’s 10th career start was his first since a win over Louisiana Tech in 2009. Even though the senior completed only 10 of 22 passes for 98 yards, he didn’t have an interception and appeared steady throughout the game. Ware had 26 carries for 99 yards while Fort had 14 runs for 98 yards and two TDs, his second on a 16-yard run in the fourth quarter. Oregon junior running back LaMichael James had one of his worst career games, even though he scored a touchdown for the 12th time his last 13 games. James had 18 carries for 54 yards, only five more than he had against Auburn in the national title game. Before that, his worst game had been 22 yards in his first-ever game for the Ducks. D’Anthony Thomas scored on a 4-yard run in the final minute of the first opening game of top-five teams on a neutral field since 1984, when Jimmy Johnson won his debut as coach of Miami against an Auburn squad featuring Bo Jackson a year before he won the Heisman Trophy. Ducks quarterback Darron Thomas was 31-of-54 passing for 240 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Rob Beard had field goals of 29 and 30 yards that put Oregon up 6-3 in the first quarter. Drew Alleman had kicks of 44 and 32 for LSU. The Tigers were also without receiver Russell Shepard, who was suspended for at least this game because he discussed another NCAA inquiry with a teammate. He was third in receiver and fourth in rushing for LSU last season.

Boise St. shows it can hang within the SEC with win over Georgia

Kellen Moore and those BCS Busters from Boise State are off and running again, coming into the heart of mighty SEC country to beat up Georgia. Moore threw for three touchdowns, giving him 102 in his career—and the No. 5 Broncos romped past the 19th-ranked Bulldogs 35-21 Saturday night, boosting their hopes of making another run to a major bowl while dealing a huge blow to embattled Georgia coach Mark Richt. Moore, the nation’s top-rated passer last season and expected to be a leading Heisman contender, carved up Georgia’s 3-4 defense after a sluggish start. He completed 28 of 34 for 261 yards, with his first scoring pass—a 17-yarder to freshman Matt Miller—giving him 100 for his brilliant career.

He had two more before to lead the Broncos to yet another marquee opening victory.

In the last three seasons, Boise State has started the season with victories against Oregon, Virginia Tech and now Georgia.

Garcia rallies No. 12 South Carolina for a great come-back

Stephen Garcia came off the bench to run for two touchdowns and throw for another as he rallied the 12th-ranked Gamecocks past East Carolina 56-37 on Saturday night. Marcus Lattimore added 112 yards and three TDs. Garcia sat the first quarter as South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier started sophomore Connor Shaw. But the Gamecocks fumbled three times, including one by Shaw, and trailed 17-0 before Garcia entered the game. That’s when the offense started to click and South Carolina took control of the season opener. Garcia had a 32-yard touchdown run his first series and when Lattimore finished the Gamecocks next drive with a 4-yard scoring run, South Carolina fans at Bank of America Stadium began chanting Garcia’s name in celebration. Dominique Davis threw for 260 yards and four touchdowns for the Pirates, but when South Carolina wasn’t stopping itself, the Pirates had no answers. The Gamecocks outscored ECU 42-13 in second half. Garcia, the fifth-year senior who has had a tumultuous career filled with suspensions and occasionally great play, opened the second half with a with a 3-yard TD pass to Sanders and put the Gamecocks ahead for good moments later, 28-24, with a 1-yard touchdown run.

Garcia left no doubt who the better passer was in this one as the Gamecocks won their 12th straight season opener. Spurrier improved to 42-0 against schools outside the BCS automatic qualifying conferences. Those streaks looked in danger during an awful first half as South Carolina, with its best preseason ranking ever, certainly didn’t look ready for the national spotlight. Even Lattimore, who’s lone college fumble came when he was knocked cold in the Chick-fil-A Bowl last December, couldn’t escape the miscues, getting the ball stripped from his grasp to lead to East Carolina’s first touchdown on a 25-yard pass to Justin Hardy. East Carolina was back at it a series later, Dominique Davis arcing a 19-yard scoring throw to Lance Lewis for a 14-0 lead. When the Pirates tacked on a field goal following a fumbled kickoff by Kenny Miles, South Carolina was down 17-0 and in serious need of a steady, familiar hand at the controls.

Enter Garcia, who despite his troubles had the most passing yards of any returning SEC quarterback. He quickly showed that he has learned a thing or two under Spurrier. He found Lattimore for a 20-yard completion, then broke free on a 32 yard TD run, the longest of his time at South Carolina, to give the Gamecocks some offensive life. Garcia hit Alshon Jeffery on a 22-yard pass the next series, which ended with the first of Lattimore’s scoring runs. Garcia was 7 of 15 for 110 yards in three quarters of work. East Carolina had hoped to tap into its curious history against South Carolina. The teams last met in 1999, the Pirates won 21-3 in Columbia as Hurricane Floyd flooded camps. East Carolina remainied in town the following week, training at a local high school in preparation for one of the biggest wins in school history—a 27-23 victory over then ninth-ranked Miami. Coach Ruffin McNeill showed his players tape of that game this week as the campus was closed for two days because of last weekend’s Hurricane Irene. But those Pirates had 30 NFL draft picks including Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback David Garrard. This group gave up the most yards per game in the Football Bowl Subdivision last season and they couldn’t hold together against the Gamecocks. Antonio Allen had a 25-yard fumble return TD and Sanders added a 68-yard punt return touchdown, the Gamecocks first such score since 2003, as South Carolina outscored the Pirates 42-13 the second half.

The game also marked the debut of highly touted defensive end Jadeveon Clowney, the nation’s top college prospect who signed with the Gamecocks. Clowney was credited with seven tackles, third most for South Carolina.

Gators opens with a 41-3 victory

John Brantley looked comfortable in Florida’s revamped offense, Chris Rainey scored three different ways and the 22nd-ranked Gators opened the Will Muschamp era by beating Florida Atlantic 41-3 Saturday night. Brantley completed 21 of 30 passes for 229 yards and a touchdown, showing marked improvement in Charlie Weis’ pro-style offense. He threw two interceptions, but the first was tipped at the line of scrimmage. Rainey touched the ball 18 times, scoring on a 14-yard reception and a 14-yard run. He also scooped a blocked punt and sprinted 22 yards for a score that made it 31-3 early in the third quarter. Muschamp, admittedly anxious before his Florida debut, enjoyed a relatively stress-free night. Although the Gators ruled defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd ineligible before the game, the only other negative on this night was an injury to versatile Trey Burton. Jeff Demps ran 12 times for 105 yards and two scores as Florida’s offense racked up 468 yards. It was a considerably better showing than Florida’s last opener, which set the tone for a disappointing 2010 season. The Gators had botched snaps, penalties and turnovers against Miami, Ohio, finishing with 212 yards and hearing more jeers than cheers. The Gators scored on their first four possessions and led 24-0 before Florida Atlantic even got a first down. Florida’s defense dominated the Owls, controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing four consecutive three-and-outs to start the game. FAU finished with 137 yards, a rough start for coach Howard Schnellenberger’s retirement tour. Schnellenberger, who is calling it quits at the end of this season, watched the game from an upstairs coaching box following a hospital trip Friday.

Demps took the opening kickoff back for a touchdown, but it was called back because of a holding penalty. That was a minor setback, though. Brantley, Demps and Rainey quickly moved the Gators into FAU territory. Brantley repeatedly hit Demps and Rainey with swing passes. A snap over Brantley’s head stalled the drive, and Florida settled for a field goal. But the fast start was just what the Gators needed after last year’s confidence-crushing season. Florida failed to score points in the first quarter in six of the team’s first seven games in 2010. So when Brantley got the ball back, the Gators were on the move again. Frankie Hammond made a nice catch near the sideline, Jordan Reed made a great grab in traffic and then Brantley found Rainey in the flat for the touchdown. Rainey made one cut and slipped across the goal line. Rainey’s TD run was even niftier. He used a spin move to escape a defender in the backfield, picked up two blocks and scampered in to make it 24-0.

The Gators cruised from there. Demps went untouched on a 35-yard TD run, then added a 20-yard score.

Tennessee beats Montana 42-16

Tyler Bray threw for 293 yards and three touchdowns as Tennessee beat Montana 42-16 in the season opener for both teams on Saturday night. Justin Hunter grabbed six receptions for 146 yards, and Da’Rick Rogers had 100 yards on five catches to become the Volunteers’ first pair to each have more than 100 yards receiving in a single game since 2007. Both players had a touchdown catch. The Vols got a fast start after a kickoff delayed over an hour and a half for lightning. Tennessee lost yards on its first drive after Caleb McSurdy sacked Tyler Bray for a loss of 10 yards on third down. Montana’s Peter Nguyen fumbled the subsequent punt, and Bray connected with Da’Rick Rogers on a flea-flicker play for a 47-yard touchdown pass on the next play to put the Vols up 7-0 with 12:47 to go in the first quarter. On the third-and-7 at the Vols 19 on the following drive, Bray hit Hunter around midfield, and Hunter outran defenders the rest of the way for the 81-yard touchdown play. Bray finished 17-of-24 with no interceptions. The touchdown pass to Rogers marked his seventh consecutive game with two or more TDs, tying a record set by Peyton Manning during his senior season in 1997. The Grizzlies got their lone score in the first half when Jordan Johnson connected with Jabin Sambrano on an 80-yard pass play, burning Tennessee true freshman Justin Coleman on the route. The score cut the Vols’ lead to 28-7 with 3:49 left in the second quarter, but the Grizzlies couldn’t sustain the momentum and went three-and-out on the following drive, their last of the half. The touchdown play was Sambrano’s only catch of the night, but the 80 yards led Montana’s receivers. The Grizzlies pinned a punt by their own Sean Winn at the Tennessee 1 yard line, and Ben Hughes downed Tauren Poole in the end zone for a safety that cut Tennessee’s margin to 28-9 with 12:45 in the third quarter. It was as close as Montana would get as Art Evans picked off Johnson two plays later and returned the ball 37 yards for a touchdown that put the Vols up 35-9. Johnson finished 19-of-36 for 226 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Nguyen had 67 yards rushing on nine carries and Jordan Canada scored on a 7-yard run with 6:04 left in the game. Tennessee held the ball nearly twice as long as Montana in the first half and outgained the Grizzlies 302 yards to 140. The Vols took control of the game thanks to a few long possessions, including a 96-yard drive that culminated in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Bray to Marlin Lane. They had their share of mistakes beyond the safety, though none proved to be too costly. They fumbled the wet ball six times in the first half but managed to recover each time.

Bray was sacked three times for a loss of 21 yards, and the offensive line struggled at times to open up holes for the running game. Tauren Poole, who ran for 1,034 yards in 2010, still managed to pick up 98 yards on 24 carries.

Vanderbilt downs Elon 45-14

Larry Smith threw for two touchdowns and ran for another score, and Vanderbilt beat Elon 45-14 Saturday night in coach James Franklin’s debut with the Commodores. Franklin showed his willingness to gamble with the team considered the worst in the Southeastern Conference, going for it on fourth down three times to keep drives alive scoring 17 points. Smith converted the second on fourth-and-3, running 16 yards for a TD. The win snapped a seven-game skid for the Commodores who scored more points than they did in all but two games last season. When Trey Wilson picked off a pass and ran it 21 yards for a TD after Smith’s second score, Vandy had almost as many points in 14 seconds as the Commodores averaged (16.9) per game in 2010. Elon outgained the Commodores 323-309 in total offense and held the ball for more than 35 minutes. But Vanderbilt forced three turnovers and turned each of them into touchdowns.

This was Jason Swepson’s coaching debut with the Phoenix, and he opened with only Elon’s fourth game ever against a team from the Football Bowl Subdivision. Swepson also had to replace a quarterback in Scott Riddle that helped Elon rank second in the FBS last season, averaging 306.4 yards passing per game. Thomas Wilson did pretty well early. He was 12 of 17 for 169 yards in the first half, but the junior finished 17 of 27 for 233 yards with two interceptions and was replaced late by redshirt freshman Tyler Smith. Franklin’s specialty is offense, and the Commodores did show off some new wrinkles. Running back Zac Stacy took the snap on one play and handed off to cornerback Casey Hayward. Only a step out of bounds trimmed a would-be touchdown to a 23-yard run. The drive also featured the first attempt on fourth down, and Smith found Brandon Barden for a 14-yard catch before capping the drive with a 15-yard TD pass to Fitz Lassing for a 7-0 lead. The Commodores converted their third fourth down in the third quarter when freshman Micah Powell picked up 4 yards on fourth-and-1. That drive bogged down, and Vandy settled for a 33-yard field goal by Casey Spears for a 24-14 lead. Smith has been the starter the past two seasons and completed just 47.4 percent of his passes in 2010. He looked better eluding pressure and tossed TD passes to Fitz Lassing and Chris Boyd. Smith also ran four times for 34 yards yards, including his TD run, and he was 13 of 27 for 125 yards. Vanderbilt was up so much Franklin put in Jordan Rodgers, younger brother of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and the junior college transfer who sat out last season with a shoulder injury found Boyd on his first throw for a 30-yard TD and a 45-14 lead.

Arkansas beats Missouri State 51-7

It wasn't a shutout, but No. 15 Arkansas gave Missouri State a 51-7 drubbing Saturday night at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. Starting quarterback Tyler Wilson finished 18-of-24 for 260 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Brandon Mitchell was brought in for several drives, scoring on a pass to Chris Gragg. Joe Adams ran in 2 touchdowns on punt returns, tying an SEC record. In one third-quarter play, Wilson's 29-yard pass to Jarius Wright in the end zone was called incomplete on the field, but further review gave Arkansas the touchdown. Along with Mitchell, Mitch Smothers, Marquel Wade, Kelvin Fisher, Kody Walker, Brey Cook and Trey Flowers all saw playing time. Walker rushed for 2 touchdowns.

Ole Miss falls to BYU 14-13

Sophomore defensive back Charles Sawyer returned an interception 96 yards for a touchdown, but Ole Miss fell to BYU 14-13 in front of 55,127 at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium Saturday in the season opener for both teams.

No. 23 Auburn survives gutsy playing Utah State, 42-38

Mike Dyer bulled through the line for a game-saving touchdown with 30 seconds left and defending national champion Auburn escaped with a 42-38 win over Utah State on Saturday.
The 23rd-ranked Tigers (1-0) scored twice in the final 2:07, just when it seemed like the Aggies (0-1) were poised for a stunning victory.
First-time starter Barrett Trotter hit Philip Lutzenkirchen for a 15-yard touchdown to start a Cam Newton-like comeback. Then wide receiver Emory Blake collected the onside kick to set up the game-winning drive. Trotter completed three passes and Onterio McCalebb had runs of 10 and 14 yards to push the ball near the goal line.
Poised freshman quarterback Chuckie Keeton couldn't muster a threat in the final seconds for the Aggies, who also tested Oklahoma in last year's opener.
Utah State twice led by double digits against a team clearly feeling the effects of the departures of numerous starters from last year's national champions, including defensive tackle Nick Fairley and Newton, who repeatedly led the Tigers out of big holes during their 14-0 run last season.
Only that 24-point deficit against Alabama might have been a more improbable comeback than this one from 10 points down in the final 3:38. The Tigers came in as three-touchdown favorites, but also as a question mark with 19 new starters. They managed to avoid an embarrassing opening loss against a team that has now lost 44 straight road games against Top 25 teams.
Trotter completed a solid, if otherwise unremarkable starting debut with a huge finale. He was 11 of 14 for 170 yards and two touchdowns.

Trotter marched the Tigers downfield quickly before hitting an open Lutzenkirchen to keep them alive. He followed a 13-yard completion to Travante Stallworth with a 9-yarder to McCalebb and a 7-yarder to Lutzenkirchen, one of Newton's favorite red zone targets last season.
Then, Blake came up with another big play with his midair scoop after catching a 56-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter. Auburn still wound up trailing 21-7 in the second quarter but one of the many youngsters the Tigers are relying on came up big.
Freshman Tre Mason returned a kick 97 yards to close the gap. Dyer added an 11-yard touchdown to tie it midway through the third quarter.
Josh Thompson added a 34-yard field goal and the Tigers didn't take the lead until Trotter's 39-yard touchdown to Stallworth late in the third quarter, making it 28-24.
It didn't last. Keeton faked a handoff, went left and got the nose of the ball across the goal line for a 31-28 lead with 11:20 left.
Robert Turbin then scored a 1-yard touchdown run with 3:38 left to push the lead back to 10 after Utah State coach Gary Andersen rolled the dice in a big way.
Facing fourth down deep in Auburn territory, the Aggies successfully faked a field goal, completing a pass by holder Stanley Morrison, before Turbin capped the 14-play drive.
Keeton completed 15 of 21 passes for 155 yards and ran for 24 in his debut after beating out junior college transfer Adam Kennedy. Andersen didn't announce a starter before the game.

No. 2 Alabama rolls over Kent State, 48-7

AJ McCarron stepped up in Alabama's quarterback race Saturday, throwing for a touchdown and 226 yards as the No. 2 Crimson Tide beat Kent State 48-7.
Vying with Phillip Sims to replace Greg McElroy, McCarron had a 24-yard scoring toss to Marquis Maze and finished 14-of-23 passing.
McCarron was hardly perfect, throwing two interceptions. Sims also threw two interceptions - one that set up Kent State's score - and finished 7-of-14 for 73 yards.
Starting in place of departed Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson scored three touchdowns and ran for 37 yards.
The season-opener was both a tuneup for Alabama before next week's trip to Penn State and the first game in Tuscaloosa since a deadly tornado swept through town. The school honored police, firefighters and other first responders during a pregame ceremony that included Gov. Robert Bentley.

The raucous, 101,821-seat Bryant-Denny Stadium fell still during a moment of silence to remember tornado victims, and the band performed a tribute at halftime. Fans in the uppermost seats could see twisted trees and mangled homes along the trail of destruction in the distance.
Several Kent State players visited Tuscaloosa in July to help with tornado relief, and Crimson Tide fans applauded as the Golden Flashes jogged on to the field before kickoff. 'Bama fans had sent messages on social media sites all week urging the Bryant-Denny crowd to welcome the visitors nicely rather than booing.
Led by Trey Depriest's 10 tackles, the Alabama defense held the Golden Flashes to 90 yards total offense and minus 9 yards rushing.
The Golden Flashes' lone TD was set up by Norman Wolfe intercepting Sims and returning the ball to the Alabama 3. Spencer Keith found Justin Thompson alone in the end zone two plays later after an incompletion.

SEC Football Online...Free Sportbook Pick Georgia vs Boise State

Boise State -1 vs. Georgia +1

This game will be played in Atlanta, not Athens, which is why it’s not technically a home game for the Bulldogs. With that being written, this is a home game for Georgia. Boise State returns QB Kellen Moore but he has to throw to a brand new group of wide receivers. Not only that, but the Broncos’ offensive line appears to be in flux. They’ve got talent on the O-Line but it might not be as solid early in the season as it will be later in the season. Georgia returns QB Aaron Murray who should improve even though he too will have new wide receivers. Georgia’s offensive line figures to push the Broncos’ D-Line all over the place in this game. Boise State got lucky against Virginia Tech in their first game of the season in 2010. I don’t think they get lucky this season, not against a good SEC team on that SEC team’s home turf, in their first game. Georgia should cover this spread with ease. Georgia a home dog in Atlanta? I call it a first week gift.

SEC Football online Pick: Georgia +1

SEC Football Online...Free Sportbook Pick LSU vs Oregon

Oregon +1 ½ at LSU -1 ½

Oregon appears to have everything going for it this season with both QB Derron Thomas and Lamichael James returning but the offense sputtered in the BCS Championship Game against one of the worst defense’s, Auburn’s, in the SEC. Now, they take on one of the best defenses in the SEC in the LSU Tigers who have awesome ends in Lavar Edwards, Ken Adams and Barkevious Mingo. The cornerbacks should shut down Oregon’s somewhat anemic passing game and the offense will be better than okay with their own quarterbacks in Jordan Jefferson and Jarrett Lee returning. Yes, LSU is 7 and 15 ATS in their last 22 home games, but they are usually favored by close to double-digits in those games. In this contest, at least right now, they’re giving up a measly 1 ½ points.

SEC Football Online Pick: LSU -1 ½

Kentucky beats Western Kentucky 14-3

Josh Clemons scored on a 14-yard touchdown run, and Morgan Newton shook off three interceptions in throwing a 31-yard TD pass to La'Rod King in helping the Wildcats beat Western Kentucky 14-3 on Thursday night.
Kentucky had only 75 yards total offense through the first three quarters before Newton drove them 80 yards late in the fourth to put away the victory. The Southeastern Conference team handed Western Kentucky its 16th straight home. The Hilltoppers were the home team in this game played at the home of the NFL's Tennessee Titans.
Winston Guy had an interception that set up Clemons' TD run on a night when the Wildcats struggled with at least six three-and-outs on offense. They struggled to beat a team they routed 63-28 last season with backups getting plenty of playing time.
Kentucky had six starters back, including four on the offensive line, from a team that reached a fifth straight bowl last season. It didn't help as the Wildcats' line got pushed around all night. Kentucky struggled to get its offense going early with Newton settling in at quarterback with the departure of Mike Hartline.
But the Wildcats led 7-3 at halftime despite being outgained 101-35 in total offense and 234-190 for the game.
The Hilltoppers also sacked Newton three times, and the Kentucky quarterback had at least three passes dropped by receivers.
Newton got going just in time, shaking off two interceptions in the fourth quarter, the last with 9:40 left and Kentucky driving. Newton's pass bounced off an official's left arm and Wildcats guard Stuart Hines before going to Western Kentucky defensive end Jared Clendenin.
Facing third-and-14 at the Kentucky 16, Newton ran up the middle for 58 yards in the game's longest play before being dragged down. He then found King wide open for a TD with 4:35 left.
The offenses struggled so much that the punters had the best plays most of the game. Ryan Tydlacka had a 59-yard punt for Kentucky that pinned the Hilltoppers deep, while Hendrix Brakefield had a 58-yarder for Western Kentucky.
Western Kentucky held the ball for 34 minutes, and Bobby Rainey ran for 107 yards, his sixth straight game with at least 100 yards rushing.
But the Hilltoppers scored their only points on a 41-yard field goal by Casey Tinius after Vince Williams picked off Newton in the first quarter. The Hilltoppers had a chance to pad the lead, but Kawaun Jakes repeatedly overthrew receivers, including Jake Doyle in the end zone. Then a low snap led Tinius to push a 34-yard attempt wide right. Guy got his second interception on the final play of the game as Jakes threw into the end zone.

USC's Spurrier to start Shaw, not Garcia, against ECU

Steve Spurrier is at it again with his quarterbacks.

The South Carolina coach said Thursday he sitting fifth-year senior Stephen Garcia in favor of last year’s backup, Connor Shaw, to start the season for the 12th-ranked Gamecocks.

Spurrier said the sophomore outperformed Garcia—who started the past 28 games at South Carolina—during preseason camp and would open against East Carolina on Saturday night in Charlottte.

Garcia is expected to play the second quarter against the Pirates and Spurrier will decide who plays the second half.

“Both of them have done well but Connor has very much, statistically and everything else, played a little bit better than Stephen has,” Spurrier said on his call-in radio show.

It’s the latest twist in Spurrier’s up-and-down relationship with Garcia, who has been suspended five times at South Carolina including twice this spring.

Garcia is coming off his best season in the program, helping the Gamecocks to the Southeastern Conference title game after throwing for 3,059 yards and 20 touchdowns in 2010. He was near perfect in South Carolina’s upset of then No. 1 Alabama, going 17 of 20 for 201 yards and three TDs.

But Garcia was as lost as the rest of the team down the stretch in losses to Auburn in the SEC championship and Florida State in the Chick-fil-A Bowl. Garcia threw five interceptions, more than a third of his season’s total of 14, in those defeats.

Then came the suspensions, the latest was in April less than two weeks after Garcia pledged he wouldn’t mess up again. Garcia was held out of all team activity through Memorial Day and allowed to back on a probationary basis until August.

Spurrier was very complimentary of Garcia’s lifestyle change and dedication to the position throughout the summer. Still, Spurrier kept talking up Shaw as a rising quarterback who had taken major steps forward during the offseason.

“He played better than Stephen Garcia simple as that,” Spurrier said. “That’s the fair way to do it.”

Mississippi State Crushes Memphis, 59-14

Vick Ballard rushed for 166 yards and three touchdowns and No. 20 Mississippi State easily handled Memphis 59-14 on Thursday night at the Liberty Bowl.
Mississippi State dominated from the start, taking a 31-7 lead after gaining 405 total yards in the first half. Things slowed down a little after that, but the Bulldogs still finished with a school-record 645 total yards.
Ballard had touchdown runs of 46 and 66 yards in the first half. He added a 1-yard touchdown early in the third quarter and averaged 16.6 yards per carry against the Tigers' porous defense.
MSU quarterback Chris Relf completed 13 of 21 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns for MSU. He also rushed for 51 yards. Jameon Lewis caught four passes for 113 yards and a touchdown.

Mississippi State (1-0) has won 12 straight against Memphis (0-1), dating back to 1993.

Mississippi State announced two hours before the game that five players would be suspended for a variety of offseason rules violations, including starting defensive tackle Fletcher Cox.
But the Bulldogs didn't need the help, rolling up and down the field with regularity.
MSU opened the scoring with a 44-yard touchdown pass from Relf to a wide-open Chad Bumphis. From that point, the rout was on, with Bulldogs routinely finding open space.
Mississippi State has aspirations of competing in the loaded Southeastern Conference Western Division, which has five of six teams ranked. The Bulldogs certainly looked the part on Thursday, but Memphis was so bad it was hard to tell exactly what that meant. MSU's starters were out of the game by midway through the third quarter.

The Tigers were looking for some optimism after a dismal 1-11 season in 2010 under first-year head coach Larry Porter. But none was in sight as Memphis looked woefully overmatched and undisciplined from the start, with four penalties in the first nine offensive plays.
The Memphis offense didn't cross midfield until midway through the second quarter, and rarely put together any sustained drives. The Tigers switched quarterbacks a couple times, alternating freshman Taylor Reed and sophomore Andy Summerlin. Nothing worked.

Reed completed 23-of-35 passes for 149 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Artaves Gibson rushed for 85 yards on 17 carries.

But the offense wasn't Memphis' main problem. It was defense.

Mississippi State averaged more than nine yards per play and scored the program's most points away from Scott Field since 1936. Almost everything the Bulldogs tried worked, except for a fake punt that was snuffed out quickly by the Tigers.

It seemed like everyone from MSU joined in the fun. Backup quarterback Tyler Russell completed 5 of 9 passes for 138 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for a 26-yard touchdown. Redshirt freshman Jameon Lewis caught four passes for 113 yards in his first college game.

Top 3 impact games for the Kentucky Wildcats

Last season, the University of Kentucky football team had a so-so 6-7 record, 2-6 in the Southeastern Conference. UK football coach Joker Phillips has said that he expects great things from this year's team, which has improved depth compared to the 2010 roster.

But certain key games on the 2011-12 schedule undoubtedly will determine the pace of this season.

Kentucky v. Florida, Sept. 24: Kentucky fans will remember this matchup from last season but for the wrong reasons. In 2010, it appeared that UK was overconfident with the absence of Tim Tebow from Florida's roster (Tebow went to the 2010 NFL Draft), but Florida's then-freshman quarterback Trey Burton took the opportunity to shine. The Wildcats will need to watch out for the star quarterback, who broke the Florida team record for single-game touchdowns with six TDs against Kentucky, outdoing Tim Tebow's previous record at South Carolina. Burton went on to have a career 12 touchdowns during his freshman season, so he seems to have something to prove in Kentucky. Keep in mind, though, that this game will be played in Commonwealth Stadium, and the UK fan base has been known to have an impact on the game outcome.

Kentucky at South Carolina, Oct. 8: What most UK fans will remember about the game against South Carolina in 2010 is when they rushed the field after its completion. But let's be honest: Kentucky barely eked out a win against South Carolina with a final score of 31-28—and that was at home. This time, South Carolina will be on uts own home turf. The Gamecocks were also the runner-ups in the SEC Championship Game in 2010, thanks to Auburn's unstoppable (and 2011 NFL Draft No. 1 pick) Cam Newton. Don't sell South Carolina short. The Oct. 8 game promises to be another nail-biter, but I'm hoping last season's break of the 17-game losing streak to South Carolina and head coach Steve Spurrier wasn't just a fluke.

Kentucky at Georgia, Nov. 19: It's the age-old question of who is better: cats or dogs? In 2010, UK lost to Georgia in Commonwealth Stadium with a disappointing score of 44-31, a sad showing at the team's homecoming game. A slew of fumbles and turnovers ruined any chance of a comeback, as Georgia tailback Washaun Ealey scored a record five touchdowns. This season, though, the Wildcats will travel to Sanford Stadium in Athens, Ga., for some payback. Maybe this time Kentucky can scratch its way back on top.

by Shannon Frazer

No. 20 Mississippi St set to open vs. Memphis

Mississippi State had its best season in a decade, finishing with a 9-4 record that included a Gator Bowl victory over Michigan. Now with 15 starters returning, the 20th-ranked Bulldogs are facing their highest expectations in a long time.

Fan support for the program has soared. Earlier in the week, student tickets sold out in just a few days, and overall demand for tickets has been so high that athletic director Scott Stricklin has presented plans for Davis Wade Stadium’s expansion from its current capacity of about 55,000.

“I’m just happy everyone’s bought in,” Mullen said. “If you change the way you think and everybody believes in what you’re going to do you can accomplish anything.”

Now it’s the Bulldogs’ task to deliver. And as usual, it won’t be easy in the loaded Southeastern Conference. Five out of the six teams in the Western Division begin the season ranked in the national polls.

Memphis is Mississippi State’s only nonconference game before the team dives head-first into the SEC, facing Auburn on the road and LSU at home during a brutal five-day stretch. Though the Bulldogs have a veteran team, there are still a few concerns with new starters at both left tackle and all three linebacker spots.

“We’re still trying to learn and get some things done, but at the same time, we’re in game mode and we’ve got to be ready to go. The season moves fast,” senior center Quentin Saulsberry said.

For Memphis, the game represents a chance to pull a big upset and generate some sorely needed momentum for second-year coach Larry Porter. Ten of the Tigers’ 11 losses last season came by at least two touchdowns, and by the end of the season, the crowds at the Liberty Bowl had dwindled to next to nothing.

Even if a win against Mississippi State proves unattainable, a competitive game against a nationally-ranked program would go a long way toward showing Memphis could make some noise in Conference USA. The Bulldogs have a 32-11 advantage in the series and an 11-game winning streak dating back to 1993.

Mississippi State down and out, on a count of five

Mississippi State hasn’t even snapped the ball and the players are dropping it, already Dan Mullen‘s team is off to a bad start. The school has announced that five players have been suspended for the Bulldogs’ opener tonight against Memphis for violating team rules.

They are: starting DT Fletcher Cox, freshman LT Blaine Clausell (listed as a co-starter at left tackle), Dylan Favre (yes, he’s related to Brett Favre; reserve linebacker Chris Hughes and reserve receiver Malcolm Johnson.

All five are expected to return for the Sept. 10 game against Auburn.

MSU is coming off a 9-4 season a year ago with a victory of Michigan in the Gator Bowl.