By Cole Frederick/Sports Correspondent
Alabama Week 3 recap
The Crimson Tide (3-0, 1-0) traveled to Fayetteville and dismantled Arkansas, 52-0, on Saturday. The Hogs were without senior quarterback Tyler Wilson, and his replacements Brandon Mitchell and Brandon Allen failed to move the ball against the stifling Alabama defense. Arkansas committed five turnovers, including two interceptions by Allen. Alabama running back Eddie Lacy reached the end zone a career-high three times as the Crimson Tide dropped the Razorbacks to 1-2 overall and 0-1 in SEC play. Alabama returns home to take on Florida Atlantic on Saturday.
Auburn Week 3 recap
Auburn picked up their first win of the 2012 season on Saturday as kicker Cody Parkey propelled the Tigers to a 31-28 overtime win against pesky Louisiana-Monroe. After defeating Arkansas in week two, the upset-minded Warhawks nearly knocked off their second SEC West opponent in as many weeks. Auburn led 28-14 and seemingly had the game under control until running back Mike Blakely fumbled on the goal line and quarterback Kiehl Frazier threw an interception, which allowed the Warhawks to climb back into the game. After forcing overtime, Louisiana-Monroe failed to convert a field goal on fourth down, and Parkey sealed the win for Auburn on the ensuing possession. The Tigers improved to 1-2 overall with the victory, while Louisiana-Monroe dropped to 1-1 on the season. Auburn welcomes LSU to Jordan-Hare on Saturday evening.
SEC Power Poll
1. Alabama (3-0, 1-0)
2. LSU (3-0, 0-0)
3. Georgia (3-0, 1-0)
4. South Carolina (3-0, 1-0)
5. Florida (3-0, 2-0)
6. Mississippi State (3-0, 1-0)
7. Missouri (2-1, 0-1)
8. Texas A&M (1-1, 0-1)
9. Tennessee (2-1, 0-1)
10. Auburn (1-2, 0-1)
11. Arkansas (1-2, 0-1)
12. Vanderbilt (1-2, 0-1)
13. Ole Miss (2-1, 0-0)
14. Kentucky (1-2, 0-0)
Week 4 Predictions (Week 3: 9-2, season: 29-4)
Florida Atlantic at Alabama (-49.5) After a relatively easy win against Arkansas, the Crimson Tide faces another inferior opponent this week as the Owls visit Bryant-Denny Stadium. This will be the Crimson Tide’s final tune-up before they face a tough stretch of conference opponents. Look for the Alabama starters to wrap this game relatively quickly. ALABAMA 45, Florida Atlantic 3
LSU at Auburn (+20.5) Auburn picked up a much-needed victory last week against Louisiana-Monroe, and the Tigers will face second-ranked LSU this weekend. Last year, Auburn was embarrassed 45-10 down on the bayou, and unless Cam Newton and Nick Fairley are granted an extra year of eligibility, this game might look eerily similar. LSU 38, Auburn 13
Missouri at South Carolina (-10) In the Battle of the Columbia’s, Missouri will take on South Carolina in the Tigers’ first SEC road game. Both teams have quarterbacks who are battling injuries, but both James Franklin of Missouri and Connor Shaw of South Carolina are expected to play on Saturday. The Gamecocks will look to establish their running game early and often, and South Carolina will pick up its’ second SEC victory on the season. SOUTH CAROLINA 34, Missouri 24
Vanderbilt at Georgia (-16) Mark Richt’s Georgia Bulldogs enter Saturday’s matchup against the Commodores boasting a 13-game regular season winning streak and a top-five ranking in the AP poll. Vanderbilt head coach James Franklin is still looking for a signature victory, and knocking off the Bulldogs would be a monumental win for the Commodores. Look for Georgia quarterback Aaron Murray to have a big day, and look for the Dawgs to cruise to a victory. GEORGIA 38, Vanderbilt 17
Other SEC games
ARKANSAS (-7) 38, Rutgers 20
FLORIDA (-24) 45, Kentucky 17
TENNESSEE (-34.5) 59, Akron 10
OLE MISS (-17.5) 41, Tulane 23
MISSISSIPPI STATE (-34.5) 55, South Alabama 16
TEXAS A&M 51, South Carolina State 9
Extra Points
* Auburn has won 72 consecutive games in which the Tigers have scored 30 points or more, dating back to 1996.
* This will be the 47th meeting between LSU and Auburn. LSU leads the series 25-20-1.
* Florida has outscored its opponents 30-0 in the fourth quarter so far this season.
* Georgia’s offense produced 711 yards against Florida Atlantic, which is the most in school history.
* Through three games, Alabama quarterback A.J. McCarron is third in the nation and first in the SEC in passing efficiency, with a QB rating of 196.59.
* Alabama and Mississippi State are tied for first in the nation in turnover margin. Both teams have forced twelve turnovers each while only committing one.
* Texas scored 66 points on Ole Miss last Saturday, which is the most the Rebels have given up in nearly 100 years. Sewanee beat Ole Miss 69-7 in 1917.
* South Carolina and Clemson are both ranked in the AP top 10 together for the first time in history.