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| Thursday, October 28 Carter key to 'Cocktail' outcome By Kirk Herbstreit Special to ESPN.com |
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This will the first time College GameDay has visited the "World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party." We're excited to be heading down to Jacksonville. Georgia is beginning to put things together offensively, coming around at the right time. The Bulldogs' young line and receivers are understanding their jobs better and gaining experience each week, a huge help for the multitalented Quincy Carter. The biggest key will be how the improving Georgia offense performs against a Florida defense ranked No. 1 in the nation against the run, allowing only 49 yards a game. If the Gators put the clamps on Jasper Sanks and the 'Dogs running game, will Carter be effective through the air? Meanwhile, the Florida offense is No. 6 in total offense (480 yards a game), and No. 1 in the SEC, without receiver Travis Taylor, running back Earnest Graham and two starting linemen -- guard Ryan Kalich and center Zac Zadallis -- for most of the season. Yet Steve Spurrier is upset with their offensive production. It goes to show how much of a perfectionist Spurrier is. Most offenses would kill to have Florida's production. On a positive note for the Gators, Graham is practicing this week, so he will likely play. BACK TO TOP
Alabama is not only nursing its mentality after a tough home loss to Tennessee, but some key injuries as well. Quarterback Andrew Zow and Heisman hopeful Shaun Alexander were dinged up in the loss. Both hope to play Saturday, but you have to wonder how much the injured ankles will slow Zow and Alexander down. The Tide had better recover in a hurry because the stingy Southern Miss defense will pose a big challenge. Over the years Southern Miss, the Conference USA leader, has been known for playing great defense, and this year is no exception. The Eagles, led by defensive end and Bronko Nagurski Award candidate Adalius Thomas, are ranked 11th in the country in total defense, 25th against the run. Remember, Southern Miss gave Nebraska all it could handle, holding the 'Huskers to only 185 total yards and one offensive touchdown in a 20-13 loss. Alabama's offense has excelled by spreading the field, throwing the ball and taking the pressure off Alexander. Despite Zow's injury, 'Bama's ability to throw will be key against Southern Miss. But Thomas will be chasing Zow all day. BACK TO TOP
This is a huge showdown in the Pac-10. As much as the conference has taken a beating this year, the game is still intriguing because Stanford's offense has been unbelievable, ranked fifth in the country in total offense and throwing the ball all over the place. Running backs Brian Allen and Kerry Carter, a true freshman, have done a nice job of giving the Cardinal balance. They can put up points in a hurry. Meanwhile, what a great story out in Seattle with Rick Neuheisel. The Huskies lost their first two games, setting up the huge matchup with Colorado. Including the win over the Buffs, they have won four of their last five games. They get more and more confident each week. A win over Stanford could put them in line for a trip to the Rose Bowl. Neuheisel's team has an opporuntity to prove to the Pac-10 that it is for real. Stanford has been winning with an explosive offense, but poor defense, ranked 111th out of 114 Division I-A teams. Washington will try to exploit that vulnerability with quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo. The Huskies like to spread out the field with three and four receivers. Stanford will have to show on the road that it has enough defense to stop Washington. Because the game is at Husky Stadium, Stanford needs to avoid a shootout because of the pro-Washington crowd and the Huskies' superior defense. BACK TO TOP
Purdue and Minnesota are two teams trying to make inroads into Big Ten this year and prove they can compete with the perennial powers. Purdue is smarting from playing the likes of Michigan, Ohio State, Michigan State and Penn State on consecutive weeks. Although the Boilermakers went 1-3 in that span, they had a very good chance to go 3-1. How will they deal with the losses? Will they still be focused? Because Drew Brees is their leader, chances are they will recover well. Brees is one of the most competitive quarterbacks I've ever seen. You have to believe they have a shot to come back with a competitive attitude and show they have something to compete for. Minnesota is one win away from qualifying for a bowl. The outcome will come down to Minnesota's defense, known more for its run-stopping ability, against Purdue's wide-open passing attack. How will the Gophers respond to Brees setting up with three or four receivers and airing the ball out? I like Purdue's chances. BACK TO TOP
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