(Note: This week’s preview webcast had some technical difficulties, so here are the text answers to our usual weekend preview questions.)


Which team is facing the toughest challenge this week?

Ole Miss is facing a better team in LSU, but I’m going with Tennessee. The Vols are going to Vanderbilt, and I’m not sure if the team has recovered emotionally from the firing of their coach, Phillip Fulmer
           
They were uninspired in their embarrassing loss against Wyoming two weeks ago. UT’s offense, statistically, is one of the five worst in college football. They’re going back to Jonathan Crompton at QB; he was benched as a starter for six games. And they’re going against a Vanderbilt team that is now bowl eligible and should be more relaxed.
           
Vanderbilt’s defense is ranked among the top 40 in scoring defense, pass defense and total defense, as well as interceptions and sacks. Vandy has held four opponents to less than 250 total yards and Tennessee averages only 267.
           
Vandy has beaten Tennessee just once since 1982, but the Commodores are a 3-point favorite. Vanderbilt beat Tennessee in 2005 and missed another win last year when a last-second field goal attempt hit the upright. So Vandy comes in confident against a UT offense that lost its confidence weeks ago. Tennessee’s defense is tied with Florida for fewest touchdowns allowed (13) but UT’s offense has scored the fewest touchdowns (17) in the SEC and this is UT’s lowest scoring team since 1964. Tennessee hopes to win a 13th consecutive game in Nashville.
 


Which team or coach most needs a win this weekend?
           
Sly Croom at Mississippi State. The Bulldogs (3-7) host Arkansas (4-6) which is still hopeful of becoming bowl eligible. I don’t think State will fire Croom after he was named SEC Coach of the Year last year, but State has a new AD and he might not feel as much loyalty to Croom.

On the heels of an 8-win season, the Bulldogs have wins over Southeastern Louisiana, Vanderbilt and MTSU. The offense is horrible, ranking last in the SEC in scoring and 10th in rushing.

If Croom stays, he’ll probably have to fire his good friend, offensive coordinator Woody McCorvey. Croom might balk at that suggestion. Interestingly, State, which won several games by scoring defensive touchdowns last year, is the only SEC team this season without a defensive score.
 


Which team is the most ripe to be upset?

LSU against Ole Miss. This is a highly intense rivalry that LSU has dominated of late, winning six in a row and seven of eight. But four of those games were decided by 3 or fewer points.

Ole Miss is bowl eligible, happy about the direction of the season and might want this game more. LSU has lost 3 games and isn’t happy about this season after winning the SEC and the national title. It’s tough to stay hungry coming off a national title. It’s even harder when your goals for a season are gone.
           
Plus, LSU has had QB issues much of this season. Jarrett Lee has had 7 of his 15 interceptions returned for touchdowns. And the Tigers were lucky to pull out a 40-31 win over Troy after tailing 31-3 with two minutes left in the third quarter.

Rebel QB Jevan Snead is #3 in the SEC in passing efficiency and LSU’s pass defense (206.3 yards per game) ranks 10th in the SEC. On the other hand, Ole Miss’ pass defense is last in the SEC.

And this is a CBS game in Baton Rouge . LSU is 5-6 in its last 11 CBS games at home and has a losing record in day games at Tiger Stadium since 1960. LSU has not lost a November game in regulation since 2002. That could change this Saturday.
 


What are you most interested in seeing this weekend?

Will Tennessee finally play Eric Berry both ways? Coach Phillip Fulmer revealed this week that Berry has had a season-long shoulder injury that kept the star safety from playing offense, but now he’s fine.

Berry has expressed a desire to play offense, but he’s had just one snap all season. Vanderbilt has a talented 2-way player in DJ Moore, who had two touchdown catches and two interceptions against Kentucky.

Moore also returns punts and kickoffs and has five rushing attempts this season. Wouldn’t it be fun to see two of the SEC’s most dynamic athletes going both ways?


 
Do you agree with the top part of The MrSEC.com Power Poll?

1) Alabama
2) Florida
3) Georgia
4) LSU

If Alabama and Florida played, I’d be hard-pressed not to pick Florida. The Gators might be the hottest team in America.

But in a poll, you have to judge all the games, not the most recent games. And because Florida suffered a home loss to Ole Miss and Alabama is unbeaten, I rank the Crimson Tide over the Gators.

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