MARK EDWARDS

Stay aboard Saban train; AU will win

When Alabama fired Mike Shula last season, we got a few e-mails from folks saying that they thought Shula should've been given more time.

Through three weeks of the season, you can see that the school made a good decision. Alabama is 3-0, ranked No. 16 in the nation and has a decent shot to be 7-0 before it faces Tennessee on Oct. 20.

Between now and then, Alabama must face No. 22 Georgia at home, Florida State at a neutral site, Houston at home and Ole Miss on the road. Even if the Crimson Tide can't get through that part of the schedule unscathed, at least Alabama has something now that it almost never had under Shula — hope.

As for Auburn, the Tigers find themselves in an awfully tough spot Saturday against New Mexico State. If the Tigers' defense can't hold up against an offense that averages about 523 yards a game, then the offense will need to carry the load. It's hard to see Auburn fixing its quarterback problems in such a short time.

So far, Auburn's options are an under-prepared but talented true freshman in Kodi Burns and a senior standout in Brandon Cox who may or may not be hurt. Either way, Auburn should commit to one and take its lumps.

No. 22 Georgia (2-1) at No. 16 Alabama (3-0): Until given reason to do otherwise, we're staying on the Nick Saban bandwagon. Also, Georgia has won only two of its last seven SEC games. ... Alabama 24, Georgia 21.

New Mexico State (2-1) at Auburn (1-2): For all the yards New Mexico State gains, the Aggies average a pedestrian 32.7 points a game, which is 34th in the nation. It's a winnable game for Auburn, no matter its quarterback problems. ... Auburn 25, New Mexico State 19.

No. 3 Florida (3-0) at Ole Miss (1-2): Florida is 12-0 in September under Urban Meyer. Surprisingly, Florida hasn't beaten Ole Miss since 1995. The Rebels won meetings in 2002 and 2003 by three points both times. ... Florida 40, Ole Miss 25.

No. 12 South Carolina (3-0) at No. 2 LSU (3-0): The Bengal Tigers are first in the nation in total defense, scoring defense and passing efficiency defense. Their one weakness obviously is run defense — they're only third in country in that category. Even so, they out-rush teams by 201 yards a game. ... LSU 28, South Carolina 10.

No. 21 Kentucky (3-0) at Arkansas (1-1): When Kentucky beat then-No. 9 Louisville last week, it marked the Wildcats' first win over a Top 10 team in 30 years. Kentucky is in the top 15 nationally in four categories, including sixth in turnover margin. The Wildcats have won eight of their last nine. Even so, this one is on the road. ... Arkansas 35, Kentucky 29.

Gardner-Webb (1-1) at Mississippi State (2-1): The Bulldogs will roll over this Football Championship Subdivision school, and then they'll need only one more victory for their winningest season since compiling eight wins in 2000. ... Mississippi State 28, Gardner-Webb 7.

Arkansas State (1-1) at Tennessee (1-2): The Vols' defense can use a break after allowing an average of 41 points in the first three games. However, Arkansas State isn't a pushover, losing 21-13 to Texas in its opener. ... Tennessee 42, Arkansas State 28.

North Carolina (1-2) at No. 23 South Florida (2-0): South Florida plays for the first time since beating Auburn 26-23 on Sept. 8. North Carolina has fallen to East Carolina 34-31 and Virginia 22-20 in the last two weeks. ... South Florida 26, NorthCarolina 22.

Michigan St. (3-0) at Notre Dame (0-3): The beat goes on for Notre Dame, which ranks No. 119 out of 119 teams in the NCAA's Bowl Subdivision. The Irish could begin the season 0-8. Before facing beatable Navy on Nov. 3, Notre Dame must face Michigan State, Purdue, UCLA, Boston College and Southern California. ... Michigan State 30, Notre Dame 9.

Alabama A&M (3-0) at Grambling State (1-1): Alabama A&M has started 3-0 for the first time since 1996. Former Auburn quarterback Kelcy Luke leads the way with 10 touchdown passes. A&M won this one last year 30-27 in overtime. ... Alabama A&M 33, Grambling State 28.

Last week: 8-2.

Overall: 26-4.