MARK EDWARDS

Tigers face tough task; UA will roll

Auburn has won three straight and will face an Arkansas team that hasn't won a conference game this season.

If this one wasn't at Fayetteville, Ark., No. 22-ranked Auburn (4-2) would be a slam-dunk choice, but home-field advantage gives Arkansas (3-2) a slight edge.

It's worth noting, however, that the Tigers have won in their last two trips to Arkansas, taking a 10-3 decision in 2003 and 34-17 in 2005. Arkansas won 27-10 at Auburn last season, and that loss kept the Tigers out of the SEC Championship Game. ... Arkansas 24, Auburn 21.

Alabama (4-2) at Ole Miss (2-4): The Crimson Tide isn't good enough to say that this one is a break in the schedule.

Even so, Alabama has a better team than struggling Ole Miss. The Crimson Tide's defense has allowed at least 24 points in three of its last four games, but the Rebels have scored more than 24 points only once this year — a 38-25 loss to Missouri in the second game of the year.

Alabama hasn't lost to Ole Miss since Eli Manning quarterbacked the Rebels in 2003. ... Alabama 27, Ole Miss 20.

No. 1 LSU (6-0) at No. 17 Kentucky (5-1): This might be the best game of the day. LSU ranks first in the nation in total defense and passing efficiency defense. Kentucky might have the best quarterback in the country in Andre Woodson. That's not enough, however, to pick the Wildcats over the unanimous top-ranked team. ... LSU 28, Kentucky 14.

No. 25 Tennessee (3-2) at Mississippi State (4-2): The Vols have posted at least 31 points in four of their five games. As much fun as their Cinderella story has been, the MSU Bulldogs haven't been able to slow down any decent offense they have faced this year, except Auburn, which played an unprepared freshman quarterback for most of their matchup. ... Tennessee 31, Mississippi State 14.

Georgia (4-2) at Vanderbilt (3-2): Georgia looked awful in its three-touchdown loss to Tennessee, but Vandy looked worse in its four-TD loss to Auburn. Both teams are struggling on offense, but the Commodores might be having more problems, especially at quarterback. Chris Nickson, who has six touchdown passes and five interceptions, may lose his job after 17 straight starts. ... Georgia 20, Vanderbilt 13.

No. 7 South Carolina (5-1) at North Carolina (2-4): These two teams haven't played since 1991. South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier is 3-0 against UNC, with all three wins coming while he was at Duke. North Carolina's wins have come over James Madison 37-14 and Miami 33-27. ... South Carolina 27, North Carolina 17.

Tulane (1-4) at UAB (1-4): UAB's lone win came against Alcorn State 22-0, while Tulane has beaten Southeastern Louisiana 35-27. Give this one to the Blazers, bases on home-field advantage. ... UAB 16, Tulane 13.

Oklahoma State (3-3) at Nebraska (4-2): Both teams are coming off losses — Nebraska lost to Missouri 41-6, while Oklahoma State lost to Dennis Franchione's Texas A&M team 24-23. One of OSU's losses is to Troy. ... Nebraska 38, Oklahoma State 31.

No. 11 Missouri (5-0) at No. 6 Oklahoma (5-1): The Sooners rank third in the nation with almost 50 points a game. Their quarterback, Sam Bradford, ranks first in the country in passing efficiency. ... Oklahoma 35, Missouri 28.

No. 18 Illinois (5-1) at Iowa (2-4): Illinois has won five straight after a 40-34 loss to Missouri in it season opener. Iowa started the season at 2-0 with wins over Northern Illinois and Syracuse and hasn't won since. ... Illinois 27, Iowa 24.