With Alabama on the bye week many Crimson Tide fans will have their eyes on games involving two of their biggest rivals to start SEC play for both teams.
The struggles on the Plains of Auburn to start the season has put a smile on the face of many 'Bama fans. After the embarrassing home loss to a better than advertised Cal team Hugh Freeze finally decided enough was enough with Payton Thorne. Freshman Hank Brown gave the Tiger offense a little life against New Mexico and the good folks in Lee County are looking for more of the same this week when Arkansas pays a visit.
The Hogs have started the season better than most expected and should very well be 3-0 on the season. A win for the Hogs on Saturday would do wonders for Sam Pittman's seat cooling off in Fayetteville.
There have been some wild moments between these two teams in the last couple of years and I am expecting some fireworks on Saturday as well. Often the games between Auburn and Arkansas are ugly, physical, and have late game drama. Back in the day this would be the perfect game to be the Jefferson Pilot 11 AM game. Older SEC fans know all about these games and how some of the endings were over the years. I expect Saturday's game to come down to a late field goal and right now I am feeling good about the Hogs coming out on top.
Of course, the other SEC game a lot of Bama fans will have their eyes on is Tennessee heading to Norman, for the Sooners first ever SEC game. This is an intriguing matchup in itself and adding the Josh Heupel drama adds even more spice to this game.
It should be a great atmosphere with Gameday coming to town, as well as seeing the young QB battle between Nico Iamaleava and Jackson Arnold. There may be some fireworks, but I don't see as much joy being shared by Bama fans during this game as unlike Auburn the Vols come into week 4 on fire.
The Sooners may figure it out by the end of the season, but a team that struggled against Houston at home, has no chances against this high powered team from Knoxville. Not only will the Vols cover the score, but I wouldn't be surprised if they win by more than two touchdowns. This is the game which will put the nation on alert about Tennessee being a true contender for an SEC and National Championship. This may very well be the most complete Vols team since the mid to late 90s.