Viewer's Guide to Week 1 of SEC football season
College football season is upon us.
Each week throughout the SEC season, Tennessean columnist Dave Ammenheuser will provide a viewer's guide to every SEC game. He'll tell you where you can find the game on television, who's the favorite in each game and more. He'll also predict the outcome of every SEC game this season.
After the games are over, go to Tennessean.com for recaps, analysis, commentary and more on the Vanderbilt and Tennessee games.
SOUTH CAROLINA vs. NORTH CAROLINA
Sept. 3, 5 p.m., in Charlotte, N.C.
TV: ESPN
2014 records: South Carolina (7-6, 3-5 in SEC); North Carolina (6-7, 4-4 in SEC)
All-time series: North Carolina leads 34-18-4
The line: South Carolina -2
Ammenheuser says: Interesting rivalry game to start the season. These two neighbors have a lot of dislike for the other. The first nationally televised game of the season, the game will certainly grab the nation's attention. After last season's subpar season, the Gamecocks' fan base could use the emotional lift with a win in Charlotte. SOUTH CAROLINA 24, NORTH CAROLINA 20
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WESTERN KENTUCKY at VANDERBILT
Sept. 3, 7 p.m., in Nashville
TV: SEC Network
2014 records: Western Kentucky (8-5, 4-4 in Conference USA); Vanderbilt (3-9, 0-8 in SEC)
All-time series: Vanderbilt leads series, 3-0
The line: Western Kentucky -2
Ammenheuser says: Can Vanderbilt stop Western Kentucky quarterback Brandon Doughty, who has thrown for 7,800 yards and 63 touchdowns in his collegiate career? He averaged 371 passing yards per game last season. On the other side, can the Commodores muster an offense besides running back Ralph Webb? WESTERN KENTUCKY 35, VANDERBILT 27
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UT MARTIN at OLE MISS
Sept. 5, 11 a.m., in Oxford
TV: SEC Network Alternative
2014 records: UT Martin (6-6, 5-3 in OVC); Ole Miss (9-4, 5-3 in SEC)
All-time series: First meeting
The line: No line
Ammenheuser says: The post-Bo Wallace era begins in Oxford. Although the Rebels return nine offensive starters, the two returning quarterbacks threw a combined 42 passes a year ago. Much of the focus this season will be on the defense, where defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche is regarded among the best in the country. Hugh Freeze's team needs to find its offensive leader. Perfect opener for that to happen. OLE MISS 42, UT MARTIN 14
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LA. MONROE AT GEORGIA
Sept. 5, 11 a.m., in Athens, Ga.
TV: SEC Network
2014 records: La.-Monroe (4-8, 3-5 in Sun Belt); Georgia (10-3, 6-2 in SEC)
All-time series: Georgia leads, 3-0
The line: Georgia -35
Ammenheuser says: This will likely be one of the bigger lopsided openers the opening weekend. Look for the Bulldog starters to play into the third quarter before coach Mark Richt starts using his reserves. Vanderbilt fans may want to tune in as the Commodores are up next in week two. SEC Freshman of the Year Nick Chubb figures to get off to a big start. GEORGIA 49, LA-MONROE 7
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UTEP at ARKANSAS
Sept. 5, 2:30 p.m., in Fayetteville, Ark.
TV: ESPNU
2014 records: UTEP (7-6, 5-3 in Conference USA); Arkansas (7-6, 2-6 in SEC)
All-time series: Arkansas leads, 2-0
The line: Arkansas -33
Ammenheuser says: With nine returning offensive starters, including senior quarterback Brandon Allen, the Razorbacks are expected to improve upon their 2-6 SEC record from a year ago. This one is the first of four straight home games to open the season. We likely won't find out how good the Razorbacks are until Week 5 when they travel to Knoxville. ARKANSAS 45, UTEP 14
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LOUISVILLE vs. AUBURN
Sept. 5, 2:30 p.m., in Atlanta.
TV: WTVF-5 (CBS)
2014 records: Louisville (9-4, 5-3 in ACC); Auburn (8-5, 4-4 in SEC)
All-time series: Auburn leads, 1-0
The line: Auburn -10.5
Ammenheuser says: The Tigers are projected to climb the ladder in the SEC West this season, expecting to challenge Alabama for the division title. We'll get a good idea of their progression with this matchup against the Cardinals, Louisville finished its 2014 season against a SEC foe (Georgia in the Belk Bowl). That didn't go well (a 37-14 loss). This one won't go well either.. AUBURN 49, LOUISVILLE 28
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SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE at MISSOURI
Sept. 5, 3 p.m., in Columbia, Mo.
TV: SEC Network
2014 records: Southeast Missouri State (5-7, 3-5 in OVC); Missouri (11-3, 7-1 in SEC)
All-time series: Missouri leads, 2-0
The line: No line
Ammenheuser says: A year ago, Southeast Missouri opened with a 77-0 win over Missouri Baptist. This time around, the game could be lopsided, too. But in the other direction. Although coach Gary Pinkel's Tigers return just six offensive starters from last season's SEC East champs, this one figures just to be a warmup for bigger challenges coming up. MISSOURI 39, SE MISSOURI ST. 7
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BOWLING GREEN vs. TENNESSEE
Sept. 5, 3 p.m. in Nashville (Nissan Stadium)
TV: SEC Network
2014 records: Bowling Green (8-6, 5-3 in Mid-American Conference); Tennessee (7-6, 3-5 in SEC)
All-time series: First meeting
The line: Tennnessee -20.5
Ammenheuser says: Although Bowling Green won the MAC's Eastern Division a year ago, the Falcons do not have the firepower to keep up with the Vols. Falcons' quarterback Matt Johnson hasn't played since injuring his hip in the 2014 season opener. This is the perfect game for the Vols to showcase their talent, including many former Midstate high school stars. TENNESSEE 51, BOWLING GREEN 13
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ARIZONA STATE vs. TEXAS A&M
Sep. 5, 6 p.m., in Houston
TV: ESPN
2014 records: Arizona State (10-3, 6-3 in Pac-12); Texas A&M (8-5, 3-5 in SEC)
All-time series: First meeting
The line: Texas A&M -3
Ammenheuser says: One of the spotlight games of the first week of the season. Good early season test for quarterback Kyle Allen, who earned the starting job midway through his freshman season. Coach Todd Graham's Sun Devils are ranked No. 16 in the preseason coaches poll. It's their highest preseason ranking since 1998 when they were ranked ninth. One of just two projected SEC opening-week losses: ARIZONA STATE 31, TEXAS A&M 28
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LA.-LAFAYETTE at KENTUCKY
Sept. 5, 6 p.m. in Lexington
TV: ESPNU
2014 records: La.-Lafayette (9-4, 7-1 in Sun Belt); Kentucky (5-7, 2-6 in SEC)
All-time series: First meeting
The line: Kentucky -17
Ammenheuser says: This is not as easy an opener as many Wildcat fans may think. The Ragin Cajuns' are coming off a strong season and return running back Elijah Harris (1,264 yards, 14 touchdowns). Kentucky coach Mark Stoops' team must prove to their fanbase that the program continues to improve. The Wildcats started 5-1 last season, but then lost their final six games. KENTUCKY 31, LA.-LAFAYETTE 20
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McNEESE STATE AT LSU
Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m. in Baton Rouge, La.
TV: SEC Network Alternate
2014 records: McNeese State (6-5, 4-4 in Southland); LSU (8-5, 4-4 in SEC)
All-time series: LSU leads, 1-0
The line: No line
Ammenheuser says: This one could get ugly quickly. Leonard Fournette figures to have a huge game unless he plays just a few series as the Tigers will likely roll quickly at home. NFL.com calls Fournette one of college football's "scariest players." Coming off a 1,034-yard freshman season, his numbers figure to grow as a sophomore. He may as well pad them in the opener. LSU 51, McNEESE STATE 7.
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NEW MEXICO STATE at FLORIDA
Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m. in Gainesville, Fla.
TV: SEC Network
2014 records: New Mexico State (2-10, 1-7 in Sun Belt); Florida (7-5, 4-2 in SEC)
All-time series: Florida leads, 1-0
The line: Florida -37
Ammenheuser says: This is a perfect opener for new Florida coach Jim McElwain. Playing a subpar FBS team, is much better than facing an FCS team in the opener. With just four starters returning on offense, the Gators may sputter early. Vernon Hargreaves III and lineman Jon Bullard will be the anchors to a Gators defense that returns seven starters. FLORIDA 30, NEW MEXICO STATE 10.
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WISCONSIN vs. ALABAMA
Sept. 5, 7 p.m. in Arlington, Texas
TV: WKRN-2 (ABC)
2014 records: Wisconsin (11-3, 7-1 in Big Ten); Alabama (12-2, 7-1 in SEC)
All-time series: Wisconsin leads, 1-0
The line: Alabama -10.5
Ammenheuser says: Despite returning just two offensive starters and entering training camp with several offensive positions up for grabs (including quarterback), Alabama simply reloads with its deep depth. Again one of the favorites to win a national title, this season the Alabama defense (led by linebacker Reggie Ragland) could be the deciding key in the big games, including this opener. ALABAMA 31, WISCONSIN 21.
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MISS. STATE at SOUTHERN MISS
Sept. 5, 9 p.m., in Hattiesburg, Miss.
TV: FOX Sports 1
2014 records: Mississippi State (10-3, 6-2 in SEC); Southern Miss. (3-9, 1-7 in Conference USA)
All-time series: Mississippi State leads, 14-3-1
The line: Mississippi State -21
Ammenheuser says: The Bulldogs are the only SEC team not to open at home or at a netural site. It won't matter. Coach Dan Mullen's team may not have it as easy as it did with its 2014 opener (a 49-0 home win over Southern Miss.), but should still enjoy a big day. Quarterback Dak Prescott is one of the few returning Bulldog offensive starters. He'll use this game to get in rhythm. MISS. STATE 40, SOUTHERN MISS 13
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