THE SCOOP
Jeff Sagarin runs one of six computer systems used in the BCS formula, but he also rates each conference by divisions, Chris Dufresne of the Los Angeles Times notes.
No. 1, the SEC West, home to overall No. 1 Alabama.
No. 2, the Pac-12 North, where No. 3 Oregon resides.
No. 3, the Pac-12 South.
No. 4, the SEC East.
The Big 12 (Baylor) is fifth followed by Big Ten Legends and then Big Ten Leaders (Ohio State).
At No. 8 is the ACC Coastal division followed by ACC Atlantic (Florida State).
So there you have it: Florida State plays in the worst-ranked division among the five major conferences.
For FSU to make the title game, it may well be that the Seminoles would have to be one of only two undefeated teams remaining on Dec. 1.
A REAL LOSS
Mississippi State will begin preparation for Texas A&M this week without quarterback Dak Prescott. His mother died on Sunday after battling colon cancer for more than a year. Coach Dan Mullen said Prescott has returned home to Louisiana to be with family and isn’t sure when he’ll return. Tyler Russell will start if Prescott can’t return for the game.
BE CAREFUL
Georgia wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell has some company. Kentucky freshman Alex Montgomery is out for the rest of the season after tearing his left anterior cruciate ligament while celebrating a 6-yard touchdown reception against Alabama State. Mitchell sustained a torn knee ACL in the season opener for the Bulldogs at Clemson. Kentucky freshman receiver Ryan Timmons also will be out this week with a sprained ankle.
HE SAID IT
"I had to make something happen, and I have a little slogan — it's called 'G.U.M.P. A lot of guys from Florida know what it means and it's called 'great under major pressure.' When the game is on the line, you've got to be the one to make that play." — Auburn running back Tre Mason, who ran the ball 32 times (58 percent of Auburn's plays) against Arkansas.
"I can tell you that our guys are in college football for these kind of games. We look forward to playing in them. It's a great opportunity for all. Any time you line up against Alabama, there's a rivalry. There's national prestige. And the want to make plays against a very quality opponent is there. I think the greatest compliment that we can pay an opponent is our best efforts, and certainly Alabama will get that." — LSU coach Les Miles on playing Alabama.
BY THE NUMBERS
8
Passing yards needed by Zach Mettenberger to become the first player in LSU history to pass for 2,500 yards or more in back-to-back seasons.
2-10-1
LSU’s record against No. 1 teams, including 1-4 with Les Miles as coach.
11
The line favoring Alabama against LSU, the Crimson Tide’s largest line against the Tigers since 1999 and the 51st consecutive game that Alabama has been favored (last time it was an underdog was 5.5 to Florida on Dec. 5, 2009, a game Alabama won by 19 points).
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