Game week is finally here.
For several SEC schools, including Ole Miss, it will be a shorter week than usual. With games set for Thursday, Saturday and Sunday you've got a BIG Labor Day weekend ahead.
Plan accordingly.
Thursday
Texas A&M at South Carolina (5 p.m., SEC Network)
The Aggies must learn to play football without Johnny Football, while Steve Spurrier's Gamecocks have their sites set on winning the SEC East. The very first football game on the SEC Network should be a gem.
Boise State vs. Ole Miss (7 p.m., ESPN)
Just how good are the 18th ranked Ole Miss Rebels? A neutral field game against Boise State should be a good way to find out. The Rebels are hoping that this will be their first of two Georgia Dome games this year.
Temple at Vanderbilt (8:15 p.m., SEC Network)
New Commodore head coach Derek Mason hopes to keep the momentum that James Franklin created at Vanderbilt going. To do it he has to replace a starting quarterback and an NFL receiver. An opener against Temple should be a good way to break in the new guys.
Saturday
Tennessee-Martin at Kentucky (11 a.m., SEC Network)
Kentucky was really bad last year. I don't expect it to be any different this year.
West Virginia vs. Alabama (2:30 p.m., ABC, ESPN2)
This will be the first game the Crimson Tide has played without A.J. McCarron at quarterback since 1942, or so it seems. Despite that, Alabama is still the preseason favorite to win the SEC. The Tide will roll over West Virginia like a speed bump.
South Dakota State at Missouri (2:30 p.m., ESPNU)
It's Maty Mauk's team now, and some say he will be even better than James Franklin. This game will give Mauk a chance to show his stuff. One thing is certain, Missouri won't be able to sneak up on anyone in the SEC East this year.
Arkansas at Auburn (2 p.m., SEC Network)
Expect Arkansas head coach Brett Bielema to have a lot of ugly things to say about the hurry up offense after his team loses this one 112-14. Auburn coach Gus Malzahn is the only person capable of slowing down Nick Marshall, but once Marshall's brief (1st quarter?) suspension resulting from a marijuana citation is over the game will be, too.
Clemson at Georgia (4:30 p.m., ESPN)
Georgia is looking for revenge after being edged 38-35 by the Tigers in last year's opener in this ACC vs. SEC showdown. The ACC is feeling good about itself after Florida State's BCS Championship. This would be a good chance for the SEC to make a "Not so fast my friend," statement.
Idaho at Florida (6 p.m., ESPNU)
Will Muschamp is hoping he finally has an offensive coordinator that can teach his team to score. Jeff Driskell is healthy. This will be a good live scrimmage for the Gators, and nothing more.
Southern Miss at Mississippi State (5:30 p.m., SEC Network)
For years Southern Mississippi has been begging for a chance to play Ole Miss or Mississippi State. The Golden Eagles will get that chance in front of a sellout crowd at the newly expanded Davis Wade Stadium. Southern wants to ruin that grand opening and foil the high expectations at Mississippi State.
Wisconsin vs. LSU (7 p.m., ESPN)
The Big Ten meets the SEC under the bright lights of ESPN and NRG Stadium in Houston. It's a heck of a way for Les Miles' Tigers to break in true freshmen at quarterback, tailback and wide receiver.
Sunday
Utah State at Tennessee (6 p.m., SEC Network)
The rebuild in Knoxville under head coach Butch Jones continues as the Volunteers replace their entire defensive and offensive lines. Utah State likely won't be a pushover. With NFL kickoff a week away this Sunday night special will be welcome entertainment on Labor Day Eve.
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