They’re the other teams in the Southeastern Conference, part of the dreaded Best of the Rest who hope to grind through and challenge defending national champion Florida for the conference crown.
These aren’t vintage Louisiana State and Georgia teams. LSU’s offense has yet to unleash against a quality opponent, and its defense has given up 23 points to Washington and 26 to Mississippi State.
Only five teams have a worse turnover margin than Georgia, and while senior Joe Cox has ably replaced Matt Stafford at quarterback, the Bulldogs really wish Knowshon Moreno had stuck around another year at tailback.
Nevertheless, the No. 4 Tigers (4-0, 2-0 SEC) visit No. 18 Georgia (3-1, 2-0) in a game between SEC powers trying to find their way.
“Every time we play, it seems so much is on the line,” Georgia coach Mark Richt said on Wednesday’s SEC conference call. “It’s a game that gets everybody’s blood going, and I’m sure that’s the same for LSU too.”
The blood has been boiling for a while in Louisiana, and not just because Georgia, a 3 1/2-point favorite, is on deck. LSU is ranked fourth but hasn’t played like it. It’s only 105th nationally in total offense, with a moribund rushing attack that’s 10th in the SEC.
“We’ve got a lot to prove, to be honest with you,” LSU coach Les Miles said.
For starters, the Tigers must prove they can stop people. When coordinator Bo Pelini left for Nebraska after the 2007 national title season, LSU’s defense collapsed. After LSU gave up 325.5 yards a game for ninth in the SEC and went 3-5 in league, Miles fired co-coordinators Doug Mallory and Brad Paveto.
In came John Chavis, who, according to Tennessee legend Johnny Majors, saved Phil Fulmer’s “job for the last 10 years.” The results have been mixed. Except for a game-saving goal-line stand, LSU’s defense did little against Mississippi State. However, LSU’s secondary is excellent. Led by Patrick Peterson, the nation’s top prep cornerback two years ago, it already has seven interceptions.
John Henderson: 303-954-1299 or jhenderson@denverpost.com
Games to watch
Air Force (3-1) at Navy (2-2)
1:30 p.m., Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, CBSCS
Only tailback Asher Clark and quarterback Tim Jefferson, left, have scored touchdowns in a service-academy rivalry game, Clark scoring last year against Army and Jefferson against Navy. None of the players on Air Force’s current roster have been on the winning side against Navy, which has won the last six meetings, with all but one decided by a touchdown or less. The Midshipmen have 13 consecutive victories over service-academy opponents, which is why the Commander-in-Chief’s Trophy has resided in The Rotunda of Bancroft Hall since 2003. Last year, the Middies blocked two punts for touchdowns.
Colorado State (3-1) at Idaho (3-1)
8:30 p.m., Kibbie Dome, ESPNU
In his third year with the long-suffering Vandals, coach Robb Akey has guided Idaho to its best start since 1994. It’s a combination of staff continuity and some talent falling in the right place. QB Nathan Enderle is a big gun at 6-feet-5, 227 pounds, but not mobile. There aren’t many secrets between CSU’s defense and Idaho’s offense. Rams defensive coordinator Larry Kerr and Vandals offensive counterpart Steve Axman are longtime friends and former colleagues. The Rams’ top defensive priority is stopping cannonball running back De’Maundray Woolridge, left. Offensively, CSU needs to re-establish its running game.
Wyoming (2-2) at Florida Atlantic (0-3)
2 p.m., Lockhart Stadium
The Cowboys’ spread offense finally got its feet set on solid ground in last week’s win over UNLV, and now it’s a matter of consistency. After a slow start against the Rebels, Wyoming freshman QB Austyn Carta-Samuels made the most of his first start (234 yards and three touchdowns). Wideout David Leonard, left, is getting comfortable as well in the spread, leading the Cowboys with 25 catches for 266 yards. Wyoming has been outscored 24-10 in the first quarter and 35-14 in the third, but facing Florida Atlantic may help the Cowboys’ confidence. The Owls have been outscored 27-9 in the first quarter and 42-0 in the third.
Northern Colo. (1-3) at Northern Ariz. (1-2)
3 p.m., Walkup Skydome
The Bears’ offense needs to get on track, because their defense is going to be tested against the Lumberjacks’ quarterback. Michael Herrick, left, is coming off two solid games, including a career day in a 41-34 OT loss to No. 4 Montana. He was 36-for-49 passing for a career-high 440 yards and four TDs. Herrick is third in the nation in passing efficiency (164.1), completing 71-of-100 passes for 905 yards and seven TDs. UNC’s offense has struggled the past two weeks (343 yards and one TD in two losses), but NAU’s defense is giving up more than 500 yards per game.
Colo. Mines (3-2) at Mesa State (3-2)
7 p.m., Stocker Stadium
Both opened with two losses, only to go 3-0 since the RMAC schedule opened. After throwing five interceptions in the first two games, Mesa State QB Robert Felberg is coming off two solid games. The redshirt freshman from Smoky Hill High combined for 592 yards and four TDs in wins over Fort Lewis and Western New Mexico. Mavericks senior LB Bennett Newton has been flying to the ball, and his 62 tackles rank second in Division II. He returned a fumble 51 yards against Western New Mexico to secure the win. Mines WR Adam Saur, left, ranks fifth in NCAA Division II with 558 yards on 36 catches and eight TDs.
Players to watch
Ricky Stanzi, Iowa
Is this the week Stanzi has his breakout game? Stanzi is completing a pedestrian 56.3 percent of his passes — he also has been victimized by drops — with five TDs and five picks. vs. Arkansas State, 10 a.m., ESPN2
Ryan Reynolds, Oklahoma
The linebacker is not OU’s best defensive player but the leader after coming back from three significant injuries in his career. He had 13 tackles against Tulsa, matching his total from the season’s first two games.vs. Miami, 6 p.m., KMGH-7
Daryl Washington, TCU
While DE Jerry Hughes gets much attention after leading the nation with 15 sacks last season and already with 4 1/2 this year, Washington had a career-high 13 tackles against Clemson. vs. SMU, 6 p.m., MTN
J.T. Floyd, Michigan
The cornerback might replace Boubacar Cissoko in the starting lineup and likely will be targeted because most teams don’t throw at CB Donovan Warren. vs. Michigan State, 10 a.m., Big Ten Network
