1. Alabama vs. Auburn (Nov 28).
Known as the Iron Bowl, the winner has advanced to the SEC Championship - and won - six out of the last seven years. The game is being played in Auburn this year, and it should turn out to be a great game.
2. Alabama vs. Georgia (Oct 3).
Alabama’s first road test will be in Athens, between the hedges. Georgia is coming in as the favorite to win the SEC East and should be one of Mark Richt’s best teams in years. Seven years ago, the Tide dominated Georgia in Athens in the “Blackout.” However, Alabama had a tough time adjusting last year to its first road game.
3. Auburn at LSU (Sep 19).
Auburn’s first road test will be in Baton Rouge, in Death Valley. This is an interesting game, because if Jeremy Johnson is comfortable at QB at this point in the season, it could get ugly for LSU. But, if he is not, then LSU could take advantage.
4. Mizzou vs. Georgia (Oct 17).
This should be a huge matchup for Georgia, as they try to take the East crown, something they have failed to do the past few years. A mid-season game, I imagine that Georgia will be ready to play.
5. Tennessee vs. Florida (Sep 26).
This is a huge game for both teams, but a bigger loss if Tennessee loses. The Vols will be a favorite in the Swamp, and if they are going to try to win the SEC, it starts with beating a solid Florida team in a hostile environment, in the early part of the season.
6. Florida vs. Georgia (Oct 31).
A match-up that has turned into a rivalry, this neutral game site is essential for both teams to win. If Georgia wants to be back in Atlanta, they need to win this one decisively, after an embarrassing loss last year.
7. Auburn vs. Kentucky (Oct 15).
Both teams have a BYE week before this game, but Auburn played horribly in last year’s Thursday night game, and I would not be surprised to see an upset in Lexington. Mark Stoops has the Wildcats in the right direction, and if they can force a bunch of turnovers, then this one could get interesting.
8. South Carolina vs. Georgia (Sep 19).
It will be interesting to see if Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks continue to have their voo-doo over Georgia. They have won this matchup many times in recent years, and this game always produces a lot of energy and emotion.
