Trevor Replogle, Mid-Atlantic Sports
We've completed one-fifth of our Ultimate College Football Road Trip.
During our first three contests we've seen two outstanding games and the No. 1 team in the county in Alabama (see results below).
Last week we traveled to Athens, GA, where we saw a barnburner between Georgia and Arkansas. Ryan Mallett threw a 40-yard touchdown pass to Greg Childs with just 15 seconds left in the game to give the Razorbacks a thrilling 31-24 win over their SEC rivals.
Mallett finished the game with 380 yards passing and three touchdowns and etched his name on the Heisman Trophy candidate list.
This week we stay in the SEC, where No. 12 South Carolina (3-0) visits No. 17 Auburn (3-0). Both teams have tons of talent, and both have struggled against lesser opponents. Last week South Carolina struggled against Furman (38-19) and didn't put the game away until late in the fourth quarter. Auburn edged Mississippi State by three points two weeks ago and had to wait till overtime to knock off Clemson 27-24.
South Carolina is led by freshman running back Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore has rushed for over 300 yards this season and is averaging nearly five yards per carry. Auburn will have to slow him down to stay in the game.
The Tigers are led by junior QB Cameron Newton. Newton leads the team in both rushing and passing yards (309, 525). Newton also has one reception on the year.
Last week's SEC matchup was outstanding, and this game has that same potential. Tune in to ESPN at 7:45 to see this week's game of the week.
Other key games this week:
No. 19 Miami at Pittsburgh: Thursday at 7:30, ESPN
Former Big East rivals will battle it out in the 'Burgh. There will be no love lost between these two teams.
No. 1 Alabama at No. 10 Arkansas: 3:30 CBS
Ryan Mallett and the high-flying Razorbacks will host the top team in the land. This will be Alabama's toughest game of the season so far.
No. 24 Oregon State at No. 3 Boise State: 8:00 ABC
Boise State will look to make another positive impression nationally when it hosts Oregon State on the smurf turf. This is a must win game for the Broncos if they have any hopes for a BCS title game.
No. 22 West Virginia at No. 15 LSU: 9:00 ESPN2
Two Top 25 teams will battle it out in the Bayou when the Big East visits the SEC. Two potent offenses should make this a great game.
Past results:
Week 1: Boise State 33, Virginia Tech 30
Week 2: Alabama 24, Penn State 3
Week 3: Arkansas 31, Georgia 24