SEC Roundup: Alabama tops LSU, clinches SEC West
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SEC
published: November 09 2009 09:37 AM updated:: November 09 2009 06:31 PM

(1)Florida 27, Vanderbilt 3

Tim Tebow threw one touchdown and rushed for another as Florida defeated the Vanderbilt Commodores 27-3 at home. The Gators struggled somewhat on offense, only scoring 13 points in the first half against an outmatched Vanderbilt defense. Tebow finished 15 of 20 through the air, amassing 208 yards, most of which came on a 64-yard touchdown pass to Aaron Hernandez. Vanderbilt quarterback Mackenzi Adams made his first start, completing 13 of 29 passes for 100 yards and an interception. Next week, Vanderbilt (2-8, 0-6 SEC) hosts Kentucky, while the top-ranked Gators (9-0, 7-0 SEC) travel to South Carolina in what many believe to be their toughest remaining opponent.

(3)Alabama 24, (9)LSU 15

Julio Jones broke a 73-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to give No. 3 Alabama the win over No. 9 LSU at home. LSU suffered key injuries when quarterback Jordan Jefferson and running back Charles Scott were limited throughout most of the second half. LSU (7-2, 4-2 SEC) was inconsistent offensively, as the Tide gained 452 yards to the Tigers' 253. A 40-yard field goal by Leigh Tiffin with more than three minutes remaining sealed the victory for Alabama, who clinched the SEC Western Division crown. Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC) will face the Eastern Division Champion Florida Gators in Atlanta Dec. 5. Next week, Alabama travels to Mississippi State while LSU hosts Louisiana Tech.

Arkansas 33, South Carolina 16

Ryan Mallett continued his seasonal trend of big numbers, going 23 of 27 for 329 yards as Arkansas defeated South Carolina 33-16 at home. Arkansas (5-4, 2-4 SEC) scored 23 unanswered points in the second half, led by two rushing touchdowns from Broderick Green. South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia passed for 327 yards and one touchdown, including an 80-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery on the first play of the second half, putting the Gamecocks up 16-10. The next two Arkansas possessions would be scores, putting South Carolina (6-4, 3-4 SEC) in comeback mode. Next week South Carolina hosts Florida, while Arkansas hosts Troy.

Tennessee 56, Memphis 28

Quarterback Jonathan Crompton enjoyed a career night, throwing for 331 yards and five touchdowns as Tennessee (5-4, 2-3 SEC) easily routed in-state rival Memphis 56-28. After going 21 of 27 through the air with no interceptions, Crompton was replaced by backup Nick Stephens halfway through the third quarter, as the Vols led by as much as 35. Tennessee showed variety in the passing game, hitting five different players for touchdown receptions, with Denarious Moore snagging two. Safety Eric Berry, in pursuit of the NCAA career record for interception return yards, closed the gap with an interception return for seven yards late in the second quarter. Berry now trails Florida State's Terrell Buckley by five yards. Next week Tennessee travels to Ole Miss, kickoff is set for noon on CBS.

Auburn 63, Furman 31

Chris Todd came out firing, completing his first 14 passes en route to 256 yards and four touchdowns, as Auburn (7-3, 3-3 SEC) easily handled Furman 63-31. Darvin Adams caught three touchdowns, while Anthony Gulley and Ben Tate added two rushing touchdowns each. It was Gulley's first career score for the Tigers, notching one 50-yard score on the ground. Many of the Auburn starters were resting on the bench after halftime, with a 42-3 Auburn lead. Next week, Auburn travels to Georgia for their annual meeting.

Georgia 38, Tennessee Tech 0

After being crushed by Florida last week, Georgia (5-4, 3-3 SEC) rebounded with a 38-0 dismantling of Tennessee Tech. It was Georgia's first shutout in three years. Sticking mostly to the ground, the Bulldogs accumulated a season-high 304 yards rushing, highlighted by two scores from Washaun Ealey. Amidst rumors of possibly being benched, quarterback Joe Cox responded with a 10 of 13 passing performance, with 140 yards and two touchdowns. Backup quarterback Logan Gray also saw limited action, going four of five for 25 yards and one interception. Next week, the Bulldogs host Auburn.

Kentucky 37, Eastern Kentucky 12

Kentucky stretched its non-conference win streak to 18 games as the Wildcats handled Eastern Kentucky at home 37-12. With injured quarterback Mike Hartline on the bench, freshmen Morgan Newton filled in nicely, completing 20 of 29 passes for 187 yards and two touchdowns. Donald Russell led the Wildcats in rushing, with 92 yards and a long 79-yard score. Kentucky (5-4, 1-4 SEC) is searching for its fourth straight bowl appearance this season, something a Kentucky squad has never accomplished. One more victory in their last three games can solidify a bowl spot for the Wildcats. Kentucky visits Vanderbilt next week.

Mississippi 38, Northern Arizona 14

Receiver Shay Hodge had a career day with 169 receiving yards and two scores. The Rebels struggled early, as Northern Arizona tied the game twice as late as halfway through the second quarter with the score 14-14. Quarterback Jevan Snead took over from there, adding two rushing touchdowns. Snead went 16 of 29 through the air, with 235 yards and two touchdowns. Ole Miss (6-3, 2-3 SEC) was quick to strike all night, as each of the six scoring drives by the Rebels lasted less than 2:01. Mississippi needs one more victory to secure a bowl appearance, but a tough remaining slate lies ahead of them with visits from Tennessee, LSU and a trip to Mississippi State.

Editor: Grant Ramey

SEC Schedule

Week 11

Tennessee at Ole Miss, Noon (CBS)

Kentucky at Vanderbilt, 12:21 p.m.

(1)Florida at South Carolina, 3:30 p.m.

Auburn at Georgia, 7 p.m.

Louisiana Tech at (9)LSU, 7 p.m.

(2)Alabama at Miss. St, 7 p.m.

Troy at Arkansas, 7:30 p.m.

AP Top 25

Week 11

1. Florida

2. Texas

3. Alabama

4. TCU

5. Cincinnati

6. Boise State

7. Georgia Tech

8. Pittsburgh

9. LSU

10. Ohio State

11. USC

12. Miami (FL)

13. Houston

14. Oregon

15. Iowa

16. Utah

17. Oklahoma State

18. Arizona

19. Penn State

20. Virginia Tech

21. Wisconsin

22. BYU

23. South Florida

24. Clemson

25. Stanford

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