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Though it was certainly not planned, the No. 18 Florida Gators have wound up with a much-needed week off and will spend Saturday doing what you will likely be doing — watching other teams play football.
But just because Florida is not on the field does not mean there’s a lack of worthwhile games to watch. OnlyGators.com is here to point out the best and most interesting games to keep an eye on this weekend. (All times Eastern)
No. 9 Tennessee (5-0) at No. 8 Texas A&M (5-0) — 3:30 p.m. (CBS)
The Vols are the far and away favorites to win the SEC East at this time, but they also have the toughest cross-division slate of any team this year. Tennessee really gets tested starting on Saturday at Texas A&M, and it will be interesting to see if its stroke of luck continues.
No. 1 Alabama (5-0) at No. 16 Arkansas (4-1) — 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Speaking of cross-division opponents, the Razorbacks are the second (well, potentially only) that the Gators will face this season. Arkansas barely survived Louisiana Tech (21-20) and TCU (41-38) but got creamed by TAMU (45-24). The Hogs have shown they can score, and hosting the Crimson Tide at home should make for an interesting affair.
No. 23 Florida State (3-2) at No. 10 Miami (4-0) — 8 p.m. (ABC)
Rare has this game mattered much over the last decade, particularly to Florida fans, but it does appear as if Mark Richt has the Hurricanes rolling despite their early-season competition. On the same note, the Seminoles look to be struggling — particularly defensively — which gives Miami a chance to win for the first time since 2009.
Texas (2-2) vs. No. 20 Oklahoma (2-2) — 12 p.m. (FS1)
No, there is not any SEC relevance here, but the early slate of games is rather lacking and Florida fans should have some interest in watching a Charlie Strong-coached team, especially considering his seat is getting hotter with each passing week.
No. 25 Virginia Tech (3-1) at No. 17 North Carolina (4-1) — 3:30 p.m. (ABC/ESPN2)
Suddenly an important ACC showdown featuring a team that should have beat Tennessee and one that actually beat Florida State.
Georgia (3-2) at South Carolina (2-3) — Sunday at 2:30 p.m. (SEC Network)
Oh, you don’t want to watch Will Muschamp play his alma mater on an NFL Sunday? OK, I don’t blame you. Just giving you options here.