UNDATED (AP) — Miami quarterback Darian Mensah was the overwhelming choice for first-team quarterback on The Associated Press midseason All-America team. UCLA led all teams with three players on the top unit. Eight players from the Southeastern Conference and seven each from the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big Ten are on the first team. The team is determined by a panel of media members who vote each week in the AP Top 25. Nine players who were on the AP preseason All-America first team also were voted to the midseason first team. Four other preseason first-team picks are on the second team.
UNDATED (AP) — The Southeastern Conference features plenty of exciting matchups this week. Alabama heads to Tennessee for the third Saturday in October rivalry. Both teams are 5-1 overall and 3-1 in conference play. Alabama is missing key players, which could be tough against Tennessee's strong defense. Tennessee's freshman quarterback, Faizon Brandon, might not play due to a shoulder injury. Alabama is favored by 8.5 points. Meanwhile, Ole Miss hosts Missouri. Missouri's quarterback, Austin Simmons, returns to his former team. Both teams have playoff hopes with just one loss each. Ole Miss is a 6-point favorite at home.
ATHENS, Ga. (AP) — One week after showing off its impressive depth in a tight win at Alabama, No. 1 Georgia is expected to have starting running back Nate Frazier return for Saturday’s visit from Auburn. Frazier was in uniform for last week’s 20-17 win at Alabama but was held out after experiencing more problems with a rib injury. Georgia also was missing Frazier’s top backup, Chauncey Bowens, with a calf injury last week. Georgia also was missing receivers Isiah Canion and Thomas Blackshear due to injuries. Dwight “Peanut” Phillips Jr. ran for 120 yards and Bo Walker added 69 yards against Alabama.
AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Three weeks ago, the Texas-Florida matchup looked like a potential blockbuster. The Longhorns were No. 1 behind quarterback Arch Manning. The Gators were storming up the rankings behind first-year coach Jon Sumrall, prompting declarations that Florida was back among the Southeastern Conference’s elite programs. Those were the good times. Both teams now limp into Saturday’s game with battered and bruised bodies and egos, and a whiff of desperation chasing a win to keep the season from unraveling.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Alabama is looking to bounce back after losing to Georgia last week. The Crimson Tide faces a tough challenge against Tennessee on Saturday. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer emphasizes staying focused and not letting the loss affect them twice. Tennessee has its own challenges with quarterback injuries but relies on running back DeSean Bishop and a strong defense. Alabama receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams is likely out due to injuries. Tennessee's defense, led by Jim Knowles, is aggressive and leads the nation in sacks.
OXFORD, Miss. (AP) — No. 9 Mississippi and No. 13 Missouri each field statistical leaders that began their careers at the opposing school before achieving greater individual success through the transfer portal. The game doubles as a reunion of four showcase performers: Austin Simmons, Cayden Lee and Chris Graves, Jr. of Missouri, and Kewan Lacy of Ole Miss. It's a major story line for what is also a high-stakes game in the Southeastern Conference on Saturday. The contest also will affect Missouri and Ole Miss in the league standings, the AP Poll and the College Football Playoff picture as each team comes in with only one loss.
UNDATED (AP) — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey says the league is considering its own rules for college sports if Congress doesn't establish national standards. Speaking at SEC basketball media days, Sankey emphasized the need for federal help but noted the conference might take a more active role if Congress falls short. Last month, the Senate passed a bill to regulate college sports, addressing athlete payments and transfers. Sankey also discussed expanding the College Football Playoff from 12 to 24 teams, showing more openness to the idea. He addressed the issue of professional athletes returning to college, restating the SEC's stance against it.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) — The Southeastern Conference has ongoing concerns about what it says is LSU's "complete lack of institutional control." The SEC's latest court filing addresses LSU's attempts to include players with NFL ties in its football program. The SEC claims LSU is defying its Professionalism Rules and could face membership termination. LSU's basketball coach, Will Wade, has openly recruited RJ Luis, who spent time with NBA teams, and allowed him to practice with the team. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill argues the SEC's case lacks merit.
