Space – The Final Frontier. Space - A continuous area or expanse that is free, available, or unoccupied. Space – The area on the football field where playmakers reside. Space – The void between Scott Wright’s ears. 

Quickness - Moving or functioning rapidly and energetically. Quickness – The ability of playmakers to move about in space forcing defenders to reach for air. 

This week’s biggest game in the SEC is all about playmakers in space. Wide open spaces, slim spaces, and even those spaces in the mind that we dare not speak of. It also is about quickness. The jaw-dropping skills displayed by these playmakers in said space. I am talking about wide receivers that make moves called “ankle-breakers” and running backs that find that small crease and burst through with power. 

The slate of games on tap for October 1 features a game of highly-ranked, undefeated teams, a matchup of future division rivals, and a contest that could see a running back break the SEC single-season rushing record. I’m looking at you, Marcus Lattimore. Of course, I jest. You will see what I really think in this week’s edition of The Man Who Knew ... How to Pick Winners.

No. 3 Alabama at No. 12 Florida
Averaging 40 points per game, Florida has done a wonderful job of feeding defenses a steady dose of Jeff Demps and Chris Rainey.  If these two guys get the ball in space, it could be a long day for the Crimson Tide. I expect Bama to force John Brantley to throw a pass deeper than eight yards. Then, Alabama has to get the ball to Trent Richardson and Marquis Maze. Richardson is beginning to churn up the yardage and Maze is showing he can operate in space as well as anyone. National media claims is still Alabama an untested team after the Arkansas turned into more of an open-book quiz. Traveling to The Swamp looks more like a mid-term. If this team wants to be compared to the ’09 team, Alabama better bring their “A” game. I think they will. Final: Alabama 23 Florida 20.

No. 14 Texas A&M at No. 18 Arkansas
The Battle of "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" takes place this Saturday as the SEC-bound Aggies squandered a 17-point halftime lead to lose to Oklahoma State last weekend. Arkansas found out that it better stay on the porch a little longer, because the Pigs are not quite ready to run with the big dogs after a 38-14 drubbing at the hands of Alabama.  Both programs were set for great seasons, and for one that dream will still be alive after this contest. The other can still have a very good season. Arkansas will try to get the ball into the hands of Joe Adams and Jarius Wright in the open field and let them run. Texas A&M will try to ride Ryan Tannehill’s arm to a win. The senior has thrown for 892 yards in four games, but he will need some help from Cyrus Gray and Christine Michael, who are averaging 145 yards per game combined on the ground. Final: Arkansas 30 Texas A&M 24.

Auburn at No. 10 South Carolina
The last time the Tigers visited the state of South Carolina, their 17-game winning streak was snapped by Clemson. Auburn gave up 238 rushing yards and 386 passing yards. The most telling stat? A total of 92 plays were run by the Clemson offense. All of that being said, I expect Stephen Garcia to throw early in order to open up the running lanes for Marcus Lattimore. If USC-East can hit a few early passes, then Lattimore will hit the small spaces between linemen and accelerate to the linebackers and DB’s of Auburn. That could spell bad news for AU. Of course, USC has given up their share of yardage and points this season, as well. They are averaging allowing 298 yards per game and 26 points per game. In fairness to the Gamecocks defense, QB Stephen Garcia has thrown 7 INT’s this season, which has not helped at all. Fun note: Auburn has won 68 consecutive games when scoring at least 30 points, and has a 287-4 record when scoring at least 30 points. SC’s defense better come ready to play. Final: South Carolina 41 Auburn 27

Mississippi State at Georgia
On paper, Mississippi State looks like a good team. Averaging over 425 yards of offense per game (217 rushing and 209 passing). Then you take out the Memphis game and realize that the Bulldogs are averaging 350 ypg on offense. These numbers do not put fear in the hearts of many SEC defenses. And now that MSU had to go to overtime to beat Lousiana Tech, many wonder what has happened in Starkville. On the other side, Georgia is trying to save the career of Mark Richt. The (Eastside) Bulldogs are picking things up after the loss to Boise State. Yeah, they lost to South Carolina, but a fake punt for a TD and an fumble return for a TD doesn’t happen every week. True frosh Isiah Crowell is carrying the ball 19 times per game and averaging 102 yards. The defense has 6 INT’s already and are only giving up 120 ypg rushing. Factor in that this game is “Between the Hedges” and I believe UGA is the stronger team. Final: UGA 27 MSU 17 

Kentucky at No. 1 LSU
Tyrann Mathieu has to be licking his chops. Dude is just a playmaker, and what he sees this week is another opportunity to make plays. Kentucky’s QB Morgan Newton has thrown 6 INT’s in his first four games. Good chance that number continues to rise this week. The LSU defense is one of the best in the nation, and will be angry after giving up 463 passing yards to West Virginia last week. Of course, they did win the game 47-21 and catapulted into the top spot in the polls. Kentucky has been very mundane this season and has to be disappointed after back-to-back losses to Louisville and Florida.  With virtually no running game (averaging 123 ypg) and an average (I’m being nice) passing attack (157 ypg), UK will need to step it up to have a shot a repeating the magic from four years ago, when the Wildcats defeated LSU in double overtime, 43-37. Of course, the ‘Cats defense might be the problem in the end. They are giving up 204 ypg on the ground, and Spencer Ware and Mike Ford are coming at them. This will not be close. Final: LSU 38 Kentucky 10

Ole Miss at Fresno State
Z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z-z. I was talking about space – I wonder if there is enough space on the recliner for me to turn over in my sleep during this game? The only thing interesting about this game is to see if Houston Nutt is fired at halftime. Ole Miss is averaging 236 yards per game. The Rebels/Black Bears/ Fighting Nutts (whatever they are these days) are going on the road to the Left Coast to face a normally game Fresno State squad. I do believe Ole Miss can up their statistics by throwing more interceptions and allowing more sacks. Final: Fresno State 27 Ole Miss 17

Buffalo at Tennessee
If you had told me prior to this season that I would be more interested in this game than Ole Miss-Fresno State, I would have said, “Wrong! I’m actually not interested in either one.” However, Tyler Bray and Da’Rick Rogers have me riveted. Rogers played his high school ball just 30 minutes away from where I live, and I remember him well. The kid is strong, fast, and can jump. Bray is a gunslinger. The numbers might not be as good going forward due to Justin Hunter being out for the season, but the fireworks will still be there. The Buffalo Bulls are not a bad team, having beaten New England last week….HEY!,  wait a second. This is not the Bills, this is the Bulls. Scott Wright said this is not one of his normal typos, so I’ll just go ahead and pick a winner. Final: Tennessee 44 Buffalo 14

Jacksonville State at Murray State
The Gamecocks come in 3-1 overall and undefeated in Ohio Valley Conference play. Georgia transfer Washaun Ealey leads Jax State in rushing with 343 yards while Calvin Middleton is not far behind with 241 rushing yards. And, as soon as you focus on these two, sophomore QB Coty Blanchard can hurt you two ways. He is averaging 48 ypg on the ground and 143 ypg through the air. Defensively, the Gamecocks are giving up 261 yards per game through the air. Whaddaya know? Murray State averages 320 ypg through the air. Guess what the key to the game will be? I said I never pick against my alma mater, but JSU’s defense has been shaky this season. I hate to do this… Final: Murray State 35 Jacksonville State 24