re: This is the first time that I believe another conference can beat the SEC

Oregon's offense would most certainly test Alabama's defense. Anyone thinking otherwise is foolish.

That said, I think Oregon will end up doing what WVU did to LSU last year - lots of empty yards between the 20s, and unable to score when the field shortens.

Alabama, on the other hand, has a top 20 scoring offense. Oregon gave up over 50 to a team that Stanford held to 14.

I think Alabama would win that matchup, assuming no serious injuries on either side, roughly 38-24.

That said, Texas A&M is our next opponent. They're a great offensive team, who has comparable numbers to Oregon when you take into account competition. I would wager that MSU, for all the grief received here, would be one of the best 3 defenses Oregon would face if they were scheduled.

Alabama is worried about A&M. I'm not putting that one down in my book yet. Admittedly, after that - if we win - we'll go into the SECCG undefeated. Then a tough game against Georgia (well, depending on which UGA team shows up).