SEC story lines | The State

HOW GOOD CAN GEORGIA BE?

Georgia reasserted the SEC’s superiority with a convincing 27-10 victory against Arizona State, the defending Pac-10 co-champions. Next up: reasserting their superiority in the SEC. The third-ranked Bulldogs (4-0) play host to No. 8 Alabama on Saturday in a matchup pollsters, Florida and LSU will be watching closely.

DANGEROUS REMINDERS

Ball State receiver Dante Love required five hours of surgery to stabilize a spinal column and spinal cord injury sustained during a helmet-to-helmet hit. The school said Sunday that he was moving his arms and legs and he was alert. Lowe’s was the most serious of three scary head or neck injuries Saturday. He is the only one remaining in the hospital.

VANDY IS DANDY

Vanderbilt gets to enjoy its first ranking in 24 years thanks to an off week. Yes, Auburn (Oct. 4) likely means an end to the ranking, but games remaining against Mississippi State, Duke, Kentucky and Wake Forest will fuel talk about a possible bowl bid.

FUMING OVER FULMER

Prepare for more empty handwringing over Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer’s job security following the latest loss to Florida. But, remember, Fulmer just received a contract extension through 2015 and is coming off an SEC East title. Athletics director Mike Hamilton is a big supporter as well.