Tide looking forward to Ole Miss rematch

Tuscaloosa, Ala. Alabama coach Dennis Franchione circled today’s game against Mississippi on his calendar more than a year ago.

It was last Oct. 13 when Mississippi scored two touchdowns in the final 9:24 to beat Alabama 27-24 and snap a 10-game losing streak in the series. How much motivation does that game supply for the 24th-ranked Crimson Tide (4-2, 1-1 Southeastern Conference) leading to Saturday’s rematch?

Franchione summed it up in one word: “Tremendous.”

The 21st-ranked Rebels (5-1, 2-0), locked tied with No. 14 LSU for the SEC West lead, have no shortage of motivation. They can move to 3-0 in the league for the first time since 1970, Archie Manning’s senior year at quarterback.

Tigers-Gators matchup not what it used to be

Gainesville, Fla. A great annual Southern rivalry is going on hiatus after this season, and maybe it’s about time.

A decade ago, Florida vs. Auburn was one of the best shows in college football. But for the first time since 1981, the teams meet with neither ranked in the Top 25.

Auburn (4-2, 2-1 Southeastern Conference) is a run-first team that got beaten at home last week, 38-17 by Arkansas. Florida (4-3, 2-2) is a team on a two-game losing streak with a new coach, Ron Zook.

Oregon end suspended

Eugene, Ore. Oregon defensive end Roderkus Wright has been suspended indefinitely for breaking an undisclosed team rule.