OLE MISS

Coach Houston Nutt knows how to give direction to his players, but taking direction is a different story. Nutt has a bit part in the new movie “The Blind Side” with Sandra Bullock about the story of Michael Oher, a former Ole Miss offensive lineman who was drafted into the NFL last year.

So, what was the hardest part of the movie for coach Nutt?

“Knowing that you’re getting ready to be shot live,” Nutt said.

While Nutt was waiting to do his part, he sat in a room with other current and former college football coaches such as Nick Saban, Phil Fulmer, Lou Holtz and Ed Orgeron.

Last week: Lost to Auburn, 33-20
This week: Hosts Northern Arizona, 7:30 p.m.

LSU

The Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa this week to face Alabama with the SEC title on the line, but don’t expect LSU coach Les Miles to concede home-field advantage.

“I like this team on the road,” Miles said.

And why wouldn’t he, LSU has won every game it has played on the road this season. Also, the Tigers have beaten Alabama in Tuscaloosa in every meeting since 1999. So the Tigers have given new meaning to Sweet Home Alabama.

Last week: Beat Tulane, 42-0
This week: At Alabama, 3:30 p.m., CBS

ALABAMA

Coach Nick Saban sees a lot of similarities between his team and the New York Yankees.

With a matchup with LSU looming, Saban remarked that the game was like the World Series in which the Yankees are playing the Phillies. With everything on the line, he just wants the Tide to stay focused.

This week’s game is like the World Series of the SEC West, with Alabama moving on to the SEC Championship game if it wins.

Last week: Off
This week: Hosts LSU, 3:30 p.m., CBS

MISSISSIPPI STATE

Dan Mullen has learned much about his team in his first season as Mississippi State head coach.

And after starting the season with nine straight games, he welcomes a break. Mullen says the Bulldogs’ off week comes at a great time for the school.

Coming off a win over Kentucky, Mississippi State’s second SEC win of the season, the Bulldogs are using the extra week to prepare to face Alabama, one of the toughest teams in the West.

Last week: Beat Kentucky, 31-24
This week: Off

AUBURN

After nine games, coach Gene Chizik remains impressed with the play of quarterback Chris Todd.

Chizik praised Todd’s decision-making, which is evidenced by his 13 touchdowns to only three interceptions.

After losing three straight games, Todd helped the Tigers turned the ship around last week in a win over then No. 24 Ole Miss. Todd and Auburn get a break from SEC play against Furman this week.

Last week: Beat Ole Miss, 33-20
This week: Hosts Furman, 1:30 p.m.

ARKANSAS

Being an offensive minded coach himself, coach Bobby Petrino sees some similarities between his quarterback, Ryan Mallett and South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia.

Petrino should know, because he recruited Garcia out of high school and knows exactly what he can do.

Mallett and Garcia are 1 and 2, respectively, at top of the SEC in passing yards per game.

Last week: Beat Eastern Michigan, 62-37
This week: Hosts South Carolina, 12:21 p.m.