It’s time to look at key questions across the SEC involving Saturday’s Week 6 slate of games:

Perception: Will Muschamp could be fired after he leaves Knoxville

Gator Nation’s fed up with the quarterback situation and Muschamp’s ineptitude in big games since posting 11 wins and a Sugar Bowl berth in 2012. Spoiled by dominant offenses during the Urban Meyer era, Muschamp’s ball control style of play has lost all of its luster and recent failures in the SEC has placed worry on job security. Florida’s won nine straight games over Tennessee during the Vols’ era of peril and a loss could send this team back into a possible midseason tailspin.

Reality: A loss to the Vols won’t be final nail in Muschamp’s coffin

Florida athletic director Jeremy Foley has assured us multiple times that Muschamp’s future won’t be decided by a single game and pushed home the point after his program’s disappointing setback at Alabama. The Gators are exactly where we thought they would be at this point — 1-1 in the SEC — with one fewer win thanks to a lightning storm in Gainesville. There was a ton of overreaction as the final seconds expired in Tuscaloosa and much of that will still exist Saturday even if the Gators win in less-than-convincing fashion. A three-game stretch post-Tennessee against LSU, Mizzou and Georgia will determine Muschamp’s job status heading into next fall.

Perception: Ole Miss is ready for the big stage against Alabama

Equipped with the best talent in school history, the Rebels are ready for top-ranked Alabama on Saturday afternoon in Oxford, the site of College GameDay’s first-ever appearance on the Grove. Comparable players are in place to compete against Nick Saban’s West juggernaut for the first time in decades during what’s been a one-sided rivalry. Questions linger on how Alabama quarterback Blake Sims will perform in his first true road start and the Ole Miss defense is the best the Crimson Tide has faced this fall. Conditions are ripe for the upset.

Reality: How much trust can the Rebels put in Bo Wallace?

Ole Miss leading rusher Jaylen Walton averages right at 50 yards per game, none of us can predict how a one-dimensional passing offense will fare against a defense that’s had two weeks to prepare. Wallace leads the SEC in interceptions through four games, a result of bad ball placement and sketchy decisions from the pocket, and in two career starts against Alabama, hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass. Based on percentages, the least likely scenario is Wallace bucking the trend against the Crimson Tide and throwing for 300 yards and multiple touchdowns — what it takes to win this weekend.

Perception: Dak Prescott’s Heisman campaign continues vs. Texas A&M

Texas A&M’s defense has shown improvement compared to last season’s horrific numbers, but tackling was worrisome at times in last week’s win over Arkansas. That plays into Mississippi State’s favor on Saturday, specifically Dak Prescott who leads the SEC in rushing yardage for quarterbacks with 378. A darkhorse Heisman candidate before the season, he’s played himself into a featured role early after a standout ‘moment’ at LSU. Prescott’s responsible for 15 touchdowns — 11 pass, 3 rush, 1 receiving — through four games.

Reality: It won’t matter unless MSU’s pass defense shows up

The Bulldogs, not South Carolina, now hold the dubious distinction of the SEC’s worst pass defense, giving up an average 319.0 yards per game. Mississippi State’s keeping teams out of the end zone through the air with just five touchdowns allowed, but coverage breakdowns have been prevalent over the top early this season. Texas A&M’s strength is its passing attack with Kenny Hill, a clear edge the Aggies have coming into this game. Prescott could post solid numbers offensively, but it won’t matter unless Mississippi State can get off the field and keep explosive plays to a minimum on the other side of the ball.