What you need to know about every SEC East opponent in Week 9

It’s back to business in the SEC East.

After a lackluster Week 8 schedule, Saturday’s slate provides three juicy divisional clashes. The main course is the annual Florida-Georgia rivalry in Jacksonville, Fla., which could have serious implications on the SEC East race.

Tennessee needs a win against South Carolina to keep pace with the Gators, and Kentucky can move one step closer to its first bowl game under coach Mark Stoops when it travels to Missouri.

Here’s what the SEC East is up against in what should be a wild Week 9.

No. 14 Florida (5-1, 3-1) vs. Georgia (4-3, 2-3) in Jacksonville, Fla.

Georgia PPG: 25.1

Georgia allowed: 26.4

Bulldogs’ strength: Georgia’s offense hasn’t lit up scoreboards or produced tons of yardage, but it has shown great balance so far. The Bulldogs have gained 1,369 rushing yards and 1,451 passing yards this season.

Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Must stop: Even in the midst of an average statistical season by his standards, junior running back Nick Chubb (above) is always a threat to have a breakout game. If Chubb gets going, that will free up true freshman quarterback Jacob Eason (1,366 yards and nine touchdowns), who has proven he can shred defenses despite his youth.

Notable: The Bulldogs lead the series with Florida, known as “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party,” 49-42-2.

Florida PPG: 30.3

Florida allowed: 12.0

Gators’ strength: Defense is still the name of the game in Gainesville. Even while dealing with injuries throughout the season, Florida’s swarming unit ranks second nationally in both scoring defense and total defense (252 yards per game).

Must stop: With Florida’s offense struggling in every facet, coach Jim McElwain will probably look for creative ways to put the ball in the hands of Antonio Callaway, his best playmaker. The sophomore has almost receiving 400 yards in just five appearances this season and is also dangerous in the return game.

Notable: With the exception of a war-time cancellation in 1943, the Gators and Bulldogs have met every year since 1926.

Kentucky (4-3, 3-2) at Missouri (2-5, 0-3)

Missouri PPG: 34.9

Missouri allowed: 29.7

Tigers’ strength: Missouri’s aerial attack has flopped over the past three games, but the Tigers still have the nation’s 18th-best passing offense with sophomore Drew Lock at quarterback. With a rushing attack that’s starting to turn the corner, Missouri has one of the most high-powered offenses in the SEC.

Must stop: True freshman running back Damarea Crockett (below) has emerged has Missouri’s main rushing threat, picking up 301 yards and four touchdowns over the last two weeks. Charles Harris is the best player on a struggling defense but is projected as a first-round NFL draft pick after accumulating 5.5 tackles for loss and four quarterback hurries from his defensive end spot.

Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Notable: The Tigers have been outgained on the ground in all three of their SEC losses.

Kentucky PPG: 26.7

Kentucky allowed: 32.3

Wildcats’ strength: Kentucky’s rushing offense has carried it to four wins over the past five games, aided by a thunder-and-lighting running back duo. The elusive Stanley “Boom” Williams (639 yards) and bulkier Benjamin Snell Jr. (469 yards) are two of the SEC’s top 12 running backs in rushing yards.

Must stop: Williams is fifth in the SEC with 7.1 yards per carry, which serves as evidence of the 5-foot-9, 196-pound running back’s explosive ability. Linebacker Jordan Jones has flourished despite being just a true sophomore, recording 67 tackles — third most in the conference — and 5.5 tackles for loss this season.

Notable: Kentucky’s 21-13 win last season was its first against Missouri since the Tigers joined the SEC in 2012.

South Carolina (3-4, 1-4) vs. No. 18 Tennessee (5-2, 2-2)

Tennessee PPG: 30.4

Tennessee allowed: 29.9

Volunteers’ strength: Though the Vols are prone to slow starts offensively, they can score as quickly as anyone in the country. With explosive playmakers like quarterback Joshua Dobbs, running backs Jalen Hurd and Alvin Kamara and receiver Josh Malone, Tennessee can make up for its injury-depleted defense.

Must stop: Junior defensive end Derek Barnett has spent all season shooting into opposing backfields and up NFL draft boards, compiling 11.5 tackles for loss (tied for seventh nationally) while forcing three turnovers. Dobbs has gradually improved over the course of his senior season, racking up 259.7 yards per game and 19 total touchdowns.

Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Notable: Tennessee’s series with South Carolina started in 1903.

South Carolina PPG: 16.9

South Carolina allowed: 21.3

Gamecocks’ strength: Will Muschamp hasn’t taken long to make his mark on South Carolina’s defense. Seven games into his tenure, the Gamecocks have improved their scoring defense by nearly a touchdown from last season and boast the No. 18 passing defense in the country, surrendering just 183.6 yards per game.

Must stop: True freshman Jake Bentley has likely won the starting quarterback job after his 201-yard, two-touchdown performance on a 17-for-26 passing clip against Massachusetts last Saturday. Darius English is a skilled senior pass-rusher who has produced six sacks, four quarterback hurries and two forced fumbles.

Notable: During his stint at Florida, Muschamp squared off against Tennessee coach Butch Jones in 2013 and 2014. The Muschamp-led Gators won both games. This is Jones’ best shot at revenge.

Bye: Vanderbilt (4-4, 1-3)