It’s only Week 4 in the SEC and separation is beginning to take place. Used to be that all the conference games happened more or less at the same time. The schedule was direct – non-conference then conference. Maybe the odd non-conference game stuck in between.

Now it’s nearly a month into the season and some teams are playing their third conference game already. Some haven’t even started yet.

Both types of teams, both types of games, dot the best of the SEC slate this week.

LSU at Syracuse – This schedule draws a double-take almost. LSU at Syracuse. The Orange have not been a power program in some several years now, but the environment in central New York in the Carrier Dome can be somewhat intimidating, if for no other reason than its uniqueness. The game means very little in the grand scheme unless the Tigers lose. It should provide some unusual entertainment, though. It isn’t every day an SEC team travels that far into the northeast for a college football game.

Texas A&M vs Arkansas – If there is an opportunity for Arkansas to get itself back onto the rails, it’s against Texas A&M. Not that the Aggies are some downtrodden opponent. Arkansas is taking a more simplistic approach: first conference game – first opportunity to go 1-0. It’s an admirable way of approaching, but with a top 15 Texas A&M team waiting, it’s likely the Aggies win their fourth straight in the series.

Missouri at Kentucky – It isn’t dripping with glamor, Missouri and Kentucky, but from an importance standpoint in the standings, the consequences are just as high as any other, maybe even beyond. Missouri looks like the weakest 3-0 team in the nation. The Tigers are in the bottom 20 in both total offense and scoring offense. There are 128 teams in FBS. Kentucky, meanwhile, has played three games determined by a total of 16 points. This one will probably be one of those kind.

Tennessee at Florida – If Tennessee wants to make good on its promise of being an SEC contender, this game is a must-win. The Volunteers haven’t won in Gainesville since 2003 and haven’t beaten Florida, period, in the last 10 tries. Florida can move to 4-0 under first-year coach Jim McElwain with a win.

Mississippi State at Auburn – Mississippi State was supposed to be the lock for seventh in the seven-team SEC West. With a win over Auburn on Saturday, that won’t happen and might send Auburn (with Arkansas) to the cellar. Auburn is at home, with a brand new starting quarterback. It’s the latest start in the SEC this weekend and should have plenty of eyes upon it.