Every team in the SEC plays eight conference games a year, seven of which are against the same seven opponents year-in and year-out (six divisional games and one permanent cross-division rival).

But what about the eighth opponent? Thanks to the SEC’s 6-1-1 scheduling format, that eighth team rotates each year for each of the SEC’s 14 programs, creating a new slate of cross-divisional showdowns fans will only be able to enjoy once every six years.

The rotating schedules have created a few sexy matchups between East and West division foes in 2014. Saturday Down South ranked all seven games for the upcoming season:

1. South Carolina at Auburn: SEC fans hit the jackpot when it was announced these two teams will meet this season. South Carolina enters the season as the favorite to win the SEC East; Auburn, the defending SEC champ and national runner-up, is among the favorites to win a crowded SEC West once again. Something will have to give when these teams square-off on October 25, and it could decide one team’s fate heading into the final month of the season.

2. Florida at Alabama: These teams are not as far apart talent-wise as their 2013 records might indicate. Alabama will certainly be the favorite entering this showdown, especially playing at home, but expect the Gators to cause the Tide problems when they travel to Tuscaloosa on September 20. This game will be each team’s first true test of the season, and if Florida can establish its rushing attack early and control time of possession, it could stick around deep into the game.

3. Texas A&M vs. Missouri: These two SEC “newcomers” will face-off for the third straight year since joining the conference, although this is the first year they are no longer each other’s permanent cross-division rivals. Missouri topped A&M last year on its way to an SEC East title, while the Aggies dominated Mizzou 59-29 in 2012. This year’s matchup may be the last between these two teams for the next handful of years, so expect pride to have an effect on the outcome.  However, the biggest key to this game will be the quarterback play from both sides. Maty Mauk gave Tigers’ fans a taste of what he can do during their 2013 run to the SEC championship game, while A&M must find a replacement for the departed Johnny Manziel.

4. Tennessee at Ole Miss: This game features two programs ascending through the ranks of the SEC, albeit at different speeds. The Rebels have grown from a two-win team to a contender in the SEC West since Hugh Freeze’s arrival prior to the 2012 season, while Tennessee is hoping it can do the same in Butch Jones’ second year. The Vols took a step forward with five wins last season, and this game against Ole Miss will be a good measuring-stick for Tennessee to evaluate how it stacks up against a good-but-not-elite SEC opponent.

5. Vanderbilt at Mississippi State: It is tough to predict what the circumstances might be for this game on November 22. Best case scenario: Mississippi State follows through on its high expectations and faces a must-win game against Vandy in the thick of the SEC West race; meanwhile, Vandy proves it has not regressed following the departure of former coach James Franklin, and enters this game with as many as six wins with two weeks left in the regular season. Worst case scenario: The Bulldogs fail to keep up with the powerhouses of the West and appear headed for another 6-6 season, while Vanderbilt takes a major step back in the SEC under new coach Derek Mason and without star wideout Jordan Matthews.

6. Arkansas vs. Georgia: The Razorbacks should be improved from last year’s winless run through the SEC, but not improved enough to make this game competitive. The Bulldogs matchup well on paper with Arkansas’ run-heavy offense after allowing less than four yards per carry in 2013 (Arkansas allowed 4.67 yards per carry last season). If Georgia can gain a two-possession lead early, it should be able to control this game with its defense and bruising tailback Todd Gurley.

7. Kentucky at LSU: Kentucky may be heading in the right direction, but after losing 16 straight SEC games from 2012-13 it seems unlikely the Wildcats will put up much of a fight in Death Valley. The last time Kentucky traveled to LSU it lost 35-7 and was lucky the score wasn’t more one-sided. The Cats will hope to put together a respectable performance in this year’s matchup, but don’t expect the game to draw much of a national audience.

The SEC’s permanent cross-division rivalries are: Alabama-Tennessee, Auburn-Georgia, LSU-Florida, Mississippi State-Kentucky, Ole Miss-Vanderbilt, Texas A&M-South Carolina and Arkansas-Missouri.