We’re into the homestretch and games mean that much more in the SEC as teams look to secure their position. Some are playing to stay alive in the College Football Playoff race while others are hoping to improve their slot in the postseason bowl pecking order.

Here are key matchups for the eight games on Saturday involving SEC teams.

Arkansas (4-5, 1-4) at LSU (6-3, 3-2)

Noon

LSU run game vs. Arkansas defensive front: Last year, Derrius Guice ran wild on the Hogs (252 yards, 2 TDs). If Arkansas, which ranks 11th in the SEC against the run, can’t slow down the tandem of Guice and Darrel Williams, and a jet sweep that the Tigers have used very effectively this season, it could be a long afternoon for the visiting team.

Louisiana (4-4) at Ole Miss (4-5, 2-4)

Noon

Jordan Ta’amu vs. Ragin’ Cajuns secondary: The Ole Miss QB is settling into the system. He threw for 382 yards and four touchdowns in an upset win at Kentucky. He now faces a Louisiana pass defense that just gave up 343 yards to UL-Monroe. The football will be flying in Oxford.

Florida (3-5, 3-4) at South Carolina (6-3, 4-3)

Noon

Jake Bentley vs. Florida pass rush: The South Carolina QB is 14 passing yards shy of 2,000 for the season. He’ll get them and then some if the Gators can’t do better at pressuring him. Florida ranks 13th in the SEC with just 15 sacks.

Georgia (9-0, 6-0) at Auburn (7-2, 5-1)

3:30 p.m. 

Georgia O-line vs. Auburn defensive front: The Bulldogs’ offensive line has been good this season, opening holes for Nick Chubb and Sony Michel. But it’ll face perhaps its stiffest challenge yet when it faces a Tigers defense that ranks fourth in the SEC against the run and fourth in the SEC in sacks (26). Georgia’s O-line is the key in keeping the Bulldogs’ offense on the field and controlling the game.

Kentucky (6-3, 3-3) at Vanderbilt (4-5, 0-5)

4 p.m. 

Kyle Shurmur vs. porous Cats pass defense: Shurmur ranks fifth in the SEC in passing yards (1,884) and could potentially light it up against a Kentucky pass defense that ranks last in the SEC, allowing 279.4 yards per game. It could be a long afternoon for Kentucky if its defense can’t hold down Shurmur and the Commodores.

Alabama (9-0, 6-0) at Mississippi State (7-2, 3-2)

7 p.m.

Mobile Nick Fitzgerald vs. Alabama defense: It’s no secret that mobile quarterbacks have been the only kind to beat Alabama in recent years. Fitzgerald fits the description, ranking fifth in the SEC in rushing yards per game and eighth in passing. Containing Fitzgerald will be the key for Alabama to continue its roll through the SEC West.

New Mexico (3-6) at Texas A&M (5-4, 3-3)

7 p.m. 

New Mexico run game vs. Aggies front seven: The Lobos have moved the ball on the ground this season. They have a top-20 rushing attack against lesser competition. Can they keep it going against an Aggies run defense that has given up 200-plus rushing yards in each of its last four games and five of six? The Lobos can make a game of it if they can build a significant edge in time of possession.

Tennessee (4-5, 0-5) at Missouri (4-5, 1-4)

7:30 p.m.

Drew Lock vs. top pass defense: It’s strength vs. strength when Lock, the SEC passing leader with 2,795 yards and 31 touchdowns, goes up against the SEC’s top pass defense. Tennessee is only giving up 150 passing yards per game. It’ll be interesting to see who flinches first.