Saturday marks the kickoff of the 2014 season for many SEC teams. There’s a total of eight SEC games on schedule today with some of the conference’s biggest names in action. Here are the players to keep an eye on in each game:

12:00 pm: Tennessee-Martin at Kentucky, SEC NETWORK:

Patrick Towles, QB, Kentucky

It’s been a long road traveled for Kentucky quarterback Patrick Towles. After losing the starting job as a freshman in 2012, Towles redshirted the following season after struggling to pick up new head coach Mark Stoops’ offense. This spring, Towels showed that he’s ready to flourish in Stoops’ high-passing scheme and will take the reclaim the reins against UT Martin.

3:30 pm: South Dakota State at No. 24 Missouri: ESPNU:

Maty Mauk, QB, Missouri

Maty Mauk played significant minutes last season after James Franklin’s injury, and he showed enough for the college football world to get excited about. Missouri coaches believe Mauk has the “it factor” to be the next great SEC quarterback and will likely see more pass attempts this season. Against South Dakota State, Mauk should have a field day.

3:30 pm: West Virginia vs. No. 2 Alabama: ABC, ESPN 2:

Derrick Henry, RB, Alabama

This could really be any of Alabama’s three running backs listed on its depth chart. The Tide’s two-back system will give T,J, Yeldon, Kenyon Drake and Henry a chance to shine on Saturday. But many eyes will be on the sophomore Henry, who is expected to emerge as the true home run threat in the Alabama’s offense.

4:00 pm: Arkansas at No. 6 Auburn: SEC NETWORK

Sammie Coates, WR, Auburn

While the status of his quarterback remains uncertain, Auburn wide receiver Sammie Coates will start for the Tigers Saturday. The preseason All-SEC first team selection is always a big-play threat and ranked third in the nation in yards per catch (21.5) and averaged 54.1 yards per touchdown catch during Auburn’s SEC Championship season.

5:30 pm: No. 16 Clemson at No. 12 Georgia: ESPN

Todd Gurley, RB, Georgia

Much like Alabama, this could be either of Georgia’s running backs. Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall seem to have everything in common. Both were blue chip running backs for the 2012 recruiting class, signed with Georgia, took the conference by storm and suffered season-ending injuries as sophomores. But Gurley is the No. 1 back and the projected favorite of the two to be a serious Heisman candidate this season, if he can stay healthy.

7:00 pm: Idaho at Florida: ESPNU

Quinton Dunbar, WR, Florida

Florida fans expect a big senior season from Quinton Dunbar. The 6-1, 189-pound wide receiver is tailor made for new offensive coordinator Kurt Roper’s uptempo offense. Dunbar enters Saturday’s game having caught a pass in 28-straight games– a school record– dating back to Florida’s win over Furman in 2011.

7:30 pm: Southern Miss at Mississippi State: SEC NETWORK

Dak Prescott, QB, Mississippi State

Dak Prescott started seven games as part of Mississippi State’s two-QB system with Tyler Wilson last season. Prescott threw for 1,940 yards and 10 touchdowns, while rushing for a team-best 829 yards on 134 carries and 13 scores. The expectations are high for Prescott, who now has full control of Mississippi State’s offense and will look to start strong against Southern Miss.

9:00 pm: No. 14 Wisconsin vs No. 13 LSU: ESPN

Leonard Fournette, RB, LSU

If you haven’t heard of Leonard Fournette yet, you’ll know his name soon. Fournette was the unanimous No. 1 running back on every recruiting website. He is currently listed third on LSU’s depth chart. Cool. Les Miles has played coy with who will be the starting quarterback and running back all week and may not even be sure himself. One thing is for certain, Fournette will get some touches and will bring excitement.