On December 4th, 2010, the football programs of Auburn University and the University of South Carolina will square off for the SEC Championship. The two teams have taken two very different paths to get to where they are with the Tigers a perfect 11-0 and the Gamecocks 7-3. Led by Heisman Trophy candidate Cameron Newton, Auburn is ranked #2 in the country in both the BCS and AP rankings. The Tigers will travel this weekend to Alabama with the SEC East championship wrapped up, but a chance to play in the National Championship game on the line. Steve Spurrier’s Gamecocks have never played in a SEC Championship game in school history. South Carolina’s entrance into the SEC Championship is the crowning achievement of Spurrier’s reign in Columbia. Auburn beat South Carolina 35-27 in a close game earlier this year at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Fans buying 2011 SEC Championship tickets might be in for a instant classic this year at the George Dome.

 It’s been a long 8 years since the Oakland Raiders have had a winning season, but it appears that Raider Nation might actually have something to cheer about this year. Last Sunday the Raiders pulled off an impressive win against the AFC West division leading Kansas City Chiefs. The Raiders improved their record to 5-4 and now sit only one game behind the Chiefs in the division. The team hasn’t won more than 5 games since 2002. Running back Darren McFadden looks like the next big star in the NFL rushing for 757 yards already this season. With his fellow runner Michael Bush, McFadden has helped the Raiders to the second best running offense in the league. The offensive line is opening holes for Oakland’s running backs and protecting new quarterback Jason Campbell. After enjoying a bye this week, the Raiders’ resolve will be put to the test when they head to Heinz Field to face the Pittsburgh Steelers.