SEC: 5 burning questions for Week 10

The five burning questions we'll be looking for answers to in Week 10 of SEC action:

1. Is Alabama all we think it is?

Alabama has done nothing to make us think it isn't the best team in the SEC and the nation. It will get its stiffest test against LSU on Saturday. Vegas favors the Tide by 9.5 points currently. We're picking Alabama by 10. But LSU, playing at home and at night, shouldn't be counted out. The Tigers are the only the team in the past two seasons to knock off the Tide, and they are still very much in the SEC West title picture. As last season taught us, an Alabama loss wouldn't end its title hopes, but a win by the Crimson Tide would solidify what we think we already know: Alabama is the best team in the nation.

2. Can LSU QB Zach Mettenberger step up?

We've been waiting. Mettenberger was hyped as the solution to LSU's struggling pass offense in the preseason. So far, the results haven't been there. Consider his combined stats against the three ranked opponents LSU has faced (Texas A&M, Florida, South Carolina): 34 of 79 for 403 yards, 1 TD and 2 INTs. LSU will need better against Alabama. That's easier said than done. Alabama is ranked second nationally in passing defense (145.9 yards per game). Mettenberger doesn't have to put up huge numbers, but he must protect the ball and make some throws to give LSU a chance.

3. Can Georgia hang on to the SEC East lead?

The Bulldogs did the hard part last week by knocking off previously unbeaten Florida. Now they must beat Ole Miss this week and then Auburn to hang on for the SEC East title. They need to be careful against Ole Miss, a team that's coming off two straight SEC wins and needs just one more win to become bowl eligible. The Rebels' trio of QB Bo Wallace, RB Jeff Scott and WR Donte Moncrief is a big reason for the Rebels' improvement this season. Ole Miss will struggle to stop Georgia on offense, but a few mistakes or turnovers could let the Rebels hang around in this one.

4. Can Mississippi State contain Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel?

The Bulldogs are coming off a crushing 38-7 defeat at Alabama last week. They'll need to regroup in a hurry with Manziel bringing his offensive show to Starkville. He's coming off a five-TD performance against Auburn . Nobody has really shut him down, so the key for the Bulldogs will be to contain him, especially in the run game. The Aggies are 6-0 when Manziel runs for at least 78 yards, so they must keep him in the pocket. He's a good passer when his feet are set in the pocket, but not a great one. That's where the Bulldogs need to keep him and not let him extend plays with his feet.

5. Will there be any other surprises?

Can Troy's offense put enough points on Tennessee to pull off the upset? Can Missouri travel to Florida and catch the Gators off guard? Can Kentucky get its first SEC win against Vanderbilt? The answer to all of those questions is probably no, but that's why we'll be watching.

For more up-to-the minute news and analysis from SEC bloggers Larry Hartstein and Daniel Lewis, follow @CBSSportsSEC.