After last week’s atrocious schedule of games - it was nationwide, not just in the SEC - this week gets a little better with two major SEC games and two more that could play a significant role come bowl time.
The biggies, of course, are Ole Miss at Alabama and LSU at Georgia. The other two are Texas A&M at Arkansas and Florida at Kentucky.
Last week was not a good week for yours truly when it came to picking games. Not only did I miss on the Arkansas and ASU games, I had Troy in an upset over Mississippi State but when I listed the score I had a brain freeze and picked Troy over Auburn. Not only did I get the winner wrong, I got the team wrong and the Bulldogs bulldozed Troy 62-7.
So I went 5-3, putting the overall record at 34-6.
Here are this week’s predictions:
TEXAS A&M AT ARKANSAS
The glaring hope for the Hogs is that the No. 10 Aggies bring a young defense to soldout Reynolds Razorback Stadium. It should be a hostile environment, but that doesn’t appear to faze A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel,who seems to feed off pressure. The Razorbacks need to have close to 300 yards rushing and at least 150 in the air, with no turnovers, and cut out the dumb penalties to have a chance. This might not be as high scoring a game and may be closer than some believe. In the end, though, the Razorbacks might be like every other team in America and not have an answer for Manziel. Texas A&M 31-24
ARKANSAS STATE AT MISSOURI
The Red Wolves were stunned by the Memphis Tigers last week, and the Missouri Tigers are much better. This is Missouri’s final nonconference game, and being 4-0 going into the meat of its schedule would be huge. ASU’s defense will have to start much stronger - it spotted Memphis a 14-0 lead - if the Red Wolves are going to have a chance. Missouri 28-17
OLE MISS AT ALABAMA
The Rebels are better than most expected, but going into Tuscaloosa, Ala., and getting a victory will be very difficult. Quarterback Bo Wallace has completed 56 of 87 passes without an interception. If he can play that kind of game, the Rebs will keep it close, but the Crimson Tide defense is the best he has faced this season. The Tide continue to roll. Alabama 35-24
FLORIDA AT KENTUCKY
The Gators are hurting for certain, having lost starting quarterback Jeff Driskel and linebacker Dominique Easley.Even without them they aren’t as thin as the Wildcats, who just aren’t very good but have the benefit of coming off an open date. Florida 21-10
LSU AT GEORGIA
It’s showdown time in Athens. LSU has a chance to make a statement, and the Tigers are picking up a lot of support because of new offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, who has put together a balanced attack with 884 rushing yards and 1,037 passing yards. Georgia’s question mark going into the season was its defense; its offense is really good. The home-field advantage makes a difference. Georgia 35-31
SOUTH CAROLINA AT CENTRAL FLORIDA
South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw is a real dual-threat quarterback, and he’ll need to be against the Knights, who are coming in off a victory over Penn State. South Carolina 28-24
SOUTH ALABAMA AT TENNESSEE
A confidence builder for the Vols. Tennessee 35-17
UAB AT VANDERBILT
Alabama-Birmingham Coach Garrick McGee might be on the coaching hot seat before long. McGee is 4-11 overall since taking over as head coach in 2012, and there isn’t much chance of improving that record this weekend. Vanderbilt is off to a slow start but should pick up the pace Saturday. Vanderbilt 42-17
Sports, Pages 17 on 09/27/2013