Like It Is

Time for SEC to take step up in competition

Alabama head coach Nick Saban stands with his team before they play Southern Mississippi before an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban stands with his team before they play Southern Mississippi before an NCAA college football game on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2014, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

The SEC takes a much-needed step forward in its scheduling this week, and Arkansas State gets away from Power 5 money games.

Last week yours truly picked up my first two losses, and they won't be the only ones. I went 9-2 to run my season record to 28-2, but again, the picks are not against the spread.

N. ILLINOIS AT ARKANSAS

The Huskies are averaging 352 yards rushing per game, the Razorbacks 362, so this one could be played in less than three hours. The Huskies also average 225 yards passing to 141 for Arkansas, but the key for the Razorbacks will be the same thing it is every week -- controlling the line of scrimmage. Both teams want to avoid turnovers. . Look for the Hogs to go to 3-1 for the second consecutive year. Arkansas, 31-21

UTAH STATE AT ASU

Normally comparing scores isn't a good handicapping method, but the Aggies lost at Tennessee 38-7 and managed only 244 yards of offense. The Red Wolves lost 34-19 to the Vols and had 331 yards of offense. The difference in this game could be Fredi Knighten, the Red Wolves' multitalented quarterback. ASU, 35-21

FLORIDA AT ALABAMA

Will Muschamp is starting to look like an experiment gone wrong. Not every fiery defensive coordinator is head coach material. The Gators were referee-blessed to beat Kentucky in three overtimes last week, and no one will ever confuse the Wildcats with the Crimson Tide when it comes to football (or basketball for that matter). Nick Saban is getting his team better each week. Alabama, 38-21

TROY AT GEORGIA

The Bulldogs need this game like they need air. After losing a heartbreaker to South Carolina last week, they need a double dose of confidence and should get it at home. Troy has lost to Alabama-Birmingham, Duke and Abilene Christian. This is a golden opportunity to get Todd Gurley some Heisman Trophy votes, and he may not have to play the fourth quarter to get 200-plus yards. Georgia, 49-7

MSU AT LSU

This is perhaps the best game of the week in the SEC. It is the Bulldogs' first big test but not for the Tigers, who opened the season with a victory over Wisconsin. MSU has to find a way to get pressure on the quarterback, and that won't be easy because the Tigers' offensive line, which averages 316 pounds per man, may be its strength. The Bulldogs also can't allow the Tigers big kickoff returns, which is another strength. LSU needs to stay patient. The Bulldogs are very balanced on offense, averaging 260 yards rushing and 266 passing per game. The Tigers defense is good against the run and great against the pass. LSU, 24-17

INDIANA AT MISSOURI

The Hoosiers lost to Bowling Green, but that's what they get for agreeing to play there. The Tigers have a great quarterback and some confidence. Missouri, 42-21

TEXAS A&M AT SMU

The Mustangs are so bad their coach quit two games into the season, and the Aggies have been the surprise of the SEC and maybe the nation. There has been zero drop-off since Johnny Manziel took his act to Cleveland. Texas A&M, 56-0

S. CAROLINA AT VANDERBILT

What a difference a year makes. Maybe James Franklin realized what he had coming back and jumped ship rather than rebuild the Commodores. The Gamecocks just need to avoid a letdown after beating Georgia. South Carolina, 35-17

Sports on 09/19/2014

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