While the Big Ten appears to have passed the SEC in bragging rights as the best football league in America -- landing four teams in the College Football Playoff poll's top eight -- it most likely won't have as many teams in bowl games.
In fact, with 10 bowls, including the playoffs, the SEC may have more teams than it does bowl tie-ins.
Only Missouri, at 3-7, is mathematically eliminated from postseason action, and this weekend up to three SEC teams could join the eight already eligible.
Western Carolina (2-8) plays at South Carolina and Kentucky hosts Austin Peay (0-10). If the Gamecocks and Wildcats can't win those games, maybe they should think about joining a different conference. If Ole Miss beats Vanderbilt, the Rebels get eligible and would eliminate the Commodores from a bowl game.
Took it on the chin with last week's selections, going 4-4, which brings the season record to 74-23.
This week's picks:
Arkansas at Miss. State
Debbie and Ray Dillon will be in the sellout crowd ringing their cowbells as the Bulldogs try to stay in the bowl picture with their fifth win. The Razorbacks, who have bounced back from all four of their losses with a win, are looking to move up in the bowl picture and could be getting closer to the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tenn., on Dec. 30. The Hogs need to find a way to pressure and slow Dogs quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. Arkansas 28-24.
Tennessee-Chattanooga at Alabama
Nick Saban could dress out and start his children in this game and the Crimson Tide would still roll. Alabama 63-0.
Alabama A&M at Auburn
The Tigers are smarting after losing a shot at the SEC West title because of last week's loss to Georgia. That's not good news for Alabama A&M out of the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Auburn 56-7.
Louisiana-Lafayette at Georgia
The Ragin' Cajuns are playing for a big payday, nothing else. The Bulldogs are expected to win easily, but they were supposed to contend for the SEC East, too. Georgia 35-14.
Austin Peay at Kentucky
It isn't just that the Governors are winless; they have been outscored by an average of more than 21 points per game. The Wildcats are dreaming of Birmingham, Ala., and Legion Field for the Dec. 29 Birmingham Bowl. Kentucky 42-14.
Florida at LSU
The Gators and Tigers were supposed to be getting easy nonconference wins, but they rescheduled because of Hurricane Matthew. The animosity between the two has grown, partly because this game was supposed to be in Gainesville, Fla. The Gators could lock up the SEC East (yawn). The Tigers are looking to end this one quickly with a short turnaround before going to Texas A&M for a Thanksgiving game. LSU 24-21.
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
True freshman quarterback Shea Patterson led the Rebels to 23 fourth-quarter points to upset Texas A&M, but he may not want to wait that long to get warmed up Saturday. The Commodores have had a disappointing season, otherwise known as a normal season, but they haven't given up. Vanderbilt 21-20.
Missouri at Tennessee
Somehow this game got on CBS at 2:30 p.m. Was the person who does the scheduling on vacation? The Tigers are trying to get out of the cellar with Vandy. The Vols are trying to catch Florida in the East (yawn). Tennessee 38-24.
Western Carolina at South Carolina
It may be now or never for Will Muschamp and the Gamecocks to get bowl eligible because they close the season at Clemson, which is never a vacation destination for the Gamecocks. The Catamounts are looking for a miracle that isn't going to happen. South Carolina 31-10.
UTSA at Texas A&M
With quarterback Trevor Knight out for the season, this could be the Aggies' only win in November. Texas A&M 28-0.
Sports on 11/18/2016