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WEEKEND PREDICTIONS: Pivotal games for Hogs, Malzahn on tap

Texas A&M's Josh Reynolds (11) is tackled by Arkansas' Ryan Pulley (10) after a catch for a first down during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. Texas A&M won 28-21 in overtime. (Sam Craft/The Bryan-College Station Eagle)
Texas A&M's Josh Reynolds (11) is tackled by Arkansas' Ryan Pulley (10) after a catch for a first down during an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 26, 2015, in Arlington, Texas. Texas A&M won 28-21 in overtime. (Sam Craft/The Bryan-College Station Eagle)

For the fourth consecutive week, no team is idle in the SEC, although Alabama should feel like it's an open date.

There are five conference games that could have long-term ramifications, such as who has to play the Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship game.

The heat is on Gus Malzahn at Auburn, and some of that is because he is struggling to win at home (1-2 this season). The loser of the Texas A&M-Arkansas game may not be out of the hunt, but it makes beating Alabama a necessity to win the West.

Last week went pretty much as expected, and the record was 10-1 to bring the season total to 28-9.

Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

The Aggies seem confident, but so do the Razorbacks in a quieter way. Much attention has been focused on whether the Hogs offensive line can handle the Aggies defensive line, but probably just as important is whether the Aggies defensive backs can cover the Razorbacks receivers. Austin Allen and the O-line have improved each week. No reason not to expect it again, and it is critical they do. Arkansas 27-21.

Central Arkansas at Arkansas State

Someday, this game would be perfect for War Memorial Stadium. When the Hogs leave, there will be a void. The Bears are Southland contenders this year, while the Red Wolves are much better than their 0-3 record. The Red Wolves schedule has been brutal. ASU 24-14.

Kent State at Alabama

Honestly, the Crimson Tide have nothing to prove and everything to lose in this game. The Golden Flashes are not bad, but no one is going to confuse them with an SEC team. Alabama 49-13.

LSU at Auburn

Malzahn is trying to get the Gus Bus out of reverse. Auburn has lost six consecutive SEC games and is 2-10 in its past dozen conference games. The LSU Tigers, well, they are the Tigers. Les Miles is capable of taking his eye off the ball any time, and he can't do that with Malzahn's back against the wall. Auburn 31-17.

Florida at Tennessee

Last season, it didn't seem the Eastern Division of the SEC could separate itself more from the West, but it has. The Vols may be 3-0, but they have been the luckiest team in the country so far. The Gators are once again searching for a quarterback, because even with a defense that has allowed only 14 points, at some point they are going to need to get into the end zone. Tennessee 24-17.

Georgia at Ole Miss

The Rebels may be the best 1-2 team in the country, yes even better than Oklahoma. Georgia, like Tennessee, has been truly blessed in making it to 3-0. The Bulldogs beat Nicholls State 26-24 and had to score on fourth down with time running out to beat Missouri 28-27. The Rebels have Memphis and then an open date before facing Arkansas. They took the Crimson Tide down to the wire. Ole Miss 31-20.

South Carolina at Kentucky

Mark Stoops' buyout is $12 million, and it might be a bargain, especially when the Wildcats Nation looks up the road at archrival Louisville and what Bobby Petrino is accomplishing there. The Gamecocks were dogged out by the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Unfortunately, there are no ties in college football. Kentucky 3-0 (OT).

Mississippi State at Massachussets

The Minutemen will get their hats handed to them. Mississippi State 35-7.

Delaware State at Missouri

Most of the country could care less about this game. At this point, though, the Tigers will take any victory. Missouri 35-10.

Vanderbilt at Western Kentucky

This isn't a trap game for the Commodores; it is probably a loss. The Hilltoppers can move the ball. Western Kentucky 31-24.

Sports on 09/23/2016

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