While Alabama and the highest paid college coach in the country, $11 million a year, get a week off much of the attention will be focused on the SEC's other undefeated team Georgia.
The Bulldogs and Crimson Tide are the pride of the SEC, but one more thought on Nick Saban's salary: The only thing left as an incentive is to pay him a million bucks for every win. Apparently he is worth it.
Last week, a slow week in the SEC, was a rarity as all the picks were on the money. Going 5-0 leaves the season record at 58-15.
Here's this week's picks:
Arkansas at Ole Miss
Every game is a bowl game for the Rebels and most of the folks in The Grove will actually go to the game for at least a half. The University of Arkansas, Fayetteville needs a conference win to kick start the program down the critical stretch. Arkansas 31-28.
Arkansas State at New Mexico State
The Red Wolves are once again in battle to win the Sun Belt and can't afford to stumble if they want to stay neck and neck with Appalachian State. Blake Anderson has consistently won at Arkansas State University and could find himself on the wish list of some bigger schools after this season. Arkansas State 31-24.
Georgia at Florida
Both schools' administrations don't want this game to be referred to as the world's largest cocktail party anymore, but no one is listening. Usually this is a very good football game but the Gators are struggling. They haven't really had a quarterback since Tim Tebow. On the other hand the Bulldogs are in the hunt for the College Football Playoffs and may just need to make the SEC Championship Game against Alabama to be in that final four. The Gators have scored 142 points and given up 140. Georgia 31-14.
Vanderbilt at South Carolina
The Gamecocks could get bowl eligible tomorrow and the Commodores are hoping to stay in the hunt. Last year the 'Dores were 6-7, having won their last two games before losing in the Independence Bowl to North Carolina State. They need two wins to get in the hunt with a high-enough Academic Progress Rate in case there aren't enough six-win bowl eligible teams. They need three wins to make a bowl based off what they did on the field. The Gamecocks are in a dogfight for second place in the SEC and should take a solid grip on that. South Carolina 28-17.
Missouri at UConn
Not sure how the Tigers schedule an away game, but the Huskies are a powerhouse when it comes to women's basketball. The Tigers are averaging more than 37 points per game but giving up an average of more than 39. The Huskies, 3-4, aren't very good. They'll try to go fast on offense, but that won't be enough in what should be a high-scoring affair. Missouri 54-42.
Mississippi State at Texas A&M
If this game were one week later the pick would be obvious. There's something about Halloween and Kevin Sumlin that turns the Aggies from challengers into also-rans. The Bulldogs are better at home but capable of throwing the upset and will have a shot if they can keep the ball out of Christian Kirk's hands. He can beat you as a receiver and kickoff returner, something the Razorbacks learned firsthand. Texas A&M 30-21.
Tennessee at Kentucky
If Butch Jones doesn't win this game he won't have to wait until the Vanderbilt game to see what he's getting for Christmas. He can count on getting a severance package. The big problem for the Vols is they can't score, at least not enough to win a conference game. They are averaging less than nine points per game. The Wildcats' offense isn't exactly exciting, but this game will make them bowl eligible and assure them of not finishing in the cellar. Kentucky 27-8.
Sports on 10/27/2017