Wednesday, August 29, 2007

SEC Week 1 Predictions

Auburn 24 KSU 10
This will be a battle of the felines. Whose curiosity will be their downfall? KSU knows they must take some chances. Although the Tigers are fast on defense, look for KSU to get a couple big plays to keep it interesting. But, don’t be surprised if it costs them a couple turnovers also. The 2nd half will start too close for comfort for most AU fans. But look for their traditional running game start to wear down the ‘Purple Cats’ from Kansas.

Bama 34 W. Carolina 7
Another set of Purple Cats invade the state this Saturday. These are from North Carolina and will barely muster a purr. This will be a good audition for St. Saban. It will be interesting to see Bama’s new, high-powered offense on display. Even more interesting will be if the Catamounts can generate a sustainable drive against this Crimson ‘D’ with many questions to answer.

LSU 28 Miss. St. 9
The cowbells will be ringing early this Thursday night in Starkville. Shouldn’t take very long before the ‘Fat Lady’ tunes up either. While Croom’s Dawgs will be scrappy, these Fightin’ Tigers won’t show any quit. MSU tacks on a late TD and misses the 2-point conversion to make it ‘respectable’.

Cal 27 Tennessee 24
Cal’s defense will have their hands full with Ainge under 2nd-year offensive coordinator, David Cutcliffe. But, the Bears will be ready to return the favor for last year’s blowout in Knoxville. Tennessee won’t have much time to shake off a tough loss with Southern Miss and Florida their next 2 games.

Florida 40 W. Kentucky 10
The coronation of ‘Tebow the Great’ begins this Saturday in Gainesville. The ‘3 Daves’ of Lincoln-Financial will shout his name from the mountaintops as he completely dismantles this 1-AA powerhouse. The Hilltoppers are barely a mole hill for what seems to be another promising season for the ‘Greators’, until the Vols come to town in week 3.

UGA 27 Oklahoma St. 13
2nd-year starter, Matt Stafford, will look to lead an unproven offensive line against the Cowboys from Tornado Country. With the Cowboys still riding an impressive bowl win against the mighty Tide of ’06, their confidence will keep it interesting for a half. The Dawgs will look to establish their running game with a 2+ touchdown lead before the Pokes kick a meaningless FG with time winding down.

Arkansas 31 Troy 7
With an open week to follow, Arkansas season will have to wait until the 3rd week before it begins at Alabama. I don’t think we’ll see much from the Hogs this week, whether unintentional or not. Forget the VCR. A PBS original will generate more excitement.

Kentucky 42 E. Kentucky 14
Not much defense on display in Lexington this weekend. Andre Woodson will put up some Heisman numbers.

Ole Miss 14 Memphis 13
Another opening day struggle will resemble more of a pillow fight in the River City. The Memphis Kitties will put up another valiant effort before continuing a long tradition of losing seasons. What’s worse is their victors won’t even finish September above .500.

S. Carolina 36 La Lafayette 6
The Gamecocks tune up for their road trip to Georgia next weekend.

***UPSET SPECIAL***
Richmond 17 Vandy 16
It’s hard to find a real upset special this week. But, I’ll go with the hapless Commodores. They have become everyone’s favorite surprise team this year. But, we all know their luck. When things are looking up for Vandy that usually means they’ll falter. And, with Bama lurking around the corner, don’t be surprised if Vandy plays very uninspired this weekend. Will the Spiders actually beat this Vandy team? Probably not. But, don’t be surprised if it’s close.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

No love for the Troy Trojans?

Brandon said...

Not the 1st week on the road at Arkansas. They may break double digits. But, it's just hard to say right now.

auwin07 said...

Solid 1st week picks aulaker. The only one that seems a little iffy might be UGA/OK. St. UGA has been a little unpredictable with these kind of games leading off the season a.k.a. Colorado last year. However, with Stafford under center they should be able to pull it off at home. I think UT/Cal is a pick'em. As Far as the mighty Tigers go, I like our chances. K. State upsetting Texas last year is a little scary, so AU will definitely have to bring it. But much like the Washington St. opener last year, I think they'll play well and eventually wear the cats down.

Brandon said...

Good points. I could see Ok. St. making it interesting with UGAy. As far as the UT game, I heard yesterday that Ainge broke his pinkie finger on his throwing hand. That could cause a problem.

Anonymous said...

just read where K state has won 17 straight openers

Brandon said...

Reveal yourself Mr. Anonymous! Or, should I say Mr. Antagonist? Here's the mighty KSU openers over the last 17 years. I think it speaks for itself.
06---illinois state
05---florida international
04---western kentucky
03---cal (8-6)
02---western kentucky
01---usc (6-5)
00---iowa
99---temple
98---indiana state
97---northern illinois
96---texas tech
95---temple
94---la-lafayette
93---new mexico state
92---montana
91---indiana state
90---western illinois

Anonymous said...

Looks like a few barn burners.

auwin07 said...

Solid 1st week picks, Brandon. You only missed the upset special, which was WAY out on a limb anyway. Of course, thanks to our fine senior quarterback, you almost missed another pick. I saw in the paper where he said he wasn't thinking clearly through much of the game. Then get his arse out of there! We're lucky to be 1-0 and wouldn't be if not for the defense. They, at least, look solid, and downright scary even. It looks like you're in for another nail biter this week with the Bulls coming to town.