SEC Week 5 Predictions

Well, last week the LSU game was disappointing obviously. However, I think AU's offense took a step forward. The defense is another story. I went 5-2 last week bringing my total record to 27-9 (75%). I don't think I've gotten an upset special right yet. Maybe I'll continue that trend this week.

Georgia 23 (-7) Alabama 13
After USC's debacle last night, UGAy has more to play for Saturday. I think that will be the shot in the arm they need to get past a confident Bama team.

Florida 37 (-22) Ole Miss 14
May actually be a little tight in the 1st half. Could see a bit of letdown by the Gators in this 1. I know the Rebels would like to steal 1 in Gainseville.

Texas 40 (-27) Arkansas 10
Oh boy, this 1 could get ugly. The 'Backs are coming off a terrible performance at home last week. This could be the towel game for them. They lose big and it will be a long season in Fayetteville.

LSU 31 (-24) Miss. State 6
LSU could suffer a litte hangover as well this week. But they won't have to worry with the pups coming to town. It looks like MSU is headed towards a battle with Arkansas for the worst team in the West this year.

S. Carolina 24 (-25) UAB 7
I think I'd have to take those points. UAB's not that good. But, the 'Cocks are not lighting it up either.

Kentucky 30 (-21) W. Kentucky 10
Unbelievably, there's a good chance that UK will be 4-0 after this game. Only thing is they really haven't played much competition. They'll need this win if they want a shot at a bowl game this year.

***UPSET SPECIAL***
Tennessee 20 (+7) Auburn 17
For as long as I've been an Auburn fan, I know what a trap game looks like for Auburn. We have every reason in the world to come out with a chip on our shoulder after losing a tough game to LSU last week. And, UT has every reason to fold up the tent. However historically, when Auburn has left any room for optimism, the door usually gets slammed shut fairly quickly. Plus, under Phil Fulmer, UT has had a tendency to be extremely resilient when it looks like they're headed for a long season. This will be the annual "Save Fulmer's Job" game for UT. And unfortunately, I can see Auburn being very hospitable guests.

SEC Week 4 Predictions

Went 7-1 last week. My upset special wasn't so special. So, that puts me at 22-7 (75.9%). This week gets tougher with some team's 1st big test. Should be interesting.

Bama 30 (-9) at Arkansas 13
I think this is bad matchup for the 'Hogs. I don't think they can stop Bama. And, I don't think they'll move the ball much on the Tide either.

Florida 27 (-8) at Tennessee 20
This game is a wildcard. Sometime UT can play over their heads a bit. And other times, they look plain awful. I'll take the Gaytors. But, I don't think they'll cover the spread.

UGAy 40 (-7) at Arizona St. 20
This will show the desparity between SEC defenses and the rest of the country. They drop the Dogs in the polls because they barely beat S. Carolina. Uh, the 'Cocks D is solid. Didn't know this was a beauty contest.

Ole Miss 23 (-7) Vandy 21
I keep picking against Vandy and they keep winning. I hope I'm wrong again.

Ga Tech 20 (-8) Miss. St. 9
Sad when Ga Tech, running out of the wishbone, has a better offense than you.

S. Carolina 37 (n/a) Wofford 7
Time for Carolina to heal some wounds.

***UPSET SPECIAL***
Auburn 17 (+3) LSU 9
Maybe I should "respect" LSU more than this. But, I just can't help but think about all the talent that LSU lost from last year. Plus, they have some very, very inexperienced QBs coming into a hostile environment. I know AU has not looked crisp on offense this year. But, if we can't beat LSU this year, Auburn along with the rest of the West is in for some long years ahead. Of course, as has been our MO apparently, turnovers and penalties are an equalizer. But I'm thinking Auburn has gotten those out of their system the last 2 games. Conversely, if LSU turns it over, I think this game has a chance to get out of hand in favor of AU. Great game and great atmosphere. We're all set to go. This is what college football's all about, 2 Top 10 schools going head-to-head at night in the SEC. WDE!

SEC Week 3 Predictions

Went 7-2 last week. Vandy tripped me up and I almost got my upset special right with Ole Miss. So, that puts me 15-6 (71.4%). This week's games are much more predictable. However, I always go with an upset special. So, I hope that's the only 1 I get wrong.

Auburn 27 (-10) at Miss. St. 9
MSU's defense will keep them in the game for at least a half. However, I saw a glimpse last week of how good AU's offense can be. Couple that with our recent success in Starkville, and it could be a blowout. I don't see MSU scoring much unless AU turns the ball over. And I'm trying not to get too excited about Chris Todd either. He really, really impressed me last week.

Alabama 38 (-28) W. Kentucky 13
Bama will have another week to work out the kinks. They'll have a few more folks back to fine tune some things for the Arkansas trip next week.

Georgia 23 (-7) at S. Carolina 13
For some reason, I think Spurrier will have his team ready for this one. Not sure if it'll be that close in the 4th quarter. But, I've got a feeling Stafford will be in for UGA's last play of the game.

Kentucky 33 (-17) M. Tennesee St. 10
Don't think the Blue Raiders will bring much to the table in Lexington.

Tennessee 42 (-30) UAB 6
Statement game for the Vols after losing that heartbreaker to UCLA in Week 1.

LSU 45 (-42) N. Texas 10
Warmup for the AU game next week. Wish I could watch this one.

Ole Miss 49 (n/a) Samford 7
Glad I didn't pay to go to this game.

***UPSET SPECIAL***
Rice 24 (+8) at Vandy 23
Both teams are 2-0 coming into this game. When was the last time you saw Vandy start out 3-0? This is the classic game that keeps Vandy from reaching bowl eligibility. If the 'Dores win, watch out Papa John's Bowl!

SEC Week 2 Predictions

Being a short week, I've fell behind with my picks this week. And, I'll have to make these pretty quick. Went 8-4 (67%) last week. Not great, but pretty decent for the 1st week. I hope to improve as the season progresses. I believe I finished around 80% last year.

S. Carolina 17 (+10) Vandy 13
The 'Dores looked explosive last week, which surprised me. However, they'll go up against a pretty solid SEC defense tonight. USC will be starting Smelley, which should help the offense get off to a quicker start.

Auburn 24 (-17) USM 10
This could be a real trap if Auburn tries to sleep walk this week. I'll have to say though that AU matches up well against the Eagles. Our strength, defense, should win over their strength, offense. But if AU turns the ball over or doesn't mount some scoring drives early, it will get very interesting.

Bama 35 (-30) Tulane 6
Coming off the big win in the Dome last week would normally cause worry for a letdown the following week. However, it's Tulane coming to town. Should get to see quite a bit of McElroy in the 2nd half.

UGA 42 (-24) C. Michigan 14
Don't see the Chippewas stopping the Georgia O.

Florida 33 (-22) Miami 10
May still be a game at halftime. But unless UF turns the ball over, I don't see Miami hanging with them.

Arkansas 23 (-24) La Monroe 13
This could be an upset. But, I don't think the 'Backs will overlook them. And, they should improve after last week's near embarrassment.

Kentucky 40 (n/a) Norfolk St. 7
BORING!

Miss. St. 28 (n/a) SE Louisiana 6
Don't think the 'Dogs will show much at all this week with AU coming to town next Sat.

***UPSET SPECIAL***
Ole Miss 21 (+8) Wake Forest 20
I'd be mildly surprised if this happens. But, I'm going to pick it anyway. Wake may be the best team in the ACC and Ole Miss is a middle-of-the-pack SEC team. Should tell you how big the gap is between the 2 conferences. Should be a good game to watch. I hope the Rebels pull it out. On the road against a well-coached team like Wake, Ole Miss will need a little help.