You didn't think I'd forget about you, did you? This blog has definitely taken the back seat lately. After finals, I was busy working on the yard and house. Then came the nice Florida trip to spend Christmas with the in-laws. Blah, blah, blah. Let's get to the diddly-poop. In order to squeeze in as many honey-dos as possible before next semester, this one will be short and sweet.
I never got around to writing a dedicated post for the Auburn/Bama game. Life is busy right now. I'll just reiterate here that I'm thrilled with the win.
Well, there's only one game this week, LSU vs UT.
LSU has plenty of distractions with Les Miles's coaching decisions. After last weeks loss, they aren't playing for the NC anymore. Both of these factors could drop their level of intensity today.
On the other hand, a lot of people are saying that UT is hot right now. Not me, though. They've barely squeezed by their last two opponents.
Georgia vs. Kentucky - Kentucky's offense is more like Tennessee's, so they very well could rack up the points today. Coming off of a big win, Georgia will have to keep their heads out of the clouds and stay focused. They have to win today to remain in the race for the East. UGA 35 - UK 28
Tennessee vs. Vandy - Like UGA, UT must win this game if they want to make it to Atlanta. A loss would certainly clench the East title for UGA (if they beat UK today). UT should win this one without any problems. UT 30 - Vandy 17
Florida vs. FAU - At least Florida keeps creampuff money in state. UF 58 - FAU 21
West
LSU at Ole Miss - Ole Miss had a much needed off week last week (lucky!). It still won't be enough. LSU 35 - Ole Miss 7
Auburn - Off
Alabama vs. La-Monroe - TAMU beat La-Monroe 54-14. Will this be used as a comparison between Fran and Saban? It will if Bama wins by a wider margin. Bama 38 - La-Monroe 10
MSU at Arkansas - MSU has earned upsets by forcing turnovers...mostly in the air. Advantage, Arkansas. Felix Jones is injured. Advantage, MSU. McFadden is not injured. Advantage, Arkansas. Arkansas 28 - MSU 17
My computer time has been short this week. I guess there really isn't too much to talk about this week Auburn-related anyway. Watson Brown is coming to town!
What is this, opening week? The SEC has four out of conference games this week against two Sun Belt schools, and two 1-aa schools. At least Troy has a winning record. Anyway, here are my picks.
East
Florida vs. Vandy - If I told you two things about this game, "One team is coming off of two heartbreaking losses, and the other is coming off of two big wins," and then told you that the teams were Florida and Vanderbilt, you would probably guess that Florida had just beaten their last two opponents. Then after I revealed to you that you're wrong, you would probably argue that Miami (OH) isn't a big win, but any win over a D1 opponent is big for the Commies. Yeah, this has nothing to do with the game. Florida will win easily. UF 34 - VU 10
Georgia vs. Troy - This has all the makings of an upset. Georgia finally played with a real sense of urgency last week. Now, they play a game that's hard to get excited about. They'll win, but it'll be sloppy. UGA 28 - Troy 21
Tennessee vs. Louisiana-Lafayette - The Cajuns beat North Texas earlier this year. So they've got that going for them, which is nice. But they're ranked 112 in scoring defense. Teams are averaging 37.8 points per game against them. Can you guess what team scored the least points against them this year? *Look to the bottom of this post for the answer. UT 42 - ULL 17
Kentucky - Off
West
LSU vs. Bama - This one's tough to pick. LSU's defense can get to the quarterback, and SJPW seems to make stupid decisions when under pressure. I don't think Bama's defense compares to Auburn's, and look what LSU did to them in the second half. On the other side of the coin, Bryant-Denny Restaurant is going to be electric tomorrow night. When it comes down to it, LSU is more talented than any team Bama has faced this year...by a long shot. LSU 31 - Bama 17
Auburn vs. Tennessee Tech - Auburn will be short several players for this one. I'm sure Tuberville won't even go vanilla in this one. It'll be watered down plain on offense. Even so, easy running for the Tigers. AU 34 - TTU 0
Arkansas vs. USC - I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that Arkansas is going to get their first SEC win tomorrow...Ole Miss doesn't count. Ark 28 - USC 17
MSU - Off
Ole Miss vs. Northwestern State - If it wasn't for a pesky scheduling error, the Rebs would be undefeated in their out of conference games this year. Seriously, you know they meant to schedule Southwestern Missouri Commonwealth Polytechnical College for the Deaf-Branson instead of Mizzou. Someones head will roll for this. OM 34 - NWS 10
*answer: South Carolina - Yeah, I actually forgot to answer this!
Florida Vs. Georgia - Georgia hasn't looked too hot their last two games. They've had an extra week to prepare for this one, but I don't think it will be enough to stop Tebow. UF 38 - UGA 21
Kentucky vs. MSU - Kentucky should be able to bounce back after being knocked back down to earth last week. Woodson will put up some big numbers against MSU's defense. UK 42 - MSU 17
South Carolina at Tennesses - This one will be interesting. Both teams are coming off of losses. USC's good defense matches up well with UT's good offense, and UT's crappy defense matches up with USC's crappy offense. Tennessee is missing something this year, and I'm not sure what that is. The Old Ball Coach should prevail in this one. USC 21 - UT 14
Vanderbilt vs. Miami (OH) - Vandy would probably do well in the MAC. They're coming off a big win, which could potentially bite them this week if their heads are too inflated. They pretty much have to win this game if they're planning on bowling this year. Their next four games are going to be a lot tougher. Vandy 28 - Miami (OH) 13
West
LSU - Off
Bama - Off
Auburn vs. Ole Miss - Ole Miss has given several good teams a run for their money this year. They're bound to upset at least one team this year. Looking at their remaining schedule, this is the most likely week. Unless Auburn reverts to their first three games playing style, they should win. AU 28 - OM 23
Arkansas vs. FIU - FIU has the 102nd ranked rushing defense in the nation. With that, they are ranked dead last in scoring offense. I think it's safe to say that Arkansas has the weakest out of conference schedule in the SEC Ark 55 - FIU 3
Florida at Kentucky - I'm calling a Florida blowout here. They've had two weeks to get over their loss to LSU and prepare for Kentucky. Kentucky is coming off of a three overtime win against LSU. You don't play LSU for four quarters and not come away banged up and worn out. Add three overtimes to that, and you know Kentucky had to of been hurting the first part of this week. With the death of Michael Guilford, this game will be emotional for the Gators. UF 34 - UK 21
Vandy at USC - The Ole Ball Coach is 14-0 against Vanderbilt. Tomorrow, he will be 15-0. Vandy's offense can't seem to find its groove this year. USC has a powerful defense that should be able to shut the 'dores down. Vanderbilt should be able to put more than six points on the board if they start Adams instead of Nickson. They haven't done that yet this year, which is a complete shock to everyone. Bobby Johnson will probably stick with Nickson for at least one quarter. USC 28 - Vandy 6
UGA - Off
West
Auburn at LSU - LSU and Auburn have the top two scoring and rushing defenses in the SEC. LSU's offense is averaging over 100 yards more per game than Auburn's. The posibility that this one could get a way from Auburn is there, but Miles will probably looking for a conservative win after last week's loss. ---edit: Auburn has the number three rushing defense in the SEC. LSU 14 - AU 10
Tennessee at Alabama - This game should be the oposite of the AU/LSU game. Tennessee has a great offense, and a horrible defense. Alabama has a decent offense and defense. I have to give Tennessee the edge here factoring in the Fulmer Equation. There's nothing he likes better than beating the Tide. UT 35 - UA 31
MSU at West Virginia - West Virginia has the sixth ranked scoring offense in the nation, averaging 42.8 points per game. Mississippi State is, well, Mississippi State. It's good to see an SEC team playing a tough out of conference game. WVU 48 - MSU 21
Arkansas at Ole Miss - The two dumbest coaches in the SEC, perhaps the entire Division 1, will meet in Oxford this weekend. This is like two schoolyard bullies meeting after school to fight. Only their friends (fans) care who wins. Everyone else just wants to see the train wreck (final score). It's always tough for a team to bounce back after getting completely robbed like Ole miss did last week. The Arkansas offense will bounce back and put some points on the board. Ark 34 - OM 14
South Carolina at North Carolina - Spurrier went 3-0 against the heels while at Duke. Not too much has changed with UNC's football program. The OBC now has SEC talent. This one could get ugly. USC 28 - UNC 10
MSU at Tennessee - This will be the Great Pumpkin's first opportunity to get "Croomed". This is also the first time in several years that UT doesn't have an off week before the Bama game. Trap game? Nah, but it'll be closer than people think. UT 24 - MSU 14
UGA at Vanderbilt - UGA is 0-2 in SEC East play. This is a must-win game for them. They'll get it done. UGA 28 - Vandy 10
West
LSU at Kentucky - Sidelines shows Andre Woodson's pass efficiency game by game. His second to lowest rating was 66.71 against LSU last year. LSU's defense is better this year. Ouch. LSU 28 - UK 17
Auburn at Arkansas - White jerseys? Fly in the ointment? This one is really hard to call. Auburn 27 - Arkansas 20
Alabama at Ole Miss - Ole Miss won't be able to get it done this weekend, but they'll keep it close. Bama 21 - OM 17
My prediction for the UK/USC game was a bit off. Those pesky turnovers will get you! The fact that Woodson was able to throw for 227 yards against a defense that was only allowing 107 yards per game passing is very impressive.
Here’s the rest of the SEC.
East
UGA at UT - Tennessee has had two weeks to prepare for this game. For the past few years, they’ve had an open week before they played Bama. It never looks like they gain much of an advantage in doing so. Stafford should have a field day with UT’s defense. UGA 28 - UT 10
West
Florida at LSU - Ole Miss and Auburn showed Florida’s vulnerabilities. I don’t think Tebow will be able to gain much on the ground against LSU’s stifling defense. I expect this to be a low scoring affair. LSU 17 - UF 7
Houston at Bama - I’m not sure why all of the local heads are playing Houston up. Sure, they’ve been able to score on the teams they’ve played. That’s really not saying much. Bama should win this one. Bama 35 - Houston 24
Vandy at Auburn - This one is an early home game against a lesser opponent after a big win for the tigers. And the Auburn family thinks in unison, “Oh, crap.” If Auburn plays like it did last week, this should be no contest. But like I said, early home game etc… Vanderbilt’s veteran defense could cause problems for Cox. This one will be ugly, but I think Auburn will win. Auburn 21 - Vanderbilt 10
UAB at MSU – This one will be boring. MSU 33 - UAB 10
Chattanooga at Arkansas - Just for grins, Nutt should leave their starting offense on the field the whole game and see how many yards Jones and McFadden can rack up. Arkansas 70 - Chattanooga 0
La. Tech at Ole Miss – Only one thing is guaranteed in this game. One team will walk away with their second win for the season. La. Tech gave Hawaii and Fresno State headaches earlier this year, but was crushed by Cal. Ole Miss gave Florida a rough time, and that’s about it. Never the less, Ole Miss should win this one in the air. OM 32 - La. Tech 24
I don’t like change. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to fully adjust to all of these weeknight games. It just throws my brain all out of whack. However, I’m very excited about the game tonight between Kentucky and South Carolina. Kickoff is in a few hours, so I guess I better get my pick in now.
This one is fairly difficult to pick, but I’m going to have to give the advantage to Kentucky. And my reasoning? They can run the ball.
South Carolina has the number 1 pass defense in the nation only allowing 106.4 yards per game. They have only allowed two passing touchdowns while collecting six interceptions. Advantage, Cocks? Not necessarily.
Kentucky’s pass defense is ranked 26th in the nation only allowing 181.6 yards per game. They have allowed five passing touchdowns while collecting nine interceptions. That should raise some eyebrows because South Carolina has thrown eight picks so far this year (compared to only two thrown by Kentucky).
Both South Carolina’s and Kentucky’s rushing defense are nearly identical statistically. Kentucky has allowed only 10 more yards this season on 15 less carries than South Carolina.
What makes that interesting is that South Carolina hasn’t been able to run the ball that well this year. They’re only averaging 4 yards per carry and 159.6 yards per game. Kentucky is averaging 5.76 yards per carry and 203.2 yards per game. With that, they have 14 rushing touchdowns to South Carolina’s 8.
Useless statistics aside, Kentucky has more to prove than South Carolina. They also have a true leader in Woodson. Despite USC’s powerful passing defense, I’m looking for him to have a good game. If he does, he should be on the top of everyone’s Heisman list.
Auburn at Florida - Tuberville has made a history out of winning these types of games. Looking for any possible advantage that Auburn might have, I came up empty handed. Tebow 28 - Auburn 14
MSU at USC - USC seems to be having some trouble on the offensive side of the ball. Not so much on the other side of the ball. That could spell trouble for Hennig. USC 21 - MSU 7
FAU at UK - Some people are saying this is a trap game for UK. I'm saying that if North Texas can put up 20 points on FAU, Woodson can put up at least 30. UK 35 - FAU 14
OM at UGA - This one could actually go either way. OM showed the world that they could fight last week. However, this isn't their week to pull off an upset. UGA 28 - OM 21
UT off
Eastern Michigan at Vandy - I sure wish the SEC would quit scheduling these teams. Vandy 38 - Eastern Michigan 12
West
LSU at Tulane - I hate playing the "chain comparison" game, but LSU beat a team 45-0 that beat Tulane 38-17. Miles needs to move Flynn back to his natural position of backup QB and let Perrilloux light up the Green Wave defense. LSU 60 - Tulane 6
Alabama vs FSU - Believe it or not, this is the toughest game to call this week. FSU's offense is horrible, but Bama's defense isn't exactly LSU's. FSU does have a a good defense, specifically their run defense (74.7 YPG). Bottom line, Jessica Parker will win or lose this game. FSU 24 - Bama 23
North Texas at Arkansas - Jones is averaging 9 yards a carry this year. McFadden is averaging 6 yards a carry. North Texas has had an average of 51 points per game scored on them. Arkansas 42 - North Texas 13
Florida at Ole Miss - The Florida offense is averaging 55.7 points, and 521.4 yards a game, while the Ole Miss defense is allowing 30 points, and 466 yards a game. Yeah, this one will be a blowout. Tebow 60 - Hotty-Toddlers 14
South Carolina at LSU - Even with two patsy-games, South Carolina's offense hasn't been able to put up impressive numbers. LSU's defense has. They're only allowing 2.3 points a game. With that, they've allowed less than 100 yards passing and only 30 yards on the ground a game. Granted, they've only played a vastly overrated Virginia Tech, but it's impressive none the less. The cock's passing defense will give Flynn some trouble. Drunks 24 - Cocks 10
Kentucky at Arkansas - Did Arkansas learn from their mistakes last week? If they come out in that man-to-man BS that did them in last week, they'll be in some serious trouble. On the other side of the ball, can UK's defense stop the WildHog formation? The answer is no, no they can't. This one will further prove that the SEC might not be known for it's powerful defenses anymore. Shats 38 - Bacon 34
Arkansas State at Tennessee - Tennessee has allowed 41 points a game this year. ASU doesn't appear to be chopped liver this year. They made a game against Texas pretty close. Then again, look what happened to the horns last week. Most years, this would be a game where the great pumpkin could relax, work out some kinks, and play some of those younger players. This year, not so much. Viles 28 - Tontos 14
Vanderbilt off
Georgia at Alabama - UGA's defense, which I thought would be their weak point this year, seems to be doing quite well. Will they be able to walk into Bryant Denny restaurant and make a statement? Pressuring Sara Jessica is a must for the UGA defense. But when you see that Bama has only allowed 4 sacks, and UGA has only 6 sacks, you have to wonder if they will be able to. If the energy is the same as last week, Bama will win. Tampons 21 - Dawgs 20
Gardner-Webb at MSU - Croom's boys deserve a game like this after beating Auburn last week. Croomdogs 35 - Runnin' 1AAs 6
New Mexico State at Auburn - I am 100% honest when I say I have no idea how to call this one. I have never seen a team at any level playing with such a lack of intensity and emotion. On paper, this one looks like a New Mexico State blowout. Thank it's played on the gridiron. I'd like to give Auburn a nod for home field advantage, but the only games they've dropped last year and this year have been at home. I'd like to see Burns get the nod this week. I'm sorry, but if the starter can't get it done, it's time to start playing the future. Wounded Tigers 21 - Aggies 17
I've been way to busy this week (again) to get this blog rolling. Eventually, I'll find my voice and be able post regularly. For now, it's just for my entertainment. Here are my thoughts on the two instate teams, and my picks for the rest of the SEC.
On Auburn and MSU: I posted this comment on Best of the SEC Blogs, "Their defense matches up well against Auburn. Holmes and Brown are both NFL-caliber players. You can bet that Croom is going to line them up on the same side as Auburn's frosh linemen. They were able to pressure Flynn the entire LSU game. Cox doesn't have the supporting cast that Flynn does, and has been making piss-poor decisions even when NOT under pressure. Groves et al will be too much for Hennig. Auburn will win, but it won't be a blowout."
On Bama and Arkansas: This is a very tough game to call. Arkansas only returns one starter on their OL. They will match up well against Bama's weak front seven. McFadden and Jones should put up 100 a piece. I think Bama should be able to move the ball on offense as well, but this will be the first semi-good defense that they've faced this year. Bottom line, McFadden and Jones will win it for the Hogs.
It always happens when I start something to entertain myself...life gets busy. So yeah, this blog has been pretty thin in content. Oh well, here are my picks for this week.
SEC East
Florida vs. Troy - Arkansas was able to run all over Troy's defense last week. Florida should be able to put up some big numbers on the ground and in the air this week. Like against Arkansas, Troy will be able to put a few on the board, but it still won't be close. Tebow 42 - Condoms 21
UGA vs. USC - I thought USC was going to be hot this year, and UGA was going to be rebuilding. If last week was any indication of how these teams will do this year, I was completely wrong. If UGA is as prepared as they were last week, this one will be ugly. Dawgs 28 - Cocks 10
UT vs. Southern Miss - Southern Miss has a back that could play anywhere in the SEC. Unfortunately for him, I can't say the same about the OL. Fulmer will have his boys ready to play after losing to Cal. The kinks in the offense should be ironed out this week. Viles 34 - Eagles 14
Kentucky vs. Kent State -Kentucky's offense is going to have another great day. What's the over/under on them getting 500 yards? Shats 48 - Flamers 12
Vandy vs. Bama -No one pisses in Bama's cornflakes quite like the Commies do...by losing. Bama usually has a hard time blowing them out. They squeaked by last year, and this year? The Commies brought most of their starters back, and the game is in Nashville. However, this one won't be the super close game that a lot of people seem to be predicting. It'll be an ugly win, though. Tampons 21 - Commies 7
SEC West
LSU vs. Virginia Tech - Virginia Tech played East Carolina, minus their QB, last weekend. The line was 27.5. They won by 10 only putting 17 on the board. Running game? Nonexistent. This game will be played in the dreaded "Death Valley". Corndogs 28 - Pokies 10
Auburn vs. South Florida - South Florida comes into Auburn a week after struggling with 1-AA Elon. Auburn played horribly last week. If history repeats itself tomorrow, Auburn will come out explosively. Tuberville seems to always redeem himself after a poor performance. Tigers 24 - Cows 10
Arkansas - off
Ole Miss vs. Missouri - This one doesn't really excite me at all. Missouri should win this one even without a running game. Tigers 24 - Hotty-Toddlers 14
Mississippi State at Tulane - What is it about these Mississippi teams that bore the hell out of me? Tulane is in a conference where MSU could be competitive. Maybe that's why they play two out of their three out of conference games against Conference USA teams. Out of sheer boredom, Tulane wins. Wave 28 - Croomdogs 27
There's nothing like some jackass telling you who's going to do what before it happens, and I'm no jackass. I don't claim to have super powers. I mean, I have them, but claiming them would make me look pompous. With that said, sit down and let this pompous jackass tell you what's going to happen this week.
SEC East
Florida vs. Western Kentucky - Well, at least Western Kentucky is 1A now. Last season, they were 6-4 in 1-AA play. They also had a loss to Georgia (48-12), which brings up the question, "How in the hell does a team like Georgia allow a 1-AA team to get a safety!?!" Back on topic, Tebow won't be tested and I'm sure he won't play a down in the second half. Gators 56 - Giant Red Blobs 7
South Carolina vs. Louisiana Laffayette - South Carolina plays host to Sun Belt juggernaut, Louisiana Laffayette. Bold move, Spurrier, bold move. Will Smelley, whose name will be said with delight by everyone, be able to handle one of the worst defenses in 1-A? After all, Mitchell is suspended. I have a hunch that Smelley will do fine. Cocks 38 - Ragin' Drunks 13
Tennessee at California - Wow, an actual opponent! I don't think there are too many Krispy Kremes in Los Angeles, so Fulmer won't be in full form. But the Vols downfall could very well be Eric Ainge's jammed pinky finger. Wait...what!?! Are you fucking kidding me!? A jammed pinky finger!? It's time for stick man to put on his big-girl panties and play some ball. Wearing panties is more accepted in LA, so Ainge will feel more relaxed. Orange Panties 21 - Over-rateds 17
Kentucky vs. Eastern Kentucky - Eastern Kentucky? You know they're jealous as hell now that Western Kentucky has made it to the big time. Who would have thought that there were that many schools in that state with football teams? I don't know anything about Eastern Kentucky other than their mascot (Colonels), and I don't care to. Shats 34 - Sanders' Brigade 0
Georgia vs. Oklahoma State - If only Richt could harness the awesomeness that is Joe Kines, for he knows how to beat Oklahoma State.
No one, including Bama players, can understand the incoherent ramblings of a mad genius such as Kines. That's why Bama lost that game (along with 100 other excuses their fans could come up with). And it's for this reason that UGA will fall this weekend. Chap-wearers 28 - Dawgs 24
Vanderbilt vs. Richmond - Okay, so we have another 1-AA patsy. Richmond did beat Duke last season 13-0, but so did everyone else who played them. Never the less, a very rare occurrence will take place Saturday...Vandy will be undefeated! They've only won four openers since 1990, and three of those were against Wake Forest. Johnson needs to get on the horn about next years schedule, stat! Funny Hats 28 - Arachnids 0
SEC West
LSU at MSU - There is no stadium more dreaded in the SEC than MSU's Davis Wade Stadium...by the fans. This place is about as intimidating as Mike Shula in a tutu. This is almost as bad as scheduling a 1-AA patsy for the first game. Corndogs 42 - Croomdogs 3
Auburn vs. Kansas State - Tuberville typically lays an egg in these situations, but last years win over a mediocre Washington State gives Auburn fans some hope. Even still, KSU has a reputation for upsetting the favored team. Ask any Oklahoma or Texas fan, and they'll tell you. The fact that this is a night game, which is very key, at Jordan-Hare will be the difference. Tigers 21 - Grapes 9
Arkansas vs. Troy - Could this be another upset opener by Troy? They have a great QB in Haugabook. Nutt's a damn moron, too. However, the Jones / McFadden combo is too much for most SEC teams, let alone a Sun Belt powerhouse like Troy. Bacon 35 - Condoms 28
Alabama vs. Western Carolina - A patsy non-conference game in Tuscaloosa? The Bear would be proud! I wager that over a million Bama fans will order this slug-fest on PPV. Sara Jessica Parker Wilson better watch out. Western Carolina likes to play tricks by placing invisible tripwires on the field. I'm sure Brodie has warned him about it. Saban beats an extremely underrated 1-AA team and solidifies himself as the second coming of the Bear. In turn, five players get arrested on the strip while celebrating the big win. Tampons 48 - Catamounts (seriously!) 0
Ole Miss at Memphis - Ole Miss squeezed by this perennial powerhouse last year 28-25 on national TV, which made Orgeron one of the most feared coaches in the land. But this year, the game is in Memphis' house. You don't come into their house and beat them, unless you're Arkansas State, Tulsa, Southern Miss, UFC, Houston, Marshall, UAB, oh...and Ole Miss the year before by a landslide 4 points. Only a top-tier program like UAB can do the unthinkable by beating Memphis three years in a row. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Ole Miss will join them this Saturday. Hotty-Toddlers 14 - Basketball School 13
