LITTLE ROCK — What a great weekend, with two huge SEC games that could impact the BCS.
All total there are seven SEC games, and four SEC vs. ACC games.
An interesting note to this football season has been the SEC East vs. the SEC West, which was almost total domination. The East was least and the West the best.
In 18 games between the divisions, the West won 15 times and lost three, and two of those losses were by Ole Miss. Auburn, LSU, Arkansas and Mississippi State were undefeated against the East.
I went 5 for 5 in picking games last week, bringing the record to 67-15, and again, that is not against the betting line.
LSU at Arkansas - If theTigers win, they are going to a BCS game. If they lose, the Razorbacks will be on the Sugar Bowl’s radar. This one may have to be a shootout for the Hogs to win, and the defense cannot allow Tigers quarterback Jordan Jefferson to look like Cam Newton. This matchup has become a great wrap-up to the regular season. War Memorial will be rocking. Arkansas 49, LSU 48.
Auburn at Alabama -The Iron Bowl doesn’t get any better than this. Today’s game is the Crimson Tide’s championship game. It may not be for the SEC or BCS championships, but it is for state bragging rights. The Tigers have created some luck along the way, and if they are going to remain undefeated they will need to do it one more time. This game should get a huge TV ratings number. Alabama 28, Auburn 17.
Florida at Florida State - Another huge rivalry, but there isn’t much more on the line than being able to boast. The Gators have won six consecutive, but Jimbo Fisher wants to start his career with the Seminoles the right way. Urban Meyer will be looking to stop the bleeding. Win or lose, the Gators look to be headed to the Gator Bowl. Florida State is probably headed to the Orange Bowl as the winner of the ACC. Florida State 28, Florida 27.
Georgia at Georgia Tech - The ’Dogs are trying to get bowl eligible, and the Yellow Jackets are trying to improve their bowl. Georgia 23, Georgia Tech 21.
Kentucky at Tennessee - If finishing in a tie for third place in the SEC East means anything, then this game is huge. When these teams meet in basketball there will be more interest. Actually, the Volunteers could become bowl eligible if they can find a way to win. The Vols have improved. Kentucky has had a good season under firstyear Coach Joker Phillips. Tennessee 21, Kentucky 17.
Mississippi State at Ole Miss - This has been one long, strange season for the Rebels. They allowed Jeremiah Masoli to escape Oregon without punishment for two crimes that he pled guilt to, then lost to Jacksonville State and Vanderbilt. The Bulldogs stayed under the radar all season until last week, when they almost pulled off the upset over No. 12 Arkansas, and save for a fumble in overtime they might have. The game is in Oxford, Miss., but all that has meant this season is party hearty in the Grove. State has not beaten an SEC West team this season. That changes Saturday. Mississippi State 28, Ole Miss 24.
South Carolina at Clemson - A rivalry that is as big as any in the country, but no one realizes it unless they are from South Carolina. Steve Spurrier is leaving no stone unturned as he prepares to get his team in the Sugar Bowl. South Carolina 35, Clemson 17.
Wake Forest at Vanderbilt - Talk about an evenly matched sluggishfest. This one couldn’t be less exciting if it were played at night without lights. Both teams are 1-7 in league play and 2-9 overall. Obviously, this is both teams’ bowl game. Vanderbilt 14, Wake Forest 7.
Sports, Pages 23 on 11/26/2010