LIKE IT IS: Hogs will need some luck, and they’ll get it

LITTLE ROCK — This could be a wild and crazy weekend in the SEC with four games being between undefeated teams.

LSU is the only undefeated SEC team taking on a nonconference opponent.

Last week there was only one upset, and that was my only loss, bringing the record to 24-3. Granted, it is much easier to pick games when you aren’t using the spread, but even that isn’t too difficult early in the season.

This week is much tougher, but here is one man’s opinion:

ALABAMA AT ARKANSAS If this becomes a Davey O’Brien watch showdown between Greg McElroy, the No. 1 rated passer in the nation, and Ryan Mallet, No. 5, then the Razorbacks have a shot to win because the Hogs wouldhave found a way to slow Alabama’s great running attack. It seems like a no-brainer that Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide will want to line up on offense and pound the ball and eat up time - time that Mallett cannot use if he is on the sideline.

The Razorbacks will again try to establish a running game, but don’t look for Bobby Petrino to be as patient. He has let it be known it is time for someone to be more physical. The Hogsneed some balance to score against the Tide.

Alabama has two great running backs, several outstanding receivers and a defense that could make Saban smile at the sight of box of Little Debbie snacks.

The Razorbacks will need some luck, and they might create a little because Bama has fumbled some. If the Crimson Tide put it on the ground Saturday, the Hogs win. Because it is in Fayetteville, in an upset: Arkansas 31, Alabama 28

SOUTH CAROLINA AT AUBURN Like the game above, after Saturday someone is not going to be undefeated. This is the Gamecocks’ first road show, and Auburn Coach Gene Chizik should be able to stop a running attack, which is what South Carolina does best. A matchup of freshman running back sensations Marcus Lattimore (South Carolina) and Michael Dyer (Auburn) gives this one special attention. Auburn 28, South Carolina 24

KENTUCKY AT FLORIDA Another game between undefeated teams, although the Wildcats haven’t really played a strong opponent. On the other hand, the Gators haven’t been exactly lighting it up. They miss Tim Tebow, and it might take the entire season to figure that out. It is in the Swamp. Florida 35, Kentucky 17

GEORGIA AT MISSISSIPPI STATE A pair of Bulldogs looking for a bone. It is Georgia’s final game without A.J. Green, and it might be MSU’s last chance to get an SEC victory for two months.The home team might not have an answer for freshman quarterback Aaron Murray. Georgia 28, Mississippi State 14

WEST VIRGINIA AT LSU This is another matchup between undefeated teams, and it has the potential for lots of drama. When LSU played North Carolina, the Tar Heels had to leave half their starters at home because of NCAA and internal investigations, and they still almost came back to win. The Mountaineers have lots of experienced players back, and they’ll need it going into Death Valley. LSU is still coached by Leslie Miles. West Virginia 29, LSU 23 (OT)

FRESNO STATE AT OLE MISS Who would have ever thought that with the easiest schedule in the SEC the Rebels would be 1-2 and facing apretty good team. Maybe the trick is to quit playing in Oxford, Miss. Move the games to Jackson, Miss. The Rebels have so much home-cooked egg on their face they might need treatment for salmonella. Partly because Ole Miss has accounted for two of the losses in this space, and both were at home: Fresno State 35, Ole Miss 28

ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM AT TENNESSEE The Volunteers should roll through this one at home. Rocky Top will be ringing loud and clear for the Blazers until late Monday. Tennessee 24, UAB 14