LITTLE ROCK — With Alabama and LSU off this weekend, the hype for the battle of SEC undefeateds will continue to build. Look for CBS to promo this game numerous times during Saturday’s Florida-Georgia game.
There are some good games this week, important games, but none with the significance of when the Crimson Tide host the Tigers next week.
That game is already being dubbed the game of the century and is garnering the type of attention Texas-Arkansas did in 1969 or Oklahoma-Nebraska in 1971.
Last week was a lucky week as all five picks were right, putting the season record at 33-5, and it should be pointed out again, that is heads-up competition and not against a betting line,which makes it much more difficult.
ARKANSAS AT VANDERBILT - This one doesn’t have the sense of being a trap game for the Razorbacks like Ole Miss did. When the Hogs and Rebels meet, it will always be huge for Houston Nutt’s Ole Miss coaching staff, most of whom previously coached the Razorbacks. Emotions ran high in Oxford last weekend.
Vanderbilt is trying to move one game closer to being bowl eligible, and the Razorbacks are looking to build their bowl resume. Vandy has decent defensive stats, but the Commodores have not played a team with Arkansas’ passing attack, which ranks No. 1 in the SEC. The Commodores have the No. 8 pass defense. The Hogs’ running attack is ranked 10th but looks to be improving now that Dennis Johnson is healthy.
The Hogs have survived two early TV starts and should do so again, especially if they don’t sleepwalk through the first half. Arkansas 35, Vanderbilt 17
AUBURN AT OLE MISS - This one was once known as the Rebels vs. Tommy Tuberville, who left Ole Miss for Auburn (where he got $5 million to leave). Tuberville is now head coach at TexasTech, which just beat No. 3 Oklahoma, but now this is more of a Gus Malzahn (Malzahn) vs. Houston Nutt. The one year Malzahn (Mal-zahn) coached under Nutt was probably the longest year of his life. The Rebels are not very good. Nutt is on the hot seat. Auburn isn’t very good, but the Tigers are the defending national champions and better than expected after losing Cam Newton, one of college football’s most prolific players ever, regardless of any financial history. Auburn 21, Ole Miss 14
GEORGIA-FLORIDA (AT JACKSONVILLE, FLA.) - The Gators get their starting quarterback back, but they are off to a disappointing start at 4-3 overall and 2-3 in the SEC. Georgia has won five in a row after starting 0-2. The Bulldogs seem to be improving and if they hope to be in the hunt for the East title they must find a way to win this game. They trail South Carolina by half a game. Mark Richt’s hot seat might move to Gainesville after this weekend. Georgia 27, Florida 17
MISSISSIPPI STATE AT KENTUCKY - The Bulldogs have been the SEC’s biggest disappointment, at 3-4 overall and winless in conference play. They were picked fourth in the SEC West in preseason but currently reside in the basement with arch-rival Ole Miss at 0-4. Kentucky is also winless in SEC play, which explains why this game is on ESPN3 (there is not currently an ESPN4). Only die hard fans will be watching this one. Mississippi State 21, Kentucky 10
SOUTH CAROLINA AT TENNESSEE - The Gamecocks are atop the East standings and are favored to get an encore as sacrificial lamb in the SEC Championship Game. The Vols are dangerous at home, but they are struggling at quarterback without their starter. Look for the ol’ ball coach, Steve Spurrier, to have numerous tirades on the sideline, throwing his visor or headsets between six and 16 times. He’s a hard man to please, and “Rocky Top” is not his favorite dance song. The Vols continue to search for their first SEC victory. South Carolina 31, Tennessee 28
Sports, Pages 17 on 10/28/2011