This is roller-coaster Saturday in the SEC with one peak game that much of the country will watch and another that you almost have to live in a Columbia valley to care about.
Alabama, a rare underdog, is at Georgia and Missouri goes to South Carolina, which pretty much defines this weekend in the SEC. Of course there are other interesting games that are significant, including Arkansas at Tennessee and Ole Miss at Florida.
Went 7-3 last week to bring the season total to 32-10. Here are this week's predictions:
ARKANSAS AT TENNESSEE
If left up to the teams they might vote to play just three quarters. Arkansas let an eight-point lead in the fourth quarter end up a tie and then lost in overtime last week. The Vols led Florida by 13 in the final quarter and let it get away, and they blew a 14-point lead in the last quarter against Oklahoma in their second game. After analyzing the Razorbacks from every angle, this is the week they get to prove they are better than their 1-3 record. Arkansas 28-24
IDAHO AT ASU
The Vandals have won three games under Paul Petrino, one each season, and they've already reached this year's quota after defeating the mighty Wofford Terriers. The Red Wolves are looking to get back in the Sun Belt Conference race and should have a good crowd at home. Arkansas State 42-14
ALABAMA AT GEORGIA
It is time for some team from the SEC East to make a statement, and once again it is supposed to be the Bulldogs. These teams mirror each other in many ways as both have outstanding running backs and good defenses. It is hard to imagine the Crimson Tide losing two conference games, but if the Bulldogs can complete some passes against some young cornerbacks they have a shot at not choking. Georgia 27-24
SAN JOSE STATE AT AUBURN
Gus Malzahn and the Tigers are struggling mightily after being picked to win the SEC championship. The loss at home to Mississippi State has made some of the natives very nervous. The Spartans might put up a fight for a half, but the Tigers will not lose two consecutive at home. Auburn 31-14
OLE MISS AT FLORIDA
The Gators are undefeated. Barely. They beat Kentucky 14-9 and Tennessee 28-27, and they have crept back into the Top 25. The Rebels had their letdown game last week against Vanderbilt. Hugh Freeze's high-octane offense is fueled by speed but helped by an outstanding defense. Ole Miss 35-24
E. KENTUCKY AT KENTUCKY
They are dreaming about more than the NCAA basketball tournament in Lexington. The Wildcats want to go bowling, and the Colonels shouldn't stand in the way of a critical victory. Kentucky 35-10
EASTERN MICHIGAN AT LSU
Leonard Fournette. LSU 42-6
MSU AT TEXAS A&M
The Bulldogs may be the surprise team of the SEC. They lost 15 starters, including eight on defense, yet they are allowing just 14.25 points per game. The Aggies are pretty good and will look to throw about 55 passes. This one may be decided in fourth quarter. Texas A&M 35-28
MISSOURI AT SOUTH CAROLINA
People in Columbia -- pick a state -- aren't thrilled with their football team right now. South Carolina Coach Steve Spurrier is enduring something he's never experienced -- being on the hot seat. The Tigers will be forced to go with a new quarterback because Maty Mauk is suspended. That could be good news for the defending SEC East Champions. Missouri 17-14
VANDERBILT AT MIDDLE TENNESSEE
If the Commodores don't win, someone will be in big trouble, and it should be the person who scheduled a road game against a team that loves to hate the Commodores. Vanderbilt 17-14
Sports on 10/02/2015