It is getting to be that time of year when games start impacting bowl destinations. Not talking playoffs here, Alabama and Texas A&M are the most likely to be chosen for the Final Four, and one of those takes a big hit this Saturday when the two meet.
Florida has one loss, but the Gators might not have the offense to win out, and a one-loss team from any conference will be out if the SEC, ACC, Big 10 and Pac-12 have undefeated teams.
Plus, the Gators are part of the Eastern Division, which is 0-7 against the Western Division and has been outscored 266-48.
An Arkansas victory over Auburn gets the Razorbacks bowl eligible, and every victory after that adds to their resume and a move up the bowl ladder.
The Liberty Bowl was a great fit for the Razorbacks and their fans last year, but it looks like a long shot this time. Bowls traditionally don't like to have the same team two years in a row, although the Hogs are a little different since they have so many fans in eastern Arkansas.
Last weekend Vanderbilt upset Georgia -- and how long before the Bulldogs Nation starts to ask why did we get rid of Mark Richt? -- and that kept yours truly from running the table. Went 6-1 and am now 53-14 overall.
Here's this week's picks:
ARKANSAS AT AUBURN
The Gus Bus is no longer running on jet fuel. The Tigers defense is what has allowed them to go 4-2 on the season, and with an extra week to prepare for the Razorbacks' "Pound the Ground," attack, the Hogs will need to be ready to pass the ball on any down against a front seven that is really good. Gus Malzahn is smart, and he'll never admit this game means a little extra to him, but his life dream growing up was to be Boss Hog. There will be a hostile environment at Jordan-Hare Stadium, but that seems to excite Bret Bielema and teams always reflect their coach. Forget the spread. Arkansas 24-21.
TEXAS A&M AT ALABAMA
The Tide are the pride of the SEC, like it or not. The Aggies are good, but they are not National Championship good. Their goal, in fact, is probably to win the SEC; Alabama's seeks the National Championship, which would have to include a victory in the SEC Championship game. Quarterback Trevor Knight has been a pleasant surprise for the Aggies, but he hasn't seen this good of a front seven this season. He should have skipped the Oklahoma-Texas game and studied more film. He's going to get knocked around. Bama's freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts plays like a veteran. Alabama 38-24.
MISSISSIPPI STATE AT KENTUCKY
Both teams are giving up more points than they have scored, but someone has to win. The Bulldogs are well coached but young. The Wildcats are more experienced, have more depth and are at home where people are getting excited about basketball season. Kentucky 28-17.
OLE MISS AT LSU
The Rebels offense vs. the Tigers defense, but at night in Death Valley it is difficult to pick against the Tigers, although expect Chad Kelly to play better than he did against the Hogs. Leonard Fournette is back for LSU and ready to make a statement. LSU 31-24 (OT).
MIDDLE TENNESSEE at MISSOURI
The Tigers could finish their nonconference schedule 3-1, but will have to slow Blue Raiders' high-scoring offense. Missouri 31-28.
UMASS AT SOUTH CAROLINA
The Minutemen have won one game, the Gamecocks twice as many. South Carolina 14-9.
TENNESSEE STATE AT VANDERBILT
The Commodores can improve to 4-4 with a victory, but the Tigers are pretty good, and both these teams lost to Florida by the same score, 13-6. Vanderbilt 24-21.
Sports on 10/21/2016
