With the hogwash that is supposed to be a football schedule this Saturday it is shocking that ESPN put the University of Arkansas at Mississippi State on its brunch menu.
There are only three SEC vs. SEC games Saturday, and none really mean anything other than Tennessee can get bowl eligible with a win over 6-4 Missouri. That's the biggie.
The SEC has nine teams bowl eligible with two more having a shot to get there Saturday. If Vanderbilt defeats Ole Miss then Tennessee on Nov. 24, the Commodores gain bowl eligibility.
Went 7-1 on last week's picks, bringing the season total to 74-24. Here are this week's picks:
Arkansas at Mississippi State
Ear plugs, check. Extra socks, check. Warm clothes, check. Yours truly is ready for the trip to Starkville, a delightful little hamlet with rabid fans who love the sound of cowbells in the morning or any other time. Obviously, Arkansas is still looking for its first conference win, and this doesn't seem like a good place or time to get it. The train at the end of the tunnel is the light; the train passed weeks ago. Mississippi State 35-24
Louisiana-Monroe at Arkansas State
If the Red Wolves win out and ULM knocks off Louisiana-Lafayette next week, Arkansas State could win the Sun Belt West. First, the Red Wolves need to win on senior day and then start worrying about getting help. They are bowl eligible, but each win improves the bowl they play in. Arkansas State 34-24
The Citadel at Alabama
Sometime in the second quarter The Citadel may decide it just wasn't worth the money. The Crimson Tide have posted back-to-back shutouts and Nick Saban has his team believing it can do it every game. This week won't be a problem even if Tua Tagovailoa doesn't play. Alabama 56-0
Liberty at Auburn
The Flames may be the Tigers' last chance for a win until a bowl game, a middle-tiered one most likely. Auburn 42-7
Idaho at Florida
The Vandals coach, Paul Petrino, won't get $14 million if he gets fired, which he probably will with a 21-45 record. The Gators are getting closer to a major bowl. In fact, it looks like Dan Mullen will go 9-3 in his first season as the Gators head coach. Florida 38-10
UMass at Georgia
Even though UMass beat Liberty 62-59 in three overtimes, this doesn't mean the Bulldogs are going to be tested. This is like a controlled practice for Kirby Smart before a dress rehearsal with Georgia Tech next week. The Dogs are still marching to Atlanta and a showdown with Alabama. Georgia 49-7
Middle Tennessee at Kentucky
The Wildcats have a chance to get back on track, but it won't be easy against a scrappy team that has won four in a row. The 'Cats are still playing for second place in the East. Kentucky 31-17
Rice at LSU
Tiger bait. LSU 42-10
Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
The Commodores could get bowl eligible by winning out, but what they have to do tomorrow is outscore the Rebels, who can put up points as fast as they can give them up. Vanderbilt 31-28 (OT)
Missouri at Tennessee
The Vols don't want to go into season finale with Vandy needing to get bowl eligible. The Vols are at home and riding a two-game win streak. Tennessee 35-31
Tennessee-Chattanooga at South Carolina
Only Gamecocks fans would get fired up about this game. They sell out for every home game. South Carolina gets bowl eligible. South Carolina 35-14
Alabama-Birmingham at Texas A&M
Alabama-Birmingham is the story of the year. In its second season after a two-year shuttering of the program, the Blazers are 9-1, but they haven't played a Power 5 team. Texas A&M 38-28
Sports on 11/16/2018