SEC WEST – WEEK 11
Ah yes, the glory of going undefeated, even if it was only two games and one wasn’t very tough to pick. Now I know how Boise State feels – the record is there, just don’t look at how it was achieved. No, LSU didn’t lose because of a bad call. They lost because their O linemen kept getting knocked on their ass and Jefferson had quit long before he limped off the field for the last time. The kid is getting better, but that steady diet of cupcakes to start the year wasn’t good for his growth in pressure situations. South Carolina lost because they just quit. They just clock out for the year, somewhere around Game 7 – 8. This isn’t a Spurrier thing, it is just the way it is done in the Palmetto State. Pick a big fight, lose, and then claim moral victory for 150 years. As Dizzy Dean used to say, we got us some good ‘uns this week. Upsets are in the air all across the Deep South. So are ducks leaving Michigan and they don’t stand much chance of getting through Dixie without getting shot down either. As we said, we went 2 – 0 last week, bringing the yearly against the spread to 28 – 19. As soon as we finish this we are going to Google new Cadillacs, just in case.
Tennessee at Ole Miss (-3) So Crompton has become Snead and Snead is Crompton. This Vol Twilight Zone QB deal is entertaining. If you want to read some really funny stuff, log onto a Vol Message Board or blog. Turns out poor Jonathan has just been misunderstood all this time. The Ds here are about equal, despite what your local pimple faced stat freak might say. Both O lines are teetering on the edge of suck. The key to this game is a healthy McCluster for the Rebs and Kiffy out dueling Coach Doody on offense. Right. Nutt is pathetic. Kiffy, Big O and Lil Wayne seem to inspire their players. Who cares that they will all be in Brushy Creek Prison with the ghost of James Earl Ray, they are playing good football right now. Ole Miss just hasn’t been able to put it together, even with Hodge and McCluster playing great ball. The Rt. Rev. is going to be doing his preaching from a DIAA campus if he doesn’t quit ruining QBs and running the offense like a taxi service in Bangkok. Tennessee covers.
Auburn at Georgia (-4.5 ) I have been accused of jinxing the Tigers by writing good things about them. It is getting easier to not do that. McCaleeb is questionable for the game at this time. Does Auburn have a healthy DB? Their injury list looks like a holiday for corners and safeties. If, somehow, Joe Cox can get enough Midol in him, maybe some ativan for the anxiety and have a nice spa day, get a pedicure or something on Friday, he may just be relaxed enough not to screw this up. Write the script yourself – the best WR in college football, a QB who is at least physically capable of throwing a football downfield and a bunch of fill in DBs? Not so fast, Auburn will also get the ball. Oh Lord, the Bulldog D is more porous than Mal Moore’s liver. Toss this one in the air and see which side lands up? Heads? That means this game will be so bad that you will have turned to a MAC game by the 2nd quarter. Georgia covers.
LA Tech at LSU (-24.5) Charles Scott is out. Jefferson has a hurt ankle and is day to day. It’s those nights dreaming of Terrence Cody in his face that are the real problem though. Don’t worry, LA Tech has nobody like that. They do have a fair passing game, but that’s no problem for the Tigers, right? Boise only beat them by 10 and the game was closer than that, but so what? If you wanted to look for a real surprise upset opportunity, you could land on this one. LA Tech is sandwiched between an emotional and physically trying game against Bama and another tough game against Ole Miss. They will be playing for the largest bowl payout money available, so they will be pumped. This is really not a contest. Even Jarrett Lee can get through this one without doing too much damage, though LA Tech has picked off 10 passes this year. Damn, I’m starting to talk myself out of it. No way, LSU covers.
Troy at Arkansas (-14.5) QB Shootout. The Trojan QB, Brown has thrown for over 2,000 yards, with 12 TDs against 1 interception. Mallett has over 2,400 yards, 18 TDs against 3 interceptions. This is a WAC game waiting to happen. Arkansas has shown a lot of improvement on defense, especially against the tomato cans. Troy has a decent D, by Sun Belt standards. A-ha! There’s the difference, you say. Is the SEC that much better than the Sun Belt? Yes. Is R – Kansas that much better than Troy? Nope, not 15 points. Besides, Troy coeds are fine, peanut fed south Alabama girls. When you come from towns like Slocumb, Elba and Geneva, you will do anything to see the bright lights and big city. The men of Troy are ready to take them there. Troy covers.
Alabama (-13) at Mississippi State More cowbell!! These Bulldogs are some tough bastards. Why is Bama only favored by 13? Did you see the Florida and LSU games? Mullen isn’t winning a lot, but he is turning the SEC West into college’s version of the Black and Blue division. Is Bama due for a letdown? Yes, but they won’t have one. Saban only allows one per season and the Vols got that one already. Bama is now officially playing for the National Championship, but don’t tell the team. They only know one game at a time. Yeah and Moms Mabley was Mary Martin. Look for Dixon to get around 100, while Bama plays deep to control the comeback attempt. Look for Ingram and Richardson to each get around 100, while Arenas finally gets that punt return TD. Bama covers.