Predicting SEC Football 2016 – Week 3

So far in the SEC, I am 11 – 1 last week and 20 – 5 on the young season. Not trying to brag but before you head to Vegas, you might want to check here first.

Had it not been for South Carolina “dropping the ball”, we might be doing even better than 80%. This week has a few tough games to call, however, there are just enough cupcakes in here to keep even the sloth lord of armchair quarterbacks at bay.

Ohio @ (15) Tennessee – This game might be a lot more interesting if the visiting team had the word ‘State’ in their name. Unfortunately, they do not. Also unfortunately for the Bobcats, Tennessee is playing like some of the checkerboard heroes of old. Vols by 24.

Vanderbilt @ Georgia Tech – The ACC hosts the SEC in what will prove to be a battle of two very mid-tier teams. The Commodores looked much better in their win last week over Middle Tennessee State as opposed to their sludge-fest against South Carolina in Week 1. The Yellow Jackets also struggle in Week 1 versus Boston College. They did, however, rebound quite nicely against Mercer. A school even Mr. Roy D himself would struggle to even begin to find on the map. The Commodores avoid the sting, and they ship out of Atlanta with a 6-point victory.

(1) Alabama @ (19) Ole Miss – This one is easy to pick. It will be a battle of the best in…. Wait, even we don’t want to crash the blog party this early. We’ll defer this one for later.

More from Arkansas Razorbacks News

• Arkansas vs UConn Prediction and $1,000 BetMGM Promo
• Illinois vs. Arkansas prediction and odds for NCAA Tournament First Round
• Arkansas Razorbacks all-time round-by-round NCAA tournament record
• Every Arkansas Razorbacks potential March Madness venue in 2023 NCAA Tournament
• Arkansas March Madness Schedule: When do the Razorbacks play next? (updated March 12)

East Carolina @ South Carolina – With back-to-back wins to start out their 2016 campaign, the Pirates are hungry to knock off an SEC opponent. South Carolina, who came into this season with high expectations, struggled to put away Vanderbilt, and they had a very disappointing performance in Starkville. East Carolina has been known to play up for big games. This is not their week, though. The Gamecocks are too much at home and win by 14.

New Mexico State @ Kentucky – “Dear Mom, Watch the game this Saturday. We have a solid chance at winning. Signed: Wildcat”

Not so fast there, Nostradamus. New Mexico State may have lost to UTEP in the first week, however, you guys are still Kentucky, and out bet is that the Sun will still rise Saturday morning. That being said, the Wildcats can lose (and often do) on any given Saturday. Yet, in this case, these are a soft group of Aggies, and Little Blue Football’s postcard to home may have some merit. Kentucky by 11.

(17) Texas A&M @ Auburn: Upset Alert – Gus M is safe for a little longer, however too many SEC losses will guarantee enough buyout for a bus ride back to Shiloh Christian at least. Texas A&M is playing pretty solid, and by doing so, they’ve earned a respectable ranking. The Tigers’ victory over Arkansas State did not bring them a Top 25 nod…. A loss this weekend will not either. Forget the upset, Aggies by a tough 7 on the road.

Mississippi State @ (20) LSU – Two teams with something to prove. Mississippi State needs to show that their win over the Gamecocks was no fluke. LSU needs to prove that their loss to the Badgers was. The road traveling Bulldog fans can sneak in as many cowbells as they like. The game is at Death Valley. The nighttime is the right time. “The heat is on” – Glenn Frey, 1984. Tigers by 18.

(16) Georgia @ Missouri – The loser of this game could very easily begin a spiral into the basement of the SEC East for not only this year but perhaps next season as well. Missouri had better be thankful that they have home field advantage. It’s going to be the only saving grace for Barry Odom who is struggling to fill Gary Pinkel’s shoes. Georgia’s coaching staff is filling shoes of their own. The fit is currently better in the Peach State – Bulldogs by 18.

On a side note: Coach Pinkel, we are all still praying for you and yours. Keep up the good fight. God Bless.

North Texas @ (23) Florida – Well, how much do we need to say here? Do we dare bring up the Mean Green’s loss to SMU? Or do we compare their victory over Bethune-Cookman with Florida’s two (mostly) dominant performances? Dare we state that everything going well for North Texas is about to head south? Forget all about analyzing, Gators by an easy 31.

Texas State @ (24) Arkansas – Don’t call me crazy, however, if Scott Bakula can get enough time in the pocket, and if Sindbad can lead the defensive line through even the slightest crack on the HOGS offensive line, this might put Kathy Ireland in a decent spot to hit some 3’s…. Wait, do call my crazy. My bad, Texas State, I had your old roster here in my notes. Arkansas need not overlook the Bobcats, however, the recent ranking gives the Razorbacks all of the momentum. Add in Fayetteville on what could be a rainy Saturday night – Arkansas by 24.

Next: Arkansas vs Texas State: Speed Kills

(1) Alabama @ (19) Ole Miss: Game of the Week – Like you didn’t know this would be everyone’s GOTW. Even Paul Finebaum has a breakfast date in the Grove. Ole Miss has beaten (via upset) Alabama the past two years. Alabama players are denying they are seeking revenge as they have National Championship rings of which to boast. The Rebels feel like they are primed to pull off the upset. And anyone who has ever attended the (again recently updated) Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, the PA announcer can get under even the most nonchalant fan’s skin with his “First Down…. OLE MISS” catch phrase if the Rebs get on a roll. [No pun intended] The Crimson Tide seems to have just a bit more swagger and attitude this year. And you can bet the Coach Saban is not allowing his team to have even the slightest oversight of Mississippi. The improbable streak ends this time as Alabama is just too powerful – Tide by 9.