Predicting SEC Football 2016 – Week Six
By Peter Morgan
An 8 – 0 showing in Week Five on top of a 43 – 9 (82.7%) running total on the teenage season has the suits in Vegas a little worried. It should, I just legally changed my name to Biff Tannen. However, before I begin, let me remind you that these SEC Football picks are for entertainment purposes only… unless you win big, then I will accept up to 25% of your winnings. Tough picks from only five games remaining on the weekly slate. Here we go.
LSU @ (18) Florida – Postponed. Prayers go out to all of those affected directly and indirectly by Hurricane Matthew.
Auburn @ Mississippi State – January 6th, 2014, Auburn plays Florida State for the BCS National Championship. October 8th, 2016, Auburn will play Mississippi State to avoid being no better than the bottom two of the SEC West. How is Gus Malzahn going to preserve both he and his former star quarterback when he coached at Shiloh Christian High School? One or both will have to go if the Tigers lose Saturday. Maybe I am wrong, yet we will never know for certain as Mississippi State and the ringing herd fall short. Tigers by 5.
(9) Tennessee @ (8) Texas A&M: Game of the Week – CBS has what it wanted, two Top Ten teams from the SEC to fill its prime time slot. The question for us is to determine if this game will live up to the hype. Tennessee has looked impressive, while they do not seem to be as tested as Texas A&M. The Volunteers have been in some close contests late in the game, hence which may give them an advantage if the Aggies cannot put them away in the third quarter. Meanwhile, A&M has only been in one tight contest. Furthermore, with Tennessee traveling and the Aggies being the real deal, it is too difficult to bank on Rocky Top. A&M by 11.
Vanderbilt @ Kentucky – Is it just me, or have these two teams already played each other twice this year? Ask yourself, which wild animal do you think would fare better in a fight – a mallard duck or a box turtle? Yes, both are so mighty that I do not know the answer much as which team to put stock in Saturday. 1934 Peace Dollar says tails. Kentucky by 14.
(1) Alabama @ (16) Arkansas: Upset Alert – I will save the in-depth analysis for Chris Jackson, however let me say this: if the will of the fans could ever control the outcome of a game, Arkansas would win this one by 48. And the Crimson Tide may be starting a true freshman at QB, however Jalen Hurts is the real deal. Alabama has experience in big games, consequently this Saturday will be a familiar situation for them.
Next: Thoughts From a Die Hard Bama Fan
Are the HOGS as good as the pollsters say that they are? Some are worried about the offensive line, therefore there is a lot of doubt running through the Natural State. This will not be decided by whom is the best coach, rather this will be decided by execution of the talent. Hopefully Arkansas can feed off of the desired 120 decibel frenzy. We shall see. In addition, I fear a repeat of Shaud Williams knocking out the crowd early, yet the Razorbacks will keep it close. Bama by 8.
Georgia @ South Carolina (Postponed until Sunday) – Georgia, you had them. You had Tennessee. And you were finally going to make a statement. Also, you were going to remind the nation that you belong in the SEC East spotlight. Now you have to carry that heartbreak into Columbia and use it for motivation. The problem? South Carolina has a statement to make as well. This year, that statement is “We miss Steve Spurrier”. Meanwhile, in a college town north of Orlando… Bulldogs by 22… if the game remains as scheduled.