SEC Picks - Week 8

 Hey kids, welcome back to the eighth week of the college football season.  We are more than halfway through the season, and picking games is getting a little bit tougher, with this week being no different.  The 16 teams that make up the SEC will all be playing each other this week.  That's right, no non-conference games, just eight pure, fierce conference games.  As M said, "a week of cannibalization."  I couldn't have put it better myself.

Last week was a so-so week for your friendly prognosticator.  I went 5-2 overall, giving me a season record of 59-14, which is a winning percentage of .808.   I can live with that.  In conference games last week, I went 4-2.  I thought Mizzou might beat Alabama at home.  They didn't, losing by three at Faurot Field.  I also thought Oklahoma would handle Texas at the Red River Showdown at the Cotton Bowl.  Boy, I really blew that one.  The Longhorns played like most thought they would play all year.   But going 4-2 in the SEC last week gives me a season record of 16-6, or a winning percentage of .727, which is fairly decent.

We have a lot of games to look at, almost all of them should be exciting, as only one game, Texas-Kentucky, has a point spread greater than 10 points.  No cupcakes this week.  On to the picks!

LSU at Vanderbilt - 11a - ABC - I never, ever would have believed both teams would be 5-1 at this point.  The Tigers had a struggle win at home against South Carolina last week, while Vandy had the week off.  Vandy is favored in this one by a couple of points, but I cannot pick against LSU, as much as I don't like Brian Kelly.  LSU in a squeaker.  LSU 27, Vandy 25

Oklahoma at South Carolina - 11.45a - SEC - You would think the Sooners would be favored, and they are.  But after the egg they laid in Dallas last week, and the way the Gamecocks looked against LSU on the road, I'm going with the upset.  SC wins at home.  South Carolina 30, Oklahoma 28

Texas A&M at Arkansas - 2.30p - ESPN - They used to play this game in Arlington at Jerry Jones House, but now back to campuses, at least for a bit.  The hogs showed a little spark at Tennessee last week under Bobby Petrino.  The offense looked rejuvenated.  The Aggies dusted off Florida to remain undefeated and ranked fourth.  I don't care if the game is in Fayetteville, this is a much tougher challenge for the Razorbacks, and I just don't think they have the pigs to do it.  Aggies remain undefeated.  A&M 38, Arkansas 24

Ole Miss at Georgia - 2.30p - ABC - Well, well, well, the Rebels are still undefeated, and Lane Kiffin is looking like a genius bringing in a Division II quarterback from Ferris State.  Trinidad Chambless is looking like the second coming of Eli Manning.  Georgia is still good, their only loss coming to a rejuvenated Alabama squad.  I'm not a brainy, football guy, so I can't quite put my finger on it, but something just seems amiss with Georgia this year.  They are not dominating opposing teams which we have come to expect.  With all that being said........ Ole Miss 42, Georgia 28

Mississippi State at Florida - 3.15p - SEC - The Bulldogs are 4-2, the Gators are 2-4.  Records mean nothing as Florida is favored by nine.  Even if I didn't know that I would have picked Florida at home in the Swamp.  Florida 37, Mississippi State 25

Texas at Kentucky - 6p - ESPN - Texas should win, they should win easily.  'Nuff said.  Texas 52, Kentucky 17

Tennessee at Alabama - 6.30p - ABC - After watching Ole Miss beat Georgia, you should have enough time to put some burgers and hot dogs and brats on the grill, maybe some corn on the cob as well.  Don't forget to grill some onions as well.  You will want to watch this game, and not get up, except during halftime.  Both teams had tough games last week but survived.  Tennessee is looking good, but Alabama is looking really good.  Alabama 35, Tennessee 28

Missouri at Auburn - 6.45p - SEC - Mizzou did not look good against Alabama last week and still only loss by three.  Auburn, oh Auburn, you need direction, you're just so listless.  This is Mizzou's first road game of the year, so that may be a factor, but I don't really think so.  I, taking the Tigers at Jordan-Hare.  Mizzou 30, Auburn 21

Ok fellow SEC buddies, eight games, eight winners (we hope).  Should be a good day of football.  Keep the snacks handy and the beverages cold.  See you next week from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.