SEC Preview - 10.29.05

SEC

Ole Miss at Auburn - Auburn is probably incredibly frustrated by the loss to LSU, particularly the manner in which it came about. Ole Miss is playing markedly better under first-year coach Ed Orgeron, especially the defense, but the offense is still struggling. Auburn is playing pretty well right now and the margin for error is gone. To have a chance of winning the West, Auburn must win. The Auburn offense and RB Kenny Irons will make sure this one doesn't come down to a field goal. Ole Miss 10 - Auburn 37.

Utah State at Alabama - This game would be a blowout if Alabama had an offense. As it is, it won't be close. Bama's 3rd string could probably still take down Utah State. With a loss to Idaho in the books, Utah State doesn't even have pride to play for anymore. Utah State 7 - Alabama 27.

Georgia at Florida (technically) - Well, with Shockley out, these offenses are roughly equal, but I give the nod on that side of the ball to UGa with its RB due of Danny Ware and Thomas Brown. However, both defenses have been tough as nails, particularly on the run. Urban Meyer's offense just isn't clicking yet, as these things take time. With Shockley, Georgia wins, but it hasn't exactly been blowing opponents away. This game may bear a lot of similarities to the Tennessee-Alabama game. Whichever team manages to find the endzone will probably win. Florida's offense, though clueless at times, has proven it can score on occasion. It should be a close, smash-mouth game. Georgia 14 - Florida 16.

Mississippi State at Kentucky - No one wants to watch this game. Seriously. But if they did, Mississippi State's awful offense would gradually overrun Kentucky's extraordinarily atrocious defense. At least Sylvester Croom has the Bulldogs playing some defense. Mississippi State 17 - Kentucky 10.

South Carolina at Tennessee - Spurrier would love to bring down the underachieving Vols. Unfortunately he just does not have the talent yet to do so. Tennessee's offense is horrible, but South Carolina's defense is not so hot either. With the loss of RB Gerald Riggs, things are certainly not getting better for Tennessee. If they get caught feeling down after consecutive losses to UGa and Bama or looking ahead to next week's trip to South Bend, this game could be trouble. It will be closer than you would think, and if South Carolina QB Blake Mitchell gets hot early, Tennessee will have a hard time clawing its way back into the game. As much as I want to pick South Carolina, I think Tennessee's defense is just barely good enough to carry its offense. South Carolina 10 - Tennessee 17.

North Texas at LSU - North Texas is 117th in total offense and 101st in total defense. Yeah, it'll be close. North Texas 6 - LSU 41.