SEC Preview - 11.5.05

SEC

South Carolina at Arkansas - This should prove to be an interesting game. South Carolina is pass first, run if they feel like it...maybe. And Arkansas is run, except for 3rd and long, when they might venture a screen...to the running back. As with every team in the SEC, Arkansas would love a chance to get back at Spurrier before his team catches up to his coaching ability. They are better than their record, with losses against USC, Auburn, Georgia, Bama, and a resurgent Vandy team. That's not a bad crowd. Their biggest problem has been throwing the ball--in that they can't. This week Houston Nutt elected to bench starter Robert Johnson in favor of true freshman QB Casey Dick. As long as he can hand the ball off, the transition to starter shouldn't be too hard. The defenses are roughly comparable. I think Arkansas is going to upset the Gamecocks. South Carolina is still celebrating its win over Tennessee, and I don't think these guys are disciplined enough to focus on a 2-5 Arkansas team. Add on that Arkansas had two weeks to prepare for this game, and my choice is made. South Carolina 24 - Arkansas 28.

Auburn at Kentucky - This is time for Auburn to heal. RB Kenny Irons is banged up, Brad Lester is still out with a groin injury, and Carl Stewart is out with an ankle injury. Hopefully, they won't need Irons past the first quarter. Auburn 31 - Kentucky 7.

Tennessee at Notre Dame - This game may be closer than expected. Tennessee's offense has been horrible, but the Irish defense is not what it used to be. Lucky for Notre Dame, neither is its offense--it's much, much better. QB Brady Quinn should have a good day even against the tough Tennessee defense. The Irish secondary has gotten ripped all year, though, and ranks 114th in pass defense. If Tennessee's QBs are ever going to have a good day, it'd be today. This should be fun to watch. Tennessee 20 - Notre Dame 34.

Alabama at Mississippi State - Mississippi State has played much better defense this year, but its offense is still terrible. Throw in Bama's solid defense, and it doesn't look like the Bulldogs are going to be reaching the red zone often, if at all. Unfortunately, Bama continues to struggle on offense. I'm not sold based on a 35-point showing against lowly Utah State. They should win without much difficulty, but I'm still not a believer. Wins over offensively challenged Tennessee and Florida mean very little to me. Alabama 24 - Mississippi State 3.

Vandy at Florida - Usually this one is a no-brainer. This year, though, I could see picking Vandy as a legitimate upset pick. However, they've been on the slide, and Florida has tons of momentum after beating Georgia. Vandy has dropped four straight and has to play in the Swamp. Odds are not in its favor. Vandy 13 - Florida 27.

Appalachian State at LSU - One more tune-up before the showdown for the West. Appalachian State 0 - LSU 49.