Predicting SEC Football 2016 - Week Eight

Humble pie never tasted so good. Yes, my record of predicting the SEC for 2016 took a hit with a 4 – 2 performance last week. However, 52 – 11 (82.5%) did not make me feel too bad, especially when Jared Cornelius ran it in from 6-yards late last Saturday.

Let’s cut the nonsense and discuss some SEC Football. Here we go:

UMass @ South Carolina – Hey, I’ll just say what everyone is thinking… South Carolina has a chance to win one. And they will. UMass comes in at 1-6, and the Minutemen will be in the game for just that, one minute. Sorry, Gamecock fans, however the biggest boast I will give for my favorite SEC East team will be on this game. South Carolina by 22.

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) makes a long run against the Texas A&M Aggies in the third quarter at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Erich Schlegel-USA TODAY Sports

(6)Texas A&M @ (1) Alabama: Game of the Week – I’m still not convinced that A&M is not overachieving this year. I may be wrong. Alabama is far better than their critics know… or are willing to admit. The Tide’s perimeter blocking versus the great defense of the Aggies. There will be no television on anywhere at 2:30 (Central) that will not be tuned into CBS to watch what so many have discussed since Arkansas and Texas A&M squared off in the Southwest Classic. All of those watching will witness a great game for the first half. Alabama pulls away in the second half. Bama by 21.

Middle Tennessee State @ Missouri – The Blue Raiders might strike a memory chord with everyone because they squared off against Vanderbilt in Week Two. Our SEC friend was successful in that contest by more than three touchdowns. Honestly, Missouri is down, but they’re not that down. The Tigers have enough talent and pride to defeat Middle Tennessee at home. Tigers by 18.

(17) Arkansas @ (21) Auburn – Auburn has cooled off Gus Malzahn’s seat quite a bit. Now the Tigers are hosting the Razorbacks in a must win contest to finish respectably in the SEC West. Auburn has struggled with the HOGS on the plains, and Austin Allen & Co. are playing extremely great ball right now. I look for the offensive line of Arkansas to perform better against Auburn’s defense. After all, the Tigers’ defensive line seems to pale in comparison to the great lines that the Razorbacks have faced already this season. The running game makes all of the difference. Arkansas by 10.

Mississippi State @ Kentucky – The only thing going right for Mississippi State right now is that you will not see any clowns hanging around Starkville until after Halloween. I have nothing but respect for Dan Mullen, and I feel that he is a prince among thieves. Kentucky is playing a little better than the Wildcats should. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs are on a winning streak…. against Kentucky. Also, losing to BYU hurt after being ahead for a majority of the game. This one is too tough to call. I’ll put five on it – Kentucky by that same number, 5.

Tennessee State @ Vanderbilt: Upset Alert – Man, a sportswriter’s dream. The Tigers, believe it or not, are 5 -1 towards the midpoint of the season. And although their competition may not have been the stiffest, their scores versus these foes are comparable to what the Commodores may have accomplished. I have nothing against Vanderbilt, however the majority of my incorrect picks this season have involved them. I’ll not miss this week, Vandy by 8. Please do not let your SEC Brethren down.

(23) Ole Miss @ (25) LSU – Two teams who a the beginning at the season that I thought were pretty evenly matched with LSU with the Tigers being just a slight bit better. However, times have changed. I do not believe that Ole Miss played to their potential against the Razorbacks. Yes, the loud crowd was a huge factor in the distraction. I still think the Rebels are the team that had both Florida State and Alabama down. LSU has been playing motivated under Ed Orgeron, furthermore, it is Death Valley late at night.. Let the jambalaya fly. Tigers by 3.

The downside: no matter what happens, two SEC teams will fall out of the Top 25 this week. The good part: We get to see some great contests this weekend. This is an exciting set of match-ups. Oh, and Go HOGS!!!