LSU DAWG
PICK OF THE WEEK IS Arkansas + 27.5 @ Texas – Arkansas looks pretty bad so far this season and Texas looks strong, but this is way too many points. Arkansas did do some good things against Alabama offensively, and they gave Bama two touchdowns with pick-6s. Texas has never been too good at covering these large spreads, especially against decent opponents. Lastly, Arkansas and Texas played a series a few years ago and Arkansas won one game outright and played Texas very close in the other. It's a big game for the Hogs but one that Texas doesn't take too seriously. Arkansas has the mental edge. I like Texas big, but maybe something like 31-14.
UAB +26.5 @ South Carolina- Can South Carolina even score 26 points? I'm doubting that. South Carolina has looked really bad in every game this year, with the exception being their game against Georgia. But even in that game, their offense still looked pedestrian. I'm not a believer in the Cocks right now, especially after they struggled with Wofford last week, winning only 23-13. Don't get me wrong, UAB is crap...but this is way too many points for South Carolina's offense, regardless of who they're playing.
Georgia -6.5 vs. Alabama - Georgia is very quietly going about their business and living up to their pre-season expectations this year. They arne't flashy but they are definitely getting the job done. Alabama has received a lot of attention, and rightfully so, for playing impressively through 3 of their first 4 games. Crushing Arkansas on the road last week certainly gave them a lot of confidence. But Alabama's offense only works if they can run the ball to open things up and Georgia's run defense is top notch...better than anything Bama has faced yet. Heck, Tulane was the most physical team Bama has played yet so their running game hasn't been all that tested. I think Bama's offense will sputter with Georgia controlling the line of scrimmage. On offense, I think Georgia will be able to do enough on the ground to where QB Matt Stafford can hit some big plays off play action. I think UGA has the match-up advantage in this game, and I see them winning by 10-14 points.
LSU -24.5 vs. Mississppi State - This is a lot of points, especially given the unpredictability of LSU's offense right now. Will QB Jarrett Lee be the erratic freshman or the guy who was throwing darts in the 2nd half at Auburn? He'll need the running game to take pressure off of him, and I think he'll have it. LSU is second in the SEC in rushing while Mississippi State is 11th in the SEC in rush defense. That should really open up the play action and ensure a lot of man coverage for LSU's wide receivers. Overall, LSU has the league's 2nd ranked offense and State has the 11th ranked defense. So even a mediocre day from LSU's QBs should be enough to get the job done. The flip side, and the main reason why I like this pick, is that Mississippi State's offense is putrid. It is really bad and the match up favors LSU in a large, large way. Over the last few years, LSU has really killed offense without a mobile QB and who don't run a spread offense. State has a traditional offense with a poor QB and a poor OL blocking for him. State's strength is running the ball, but their running back, Anthony Dixon, is a north south runner and doesn't have much speed. He'll be trying to run up the middle against LSU and it wont' work. I'd be downright shocked if State scored in double digits in this game. They very well might get shut out. Lastly, LSU owns Mississippi State winning 14 of the last 15 straight up and every game this decade.
Ole Miss +22 @ Florida - I'm going against the public in a big way here. I realize UF just beat Tennessee on the road by 24, so covering 22 at home against Ole Miss should be no sweat. Plus, Ole Miss just lost to Vanderbilt. But 3 TDs is a lot in any SEC game, and I still think this Ole Miss team is much improved from a year ago. Ole Miss ran the ball very well a week ago, averaging 5 yards per carry. Their problem was turnovers as Jevon Snead threw 4 interceptions. They have a very good offensive line, so they could certainly do some things on the ground against Florida. Florida, meanwhile, hasn't looked right on offense this year. They managed just 243 yards of total offense last week, despite the lopsided score and they only rushed for 3.8 yards per carry. Tim Tebow also only went 8 of 15 for 96 yards. Florida will be trying to work out the kinks, but I'm not sure their offense is what everyone thinks it is right now. I like Ole Miss to stay within 3 TDs here.
Tennessee +7 @ Auburn (buy half point if necessary) - Both of these teams are coming off big losses. Both of the fanbases are down on the coaching staffs. And both of these teams need a win in a big, big way. I think that Tennessee's coaching staff is certainly feeling more pressure right now than Auburn's however. These teams are almost identical statistically and both have inexperienced quarterbacks. I see a very hard fought game that is going to come down to the wire. I like the matchup of Tennessee's very good, very physical secondary going against Auburn's inexperienced QB trying to throw down the field. And if he's unable to throw down the field, Auburn will struggle to move the ball. Against a good LSU defense last week, Auburn didn't move the ball well but got some big plays throwing down the field. If those are taken away from them, their offense is very mediocre. Tennessee will have to scrap for points, but after seeing a good running back run through Auburn's defense last week, I have to like Arian Foster's chance of having a good day.