Last week, I opted not to predict the outcomes of any college football games because Bulldog Nation had other subjects on its collective mind, but we’re back to regular programming here at Dawg Sports, so I am obligated to report that, two Saturdays ago, I went 4-2 in my SEC forecasts to strand my season-long league ledger at 30-8. That ought to make my usual disclaimer superfluous, but, just to be on the safe side, I must warn you, as always: Don’t Bet On It!
The following games all will be played on Saturday, October 16, because this is the SEC, not some lower-tier league like the MAC, the Sun Belt, or the Big East:
McNeese St. Cowboys at LSU Tigers: I had to Google "McNeese State" to find out the team’s mascot. If I have to Google your school to find out what your mascot is, there ain’t no way you’re going into Baton Rouge and beating Louisiana State. Also, when X State plays Y State, and X is an actual state but Y is not, go with X State to get the W.
Mississippi Rebels at Alabama Crimson Tide: Yeah, I know: Julio Jones broke his hand, and the quirky history of Houston Nutt’s teams suggests that a win over ‘Bama became inevitable when Ole Miss lost to Jacksonville State, but I’m going to go out on a limb here and say a mad defending national champion playing at home will find a way to beat the league’s ninth-best team. Call me crazy, but I’m taking the Tide to roll. (I’m saving any wild upset picks for after the jump.)
Mississippi St. Bulldogs at Florida Gators: Last weekend, Urban Meyer’s club amassed 243 total yards in a game that left Orson Swindle speechless and prompted a debate between Voltaire and Firehorse. Meanwhile, Dan Mullen’s team racked up 409 rushing yards. Will the real coaching genius please stand? While I know John Brantley is damaged goods and Chris Rainey will not be reinstated fully until after this weekend’s game, I have a tough time calling the upset in the Swamp. If they were playing in Starkville, I’d go with the Bulldogs, but, since they’re playing in Gainesville, I’m picking the Gators.
South Carolina Gamecocks at Kentucky Wildcats: The Palmetto State Poultry are coming off of the biggest win in program history. The Blue and White took league-leading Auburn to the wire in Lexington. The Wildcats have a history of bumping off the big boys in the wake of big wins. The Gamecocks have a history of swoons in the second half of the season. I have a history of calling upsets in the Commonwealth. That smells like a recipe for Kentucky-fried Chickens to me.
Arkansas Razorbacks at Auburn Tigers: Six foot six they stood on the ground. No, I’m not quoting "A Thing Called Love"; I’m citing the vital statistics of Cameron Newton and Ryan Mallett. In what promises to be a shootout on the Plains, jd is legend foresees a 34-24 triumph by the Tigers. That sounds about right.
By now, you know that you should never underestimate my ability to botch the call anytime I am asked to predict the outcome of a college football game. However, just in case any of you are a little slow on the uptake, let me boil my message down to its essence and warn you once again . . . Don’t Bet On It!
Coming Soon: National Games of Interest.
Go ‘Dawgs!