SEC Game of Interest (Week 8)

We're finally done betting against the state of Mississippi. In the last two weeks, we've picked against them 4 times. In case you haven't noticed, the Bizarro Bulldogs and the RebelBlackBears are both currently undefeated and ranked in the top 3 in all major polls. Our stubborn refusal to accept that the Magnolia State is the center of the college football universe has brought us to 6-10-1 record against the spread in conference.

This week's marquee SEC game is, of course, No. 21 Texas A&M at No. 7 Alabama (-11.5), but it's not 2012 or even 2013 so it's not our SEC Game of Interest. That honor goes to Kentucky at LSU (-9).

The pick: Kentucky +9

Rationale/Why you should care: Many are beginning to compare this season to the weird, wonderful 2007 season, including SBNation's own Adam Jacobi. As Adam notes, the 2007 is the "gold standard of carnage in college football," and it culminated in a two-loss LSU team hoisting the crystal football.

If you followed the 2007 season, you might remember that one of the Bayou Bengals' two losses was a triple-overtime thriller involving a one-loss Kentucky team sporting a 3-1 record in conference play. This year's Kentucky team also has just one loss and a 3-1 record in conference play.

No one who has watched LSU play this season harbors any illusion of them winning a championship this season. They're not nearly as strong as they have been in recent years, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. In fact, the Wildcats are currently statistically superior to the Tigers in scoring defense, rushing yards allowed per play, and passing yards allowed per play. Kentucky is also scoring more points per game than LSU, and rushing for more yards per carry.

Kentucky might not pull the upset again this season, but they should be able to keep it within a touchdown.

Bonus Pick: Texas A&M +11.5 at Alabama. The Aggies still boast the conference's highest scoring offense, and Lane Kiffin is still calling plays for the Tide.

Go Dawgs!