SEC Round-Up; No-Conference Action Highlights the Weekend

Can Rodgers point Vandy to a win over rival Tennessee?

After a week that saw the number one team in the country Alabama, go down to new SEC member Texas A&M, the conference turns its’ attention to some non-conference match-ups and perhaps some good wagering opportunities.

Arkansas (+6) at Mississippi State – At 4-6, the Razorbacks now must defeat the Bulldogs and then the LSU Tigers for any shot at a bowl game and that isn’t going to happen. It’s quite shocking to think that this team was a top 10 and in some cases a top five pick in many preseason polls. A coaching controversy here and some injuries there and you’ve got yourself a train wreck. Mississippi State was at one time 7-0 and now, three losses later, is primed for a home opportunity to improve their bowl positioning. I think the Hogs come in ready to play today and they’ll cover, but I like the Bulldogs to win.

Ole Miss (+18 1/2) at #7 LSU – The Rebels are in a position similar to Arkansas in that they have two tough games to close out the season but at least they only have to win one to become bowl eligible. With the Tigers in Death Valley this week and then the Egg Bowl with rival Mississippi State to close the season, there is much work to be down for these Rebels. The problem is that LSU is just to darn talented and they still have some motivation. If the Tigers can win out and get the right things to happen with several other SEC Teams, then a possible BCS game awaits so don’t expect the Tigers to take Ole Miss lightly. The Rebs are a capable team but the Tigers are just too darn good at home. I like the Tigers to win and cover that spread.

Tennessee (+3 1/2) at Vanderbilt – The Commodores have already reserved themselves a seat at the bowl table for the second consecutive year while Tennessee stands at 4-6 and an amazing 0-7 in the SEC East. Derek Dooley already knows he’s a goner at season’s end so the only thing the Vols are playing for is a possible bowl game and just simply pride. If they can get past this game with a ‘W’ then all that stands in their way of a bowl is Kentucky. QB Tyler Bray has thrown 29 touchdown passes this season and goes against a pretty stingy Vandy defense. This game is kind of hard to read, but I like a tight ball game and I like the Vols to cover.

Saban will have the Tide rolling a week after their loss to Texas A&M.

Western Carolina (NL) at #4 Alabama – Let’s just say this has to be a nightmare for the Catamounts who enter this game with one win and Alabama coming off their first loss of the season. I don’t not expect this to be pretty.

Wofford (NL) at #9 South Carolina – The Gamecocks are in a similar position to the LSU Tigers in terms of needing things to go right in order to get a BCS berth. Although Wofford is a decent team at 8-2 on the season, I expect a pretty sever blowout victory before SC faces rival Clemson in the finale.

Jacksonville State (NL) at #6 Florida – So have I mentioned the position that LSU and South Carolina are in? So is Florida.

Georgia Southern (NL) at #5 Georgia – This game will not be a cake-walk for the Bulldogs as GS enters at 8-2 and has a proud tradition. Georgia still has its’ sights set on a national championship shot though and I like the Dawgs to roll in the second half.

Alabama A&M (NL) at Auburn – Did you see where an Auburn fan is asking President Obama to step in and fire Gene Chizik?

Sam Houston State (NL) at Texas A&M – I’m telling you right now don’t sleep on this one. I look for a hangover early for the Aggies before they finally wake up and win late. SHS is a damn good team.

Syracuse (+5 1/2) at Missouri – The Orange are coming off a home upset of previously unbeaten Louisville. This is a slight step up in competition. Take the Tigers to cover.

Samford (NL) at Kentucky – Would you believe the Wildcats only win was a blowout of MAC power Kent State? They very well could lose this one to a 7-3 Bulldogs’ squad.