OCT 30 SEC Football Game Previews

by DM
(Atlanta )

October 29, 2010


Atlanta, Georgia

Going into the final third of the regular season, the SEC East and
West races are both wide open. This weekend’s matchups of Georgia vs.
Florida and South Carolina vs. Tennessee will go a long way in
deciding the East. Georgia and Florida both need wins and miracles,
South Carolina just needs wins.

The same is reflected in the West, although not nearly as
dramatically. Auburn is in charge of their destiny, Alabama and LSU
both need wins and help. Bama has LSU and Auburn remaining on the
schedule, LSU has Bama and Arkansas and Auburn has Ole Miss, Georgia
and Bama. Every team Bama plays has the week off before playing them
but something tells me that I’ve mentioned that once or twice before.

Auburn at Ole Miss
Auburn
It is very tempting to go with the upset on this one for a number of
reasons. Jeremiah Masoli should scorch Auburn’s non-existent pass
defense and Houston Nutt always seems to pull his season (and other
things) out of the fire just in time to salvage the season. This is
Auburn’s 3rd road game of the year and in the previous two-Kentucky
and Mississippi State-they did not play well. Tyrone Nix, defensive
coordinator at Ole Miss should have something in store for the Auburn
offense. If it involves his D ends maintaining containment on a speed
sweep, their chances of success are increased twofold. Ole Miss has a
fine defensive front, anchored by Jerrell Powe and an active
linebacking corps but lacks quality secondary help.
Auburn enters as the Number 1 team in the BCS rankings and should pull
away from Ole Miss easily but I have to question their road toughness.
Having played 6 of their first 8 at home, mixed with all that “Family”
stuff I wonder if they can play away from home.



Georgia vs. Florida
Georgia
I said this in August, so I have to stay with it now. These two teams
have been a mess this year. Florida can’t score and Georgia can’t
block. Georgia, behind the return of WR AJ Greene, has found its
offense of late and put up 48 versus Kentucky last week. Aaron Murray
has found other offensive weapons and Caleb King returns from a 2 week
suspension.
Florida is like a gun without bullets, they look imposing but present
little danger. Urban Meyer has decided to allow Chris Rainey back on
the team this week and I don’t know anyone who is surprised by that.

Arkansas at Vanderbilt
Arkansas
Arkansas wins this game easily. They will have more of everything than
Vandy, including fans in the seats.

Mississippi State at Kentucky
Kentucky
I’m not sold on Mississippi State as much as I’m sold on Kentucky
playing at home. This should be a great football game but I believe
Kentucky’s offensive coaching staff is dialed in.

South Carolina at Tennessee
South Carolina
The return of Marcus Lattimore will be enough to lead the Gamecocks to
victory. If Stephen Garcia can turn it over less than 3 times, South
Carolina has enough defense to shut down the Vols. Tennessee is having
an awful year and graduates a lot of starters at season’s end. Things
do not look good on Rocky Top but at least they’re out of the spy
business.

Enjoy your weekend!