This Week's Games and Predictions

I would like to open this post by announcing my amazement with Alabama's performance against Florida last Saturday at the Swamp.  Anyone who knows me will tell you that I am nervous before every game whether it's LSU or Georgia State.  The Crimson Tide defense was flat out dominating, holding a Gator offense that averaged 259 yds rushing per game to only 15. Demps and Rainey only could account for eight of those yards. Trent Richardson had his fourth straight 100+ rushing game and has sneaked into the Heisman discussion.  I was sort of expecting a win, but not a 38-10 win. Roll Tide Roll! (Source)

Vanderbilt (3-1) at 2 Alabama (5-0)


Alabama will seek their 21st consecutive win against the 'ole Commodores Saturday night at Bryant-Denny Stadium.  Alabama (who holds a 60-18 record overall and have won 38 of the last 40) has an improving offense (avg. 438 ypg and 229.8 ypg on the ground) and a dominating defense (avg. allowing only 39.6 rushing ypg).  Vanderbilt, however, is dealing with offensive woes and only manages 258.0 ypg.  I expect Alabama to be a bit sloppy with Vanderbilt being an inferior opponent and I also expect this to be a relatively low-scoring game for most of the first half and into the second. With this being homecoming for the Crimson Tide, and the defense led by Courtney Upshaw, Dre Kirkpatrick, Josh Chapman, and other stars will not allow Vandy to threatened their national title hopes.  A.J. McCarron should use this opportunity to improve on his accuracy down the field and Trent Richardson should increase his Heisman contention with his fifth straight 100+ rushing game.


Alabama 31 Vanderbilt 13


15 Auburn (4-1) at 10 Arkansas (4-1)


The common phrase of Auburn football, "War Damn Eagle", had a different meaning last week before the Tiger's matchup with 10 South Carolina in Columbia.  Worst Defense Ever was a suitable substitution used by local and national media to describe Ted Roof's defense, which was ranked 117th nationally.  Many experts expected Auburn's defense to collapse against South Carolina's Heisman candidate RB Marcus Lattimore (avg. 5.5 yards per carry and 134.5 ypg) and a receiver core of Alshon Jeffery, Ace Sanders, and Bruce Ellington and for the Tiger offense to be ineffective with the exception of RB Michael Dyer (avg. 113.4 ypg).  My intuition told me that Auburn would win. Well, I went against my gut and picked the Gamecocks, only to have Stephen Garcia play terribly (suprise), and for Auburn's defense to give its best performance of the season, holding Marcus Lattimore to 66 yards in the contest. However, Arkansas is coming off a huge 42-38 comeback win at Cowboy Stadium against the Aggies of Texas A&M, who suffered their second straight heart-breaking loss after holding an 18 point lead the half. This game is difficult to call, since Lady Luck seems to skip over to the Tiger's side most of the time. When it all comes down to it, Auburn's defense lacks the depth and speed to keep up with Arkansas speedy receivers for four quarters. It will be close in the first three quarters, but I just can't see Auburn pulling this one out in Fayetteville, but you never know with Auburn.


Arkansas 34 Auburn 20




17 Florida (4-1) at 1 LSU (5-0)


This game is almost not worthy of discussion.  Even with John Brantley, the Gators lack the ability to score enough points on offense or to limit enough points on defense. Despite the conservative play calling on the Tiger's part, they are still undefeated and are still no. 1 in the country. With the defense they play with, heck, "if it ain't broke..". Tyrann Mathieu is apparently the Houdini of college football, able to cause fumbles and make INTs out of nowhere.  It'll be close. In the 1st quarter when its 0-0, but when LSU scores that first touchdown it will be the first of many.  I'll give Florida a touchdown on a lucky return or fluke play.


LSU 30 Florida 10