Posted by Tim Hayes
High School Sports Football

We’re going to see just who’s paying attention in blog land tonight and pick Saturday’s SEC winners.
Tennessee at Mississippi State: On paper, this seems like a perfect letdown spot for the Volunteers, which played their first good game of the season last week in stomping Georgia. And the Bulldogs are 4-2 and playing in Starkville, so the chance of an upset exists. But Tennessee has more talent, more diversity on offense and motivation, thanks to MSU coach Sylvester Croom’s claims that the Vols “had better put nine men in the box” to stop the Bulldogs’ power running game. I’m willing to bet UT isn’t resting on its laurels of one week. Tennessee 24, Mississippi State 13.
Alabama at Mississippi: If the first three weeks were a honeymoon for Crimson Tide fans and new coach Nick Saban, the last three have been a dose of reality. Alabama snapped its two-game losing streak last week but had to stop a last-play pass into the end zone to hold off Houston. If the Tide have to go down to the last play this week against the Rebels, something’s up. Its shutout win against Louisiana Tech aside, Ole Miss simply isn’t very good, aside from NFL-ready left tackle Michael Oher. Alabama 27, Mississippi 14.
South Carolina at North Carolina: The best thing to happen for the Gamecocks might have been the Tar Heels’ upset of Miami last week. If nothing else, it serves as a warning shot—be ready to play or you’ll lose in Chapel Hill, too. South Carolina’s offense may have turned a corner with freshman quarterback Chris Smelley, who’s played well and avoided killing mistakes in wins against Mississippi State and Kentucky. UNC is improving rapidly under coach Butch Davis but doesn’t quite have enough talent to win this one. South Carolina 31, North Carolina 20.
LSU at Kentucky: There’s no doubt the Tigers are the nation’s best team, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them lose a game, primarily because this league is so tough that they could come out without their “A” game and lose to someone playing at their best. If the Wildcats were a little more stout defensively, this might be that week. But Kentucky’s inability to consistently stop the opposition means LSU should piece together enough points to hold off Andre Woodson and Co. LSU 34, Kentucky 24.
Georgia at Vanderbilt: Two embarrassed teams are getting together in Nashville, with the loser’s East Division title hopes officially headed down the rabbit hole. It was stunning to see the Bulldogs offer little resistance last week in Knoxville, given their recent history of road success. It wasn’t quite as stunning to see the Commodores tank in their first road game at Auburn, although their defense played surprisingly badly against a pedestrian offense. If Vandy didn’t have QB issues, I’d seriously consider picking it. Georgia 20, Vanderbilt 14.
Auburn at Arkansas: In the non-LSU division of the SEC, Auburn currently looks like the best team. The Tigers now have tailback depth which can only be rivaled by LSU and Tennessee, as well as a mean defense which is playing with swagger. Last year’s 27-10 drumming against the Razorbacks in Auburn should only serve as an extra motivator. Arkansas has perhaps the nation’s best player in TB Darren McFadden but also can’t stop anyone who’s good, which is why it’s looking at an 0-3 start in the SEC. Auburn 28, Arkansas 20.
Remember, these picks are for entertainment only, not for wagering purposes ... so if you drop a bill or two on these games and lose, don’t blame your friendly neighborhood blogger! 

Posted by The Continuous News Desk
College Sports

Posted by Brian T. Smith
College Sports

Posted by Brian T. Smith

Posted by Brian T. Smith
High School Sports