Week 5

South Carolina @ UCF (11:00, ABC)- South Carolina needs to get back on track and I think this week on the road is where they do it. Should be a pretty easy game for the Gamecocks.

South Alabama @ Tennessee (11:21, SEC Network)- Tennessee is frustrated after 2 straight losses, and I look for that frustration to be taken out Saturday. The Vols get back on track with an easy game.

LSU @ Georgia (2:30, CBS)- The most anticipated game of the day, maybe of the season thus far. 2 incredible, historic program meet, both with top 10 rankings. I think the two QBs will determine the outcome of this game. Zach Mettenburger is the most improved QB in the nation from last year. He has stepped up as the leader of this team. If he can manage the game and keep his defense off the field, I think this game is the Tigers to lose. I just don't see the Dawgs being able to score enough against this stellar defense. Should be an incredible game.

Ole Miss @ Alabama (5:30, ESPN)- On paper this seems to be a great matchup with a lot of excitement behind it, but I'm suggesting we need to pump the breaks before things get out of hand. 2 factors keep coming up that I can't quit thinking about:

1. Ole Miss has not played a team this year with any kind of defense. None. Now I do think Rebels will put up some points, but not at any kind of rate they did their first 3 games.
2. This might be Alabama's best offense since Saban got there. Think about how scary that is. The Rebs have gotten thrashed on the defensive side of the ball and this offense is way better than any thing they have seen thus far.

I believe Ole Miss can keep it competitive early, but in the end, I think Bama takes this by 3 touchdowns.

Texas A&M @ Arkansas (6:00, ESPN2)- Does Vegas know something we don't? Th spread on this game is only 3. What am I missing? I think this will be a huge blowout. Arkansas just doesn't have the defense to compete with a team like A&M.

Florida @ Kentucky (6:00, ESPNU)- Florida is injured. Bad. But I still don't think it's enough to fall, even on the road, against Kentucky. Look for the Gators to win in an extra sloppy game.

Arkansas State @ Missouri (6:30, ESPN3)- Should be a pretty good matchup. This game will be won in the trenches, which gives Mizzou the upperhand. I'm taking the Tigers.

UAB @ Vanderbilt (6:30, ESPN3)- The Commodores continue to roll.

My Record For Predicting SEC Games

Week 1: 11-2

Week 2: 10-2

Week 3: 7-1

Week 4: 7-1

Other Games I'm Excited About

• Oklahoma State @ West Virginia (11:00, ESPN)
• Oklahoma @ Notre Dame (2:30, NBC)
• Wisconsin @ Ohio State (7:00, ABC)
• Stanford @ WSU (9:00, ESPN)
• USC @ Arizona State (9:30, ESPN2)

Better Late Than Never

14. Kentucky- Bye week.

13. Missouri- Good win by the Tigers. This team continues to get better. The meat of the schedule is coming up. Gonna be interesting to see how they do in conference play.

12. Tennessee- The Vols looked competitive against Florida. This team is a a couple of years away from winning games like this, but I continue to be impressed with the way they have things going. Much improved from last year.

11. Vanderbilt- The Commodores did what they were suppose to against a horrible team. This team still isn't very good right now but I see some slow improvement. The defense is just not very good. 

10. Arkansas- Sloppy play from last week trickled over into this week and ultimately cost the Hogs. They still have a ways to go, but I think this game will be a wake up call.

9. Mississippi State- By far the best the bulldogs have looked to date this year. Going into the game, many believed this would be a competitive matchup, but it was far from that. This year's defense is so much better than last year, it's not even funny. If the Dawgs can find a way to get an upset or two, a bowl game is still in play.

8. Auburn- Tigers just weren't ready for this kind of spotlight. The offense just isn't there to score on the elite defenses. Still gonna be a long year for the boys of Auburn.

7. Ole Miss- Bye week.

6. Florida- A good win, but this offense is still all kinds of lost. I'm at a loss for words how they can be so awful on that side of the ball. The defense will keep them in every game, but lack of offense will keep this team from being elite.

5. South Carolina- Bye week.

4. Texas A&M- Another incredible performance by this offense. They might be the most fun team to watch in the nation (sorry Oregon). 

3. Georgia- Dawgs were caught looking ahead and not respecting their opponent for this week. Still looked solid performance. They still think they can slip in the National Championship conversation... 

2. LSU- Tigers took care of business. I like this team more and more each week. (I wrote this last week and it applies again. I'm telling you, this team...)

1. Alabama- They walked away healthy and that is all this game meant.

Around College Football

My Top 10

10. Texas A&M

9. Georgia 

8. Florida State

7. Clemson

6. Loisville

5. Ohio State

4. LSU 

3. Stanford

2. Oregon

1. Alabama

Heisman Watch List

1. Marcus Mariota

2. Johnathon Manziel

3. Todd Gurley

4. Teddy Bridgewater

5. Lache Seastrunk

Week 4

Vanderbilt @ UMass (11:00, ESPNNews)- I've always said that if an SEC game is on ESPNNews, then it must suck. And this week holds true. I'll take Vandy.

North Texas @ Georgia (11:21, SEC Network)- Georgia continues to roll.

Tennessee @ Florida (2:30, CBS)- I don't see any offense coming from this game. But with Tennessee coming off a tough loss to Oregon and Florida having 2 weeks to get ready, I feel like this should be a routing. I'll take florida by at least 2 touchdowns.

Arkansas @ Rutgers (2:30, ESPN)- An intriguing match up for the Razorbacks. This will be a good matchup for Beilma in the early season. I think the physical play of Arky will get them the win, but look for this to be pretty close.

SMU @ Texas A&M (6:00, ESPNU)- A&M will most likely be hungover after last weeks loss to Bama, but I don't see it affecting the outcome. SMU won't be able to contain Manziel. Should be a pretty good butt whipping.

Colorado State @ Alabama (6:00, ESPN2)- Pray for Colorado State...

Troy @ Mississippi State (6:30, ESPN3)- ALL THE POINTS AND YARDS IN THIS GAME. There might be points on every possession of this game, but State's defense is better which will be the determining factor in this game. Look for a Bulldog win, but it won't be easy.

Auburn @ LSU (6:45, ESPN)- LSU is my dark horse to win the national championship, and this game won't change that. Should be an easy game for LSU. Auburn simply doesn't have a defense or enough offense to make this competitive. LSU by 2, maybe 3, touchdowns.

My Record For Predicting SEC Games

Week 1: 11-2

Week 2: 10-2

Week 3: 7-1

Other Games I'm Excited About

• Michigan State @ Notre Dame (2:30, NBC)
• Arizona State @ Stanford (6:00, FOX)

Last night, in the Clemson/NC State matchup, an offensive lineman from Clemson was ejected for punching a player from the Wolfpack. Every time something like that happens I find myself asking the question: "Why in the hell would you punch someone with a helmet on?!?" If you have an answer please let me know...

A Fun Week

14. Kentucky- A much better showing than I expected. This team is showing some heart, but not enough to translate to wins. The talent just isn't there.

13. Missouri- Bye week.

12. Tennessee- The Vols scored first, and then Oregon decided to show up. The Ducks will do this to a lot of people this year. Tennessee is still headed in the right direction, I believe, it's just gonna be a few more years before they are ready for the elites.

11. Mississippi State- This team still hasn't learned how to finish a game that is theirs to win. People can debate all day long whether it's the coaches or the players, but if the Bulldogs don't find some answers quick, they'll be home for the holidays for the first time in 4 years.

10. Vanderbilt- A gutsy comeback by the Commodores, but you can't dig yourself in such a deep hole on the road in the SEC. Still think this team will struggle becomes they don't have enough offensive weapons.

9. Auburn- Gutsy comeback for a thrilling win. Tigers were getting beat up the whole game and somehow found a way to win. This is a testament to an amazing coaching staff. Malzahn has this thing going in the right direction.

8. Arkansas- Probably the worst showing from the Hogs this year. Southern Miss did some good things against the Razorbacks, which is scary. Maybe this is the kind of game they needed so they won't get too cocky.

7. Ole Miss- The Rebs did what they were supposed to do against a much inferior team. Still very impressed with this offense, but I'm still equally as concerned with the defense. They will not be able to simply outscore teams week after week, not in the SEC. If they can figure some things out on that side of the ball, the sky is the limit for this young team.

6. Florida- Bye week.

5. South Carolina- Started fast, ended slow as molasses. This team's attitude scares me. Still have a lot of internal issues to solve before they are ready to compete in the big time.

4. Texas A&M- A gutsy, emotional performance by the Aggies. Game went very similar to how I thought it would. There is so much talent between the QB and the WRs, but beyond that, A&M has nothing. They HAVE to find a consistent running game and a defense that can get 3 and outs, or the Aggies will not be able to compete with the elite of the SEC.

3. Georgia- Bye week.

2. LSU- Tigers took care of business. I like this team more and more each week.

1. Alabama- Scary to think that Alabama can play a not so great game and still go into College Station, in one of the most anticipate games in the college football season, and come away with a win. If this team can clean up a few offensive line issues as well as some defensive secondary issues...then, oh boy. Nick Saban has my heart.

Around College Football

My Top 10

10. Oklahoma State

9. Georgia 

8. Florida State

7. Clemson

6. Ohio State

5. LSU

4. Louisville 

3. Stanford

2. Oregon

1. Alabama

Heisman Watch List

1. Tajh Boyd

2. Todd Gurley

3. Teddy Bridgewater

4. Marcus Mariota

5. Johnathon Manziel

Week 3

Louisville @ Kentucky (11:00, ESPN)- Let's all take time and pray for the Wildcats today...

Southern Miss @ Arkansas (11:21, SEC Network)- Southern hasn't won a game since the year 2011. Let that sink in a moment. Arkansas will try and continue to dominate in the running game. Should be a routing by the Razorbacks.

Alabama @ Texas A&M (2:30, CBS)- By far the most anticipated game of this early football season. I don't feel like A&M will be able to stop the Tide. Should be a decently high scoring affair (for the SEC), with Alabama making more key stops. Never bet against Nick Saban.

Tennessee @ Oregon (2:30, ABC)- Tennessee's defense isn't ready for this type of stage yet. They should be able to score points, they just won't be able to stop the Ducks. Could be a long day.

Mississippi State @ Auburn (6:00, ESPN2)- I look for this to be a LOW scoring affair. This has been a great game the past few years, and I expect this to be as well. I think the Bulldogs defense is a bit better, and that is what will determine this game. Mississippi State walks away with what I think will be an ugly win.

Kent State @ LSU (6:00, ESPNU)- Another easy win for the Bayou Bengals.

Vanderbilt @ South Carolina (6:00, ESPN)- A lot of internal problems at SC right now, but I don't expect that to keep them from rolling to a win. Vandy is a one trick pony on offense. If the Gamecocks can take that away, this might be a blowout.

Ole Miss @ Texas (7:00, Longhorn Network)- A game that was highly anticipated coming into the season, has lost most of it's intrigue. Texas is burning to the ground in grand fashion. Mack Brown has lost all control. I expect this to get out of hand. Look for the Rebels to rack up somewhere around 500 yards. Texas will also score a ton, just not enough to keep up with this atrocious defense. FREE MONEY: take the over you degenerate gamblers.

My Record For Predicting SEC Games

Week 1: 11-2
Week 2: 10-2

Other Games I'm Excited About

• UCLA @ Nebraska (11:00, ABC)
• Nevada @ FSU (2:30, ESPN)
• Notre Dame @ Purdue (7:00, ABC)
• Wisconsin @ Arizona State (9:30, ESPN)

In case you missed it this past week in the Notre Dame at Michigan, ESPN decided to bring up Eminem (Marshall Mathers) during the ball game. It lead to one of the most incredibly awkward interviews of ALL TIME. Enjoy.

Still So Much Unknown

14. Kentucky- A much better performance by the Wildcats this week. They finally got the production from QB, Maxwell Smith, they've been looking for. I see signs of improvement which is a testament to the new coaching staff.

13. Missouri- A win is a win, but this was pretty ugly. Mizzou still has a ways to go.

12. Auburn- I'm still not sold on the QB situation at Auburn. And the defense is giving up too many yards. This team has some issues. This week will be a true test.

11. Tennessee- I'm starting to believe in this team. Now I know they haven't played anyone worth a damn these first two weeks, but the potential they show is off the charts. The defense is 1,000,000 times better than last year. I can't believe I'm about to say this, but with the big 3 in the East already with 1 loss each, the Vols might be a sleeper to go to Atlanta. I hope I don't regret that statement.

10. Vanderbilt- It's tough to lose a game like Vandy did the first week of the season and come back to play a solid game like they did. A testament to a wonderful coaching staff. James Franklin continues to impress me more and more.

9. Mississippi State- Alcorn State was just horrendous. The only good things that comes from these games is the younger group gets to come in for mop up duty and you get to see what your future holds. And the future seems to be bright in Starkville.

8. Arkansas- A little more of a struggle than the Razorbacks wanted. But I guarantee Arky loses this game last year. So Coach Bielema is making improvements. Still a ways to go.

7. Ole Miss- Ole Miss must not have wanted to give Texas anything on tape, just like I predicted. I still have NO IDEA who this team is. And it may be a while before we do.

6. Florida- Maybe I'm being over critical, but this team sucks. This offense has not improved one bit since last year. They have no QB, no deep threat on the outside and a "just above average" o-line. Like I said before, this defense will keep the Gators in every game, but they can only do so much.

5. South Carolina- Last week I talked about those internal problems. Well they came back and hurt the Gamecocks. Clowney better get his act together, shut up and just play ball. Luckily they have one of the greatest coaches to ever coach the game, but he better work quick.

4. Texas A&M- Jonathon Manziel looked like what we remember from last year. The kid is an absolute beast, but we already knew that. I still have several concerns on the defensive side of the ball before I completely believe in this team. Still a solid performance.

3. Georgia- The Bulldogs played much better on the defensive side of the ball this week. This win should get them back on track. They are gonna be tough to take down in the East.

2. LSU- I know it was just UAB, but I'm a believer!! I love Les Miles and everything he preaches. Mettenburger is protecting the ball, which was their achilles heel last year. Sky is the limit for this team.

1. Alabama- I wanna know what an off week under Nick Saban is like. I also wonder what he does during saturdays during that of week. I bet he watches games and yells just to make sure he doesn't lose it.

Around College Football

My Top 10

10. Texas A&M

9. Georgia 

 8. Florida State

7. Clemson

6. Ohio State

5. LSU

4. Louisville 

3. Stanford

2. Oregon

1. Alabama

Heisman Watch List

1. Teddy Bridgewater

2. Todd Gurley

3. Jameis Winston
4. Tajh Boyd

5. De'Anthony Thomas

Week 2

Florida @ Miami (FL) (11:00, ESPN)- A rivalry renewed after a 13 year hiatus. Unfortunately a lot has changed in those 13 years. Florida has improved and stayed in the national spotlight. Miami has fallen off hard, and been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. I expect a pretty good butt whipping by the Gators.

Miami (OH) @ Kentucky (11:00, Fox Sports Network)- I have no idea what to think about this Kentucky team. They show flashes of brilliance, then resort back to ways of old. I think this week they find a way. But don't look for it to be easy.

Western Kentucky @ Tennessee (11:21, SEC Network)- Western Kentucky has already taken down one SEC team this year. But this week they have a much more challenging opponent. I look for this to be a great game. Home field advantage will put the Vols over the top.

Alcorn State @ Mississippi State (2:30, CSS)- Dan Mullen's offense just doesn't seem to work with an immobile QB. Well, due to injury, he gets his mobile QB in the form of Dak Prescott. I look for the Bulldogs to try to put this away quickly so they can get there only QB with any experience off the field with a battle at Auburn coming the next week. Prepare to be frustrated this week, Bulldog fans.

Toledo @ Missouri (2:30, ESPNU)- Toledo ran with the big boys for a half or so last week at Florida and I look for them to do the same this week. Physical play from Mizzou will get them over the top in the second half.

South Carolina @Georgia (3:30, ESPN)- The feature matchup in the SEC weekends is a very intriguing one. It's crazy to think week 2 could determine who will represent the SEC East in championship game, but this might be what we have. Georgia looked VERY shaky on defense against Clemson, and SC looked very disinterested last Thursday. With that said, I believe giving Spurrier extra time to prepare, Georgia being sick about a loss this past week and Clowney ready to prove his critics wrong, that this game will go to the Gamecocks. Look for the people of Athens to start calling for Mark Richt's head...again...for like the 100th time.

UAB @ LSU (6:00, ESPNU)- This could get ugly. LSU thinks they looked sloppy on defense against TCU this past week. So they are ready to redeem themselves.

Sam Houston State @ Texas A&M (6:00, ESPN3)- The drama seems to never end with this team. Obviously the Aggies will win. But I will take this opportunity to let you guys know that I'll be doing a special blog post on Jonathon Manziel next Wednesday. I've had several people ask my thoughts on the situation, so I figured I'd share with everyone.

Samford @ Arkansas (6:00, ESPN3)- Arkansas will try and run for 600 yards because, well, Brett Bielema.

SE Missouri State @ Ole Miss (6:00, ESPN3)- This will be a glorified dress rehearsal for next week's game in Austin. I look for Freeze to play a lot of players, not care too much about the score and try and correct some mistakes on defense. Probably not gonna be quite as big a blow out for that reason. (This is for you degenerate gamblers...be careful on this spread)

Arkansas State @ Auburn (6:30, Fox Sports Network)- New team vs. old team for Coach Malzahn. You have to think the kids he left are gonna be gunning for him. That, combined with the fact Auburn just isn't very good, should be pretty close throughout. Tigers on top, but it won't be easy.

Austin Peay @ Vanderbilt (6:30, CSS)- Austin Peay is really really bad. Vanderbilt is really really pissed. This is gonna be all kinds of ugly.

My Record For Predicting SEC Games

Week 1: 11-2

Other Games I'm Excited About

• West Virginia @ Oklahoma (6:00, FOX)
• Texas @ BYU (6:00, ESPN2)
• Notre Dame @ Michigan (7:00, ESPN)
• Washington State @ USC (9:30, FOX Sports)
• San Jose State @ Stanford (10:00, PAC12 Network)

Few things make me happier in college athletics than head coaches being forced to do advertisements they clearly have no desire to do. Well, I found my favorite one, EVER. And you better believe I signed up. Love you, coach.

Feels Good To Be Back

For the 3 or 4 of you that actually read this, I figured you all had something productive to do on your Labor Day. So I waited until Tuesday to publish. YOU'RE WELCOME!! Here we go...

14. Kentucky- :(

13. Missouri- A much improved team. But let's hold off on judging this Tiger team until an SEC opponent comes along.

12. Auburn- The cupboard was left bare at Auburn. The Tigers did good just to win a game with this group. Could be a long year...

11. Tennessee- I saw much more discipline on this team than last year. However, Austin Peay was so bad, so I really don't think it's fair to judge this team at all.

10. Vanderbilt- The game was there to be won. But then Vanderbilt became Vanderbilt. This loss is on James Franklin. I look for this loss to completely derail the Commodores. Gonna be a long year.

9. Mississippi State- Apparently when Dan Mullen fired his Defensive Coordinator this past year, he didn't find it necessary to fire the Offensive Coordinator too. Well I'm sure he is regretting that now. What is a shame about this situation, is no one, not even the bulldog fan base, was giving State a chance to win. Not only did they compete, but with a competent offensive coaching staff, they could have easily won. This defense will keep the Dawgs in almost every game, but if things don't change drastically on offense, it's gonna be a long year in Starkville. 

8. Arkansas- Make no mistakes about it, this was a great win for the Razorbacks. They are so much improved on the offensive line. If they can work out some weak spots on defense, I look for Arky to compete in a lot of games.

7. Ole Miss- The struggles of the Rebels continue from last year. This defense seems to be of no improvement (except for wherever R. Nkemdiche is lined up). And losing Denzel Nkemdiche for 4-6 weeks makes things much worse. Offensively this is as one dimensional team as I saw all weekend. Now these freshmen are absolute studs. Simply incredible. But I have said this many times before: if you lean on freshman in this league, it's gonna be a long year. Now with all that said, the Rebs won. Which is a challenge in this league, no matter how inferior the competition is.

6. Texas A&M- 8-4. Remember you heard it here first...

5. Georgia- This is the one team that I completely whiffed on. Replacing 9 starters on defense was much harder than I anticipated. The Dawgs are about to start 0-2. How will the people of Athens take to that?

4. Florida- I know the Gators ended up winning pretty easily, but they looked very weak on the offensive side of the ball. A concern i predicted they would have from the beginning. The defense looks pretty stellar. Another typical Will Muschamp team.

3. LSU- This team impressed me more than any team in the SEC this weekend. Mettenburger looked like he had complete control of the offense, which he never did last year. I'm not completely convinced, but I'm starting to think they can take down the Tide this year. Only time will tell, especially with a Les Miles coached team.

2. South Carolina- There are playmakers all over the field for this team. The one concern I had was the lack of effort once the team took control of the game. Good teams put their foot on the gas when they have a team down, ready to give up. SC seem to let up. That is a sign of immaturity. If they can fix this problem, this is another team that can beat anyone in the country.

1. Alabama- Replacing what the Tide had, after this past year, would be hard. We all knew that. These kind of games are what Nick Saban dreams about: they kick ass, yet still have so much to learn from. But the sky is the limit for this team. If this offensive line can mesh (they showed some weak spots saturday) then they can make it 3 in a row.

Around College Football

My Top 10

10. LSU

9. Florida State

8. Florida

7. Clemson

6. Ohio State

5. Louisville 

4. South Carolina

3. Sanford

2. Oregon

1. Alabama

Heisman Watch List

1. Teddy Bridgewater

2. Jameis Winston

3. Todd Gurley

4. Christion Jones

5. Tajh Boyd