Week 10

Texas A&M @ Mississippi State (ESPN, 11:00)- A very intriguing matchup against two teams that many people believe are overachieving at this point in the season. This game hinges around one player, and that player is Johnny Football. This kid is electric, and teams haven't found a way to stop him, only slow him down. The Bulldogs defensive line has struggled with getting pressure on any QB it has faced this year, and if that trend continues, this could be a long day for Mississippi State. However if they keep him in check, I believe the offense can put some points on the board. Home field is gonna play a major role in Saturday's game, and what I believe to the determining factor. The Bulldogs find their winning ways again.

Against the Spread: Mississippi State (+7)

Missouri @ Florida (ESPN2, 11:00)- Poor Missouri...

Against the Spread: Florida (-17)

Vanderbilt @ Kentucky (ESPNU, 11:00)- Your weekly addition of "who cares in the SEC"!!! Again involving Kentucky!!! What a terrible terrible game to think about. Vanderbilt wins, but seriously, who cares?

Against the Spread: Vanderbilt (-7)

Troy @ Tennessee (FSN, 11:00)- HAHAHA it's like the SEC didn't even care this week. Tennessee, but they will struggle, which will make this even harder to watch.

Against the Spread: Troy (+18)

Tulsa @ Arkansas (SEC Network, 11:21)- Ok this is comical how terrible the week is. Arkansas. But let me assure you I did ZERO research for this game.

Against the Spread: Arkansas (-9)

New Mexico State @Auburn (CSS, 11:30)- Are you kidding me?!?! The only thing intriguing about this game is I am picking New Mexico State. Think about that.

Against the Spread: New Mexico State (+22.5)

Ole Miss @ Georgia (CBS, 2:30)- Hey look a game I care about, so let's get back serious. What an exciting match up for both teams, for different reasons. Ole Miss is just trying to continue to prove people wrong and Georgia is trying to win the East. I think both teams have great play at the QB position which means the game will come down to the defenses. And while Hugh Freeze has sold me as a offensive guru, they still struggle big time on the defensive side of the ball. With that and the fact their in Athens forces me to pick the Dawgs. But let me assure, Ole Miss will earn more respect than they lose this game.

Against the Spread: Ole Miss (+14)

Alabama @ LSU (CBS, 7:00)- This game continues to be the most anticipated matchup in the SEC year after year. Now let me first say this, I am excited to watch this game. But I'm gonna go against the grain and say this thing is gonna be one sided. Ok, the Tigers defense is a great unit and playing in Death Valley on a November Saturday night will be awesome, but if you haven't seen Alabama play this year, get ready. They move the ball efficiently behind the best offensive line in the SEC, probably the nation, so they will score. LSU's offense is AWFUL. So match that up against the best defense in the nation, I just don't see where the points will come from. I'm not saying this will be a blow out by any means, but Alabama will once again prove they are #1 on their way to a 15th National Championship.

Against the Spread: Alabama (-8)

My Record For Predicting SEC Games

Week 1: 10-1

Week 2: 9-2

Week 3: 10-2

Week 4: 9-1

Week 5: 6-0

Week 6: 3-3

Week 7: 6-1

Week 8: 6-0

Week 9: 3-3

Overall: 62-13 (83%)

Other Games I'm Excited About

• Texas @ Texas Tech (2:30, ABC)
• Oregon @ USC (6:00, FOX)
• Oklahoma State @ Kansas State (7:00, ABC)

I'll leave you with this: Week after week, CBS televises nationally, the best SEC game of the week. The broadcasting crew of Verne Lundquist and Gary Danielson might be the best in college football. Last week in Jacksonville, the crew got to enjoy a nice meal together, where this little jewel was taken. Look how truly happy Uncle Verne is.

Things Starting To Shape Out

14. Kentucky- I have no more input on this team, probably the rest of the year, unless they win another game.

13. Auburn- Just wow. This team continues to embarrass it's fans week after week. Gene Chizik might be unemployed for many years to come. Who would touch him after such a pathetic job with this team?

12. Arkansas- Another embarrassing performance by a team that has no defense. I wonder if Bobby Petrino feels bad?

11. Missouri- Congrats to the Tigers on their first (and last) SEC win. Not a lot to brag about here but good for them, I guess.

10. Vanderbilt- Vanderbilt beat UMass, which means I could care less and have no desire to put any effort into figuring out how they play.

9. Tennessee- The Vols finally showed a pulse this week, only to throw the game away (literally) at the end of the game. Poor Dooley. I just can't put my finger on what is holding this team back. A real mystery. With the right coach, this team can succeed, no doubt. 

8. Ole Miss- Hugh Freeze has this team 1 win away from bowl eligibility. That is really all that needs to be said. Just an amazing job by him and his staff coming in and making these kids believe. If he can somehow find someone to come in and build a defense (which is still absolutely atrocious) they may can find some sustained success.

7. Texas A&M- Ohhhh Johnny Football. This kid is fun to watch. Not enough good things can be said about how great of a job Kevin Summlin is doing. And with the defense seeming to improve, look out SEC.

6. Mississippi State- Well the Bulldogs finally met their match. They went into a situation and allowed the enormity to overtake them. They were outmatched physically and they were outcoached, which is a recipe for disaster on the road. Now with that said, step back and look at this thing with some perspective. You know who else Alabama is gonna do this to? EVERYONE!!! Now I know you play to win the game, and believe me, I'm disappointed. But this team still has a genuine shot at a 9-10 win season. Enjoy it while you can.

5. South Carolina- Before I say anything about the game I need to say this. I was absolutely heartbroken and sickened to watch the injury to Marcus Lattimore. Such a wonderful athlete, and from what his teammates and coaches say, a wonderful man. I wish him the best of luck in his recovery. 

With that said, I think this game was close because of the injury. The wind was taken out of the sails of the Gamecocks after Marcus went down. I hope this team can rally around him and come out strong and finish the season for him.

4. Florida- The Gators chose the wrong game to choke. They made several uncharacteristic mistakes throughout they game. Which gave us this: 

3. Georgia- The best Game the Bulldogs have played all year. They saved it for a good time. With this win, they now control their own destiny in the SEC East. And with the only SEC games remaining against Ole Miss and Auburn, you couldn't hand pick an easier setup. They did something saturday against Florida that no team has done all year, they forced the Gators to make mistakes. If this team continues to play at this level, they will go 11-1 and no easy out in the SEC championship game.

2. LSU- The Tigers were off, but I assume Les Miles did some really cool stuff.

1. Alabama- I've watched a lot of football in my life, and I can say, with out a doubt, this is the best college football team I have seen play live. (And I've seen the last 6 National Champs play) Fundamentally they are perfect. I've never seen anything like it. Sit back and enjoy what Nick Saban is doing, one day we will look back at him as the greatest college football coach of all time.

Heisman List (Week 3)

5. Braxton Miller

4. Jarvis Jones 

3. A.J. McCaron

2. Manti Te'O

1. Colin Klein

My Top 10

10. Louisville

9. Florida State

8. South Carolina

7. Florida

6. Georgia 

5. LSU

4. Notre Dame

3. Kansas State

2. Oregon

1. Alabama

Week 9

Kentucky @ Missouri (11:00, ESPNU)- In another addition of "who cares in the SEC" we get a match up of 2 teams that are struggling. Luckily for Mizzou they final get an SEC opponent that isn't 100x better talent wise. I will assume no one outside of the families of the players will watch or care about this game. Home field will give the Tigers a slight advantage and ultimately win them the game.
Against The Spread: Kentucky (+13.5)

Tennessee @ South Carolina (11:00, ESPN)- This game is very very intriguing to me. Most think this is a complete mismatch and ultimately the last straw to break in Derek Dooley's employment. But both teams are coming off 2 demoralizing losses, and the Vols have so much more to play for. The USC defense that at one time looked like the best in the nation, has struggled the last few weeks. now with that said, I think the Gamecocks will pull away with a victory, but look for this game to be much closer than the experts think.
Against The Spread: Tennessee (+14)

Ole Miss @ Arkansas (11:21, SEC Network)- If you want offense, HERE'S YOUR GAME. Both teams are coming off a bye week, which always benefits the offense more than defense. Arkansas seemed to find somewhat of a rhythm going into the break, but still look horrendous on defense. Same recipe for Ole Miss. Should be a high scoring and the only edge I see is, not only are the Hogs at home, but they're in Little Rock which always seems to bring out the best in the Hogs.
Against The Spread: Arkansas (-6)

Florida @ Georgia (2:30, CBS)- What a cool match up this is. The 2 will meet up in Jacksonville with the East on the line. This (outside of Bama/LSU next week) has potential to be the defensive matchup of the year. And if that's the case, you have to take which offense you think is better, right? NOT SO FAST MY FRIEND!! I've learned this year to not bet against Will Muschamp. What an incredible job he has done. Florida to once again solidify their spot at #2 in the nation.
Against The Spread: Georgia (+6.5)

Texas A&M @ Auburn (6:00, ESPNU)- Another nail in Gene Chizik's coffin. This is getting really really ugly. I expect a blowout.
Against The Spread: Texas A&M (-15)

UMass @ Vanderbilt (6:00, FSN)- Vandy will be just 2 more wins away from bowl eligibility. Wow. Amazing job by James Franklin.
Against The Spread: UMass (+32.5)

Mississippi State @ Alabama (7:40, ESPN)- Being so emotionally wrapped up in this game I felt it wouldn't be fair for me to pick. So instead here are my keys to victory for both teams:

Mississippi State

• Protect the ball.
• Run the ball effectively.
• Play sound special teams.
• Don't give up the big play.
• Pressure the QB and force him to make a mistake.
• Don't let the enormity of the stage overcome you.

Alabama

• Stay out of 3rd and long.
• Create turnovers.
• Take Tyler Russell out of his comfort zone and make him throw the ball quick.
• Play Nick Saban, mistake free fooball.

Against The Spread: Mississippi State (+24)

My Record For Predicting SEC Games

Week 1: 10-1

Week 2: 9-2

Week 3: 10-2

Week 4: 9-1

Week 5: 6-0

Week 6: 3-3

Week 7: 6-1

Week 8: 6-0

Overall: 59-10 (86%)

Other Games I'm Excited About

• Texas Tech @ Kansas State (2:30, FOX)
• USC @ Arizona (2:30, ABC)
• Notre Dame @ Oklahoma (7:00, ABC)

I'll leave you with this: This Texas season has been just awful. And here is a picture of exactly how Mac Brown feels to this point. HOOK EM' HORNS!!

A Special Interview With @edsbs

When I started writing Blame The Kicker, I really didn't know how people would take to it. But the response thus far has been so cool. It's simply been a dumb man's opinion about the greatest sport there is. So I want to thank all of you that have read it at some point or even to those that haven't read it but told me you have. Many of you have asked me what made me want to do something like this. Well complete boredom lead to this. As well as inspiration from other bloggers. Probably the most influential person out there was a blogger/ tweeter that goes by the name of @edsbs. If you even remotely like sports, and are not following him on twitter, stop what you are doing and go follow him right now. So this past week, I decided to try to contact him. So I got on his blog and found his contact information. Turns out Spencer Hall is the man behind it all. So I emailed him, not really planning on hearing anything back because he is such a busy man. Well within an hour he had returned my email that asked him to do a short interview with me. And this is what we got. The man is a brilliant writer as well as hilarious, so I hope you all enjoy.

Rob: What Lead you to the profession? How did you get where you are today?

Spencer: Complete randomness led me here. I was underemployed and didn't fit in on regular message boards, so I inadvertently made my own. I was terrible at it, but kept doing it. Timing mattered a lot: I did this in 2005 when very few people were doing it. Today I doubt that would be the same situation, but I lucked out. That's a big part of it, and no matter how untalented or talented you may be luck and randomness is always a huge part of it.

The rest was doing the same thing every day and not doing the same thing every day all at the same time. I'd try to write every day, and yet not write the same way every day. 

Rob: What you do at EDSBD and SB Nation, in my opinion, is the most informing/ funniest thing going in college football. Is it fun for you? Or is it like any other job?

Spencer: It's fun for me, though the management element is like any management. It's necessary, and it will make you rip your own teeth out at things like "how disorganized you are as a person," and "why can't other people read the brilliant and unspoken thoughts in my head on their own." As always, the only real disappointments I have are with myself in this department, not the people I work with.

Rob: In your opinion, why are Americans, and more specifically southerns,  so passionate about college football?

Spencer: The answer is pretty simple: market demand and supply. Pro football didn't have a team in the South, so the college teams filled that demand. Unlike NFL teams, those teams had the built-in branding of being from someplace distinctive, and thus could forever be far more distinct from one another (to the local, at least) than pro teams ever could.

Rob: I know you did a story on the Mississippi State football program this past spring. And as a lifelong resident of Mississippi, I realize we are for the most part irrelevant to the rest of the nation. How do you personally perceive Mississippi State and it's football program?

Spencer: Mississippi State is its mascot: undersized compared to larger dogs, cursed by basic genetics a lot of the time, and often unable to catch up with its short legs and breathing issues. Yet, in the right circumstances, it can take a leg or a hand off if you're not careful. Underestimated and overachieving: that's Miss State for much of its history.

Rob: Halfway though the season the Bulldogs are 7-0, but the argument is they haven't played anyone. Assuming you have watched them multiple times this year, are they legit? Can Dan Mullen compete year in and year out in such a tough conference?

Spencer: I've watched probably three full games, and they are legit, particularly on defense. The offense doesn't have anyone who will pop the eyeballs, but they don't turn it over, move the ball efficiently, and run better than you might think on first glance. If real is "competitive, and with breaks could beat Alabama?" then they are real. But you need a lot of breaks to do that, and zero injuries at key positions.


I want to thank Spencer again for taking time out of his busy life to chat with me. Seriously, go follow him on Twitter right now. See you guys Friday.

Mass Confusion

14. Kentucky- Finally saw a little life against Georgia, but it's all too little too late. Joker is counting down the weeks until unemployment. Now it's a matter of pride for these kids. As hard as it is to watch, it's the nature of the beast that is the SEC.

13. Auburn- And the farewell tour for Gene Chizik has official begun. He is exactly who we thought he was when he was initially hired, and that is a fraud. The job he has done this year is unacceptable. The man should be fired and never be given an opportunity to be a head coach again.

12. Arkansas- The Hogs were off, but I bet John L. Smith filed for bankruptcy again.

11. Missouri- The Tigers were off. I wonder if Gary Pinkle has quit crying yet. S-E-C!!

10. Tennessee- The Vols looked good in spurts, but just couldn't find any kind of rhythm against the #1 team in the nation. The Defense just can't seem to get any big stops. The seat of Derek Dooley is getting really really hot.

9. Ole Miss- EVEN DURING THE OFF WEEK, PARTIES WERE STILL WON.

8. Vanderbilt- Impressive win for Commodores. I continue to be impressed by job James Franklin is doing with Vandy. They took charge of the game and made a weak/demoralized Auburn team pay. Vandy's goal of making a bowl is in sight and can most definitely be obtained.

7. Texas A&M- No doubt about it, the Aggies had this game in hand, it was theirs to win, and they blew. That's life in the SEC. Johnny Manziel, who was somewhat effective, was mostly brought back down to earth by a swarming fast defense. A&M still, in my opinion is overachieving and making great strides under first year head coach Kevin Sumlin.

6. Georgia- What an embarrassment this Georgia team has been of late. To go to arguably the worst team in recent SEC history and struggle to win late is the most Mark Richt thing we've seen this year. Their "high powered" offense was held in check by a Kentucky defense that has struggled all year and is littered with freshman. Georgia better wake up, or once again a Mark Richt team will vastly underachieve.

5. South Carolina- The Gamecocks shot themselves in the foot the first play from scrimmage and then seemed to do it the entire game. Very uncharacteristic of a Steve Spurrier coached team. This two week stretch was gonna define the Gamecocks season, and they failed to come away with either victory. A lot of things need to happen now for them to have a shot at the East.

4. Mississippi State- Yet another uninspired 1st half performance, which is very discouraging. To only have 12 guaranteed games a year, you should come out fighting and hungry every game. With that said, the Bulldogs showed how good they could be in the 2nd half. A balanced attack with contributions from a number of players. Tyler Russell continues to impress, protecting the ball (for the most part). If the defense can find a way to get a pass rush these last few weeks, this really might be a special year.

3. LSU- Les Miles continues to just find a way. With zero offense, and a subpar defensive effort, the Tigers find a way and escape with a W. A lot of thing need to happen to have a chance to compete for the West, but LSU isn't going anywhere, especially with that kind of defense.

2. Florida- The Gators continue to impress me more and more. This defense is for real. Not enough good things can be said about the job Will Muschamp has done. They have just enough offense to keep them in every game, and a QB that simply manages the game. They 100% deserve to be the #2 team in the nation. Barring some serious craziness it seems that they might have played their way back to Atlanta.

1. Alabama- Just a another solid performance, solidifying their spot atop college football. To go to Knoxville, and shut down such a prolific offense is a thing of beauty. A.J. McCarron might be the best QB Saban has had in his short tenure, which is a scary thought. This team is fun to watch and Nick Saban is the elite coach of our time.

Heisman List (Week 3)

5. A.J. McCarron

4. Matt Barkley

3. Braxton Miller

2. Manti Te'O

1. Colin Klein

My Top 10

10. Florida State

9. Oklahoma

8. Oregon State

7. Ohio State

6. Notre Dame 

5. LSU

4. Kansas State

3. Florida

2. Oregon

1. Alabama

Week 8

LSU @ Texas A&M (11:00, ESPN)- Time to finally see if "Johnny football" is for real. The kid has been incredible in his freshman campaign, but to be fair he really hasn't played a defense with a pulse since Florida came to College Station to beat them. And this is arguably the best defense in the nation. LSU is looking to regain it's credibility after stumbling 2 weeks ago. They will once again regain their identity and run all over the Aggies. I look for an exciting game, but the Tiger will just be too much.
Against the spread: LSU (-3)

Auburn @ Vanderbilt (11:21, SEC Network)- HAHAHAHA Auburn is an underdog to Vandy. I want that to sink in with you all for just a second...

I look for this game to be incredibly sloppy. But being at home is the only advantage I see to sway me one way or the other. That and the fact Auburn doesn't have a QB worthy of starting on a intramural flag football team. Vandy to win, putting the first of many nails in Gene Chizik's coffin.
Against the Spread: Vanderbilt (-6.5)

South Carolina @ Florida (2:30, CBS)- Oh what a matchup. The ole ball coach returning home. The Gators ready to prove they're for real. Everything about this game is exciting. Expect a defensive battle the whole game. The only edge I see is the fact Marcus Lattimore will not start and may not even play due to injury. If this is the case, the Gamecocks have little to no chance. Florida to defend home field and once again remind the nation they are legit.
Against the Spread: Florida (-3.5)

Alabama @ Tennessee (6:00, ESPN)- I would give any amount of money to be in the room when the first idiot reporter asks a question to Nick Saban regarding the rumors that the Cleveland Brown are actively pursuing him as their next head coach. I'm taking Bama in a route. Poor Derek Dooley...
Against the Spread: Alabama (-20)

Georgia @ Kentucky (6:00, FSN)- More people in the state of Kentucky cared about the first preseason basketball ranking coming out Wednesday than care about this game. Georgia is ready to get back on track, so this one could get really really ugly.
Against the Spread: Georgia (-26)

Middle Tennessee @ Mississippi State (6:00, ESPN2)- Coming off a huge program win for the Bulldogs, is this set up to be a trap game? Well I believe both yes and no. The Bulldogs seem to be hungry but have also shown a problem with getting up for these types of games. I expect the Bulldogs to try and dominate the game on the ground, giving the OL confidence going into next week. Although it might not be as pretty as some will want it, the Dawgs walk away 7-0.
Against the Spread: Mississippi State (-19)

My Record For Predicting SEC Games

Week 1: 10-1

Week 2: 9-2

Week 3: 10-2

Week 4: 9-1

Week 5: 6-0

Week 6: 3-3

Week 7: 6-1

Overall: 53-10 (84%)

Other Games I'm Excited About

• Stanford @ California (2:00, FOX)
• BYU @ Notre Dame (2:30, NBC)
• Texas Tech @ TCU (2:30, ABC/ESPN)
• Kansas State @ West Virginia (6:00, FOX)

I'll leave you with this: Last week, one of the best guys in the business of sports Scott Van Pelt, interviewed Les Miles in his office. It was revealed that these were the chairs in that office. A GROWN MAN WITH THESE CHAIRS. NEVER CHANGE LES, PLEASE NEVER CHANGE.

Things are starting to get heated.

14. Kentucky- Things are becoming increasingly sadder for the Wildcats. I really believe they will not win another game. The biggest question looming around this football team is who will they hire next year as their new head coach.

13. Auburn- This coaching job is simply unacceptable. I don't know that there has been a bigger drop off in the history of college football after winning a National Championship just 2 years ago. Karma is the only thing that can explain such performance.

12. Arkansas- Nothing like giving your team a little confidence with a game against Kentucky. The Hogs finally looked like we thought they would coming into this season. If teams aren't careful, Arkansas might play spoiler by year's end.

11. Missouri- So how you kids liking the SEC so far? This was a tall order to beat the #1 team in the nation, coming off a bye week with Nick Saban running the ship, without their starting QB. Missouri is learning very quickly that undersized linemen in the SEC just don't work.

10. Vanderbilt- This team seems to be competitive every game they play at home. Unfortunately that gets you no where in the SEC. Still very impressed with the coaching job James Franklin has done, but they are still a few playmakers away from being a serious threat.

9. Ole Miss- Probably the biggest turn around for an offense I've seen in a long long time. This team can put up points, and put them up fast. Bo Wallace can make things happen in a big way. If he can learn to quit throwing interceptions, the Rebels might can play spoiler this year in several games. The defense still has a long ways to go, but this team is on track to make a bowl, which was unthinkable at the beginning of the season.

8. Tennessee- This team was taken out of rhythm from the beginning drive and just never seemed to recover. The offensive side of the ball is littered with talent, but somehow, it seemed that they were never on the field enough to find that rhythm. Tyler Bray was held to his lowest passing total this year. And while he didn't make any giant mistakes, he seemed to be frustrated all night. Derek Dooley's seat, that was hot walking into this game, is getting scalding hot. He may not survive October.

7. Texas A&M- Winning is really all that matters at the end of the day, but this game was a huge let down in my opinion. To be up 21-0 with an offense that seemed to be able to score at will, and then struggle to stay alive in the final seconds is completely unacceptable. Johnny Manziel is slowly becoming the most electrifying player to watch in the SEC. The kid can play, and he's only a freshman. We'll see if this type of sloppy play comes back to bite them when they play a higher level of competition.

6. Mississippi State- It was time for the Bulldogs to put up or shut up. And they answered the call with an absolutely electrifying performance on the offensive side of the ball. Tyler Russell once again put up solid numbers while protecting the ball. He's managing the game exactly how Dan Mullen needs him to. And then, in true Mississippi State fashion, the "bend-don't-break" defense makes a huge play just when they needed it, via Jonathon Banks, to take away any momentum that Tennessee was starting to find. Half way through the season the Bulldogs are undefeated, tied for 1st in the SEC West and at #12 in the BCS poll. There is plenty of reason for excitement in Starkville.

5. Georgia- The Bulldogs were off this week, but I assume Mark Richt made some terrible decisions.

4. South Carolina- The Gamecocks ran into Death Valley and came out limping. What this team seemed to be the best at, run-defense, was taken advantage of and gashed for big runs all day. Death Valley really is a place where championship dreams go to die, as Les Miles claimed. The ole ball coach just couldn't find enough offense to get over the hump.

3. LSU- The Tigers reminded the nation that they aren't going anywhere anytime soon. And that they still might have the best defense in the nation. They put it to South Carolina, hitting them in the mouth and daring the Gamecocks to try and turn it into a physical game. That is a game you can not win against LSU especially when they are in Death Valley.

2. Florida- A classic hangover game coming off a big win, but the Gators walk away from Nashville with a win, which is all that matters. This defense continues to impress. In fact they have been so impressive the BCS has them at #2 in the nation. The Gators are back and might just be for real.

1. Alabama- This team is head and shoulders above any other team in the nation. And still, Nick Saban hates everything...

Heisman List (Week 3)

5. Jedeveon Clowney

4. Braxton Miller  

3. Manti Te'O

2. Colin Klein

1. Geno Smith

My Top 10

10. Oregon State

9. Ohio State

8. Georgia

7. Notre Dame

6. South Carolina 

5. LSU

4. Kansas State

3. Florida

2. Oregon

1. Alabama