Friday, November 6, 2009

SEC Football Blogger

It’s Gimme Week at the SEC ballpark (SEC Lines Week 10)

Posted: 06 Nov 2009 12:42 PM PST

It’s Gimme Week at the SEC ballpark

I mean really. Four games versus the Division 1-AA is the sort of thing that the rest of the world looks at when they get sick and tired of the medias talk of the SEC as the single greatest conference of all time. So you know what that means?

Auburn
Ole Miss
Georgia
Kentucky

You get a gimme to better your bowl eligibility. Congratulations.

As for the ones with guts and nuts?

LSU at -7.5 Alabama

Suddenly, this game gets interesting after Alabama goes on a bye and LSU blanked Tulane 42-0. In the perception game? It’s going to be a classic. In the actual game? Take Bama. They can run the ball and defend well enough that they should answer Florida with a 13-3 win over LSU on their own.

Vanderbilt +35 at Florida

The half game suspension and the half game self-imposed benching for Brandon Spikes will allow Vanderbilt to move the ball somewhat. Vanderbilt has always been somewhat unbreakable on defense, even in their weakened state. Last week was a bit of an abberation. I think Florida gets to 40. But Vanderbilt gets to seven. That’s a cover.

South Carolina +7 at Arkansas

Ten weeks in and these two teams wax and wane so wildly that you cannot get a bead on these teams. Is South Carolina in a swoon? How could Arkansas let Eastern Michigan cover? Am I asking rhetorical questions in an effort to pad my word count? Suffice it to say, take the fighting Stephen Garcias.

Memphis at -26 Tennessee

At least this game has a local justification. Even if this is as much of a gimme as the other SEC non-conference games on the docket. The defense is stout, and game manager Crompton is a force of competency that will get a four touchdown win.

Last Week: 3-4
Overall: 35-26

Alabama vs LSU, Prediction Pick, 2009

Posted: 06 Nov 2009 06:19 AM PST

Alabama vs LSU, Prediction Pick, 2009

LSU journey’s to Tuscaloosa this week to face the No. 3 team in the nation, the Crimson Tide. This will be Nick Saban’s second showdown with his former team. Coach Saban has tried to downplay that aspect of this game. Even without the history between Saban and LSU this is one of the most anticipated games of the season. It is a top 10 match-up that could have a major impact on the SEC championship. If Alabama wins Saturday they will clinch the SEC West, if they lose they could possibly miss the trip to Atlanta. Both teams have a lot of luck on their side. Nobody doubts Alabama’s luck after their win against Tennessee, and who can doubt Les Miles’ luck after their games against Georgia and Mississippi State.

LSU and Alabama are statistically very similar teams. Both teams have very strong defenses, and both teams quarterbacks have very similar stats. LSU’s biggest weakness I think will be third rushing defense which has been allowing an average of 114 yards per game this season. Alabama’s Achilles’ heel seems to be their ability to convert in the red zone. With both teams weaknesses and strengths the performance of a few key players on each team could be the deciding factor.

LSU has two of the strongest receivers in the SEC in Terrance Toliver and Brandon LaFell. If they are able to break free consistently on Saturday it could spell disaster for the Tide. Add to that running back Charles Scott who seems to be ready for a breakout performance this season, and LSU’s offense could cause some damage.

Alabama’s big offensive weapon is obviously Mark Ingram. With already over a 1,000 yards rushing this season, Ingram will come into this game rested and ready to go I’m sure. This week will probably be the performance of the season for Ingram. Alabama also has Julio Jones, who just like LSU’s Charles Scott, is prime for a breakout performance. Add to that Marquis Maze and Trent Richardson, and Alabama has the offensive weapons to reek havoc on the LSU defense as well.

I think this could be one of the best games of the season. Many are predicting this to be a relatively low scoring game. I think I agree with that. I do expect Alabama to pull it out by at least one touchdown. Right now my prediction is Alabama wins 24-17.

Visits

Archive