Earlier this week I did the same for the Big 12, now it's big brothers turn as I will look at the SEC. I will stress yet again, I harbor no ill will towards any program. There is no agenda here. Just just random (very) thoughts from yours truly on things around the conference.
Might as well start at the top. With, in my own opinion, the best college football team in the nation. Nick Saban and his Alabama Crimson Tide. It was my thought that after losing two straight to Ole Miss the Tide would come up big and win AND cover the number against the Rebels. Social obligations clashed head on with my work last saturday. We were deeply committed to attending a huge wedding in Kansas City. I could have not gone but felt like a total creep and that is not how I treat me friends. My wife and I went and I decided to get things off to a good start by having lunch at Manny's. Those familiar with KC know Mexican food does not get any better than Manny's. We then checked into the Plaza Marriott and I watched a little early action. But my big one kicked off at 2:30. Bama and Ole Miss. And of course the wedding was set for 3:00. And about a half hour drive to the church. Oh brother. So we get to the church and it's beautiful. The bride is from Overland Park, Ks and like a 5th daughter to us. She attended and graduated from Mizzou and lived with us for a couple of years. Anyway, I sat watching this looooong ceremony while looking down at my phone and the ESPN game cast. It was maddening. Anyway, without dragging this out, I mean we all know what happened. I sat and watched in disbelief as the Tide fell behind, way behind. Then I saw they were steam rolling their way back and actually went ahead. I got some messages from my friend on the forum Kyle, he was communicating with me some. I got back to the hotel with around five minutes to go. The Tide had gone up by 18 points. I felt confident. Not stupid enough to count it as over but confident. Then I watched as Ole Miss scored two touchdowns in about 18 seconds or so. I watched as the onside kick took a crazy bounce. I looked at my wife when I saw that bounce and Reb recovery and told her I was royally screwed. A blind man could see what was about to go down. It was like watching a poor dog walk onto the railroad tracks with a train coming and not be able to stop it. You just knew a bad outcome was in store, and soon. So there it was. As sports bettors we all know the feeling. When those fall into your lap you feel like dancing, whether you have any actual dancing ability or not. When you are on the other side it makes you mad, sick, pissed, ill and about every other negative emotion the human mind can muster. Then of course I had to put on my happy face and attend the reception and party. I don't think I do very well. My wife insisted I made a game effort. But the zombie like state does tend to linger awhile. It was an open bar and the Bud Lights were going down like water. I got to know all the bartenders very well. I tipped them well and never had to wait for the next long neck. There was no driving on my agenda for the night, so, well it was one of those nights. Okay, I got that off my chest. Again. I am sure there are some of you guys who have been through similar ordeals.
Oh, and this week the Tide have a scrimmage basically lined up against Kent. They are favored by a mountain and their record with these crazy games like this against the number is actually not good. Listen, they could win this game by 100 points if they want. We all know Saban will be getting some younger kids and back ups some snaps. Better games out there to bet.
Obviously I was not at the Mizzou and Georgia game as I would have been that night. I kept getting messages from buddies who were there. Emotions ran the whole spectrum. In the end the Tigers allowed a huge score on a 4th and 10 and fumbled away a final chance in the closing moments to seal the deal. They Georgia by the short hairs and let them go. I do think this Missouri team is better and will continue to get better. I think Georgia could be in for a tough game this weekend against Ole Miss. BUT, how will the Reb's rebound. This is now twice they have had significant leads over major heavyweights and blow it both times. Do they come out and take it out on somebody or did it do some real damage to their psyche's. My friends were very impressed with Eason of the Dawgs. The kid has a cannon.
Florida and the Vol's are getting together and I look forward to this one. To me, I see the Gators as a real threat here to take this thing outright. The Vol's are likely better but I have a real, real tough time trusting that bunch with any real dough. They should have lost to Appy State. Facts are indeed stubborn things and the fact is the Gators have owned Tennessee. To the tune of 11 straight wins. No disrespect here for the Vol's, none. But I see a slugfest kind of game coming up and have a real hard time seeing the hosts clear the number.
The Bulldogs managed to cash for me last week covering the number against LSU. They have a lightweight this week as they play U-Mass. They will win this game but I have my doubts about clearing the number. They are 1-2 and need a win, any win. Won't be as easy as many in Bulldog nation would like.
Vandy goes out of league to take on Western Kentucky and sorry fellow SEC fans, they go down. The Hilltoppers are favored by seven and the hook and should be. I look for White to put up some good numbers here, this defense will in no way resemble the wrecking crew he was up against in Bama a couple weeks ago. Quality win here for the Western Kentucky program as they build their bowl resume.
LSU and Auburn clash and this is actually a pretty big game guys. LSU is the better team and should prevail in a real snot bubbler type affair. Les and Gus are both feeling the heat and the loser here will not be in a good spot. I personally think the league is catching up, or caught up to Gus and his offenses. But Miles never seems to get things done easily. I can honestly see this right now either way. I know there will be better defense played than on the other side of the ball. Big question really is how Etling fares and stands up to these hostile surroundings. I have a feeling he will do just fine. I just have a rough time seeing the Auburn offense getting much traction against that salty LSU defense and lets face it, the team in gold has Leonard Fournette. Never hurts to have the best player on the field In a typical, old school, hard hitting game somebody will limp off the field battered but victorious. Likely Miles by the skin of his teeth.
Well Kentucky hosts South Carolina and it frankly is a pillow fight by SEC standards. Somebody has to win this game and Stoops had better hope his kids bring it. I think the Cocks offense sucks, but by the same token I think the Wildcats suck on defense. Like I have often said. What we have here is the big question, who is the toughest stooge in the room. Moe or Curly. Sorry, just have a tough time getting excited about anything in this game. HOWEVER, sometimes the ugliest football games present the best opportunities to cash a huge bet. Unfortunately this is not one of them.
Finally Arkansas plays Texas A&M saturday night. I do have a very strong opinion on this one guys and cannot elaborate as I do not want to tip my hand.
That is it for this week. Like all of you I hope, I have learned some things in these early games. It is now time to apply those lessons and get on a run. Frankly I have yet to load up my college card. I am still burning the midnight oil. I do have a NFL Triple Star in play for the game tonight in Foxboro.
I have no wedding to attend this weekend. Oh, but wait. I am heading to my home town for the weekend and reunion weekend. If I do indeed survive it, I will be back. Good luck guys. And good luck to me too. If you knew my old classmates coming in from all over you would know what I mean. Take care guys, enjoy the games.