Each week I will be taking a look at the most notorious conference in college football. No league garners more love or hate. I never really noticed or paid much attention until my team joined the league. College football is like a religion to many in this league. The passion is unlike anything I ever observed in the Big 12. On the flip side there is a real burning hatred for the conference around the country with some. As for me personally I think both sides are a bit too full tilt. It's college football guys. I love college football but my life does not revolve around the results of a game. As they say, to each their own. Anyway I am going to take a look at this weeks match ups and offer up some personal random observations. I have no axe to grind. No agenda. Hell, I am a Missouri guy. How could I talk smack on any other program right now.
MISSOURI vs TENNESSEE: After a long dry spell the Tigers finally won another league game last saturday. Vanderbilt had every opportunity to get the win but couldn't do it. Since head coach Barry Odom took over the defense from DC Demonte Cross the unit seems to be playing better. Does not bode well for Cross's future. The offense is, well, hard to watch. Drew Lock can wing it with the best of them. Problem is nobody is ever quite sure where it's going and if his wide outs will actually catch the ball. The Tiger offense seems to bog down on the road as they average less than two touchdowns per road game. That does not set up well this weekend in Knoxville. The Vol's need this win badly in their quest for a possible east title. The Tigers locker room last saturday resembled a team that had just won something big, not just a home win over Vandy. They were jumping around like jumping beans. That is just how far things have slipped here. I hate saying this, hate it. But I kind of think Tennessee whips Missouri's ass this saturday.
Florida vs LSU: Man I have a very tough time envisioning the Gators putting together much on offense against this Tigers defense. If you like physical, tough football with lot's of snot bubblers then this game will be right up your alley. One other little thing to note in this one is the fact these two don't really like one another and the whole mess with the scheduling during the storm only tossed some more fuel on the simmering fire. Motivation will not be lacking this saturday. In the end I just cannot get over the idea the Gators will sputter on offense and I can see LSU prevailing here when the dust settles by a couple of scores. Florida sorely wants the east title to earn the right to get steamrolled by Bama in the title game.
MISSISSIPPI vs VANDERBILT: I am truly curious to see how Vandy responds this week after that very rough outing in Columbia last saturday against Mizzou. That was not a game they expected to lose. Yes, they were dogs but that team arrived in town fully expecting to kick the Tigers while they were down and they blew it. Kyle Shurmur had been playing well but that was a set back. Now he is back on his home turf squaring off against a stiffer foe than Mizzou. To me it is no secret what the Commodores need to do, they need to run and then run some more. That Ole Miss run defense is, well, lousy. THAT is the chance here for Vandy. To be candid this is not a game that generates much juice. As I type this up the Reb's are laying ten points and that seems pretty much spot on. Better opportunities elsewhere I say.
ARKANSAS vs MISSISSIPPI STATE: I confess guys, I have a real hard time getting any kind of handle on this Arkansas team. Too inconsistent and the type of club that will drive a bettor to drink, (some more) and take years off your life trying to predict. Sometimes there are just teams like that. Missouri was like that when I was a kid. They would be USC, Michigan, Ohio State, etc then lose to Kansas. I recall hearing things come out of my dads mouth that were words I just was not familiar with yet. But my old man was retired naval air corps, and you know the saying, cusses like a sailor. Anyway, I digress. I was a little shocked last week that the Bulldogs just got mugged at Alabama. I expected them to be more competitive but the Tide just seems to be getting better each week. I overhead something on ESPN about Mel Kiper's top prospects list and something like 20% of the damn thing were defensive players for Alabama. Good grief. So, getting stuffed by the Tide is not really something to hang your head about. Just ask LSU and USC, and those are two pretty salty teams. The number is Bulldogs laying two and I think at home pride kicks in and the Bulldogs win and clear the little number against the Piglets.
There are some other games involving league teams but I expect nobody to stub their toes.
On the business side I have been doing very well with my football featured releases. 17-5 with them since late september. I have two lined up for this weekend. One is my top release in college for saturday and a Triple Star Rabid Dog sunday. The NFL Triples are hitting at a 70% clip this season and long term their success is well documented. One other important, or at least I think it is, thing to note is last saturday in college football I got used, abused, crushed and blow away. If it could go wrong, well it did. Every time I checked a game something bad was happening for my teams. Every damn time. If it could go wrong it did. I felt like a fire hydrant in the middle of a dog parade. Now why would I mention this? It is not good for sales. Admitting a disaster day is a sure fire sales killer. Well, I am old school. I am doing it because it is the right thing to do. Everyone who is honest about it has had those days. I laugh at people who try to pretend otherwise. I have been betting on sports since the 70's. I know better. Do I expect to bounce back this weekend? Oh hell yes, I usually do. Probably is not a better time to come on board. Anyway, one of the things that most get's on folks last nerve are sports services who only tout and crow about their winners and vanish or ignore losing days or swings. I don't play that game.
Okay, that is a wrap for this week. Exciting times with football and hoops. So much ground to cover. Time to get back at it. Thanks and best of luck this weekend guys.