SEC-West Bowls outlook
The SEC-West was 6-1 SU and 6-1 ATS in last year Bowls, outscoring
their opponents by 165 points, and 27 points margin per win.
The lone loss (21-27) was Tex A&M vs Louisville where the Aggies had
to start a new QB for the Bowl
For the last 5 years, the SEC Bowls record 35-16 SU and 32-19 ATS
ALABAMA (12-0/8-0)
Alabama is still the best team on both sides of the ball. The defense
has allowed only 14 TDs (3 rush and 11 pass) That's what the Tide
have scored on non-offensive TDs this year. The offense has not
broken the 40+ points per game mark until now. The Tide are great
and well balanced on all 3 facets of the game. Tough to beat them
Don't forget the edge of having Nick Saban on the side line.
Awaiting the Tide is a feel-good story team of Washington Huskies.
Under great coach C. Petersen (former legend with Boise ST) the
Huskies thrived in his 3rd year at the helm. A good motivator with an
innovative approach, coach Petersen will present a difficult task for
any opposing team. If anyone believes a 3-scores spread is an easy bet
to cover must either be a Tide homer or an ignorant bettor.
Another note is Tide's OC, Lane Kiffin, may leave so it might impact
his game's preparation (nothing in concrete though)
LSU (7-4/5-3)
LSU are playing well going in to the Bowl season. The Tigers are
going to face the ACC # 1 scoring offense and also the #1 scoring
defense of the Cardinals. Don’t forget about Coach Petrino on the
side line. He's one of the best on-flight game adjustment coaches
The Cardinals have one of the best dual threat QBs in the nation,
likely a Heisman winner, in Lamar Jackson. On the other hand LSU
defense could be the best defense to handle a running QB.
It’s going to be a great match-up and a great game.
AUBURN (8-4/5-3)
Auburn have struggled with poor QB plays. Does not help with QB White
and leading rusher Pettway have been hurt, and missed time on and off.
Defense took a huge step forward under DC Steele first year, improving
more than 10 ppg on scoring defense and 57 ypg on total defense.
Auburn will have hard time to slow down Sooners' top-10 passing attack ,
directed by QB B. Mayfield, the top rated passer in the nation rated at an
incredible 198 QBR. Can the Tigers equalize with their fearsome rushing
attack (#6 in the nation) vs a mediocre run defense (4.6 ypc and #74)?
It’s another great game to watch with that contrasting styles of play.
ARKANSAS (7-5/3-5)
The Hogs are still a team without an identity. They are awfully inconsistent
on both sides of the ball. The offense is lifted with surprising great QB plays
from first time starter Austin Allen. The OL and rushing attack regressed
significantly. The defense is horrendous in most games, both against the run
or through the air. In fact Hogs' rush defense, yards per carry, is the worst
in the entire college football this decade.
However do not under estimate this team. They are capable of scoring on
any team, and with the time off and coach BB under heat, I am sure he
will improve those defensive deficiencies. It’s not talent problems, it’s
coaching's problems, and they should be improved in the Bowl
The Hogs face a tall task this time vs a good Hokies team in the Bowl.
The Hokies are dong extremely well under good first year coach J. Fuente
The defense is solid under long time and well respected DC Bud Foster
The offense is balanced and dangerous with QB J. Evans who has passed
over 3300 yards and rushed for 759 yards.
Despite the Hokies #2 in scoring defense and total defense in ACC, I expect
the Hogs to move the ball and score, and turn the game into a shoot out.
TEXAS A&M (8-4/4-4)
For the past three years, the Aggies started out hot in the first half
of the season only to watch losses piling up in the second half.
This year is no exception. After a 6-0 start and a ranking as high as
a spot in the initial CFP rankings, the Aggies lost four of the last six
games, including losses to both Mississippi teams and a humiliated
loss at home to LSU. In fact their only 2 wins in that span were wins
over 2 horrible teams in NM State and UTSA.
I will wait and see how the mood is in College Station, but as of now
I do not trust the Aggies. A Bowl match-up with a well coached,
and disciplined team of Wildcats is the last thing the Aggies want.
MISSISSIPPI STATE (5-7/3-5)
The Bulldogs must be hyped with a Bowl-invite after a 2-5 record,
including a loss to S. Alabama when their winning FG hit the upright.
Coach Mullen did a good job keeping the offense from falling off
the cliff after losing some key offensive players from last year squad
(anyone watching QB Dak Prescott with Cowboys?)
However the defense regressed big time under new DC Peter Sirmon,
giving up 33.1 ppg (10 more than LY) despite many key players returned
A Bowl with a hot Redhawks (won last 6 games to become Bowl-eligible)
from the MAC is probably good for these wounded Bulldogs to get a win,
to forget a miserable season, and to prepare for next season.