SEC Week 9 Predictions

                                                       Courtesy of secrant.com


Last week saw Auburn and Arkansas go to 4 Overtimes in Fayetteville, Tennessee outplay Alabama for 3 1/2 quarters but fall behind when it mattered, and Texas A&M get exposed in Oxford.  The biggest game this weekend is the annual World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party in Actionville between the Bulldogs and Gators.  This game likely decides who goes to Atlanta, so it's easily the most important game of the weekend.  With Halloween falling on a Saturday this year, let's take a look at the predictions for Week 9.  

                                                         Courtesy of SBNation.com

Ole Miss  -7.5
at Auburn

Ole Miss and Laquon Treadwell have had this game marked on their calendar since last year.  The Rebels season was crushed last year after Treadwell suffered a horrific injury at the goal line and fumbled the ball, that Auburn recovered to secure a victory.  This game he's going off.  Treadwell has been waiting for this game for 12 months.  Hugh Freeze has said Ole Miss doesn't play revenge games, and if you believe that, you're likely going trick-or-treating tonight.  This game is the definition of a revenge game.  Auburn's defense is shaky, their QB play is shaky, and they spent 4 OTs getting pounded by the Arkansas run game.  Ole Miss is going to come out guns blazing and throw the ball like the 2007 Patriots.  Ole Miss has been hot and cold all season; they haven't had a close game all year.  They either blow out the opponent or get blown out.  This should be an Ole Miss win and cover.  Rebels 35 Tigers 17.

                                                                       Courtesy of zimbio.com

South Carolina
at Texas A&M   - 15.5

Jeez, that's a lot of points.  Kyler Murray will get the start for the Aggies against the Gamecocks, because Kyle Allen was awful against the Rebs last Saturday.  He was 12-34 for 88 yards and 1 INT.  Today, the Aggies get back on track against a bad Gamecock team that has struggled all year.  The Gamecocks are 3-4 and they'll be 3-5 after a sloppy game with bad weather in College Station today.  Aggies 28 Gamecocks 14.

                                                                Courtesy of ocalapost.com

Georgia
at Florida   -2

Mark Richt's seat might get hot if he loses this game.  I don't think he'll be fired this year, but he might look to South Beach if the Bulldogs drop this game.  Mark Richt has thrived though in games where people are calling for his job.  Georgia is breaking in a new QB this week, as Faton Bauta is starting the Dawgs.  Georgia might pull the upset today, but I'm still going with the Gators.  I think it's pretty clear that the Gators are the best team in the SEC East.  Gators 24 Bulldogs 20.

                                                           Courtesy of or-politics.com

UT Martin
at Arkansas  -37

That was a hell of a victory for the Hogs last week as they outlasted Auburn in 4 OTs.  They'll essentially get a bye week against UT Martin.  Look for Arkansas to do what they do best in running the ball.  This game should be over by the end of the 1st quarter.  Arkansas 45 UT Martin 7.

                                            Courtesy of saturdaydownsouth.com

Vanderbilt
at Houston    -10.5

Derek Mason has done a better job than many people thought he would, and he'll probably get one more year to turn things around at Vandy.  Houston is the better team though, and they'll get the win at home against the Commodores.  Tom Herman won't be at Houston next year, as he'll get a much better job, with much better pay.  Cougars 34 Vandy 17.

                                                        Courtesy of tennesseean.com

Tennessee      -9
at Kentucky

Tennessee fans saw their team lose a heart-breaker yet again to Bama on Saturday.  The Vols fell to 3-4, but they'll be favored in every game going forward, so 8-4 is a very reasonable finish for Tennessee, as they have Kentucky, SC, North Texas, Mizzou, and Vandy left on their schedule.  Kentucky is 4-3, but their best win is against a Mizzou team that couldn't find the end zone if their lives depended on it.  Tennessee gets the win in Lexington today.  Vols 32 Kentucky 20.

                                              Courtesy of saturdaydownsouth.com

This is somewhat of a light week for the SEC.  LSU and Bama are both off this week as they get ready for a clash in Tuscaloosa that could decide the SEC West.  Happy Halloween!  Cheers!

   

Are The Carolina Panthers for real?

                                                                Courtesy of charlotteobserver.com

Yes.  The Carolina Panthers are for real, and I'll explain why.

                                                                              Courtesy of SBNation.com

CAM NEWTON

Experts and analysts have been saying Cam Newton is having a MVP caliber season.  If you look solely at the numbers, he's not.  He ranks 26th in Passing Yards, 30th in Completion Percentage, 28th in QB rating, and he has 9 Touchdowns to 7 Interceptions.  Those numbers aren't even close to being a mediocre QB, let alone someone in the category of being a considered the Most Valuable Player in the league.  

Here's where he is shining though.  He's rushed for 245 yards, averaging 4.5 yards per carry, with 4 Touchdowns.  Those 4 TDs are tied for 4th in the league.  That's not among QBs, but all players.  Here's a list of Running Backs Cam Newton has more rushing touchdowns than this year, and keep in mind the Panthers have already had their BYE week:  Frank Gore, Adrian Peterson, Chris Johnson, DeMarco Murray, Doug Martin, Marshawn Lynch, and Matt Forte.  

If you're looking for gaudy passing stats, here's some information you may find interesting, the No. 1 QB in the league based on Passing Yards is Philip Rivers, and his team is 2-5.  The top QB in the league in terms of Completion Percentage is Brandon Weeden, who is 0-2 in his two starts this year, and recently got replaced by Matt Cassel.  The point being, while yards and completion percentage are nice, those numbers can be skewed by garbage time yards, when the game is already over, and the QB has to throw the ball to come from behind.  Cam had his best statistical season in 2011, his rookie year, and that team was 6-10.  In contrast, the Panthers are 6-0 right now.  

So, why is Cam part of the reason the Panthers are winning?  

He's playing in a Run-First system, and he's a weapon running and throwing the football.  I can't believe I'm about to write this, but Mike Shula was a better Offensive Coordinator than Chip Kelly on Sunday Night.  His play calling was far better.  The Panthers won the game by 11 points, and if it hadn't been for a Ted Ginn fumble (that was not an Interception, as Ginn had the ball wrestled away from him after maintaining possession and taking multiple steps, not to mention he was arguably down before he lost possession), they'd have won by 18 or more.  I've watched every Panthers game this season, and it's evident that Mike Shula has gotten far better at calling plays than the previous years.  He's been great at mixing up the run and the pass.  

                                                             Courtesy of catscratchreader.com

Secondly, he's the best QB in the league at the read-option.  When you've got Cam Newton 6'5 245 lbs, Jonathan Stewart 5'10 235 lbs, and Mike Tolbert 5'9 245 lbs in the backfield, that's a lot of weight to account for.  His ability to read the defense and hand it off or keep the ball himself is second to none.  Additionally, his ability to play fake on play action pass is phenomenal.  Take a look at this reverse play.  Newton drifts up field as if it's a designed QB run, and both linebackers bite and come up to stop the run, and he pitches it to Ted Ginn, Jr. and the Eagles are caught completely out of position.  Kalil, Tolbert, and Olsen are all out in front to block and Ginn takes off for a huge gain.  

                                                             Courtesy of catscratchreader.com

Lastly, he's been playing with a receiving corps that isn't exactly elite.  Greg Olsen is the 2nd best TE in the NFL behind Gronk.  I feel comfortable saying that.  He's better than Jimmy Graham, and he's better than Gary Barnidge, Travis Kelce, and Jason Witten.  

But, after Olsen his top 2 receiving targets are Ted Ginn, Jr. and Philly Brown.  Those wide outs would be No. 3s on just about any other team in the NFL, and they are the starting No. 1 and No. 2 WRs on a 6-0 team.  I'm not even going to go into detail on Devin Funchess, who drops 3 passes for every 1 he catches.  He's clearly a rookie and has a long way to go.

There's been a lot of talk about the Panthers trading for Anquan Boldin, but I'm not sure it's good to mess with this team's chemistry right now.  They have their identity and it's based on a run-first offense with a strong defense.

                                                            Courtesy of si.com

RUNNING GAME

Do the Panthers have the best offensive line in the league?  No, but it's vastly improved from last year.  Ryan Kalil might be the best center in the league, and Michael Oher, while not an elite Left Tackle is better than Byron Bell and has been serviceable this year.  Trai Turner is a very good Right Guard, while Mike Remmers and Andrew Norwell have been solid all season.  Cam hasn't been pressured like he was last season, and he has the guys up front to thank for that. 

This offensive line play has resulted in the Panthers being 1st in the league in rushing yards per game.  Jonathan Stewart is 11th in the league and Cam Newton is 33rd in the league in rushing yards per game respectively.  On top of that Mike "Toldozer" Tolber is a short yardage and goal line threat based on his size and elusiveness.  Go watch the Touchdown against the Eagles on Sunday Night.  Here's the link....

https://fansided.com/2015/10/25/mike-tolbert-bulls-his-way-to-td-video/

Look at how many players had a shot to bring him down.  It's like trying to stop a 245 lb wrecking ball covered in grease.  

Every Defensive Coordinator in the league knows the Panthers will run the ball first, and they still can't stop them because of their versatility.  They have 3 players in the backfield who can run the ball effectively, and I'm not even talking about Fozzy Whitaker and Cameron Artis Payne.  

                                                   Courtesy of charlotteobserver.com

DEFENSE    

This defense is elite.  They are No. 1 in the NFL in overall Team Defense.   They have arguably the best defensive player in the league, not named JJ Watt, in Luke Kuechly.  This guy is going to end up in Canton.  He's a Hall of Fame Linebacker right now.  His instincts, pass coverage ability, and run stopping make him a human highlight reel.  He averages nearly 10-11 tackles a game, and it seems like he's in on every play.  

                                                           Courtesy of reddit.com

Secondly, his counter is Thomas Davis.  If you watched the game Sunday Night, Thomas Davis was lighting people up like Deebo in Friday.

                                                                  Courtesy of tumbler.com

He was an absolute beast.  Davis is 11th in the NFL in tackles and his story of coming back from 3 ACL surgeries on the SAME DAMN LEG is unparalleled.  This guy shouldn't be able to walk normally, let alone run and keep up with WRs.  He's a human cyborg.  

Welcome to J-No Island.  Josh Norman is going to get paid this off-season.  He's a top 5 NFL Corner right now.  Opposing QBs aren't even throwing the ball anywhere near him in recent weeks.  He beat New Orleans with his last second interception, and his tipped pass against Zach Ertz kept Philly out of the End Zone on Sunday night. 

The best part about Norman:  He's a complete trash talking, swagger hound, shut down corner.  Every team needs a guy who runs his mouth and can back it up.   You need that intensity and confidence that says, COME AT ME BRO AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS!  If you have a bunch of choir boys on your team that never get under anyone's skin, good luck winning a championship.  

I don't care if the Panthers franchise tag Josh Norman, or sign him to a long term deal, but every Panthers fan in the world right now is sitting like Teddy KGB in Rounders after he loses the poker game to Matt Damon.  

The Defensive Line, while not elite, has been very good.  KK Short has been wreaking havoc on opposing QBs the last 2 weeks.  He has 5 sacks and a forced fumble in the last 2 games as a Defensive Tackle.  That's a good season for most defensive tackles, let alone 2 games.   Look at this play he made against Sam Bradford Sunday Night.  He brings Bradford down with one hand while being blocked by Allen Barbre.  That's some serious strength.  

                                                 Courtesy of catscratchreader.com

Jared Allen came over in a trade from the Bears earlier this season, and what is it with the Bears and just giving the Panthers awesome players?  Greg Olsen, Charles Tillman, Jared Allen, jeez, Panthers fans should send the Bears General Manager Christmas Gifts until the end of time.  Allen showed up late against the Eagles to stop their final drive, and secured the win for the Panthers.  With Charles Johnson out, he's done a phenomenal job so far, and was definitely worth the 6th round pick.  By the way, the Bears are still paying for the vast majority of Allen's contract, $11.5 million, while Carolina is paying him $823,529.00.  He's already earned that much if he never plays another down this year.    

                                                             Courtesy of antennamag.com

The old cliche is offense wins games, defense wins championships.  The model has already been proven.  San Francisco, Baltimore, and Seattle in recent memory have shown you can win big with an elite defense and a serviceable QB.  Are Colin Kaepernick, Joe Flacco, and Russell Wilson elite?  Absolutely not.  You know why they got to the biggest game in the world?  Because they had an elite defense, and were serviceable enough to get their team to the Super Bowl.     

                                                                       Courtesy of wbtv.com

DAVE GETTLEMAN

Dave Gettleman was the least popular man in Charlotte in 2014.  He released Steve Smith, Sr., an ICON in Charlotte, and looked to give his franchise QB Cam Newton, a rookie wide out and Greg Olsen as his receiving options.  He took a 2013 12-4 team to 7-8-1 and was being lambasted by analysts and the local media.  In hindsight, he did the right thing.  

I for one, hated when the Panthers let Smitty go, but in the long run it was the right decision.  This team has to be Cam Newton's.  On top of that, he realizes, if you don't have Aaron Rodgers or Tom Brady, you can still win a championship, but you have to have an elite defense.  You build your team from the lines out and focus on a strong running game to limit your QB's mistakes.  Cam Newton can throw INTs, because he has a defense that can bail him out of tough situations and hold teams to Field Goals instead of Touchdowns.  

On the salary cap, he's been a wizard.  He inherited a disaster from Marty Hurney, and he has been brilliant in making sure to structure contracts the right way, so that it doesn't hurt the franchise going forward.   Is he going to have to let some top name players walk?  Probably.  But he's done a great job drafting talented players.  He's a fantastic General Manager, and Carolina is lucky to have him.  

                                                                 Courtesy of awardswatch.com

The Panthers face a Colts team on Monday that is 3-4 and hasn't looked impressive all season.  Skeptics will point to the fact the Panthers haven't beaten a winning team all season, and that is important, but they've beaten every team they've played and the Packers and Bengals have not beaten a team with a winning record either.  This team looks headed for the postseason and defense travels well in the NFL.  If there's a team that can go up to Green Bay and compete with the Packers, look to Carolina.  It should be an interesting journey going forward for Carolina.  We'll see how they do on the road to the playoffs.

                                                           Courtesy of casualhoya.com

NFL Week 7 Predictions

                                            Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com


Last weeks games saw the AFC Playoff picture pretty much set, with the Patriots, Bengals, Colts, Broncos, Steelers, and Jets all winning.  It's possible Miami could bounce back and Buffalo could find a consistency from Tyrod Taylor, but right now it looks like the rest of the AFC's season is going to be more about seeding and the 2016 Draft than it is who makes the playoffs.  

The NFC picture is a little more complicated.  We know Green Bay is definitely going to the postseason.  The NFC South is a two horse race between Carolina and Atlanta, with both teams likely to make the playoffs.  The NFC West looks to be Arizona's to lose, and the East is up for grabs.  Philly looks like the favorite, but if Tony Romo comes back soon, Dallas can get back in the race, and New York is right in the mix as well.

The NFC Wild Card looks to be wide open with 1 spot up for grabs between Minnesota, Seattle, St. Louis, and the team that finishes with the 2nd best record in the NFC East.   Thursday Night saw Seattle thump San Francisco to the tune of 20-3 in a game that was never close.  Sunday Morning at 9:30AM EST, the Bills take on the Jaguars across the pond in a game that will broadcast exclusively on Yahoo.com.  I hope y'all have Apple TV or a mighty nice laptop.  So, without further delay, let's get to some games.  

                                                   Courtesy of boards.sportslogos.net

Buffalo  -4
at Jacksonville (in London) 

The 2nd game in London of the year sees the Jaguars hosting the Buffalo Bills.  Jacksonville has the better QB, and better starting receivers going into this game, as both Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins are out, so expect a heavy dose of Shady McCoy from Rex Ryan.  TJ Yeldon is questionable for this game, and if he doesn't play, expect Jacksonville to rely solely on its air attack.  The Jags defense is ranked 30th in the league, and Bortles has a tendency to turn the ball over.  I'm going with Rex and the Bills over the Jags because defense travels and the Bills will ride Shady McCoy to take pressure off EJ Manuel.  Bills 28 Jags 19.

                                            Courtesy of dynastyfootballwarehouse.com

Tampa Bay
at Washington -3

I think this game will be more Alfred Morris vs. Doug Martin than Kirk Cousins vs. Jameis Winston.  With a 3 point line, this game is pretty much a push.  Washington's wide outs have been plagued by injuries, so expect a lot of running in this game.  Kirk Cousins isn't likely to win this game by himself, but the good news for the Redskins is that the Tampa Bay defense leaves a lot to be desired.  Washington 17 Tampa Bay 14.

                                                                         Courtesy of rantsports.com

Atlanta -5.5
at Tennessee

News came out this week that Mariota is out for this game, so Zach Mettenbeger will get the start for the Titans.  If Tennessee fans were upset about how little protection Mariota has gotten this year, wait until they see Mettenberger.  Atlanta is going to have a field day with that Titans offensive line.  Atlanta wins is a blow out.   Falcons 35 Titans 10.

                                                                          Courtesy of washingtonpost.com

New Orleans
at Indianapolis  -4

The Saints head up to Indy for a match up between star QBs on teams with no defense.  If this game was in New Orleans, I'd go with the Saints, but on the road against Andrew Luck, I think the Saints struggle and Luck has a big day.  This might be Brees and Sean Payton's final season in New Orleans together.  I'm curious to see what kind of talk is made during the game about Payton coaching Luck in 2016.  Indy 28 NOLA 23.

                                                                   Courtesy of espn.go.com

Minnesota  - 1.5
at Detroit 

I think the Lions are a better football team than their record, and the Vikings have not won a game on the road yet this year.  I think this one is a high scoring game from start to finish and the Lions get a win at home.  Lions 34 Vikings 31.

                                                                           Courtesy of sprksports.com

Pittsburgh
at Kansas City -3

Landry Jones stepped up last week and got a win for the Steelers in relief.  He'll lead the Steelers against a Kansas City team that has become solely one dimensional without Charles running the ball.  I think this is a close game all day, but Pittsburgh just has too many skill position players and they survive the trip to Arrowhead.  Pittsburgh 22 Kansas City 19. 

                                                                   Courtesy of turfshowtimes.com

Cleveland
at St. Louis -6.5

With the exception of probably Seattle, Cleveland might be the best 2-4 team in the NFL.  They gave that game to Denver last week.  That having been said, I think St. Louis is the better team, and being that they are playing at home, I like the Rams to run the ball and play clock possession and get a hard fought win to get to .500.  Rams 27 Browns 21.

                                                                       Courtesy of youtube.com

Houston
at Miami -4.5

The Dolphins have some of their swagger back after crushing the Titans last week in Nashville.  They'll get the Texans at home this week in a game that is scheduled to be played in wonderful Miami October weather at 84 degrees.  I think the Dolphins cruise in this one again and get to 3-3 and start looking like a potential playoff team.  Miami 28 Houston 17.

                                                         Courtesy of wickphotography.com

NY Jets
at New England -7.5

This game has been one of the trendy upset picks all week.  Jets fans are hoping their team can go into Foxboro and beat Tom Terrific.  I've been extremely impressed with the Jets defense, but outside of something completely unforeseen I don't see Ryan Fitzpatrick outplaying Tom Brady on the road.  If this game was at Metlife Stadium I'd be a little more optimistic about the chances for the Jets.  I don't think it will be a high scoring affair, with the Jets utilizing clock management, but Brady will make plays when he has to and the Pats will win.  Patriots 22 NY 17.  

                                                        Courtesy of 300lbsofsportsknowledge.com

Oakland
at San Diego -3.5

Rivers threw for over 500 yards last week in Green Bay, but he couldn't make the plays when it counted and the Chargers suffered a heartbreaking loss after failing to convert on 4th and goal.   This one should be a barn burner from the outset with Rivers and Carr matching each other stride for stride.  Look for big days out of Cooper and Antonio Gates, who clearly didn't miss a beat last week with Rivers.  After jokes being made about Chargers fans not showing up against the Steelers, I don't know what kind of home field advantage San Diego has, but I think they'll edge the Raiders in a game that sees a ton of scoring.  Chargers 42 Raiders 38.   

                                          Courtesy of profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

Dallas
at NY Giants  -3

The Giants went to Philly on Monday Night, and showed that they aren't ready to win the East just yet.  They'll host Dallas this week and with the Cowboys still missing Tony Romo, Matt Cassel will get the start against the Giants.   This game should be close, but I'll go with the Giants to bounce back at home against a Dallas team that doesn't have Dez or Romo.  New York 20 Dallas 17.

                                                                   Courtesy of phillymag.com

Philadelphia
at Carolina  -3

Carolina showed that it's a playoff contender by going into Seattle and coming out with an impressive 4th quarter comeback win.  Philly on the flip side beat up on the Giants on Monday Night.  This should be one of the best games of the weekend.  Carolina has looked steady all season, never getting too high or too low, and I hate to say it, but I think they're due for a bad game, and this might be it.  Philly has run hot and cold since the start of the year, but lately they've looked like a playoff team.  I'm reluctantly going with the upset on Sunday Night.  Philly 30 Carolina 24.  

                                                                     Courtesy of sportsonearth.com

Baltimore
at Arizona  -8

Baltimore's season is officially done.  It's over.  The Ravens are 1-5, and have lost some tough games, but their last game this season will be January 3rd against the Bengals.  Arizona has looked good, but they have some flaws, having lost to the Rams and Steelers.  I think they'll get back on track this week against the Ravens.  It should be interesting to see Steve Smith, Sr. and Larry Fitzgerald put on a veteran show on Monday Night.  Arizona 32 Baltimore 20.

                                                               Courtesy of buffalobills.com

Early morning football returns today.  I'll be glued to the Red Zone Channel until tonight's Panthers/Eagles showdown.  Enjoy Football Sunday.  Cheers!

SEC Week 8 Predictions

                                                       Courtesy of utsports.com

We're a little over halfway through the regular season, so I thought I'd group each of the SEC Teams into categories of Very Good, Good, Average, and Bad to give some perspective for each of the teams in the SEC.  So let's take a look.

VERY GOOD

ALABAMA      6-1

Bama looks to get stronger each week.  They've found their identity and they'll be favored in every regular season game going forward.  

LSU       6-0

LSU's season rests solely on the legs of Leonard Fournette.  If he's healthy and they run the football well, they're looking at worst at a New Year's Six Bowl.  They've got to go to Tuscaloosa and Oxford before the season ends, but if they can manage that stretch they'll be headed to Atlanta.

FLORIDA     6-1

I think just about everyone was wrong about Florida.  Barring an upset loss to Georgia, it looks like the Gators are going to Atlanta.  They're clearly the best team in the East, and it doesn't even look close right now.  Even without Will Grier, they gave LSU all they could handle in Death Valley.

GOOD

TEXAS A&M       5-1

The Aggies got their first loss of the year when they hopped on the Pick 6 express to Tide Land.  Kyle Allen completed 50% of his passes and threw 3 INTs and Murray wasn't much better going 2 of 4 with an INT.  Still, they have wins against Ark, Arizona State, and Mississippi State.  If they can get that offense clicking again, they'll still finish well.

GEORGIA        5-2

Georgia is off this week, and they'll use the break to prepare for Florida in the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.  They looked good at the start of the year, but losses to Bama, Tennessee, and a completely unwatchable win (9-6) against Mizzou have sullied the spirits of the Bulldogs.  Believe it or not, Georgia still controls it's own destiny to get to Atlanta, but they'll have to pull an upset in Jacksonville and win out to make it there.

OLE MISS           5-2

There's no team more schizophrenic in the SEC than Ole Miss.  They go beat Alabama in Tuscaloosa, and then lose on the road to Florida and Memphis.  While Florida and Memphis are good teams, the Rebs still shouldn't have been blown out in both games.  When this team is good, it can beat anyone, and when it's bad, it struggles against even mediocre teams.  The Rebels could win out or lose out and I wouldn't be surprised.  

MISSISSIPPI STATE  5-2

The Bulldogs look like a competent football team, and their ceiling is probably 9-3 if things go their way.  They're not going to go to Atlanta, but they're going to give the teams remaining on their schedule some trouble.  

AVERAGE

TENNESSEE       3-3

The Vols are sitting at .500, which is about where they've hovered for the last few years.  They've got to head to Tuscaloosa this week, and then begin their last stretch of Kentucky, SC, North Texas, Mizzou, and Vandy.  8-4 looks a lot more likely than 6-6, but this team will still wonder what might have been.  

AUBURN              4-2

Auburn is 4-2, but they haven't looked impressive in any game they've played this season.  They needed OT to beat Jacksonville State at home, and barely beat Kentucky last week.  They get Ark, Ole Miss, A&M, Georgia, Idaho, and Bama to close out the year.  They're going to need at least 1 more SEC win to get bowl eligible, and with that schedule it's going to be tough.  

KENTUCKY         4-2

Kentucky is also 4-2, but they have a little easier road to get bowl eligible.  Their remaining schedule is at Mississippi State, Tennessee, at Georgia, at Vandy, Charlotte, and Louisville.  Only one of those games is a guaranteed win, but I think they pull another win somewhere along the way and get to a bowl.  

MISSOURI     4-3

Mizzou is a lot closer than 2-4 than they are to 5-1.  Their only "good win" came against a bad South Carolina team at home.  They barely escaped Arkansas State, and needed a gift to beat UCONN at home 9-6.  They have 4 wins right now, but there's not one more guaranteed win on their schedule as they'll play a pesky Vandy team, Mississippi State, BYU, Tennessee, and finish the year with Arkansas.  7-5 is probably the ceiling for the Tigers this year.  

BAD

ARKANSAS       2-4

The Hogs could easily jump into the next category, if they get some consistent play on offense.  Arkansas played Bama tough for 3 quarters, and pushed Texas A&M to the brink, but they lost both games.  Their only wins are against UTEP and Tennessee.  With Auburn, UT Martin, Ole Miss, LSU, Mississippi State, and Mizzou left on the schedule, they're going to need to pull multiple upsets to get to a bowl.  

SOUTH CAROLINA     3-4

The Gamecocks are already looking to the post-Spurrier era, but they haven't been able to get good QB play all year.  They bounced back last week against Vandy, but they only have 1 guaranteed win going forward.  Hopefully, SC makes the right hire, because Spurrier has left some big shoes to fill.  

VANDERBILT        2-4

Vandy has looked better than most people thought they would, but it is still going to be an uphill battle to make a bowl.  Their defense looks very good, but QB play has plagued them all year.  They can get on the right track with an upset win today against Mizzou.


Now since we've done a recap of the season so far, let's get to the games this week to see how each SEC team will fair in Week 8.

                                                                  Courtesy of al.com

Auburn
at Arkansas    - 6.5

To say this should be a battle is an understatement.  These two coaches and teams HATE each other, and with the dialogue over the summer between these two it should be a fun game to watch.  Fayetteville is a tough place to go up to and win.  With an early kickoff, I'm going with the Hogs to get the win against Auburn in a close one.  Arkansas 28  Auburn 24.  

                                                                          Courtesy of wrcbtv.com

Tennessee
at Alabama   -14.5

It could be a long day for the Vols.  I think Josh Dobbs is going to be running for his life against that Bama defense.   The Vols are going to have to get out to an early lead the way Ole Miss did against Bama if they are going to have any chance.  Bama 41 Tennessee 24.

                                                             Courtesy of digmo-01.missouri.edu

Missouri  -1
at Vanderbilt

This game is essentially a pick em.  Vandy is the sexy pick here, but I just don't think they'll be good enough to get a win, even against a Mizzou team that has underwhelmed all year.  I'm going with the Tigers to get a win in a game that you should clearly take the under.  Mizzou 14 Vandy 10.  

                                                             Courtesy of photos.nola.com

Western Kentucky
at LSU  - 15

As long as Leonard Fournette is healthy, give me the Bayou Bengals to win and cover at home.  The Tigers were tested last week against Florida, but they still managed to get the win.  The threat of a loss is absent this week against a good WKU team this week, but I don't think this one is a blowout.  Get ready for an all day party in Baton Rouge.  LSU 42 WKU 24.  

                                                                       Courtesy of abc3340.com

Texas A&M
at Ole Miss   - 5.5

After the last couple of weeks, people think it's amazing that Ole Miss is favored in this game.  The Rebs generally play well at home though under Freeze.  With Tunsil back, hopefully the Rebs can get their running game going.  Look for a lot of sweeps, because the Ole Miss interior offensive line is incapable of blocking.  On the A&M side, it's been mighty quiet in College Station after the loss to Bama.  Is Kyle Allen or Kyler Murray going to start today?  Both of these teams are going to be tense, because the loser is done, while the winner still has a shot to get to Atlanta.  I think this game comes down to a field goal and home field advantage gives the Rebels the edge.  Ole Miss 35 Texas A&M 32.  

                                                             Courtesy of thecomedycouple.com

Kentucky
at Mississippi State  - 12

With this game being at home, give me the Bulldogs.  Kentucky has stumbled against Florida and Auburn at home, when they had a chance to contend for the SEC East.  I don't think they have much a chance in Starkville today.  Bulldogs 30 Kentucky 17.  

                                                              Courtesy of saturdaydownsouth.com

The Fall is finally in full swing as the weather has cooled off.  Arkansas and Auburn kicks off at Noon ET on the SEC Network, Bama and Tennessee play at 3:30 on CBS with Verne and Gary (if there was ever a time to hit the mute button for 4 hours, here it is), and then Ole Miss and Texas A&M have the prime time game on ESPN at 7.  Enjoy another football Saturday.  Here's to hoping it was better than last week.  Cheers!

NFL Week 6 Predictions

                                                Courtesy of printableteamschedules.com

Thursday Night saw the Saints act like the Saints at home for the first time in nearly a year, as they beat the Falcons 31-21 in New Orleans.  Today, Arizona heads to Pittsburgh in what Madden is calling the potential Super Bowl 50 Preview.  The Panthers head to the Pacific Northwest, where they have not had much success.  The marquee game this week though is the Pats heading to Indy in what people are calling a revenge game, but not for the team that got blown out in the AFC Championship game, but rather the team that won 45-7.  Lastly, a Monday Night NFC East rivalry game between the NY Football Giants and the Philadelphia Eagles could decide who goes to the playoffs and who's coach retires/heads back to college.  So, let's get to some picks.

                                                                Courtesy of sportingnews.com

Washington
at NY Jets -7

I think it's pretty clear both the Jets and Redskins are better than most analysts thought.  If Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn't turn the ball over, the Jets play really well.  Kirk Cousins has been inconsistent for Washington, but he's still their best option under center.  The Redskins blew a chance to upset the Falcons last week, losing in OT on a pick 6, while the Jets are coming off a bye after thumping the Dolphins in London.  The Jets have better skill position players, a better defense, and they're playing at home.  Give me the Jets to win, but I think Washington keeps it close and prevents the Jets from covering the spread.  Jets 27 Redskins 23.

                                                                       Courtesy of wpxi.com

Arizona -3.5
at Pittsburgh

If Big Ben were under center for the Steelers, I'd go with Pittsburgh to get the win, but with Vick under center, I'm going with the Cards.  Vick and the Steelers absolutely stole one from the Chargers on Monday night.  If you look at the numbers for Antonio Brown when Big Ben is playing vs. when he's not, it's pretty clear that Vick isn't utilizing his skill set the way Roethlisberger can.  Give me the Cardinals to win and cover 33-24.

                                                                          Courtesy of usatoday.com

Kansas City
at Minnesota -3.5

Last week was heartbreaking for Chiefs fans as they lost their star RB and fell to the Bears at home on a last second drive to drop to 1-4, and their season is essentially done.  Minnesota is coming off a bye, with a AP getting a week of rest.  Expect him to get plenty of touches, as Teddy Bridgewater and the Vikings passing attack hasn't exactly been elite.  I'll take the Vikings to win and cover against the Chiefs.  Vikings 22 Chiefs 17.

                                                              Courtesy of cincyjungle.com

Cincinnati -3
at Buffalo

Buffalo is 3-2, while the Bengals are 5-0.  EJ Manuel will start for the Bills today, and Buffalo should get Shady McCoy back as well.  If Tyrod Taylor was under center, I'd go with the Bills to get the upset, but he's not, and I don't believe in EJ Manuel as a competent NFL QB.  The Bengals looked terrible for most of last week against Seattle, but they came storming back off some phenomenal plays to get an OT win at home.  I'll go with Cincy to get a win on the road as EJ Manuel struggles.  Cincy 24 Buffalo 17.

                                                            Courtesy of mlive.com

Chicago
at Detroit -3

The Lions have looked awful through the first 5 weeks of the season, and the Bears haven't exactly looked decent, but they've managed to grind out 2 wins so far.  I think Detroit finally gets it done this week, and they break through for their first win.  Stafford got put on notice after being pulled in the game late last week, and I think he bounces back.  Give me the Lions to win and cover.  Lions 31 Bears 27.

                                                               Courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Denver -3.5
at Cleveland

I think it's pretty evident, this season is Peyton Manning's swan song.  The Broncos are undefeated, but only because their defense has been bailing them out.  Manning doesn't have the zip on his ball the way he used to, and the Broncos offense is ranked 30th out of 32 teams so far this year.  This game looks to be another struggle, but the Cleveland Browns are in the top 10 in overall Offense and Defense in the NFL.  I'm going with the Browns in an upset special.  Cleveland 23 Denver 20.

                                                                     Courtesy of bigcatcountry.com

Houston
at Jacksonville -2.5

A battle of two 1-4 AFC South teams takes place in Florida today.  Houston has struggled to find it's signal caller all season, and Blake Bortles has looked like a decent NFL QB this season.  The Allens (Robinson and Hurns) are developing into a nice tandem for Bortles to target going forward.  Give me America's team to get the win over the Fighting Bill O'Briens.  Jags 27 Houston 13.

                                                            Courtesy of houstonchronicle.com

Miami
at Tennessee -2

The Dolphins made the right move firing Joe Philbin after their loss in London.  Dan Campbell, the TE coach, is the Miami Interim Head Football Coach, and...Good Lord will you look at this guy?  If there's a coaches Rumble Royal, I'm taking Dan Campbell.  I remember watching him on Hard Knocks a few years ago, and he's an intense individual.  I think he gives the Dolphins a spark and they go to Nashville and get a win.  The Dolphins have too much talent to keep losing.  Miami 28 Tennessee 24.

                                                           Courtesy of usatoday.com

Carolina
at Seattle -7

Carolina has benefited from a favorable schedule so far, but they've won each of their games with good defense and a balance offense.  The Panthers have struggled against Seattle, and winning on the road in the Pacific Northwest is a monumental task for any team.  If the Panthers can get after Wilson, they'll have a fighting chance, but Marshawn Lynch looks to be active for today's game and he's bound to break through at some point.  Seattle wins a hard fought physical game 20 -17.  By the way, it was just reported that the fire alarm in the Panthers hotel in Seattle went off at 5:30AM, but only on the Panthers floor.  Because...of course it does.    

                                                           Courtesy of packersinsider.com

San Diego
at Green Bay -10

San Diego suffered a devastating loss last week against the Steelers, and are looking to get to .500, but they have to go to Green Bay to do it, and hardly anyone beats the Packers at Lambeau.  A warm weather team going to Lambeau does not augur well for the Chargers.  They'll give the Packers a battle, but I like Green Bay to win and cover in a shoot out.  Green Bay 38 San Diego 27.  

                                                                  Courtesy of usathebiglead.com

Baltimore -2
at San Francisco

I don't think anyone expected the Ravens to start the season out 1-4.  They're essentially out of the playoff race, and John Harbaugh may be looking to moving to the West Coast for the USC job.  The 49ers have looked even worse than the Ravens though this year, and reports out of San Francisco are that Kaep might be headed to the bench.  This looks to be an ugly game from the start, and usually I'd go with the home team, but I think the Ravens have a better QB and a better coach, so I'll go with the Ravens to win and cover.  Ravens 17 49ers 13.

                                                                           Courtesy of espn.go.com

New England -9
at Indianapolis

How is this line only 9 points?  I think New England comes out guns blazing.  They have got to be pissed after the Colts raised the issue that caused Deflate Gate.  They are going to want to run this thing up from the start.  Luck may be a go tonight, but his arm clearly won't be 100%, and the last time it was the Colts lost by 38 points.  Indy is going to win the AFC South by default, but they don't look anything like a Super Bowl contender right now.  Give me the Pats to win and cover 35 - 17.

                                                                   Courtesy of thenypost.com

NY Giants
at Philadelphia -5

Want to hear something really surprising?  If the Eagles win on Monday Night Football and the Redskins lose, the Eagles are in 1st place in the NFC East.  That's utterly shocking to me, because Philly has not looked like a playoff team.  If this game was in New York, I think most people would go with the Giants.  I've watched most of the Giants game this year, and they look like a team that should win the NFC East.  I'm going with Eli and the Giants over Bradford and the Eagles.  The Giants have a better QB, better receivers, and a better head coach.  Eli may falter, but I'll take him over Sam Bradford, who's been in the league since 2010 and has yet to deliver.  Giants 28 Eagles 23.

                                                                         Courtesy of dispatchtimes.com

Let's hope NFL Sunday works out better than College Football Saturday.  I feel your pain Michigan fans.   

                                                                      Courtesy of clarionledger.com