LIKE IT IS

Arkansas pulls it off, but it won’t be easy

— There are some good games in the SEC and around the country Saturday, but none better than Arkansas and Alabama.

So, let’s take another shot at weekly prognostications.

Keep in mind these picks are head to head, no odds lines are considered, and that it is for fun. The first week’s record was 7-1 with only Kentucky going the wrong way.

Here are this week’s guesses:

Arkansas at Alabama: This one is going to be the Razorbacks’ inexperienced offensive line vs. one of the best defenses in the country. The Hogs’ O-line must keep Trey DePriest and Dont’a Hightower off Tyler Wilson’s back. The Razorbacks cannot double down on any one defender, because the Crimson Tide are too talented for that.

On the other hand, the Crimson Tide best not try and double on any one receiver.

The Tide’s defense gives them a slight edge. Being at home gives them a little more of an edge, and having a quarterback who throws it better than he has demonstrated in the first three games helps.

Ronnie Wingo needs to improve off his 100-yard game last week, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he is more of a moving target this week. Nor would it be surprising if Joe Adams sees more than two snaps as a running back.

The Razorbacks’ defense has to be better against the pass. The Tide might prefer to run between the tackles, but Nick Saban will do whatever it takes to notch a victory.

As far as X’s and O’s, it is a draw. Bobby Petrino and Saban are outstanding at preparation and coaching, which includes making necessary adjustments.

Most likely the winner will get another 2:30 p.m. game the following Saturday on CBS.

All of that said, this one could still go either way because of turnovers or key possessions. The loser will find itself in a huge hole as far as the SEC West race goes. If the score is in the teens, that favors Alabama. Make this one a gut call: Arkansas 24, Alabama 17.

Florida Atlantic at Auburn: The Tigers come home to lick their wounds, and they couldn’t have picked a better opponent. The Ocean Owls have been outscored 85-3 in two games. Gus Malzahn will continue to impress with his play-calling, and many fans of at least one SEC school will be paying close attention. Auburn 42, Florida Atlantic 10.

Florida at Kentucky: The only thing the Gators really have going against them in this one is that it is Will Muschamp’s first road game as a head coach. Kentucky dropped one to Louisville, which was great for native Arkansan Charlie Strong, but not so good for Joker Phillips. Florida 35, Kentucky 21.

Georgia at Ole Miss: Ah yes, the Hot Seat Bowl. Someone has a Fire Houston banner for sale on craigslist, and it is being whispered that folks are ready to stick “For Sale” signs in Mark Richt’s yard if he loses this one. Hate to say it, but only the Bulldogs and Rebels care. Georgia 3, Ole Miss 2.

LSU at West Virginia: The Tigers will jump to No. 1 in the SEC for strength of schedule after this one on the road. The Mountaineers have petitioned the SEC for membership but are going to find out why that was an ill-advised move, although the SEC has not sent West Virginia a thank-you or no-thanks note. LSU 35, West Virginia 17.

Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State: A couple of Bulldogs don’t always make a battle. Tech’s only victory came against Central Arkansas, in overtime. MSU gets back on track. Mississippi State 49, Louisiana Tech 6.

Vanderbilt at South Carolina: It is almost impossible not to pull for the academic giant of the SEC (No. 17 in the nation, according to U.S. News and World Report), but the Gamecocks are No. 10 in the coaches’ poll (No. 111 in smarts) for a reason. South Carolina 28, Vanderbilt 17.

Sports, Pages 19 on 09/23/2011