Like It Is

Look for the SEC to pile on this weekend

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema directs his players against LSU during the second quarter Saturday, Nov. 15, 2014, at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

If the football-loving world of perspiring arts has been impressed that eight SEC teams are already bowl eligible, it could be in for a stunner this weekend as four more teams play for their sixth victory.

Every team in the SEC but Vanderbilt either has secured a bowl, or has a chance to, including Arkansas and the other six Western Division teams.

Two teams look virtually assured of getting their sixth victory as they play nonconference teams. Beleaguered Florida hosts Eastern Kentucky and South Carolina plays South Alabama.

Of course, the Razorbacks are hosting No. 8 Ole Miss, and Tennessee entertains No. 20 Missouri. It will be a challenge for the Hogs and Vols to get bowl eligible this week.

Last week was my worst week yet. I went 4-3 and now stand 75-20 for the season. Here are this week's guesses:

Ole Miss at Arkansas

Logic says the Rebels had two weeks to prepare for this game and that is one of the reasons they won't be looking ahead to the Egg Bowl, which means they should be the easy pick. Yet, if the Razorbacks could build off of losses all season, what will an SEC win do for their confidence? When the Hogs don't turn the ball over -- something the Rebels excel at making teams do -- they are a good football team. If the same crowd shows up that was there last weekend for LSU, the Razorbacks' chances for a victory go way up. If the Hogs get pressure on Bo Wallace, they get bowl eligible. Arkansas 28, Ole Miss 24.

Missouri at Tennessee

The Tigers seem to be a team of destiny. The light at the end of the tunnel is Atlanta. Missouri 31, Tennessee 21.

Western Carolina at Alabama

The Catamounts catch the Crimson Tide at the wrong time and won't be much more than a speed bump for the bus headed toward the College Football Playoff. This will be a dress rehearsal for next week's Iron Bowl for the Crimson Tide. Nick Saban will make sure none of his players get hurt as the Tide stare into a two-game season. Alabama 45, Western Carolina 0.

Samford at Auburn

The Bulldogs are a feisty football team, but the Tigers are trying to help secure a better bowl. They want to come out of this game safe and healthy. What would redeem this season would be to spoil Alabama's bid to win the SEC West, SEC Championship and remain the No. 1 seed for the College Football Playoff. The Tigers need to save all their luck for next week. Auburn 42, Samford 10.

Eastern Kentucky at Florida

The FCS Colonels are not a complete pushover. They are 9-2 but don't have a quality win. The Gators could be looking ahead to Florida State. There is nothing this team would like more than to send Coach Will Muschamp off with a victory over their arch-rival. They need to save all that emotion for one week. Florida 28, Eastern Kentucky 10.

Charleston Southern at Georgia

The Buccaneers lost to Vanderbilt by one, but they also lost to Presbyterian, which no one had heard of until it was destroyed by Ole Miss, 48-0. Georgia's season has been an odd one for a team so talented, but there is no reason to believe this game will be anything more than a tuneup for the season finale with Georgia Tech. Georgia 49, Charleston Southern 3.

South Alabama at South Carolina

The Jaguars were rolled by Mississippi State early in the season but have managed to get bowl eligible, something the Gamecocks desperately need to do Saturday. South Carolina 27, South Alabama 21.

Vanderbilt at Mississippi State

The Bulldogs get to take their heavy hearts and disappointment out on the Commodores and then return to form for the Egg Bowl and Ole Miss. Mississippi State 35, Vanderbilt 14.

Sports on 11/21/2014