Like It Is

SEC slate gets slightly tougher this week

Georgia head coach Mark Richt calls out from the sideline in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Clemson, Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014, in Athens, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Last weekend was probably one of the worst in SEC history for competition, which was why it was easy to run the table.

This week there are three conference games and two more games against Power 5 conference opponents.

Went 12-0 last week to run the record to 19-0, but remember, it isn't against the spread.

ARKANSAS AT TEXAS TECH

This is a huge road game for the Razorbacks, much like Rutgers last year. Arkansas will pound it on the ground, and the Red Raiders have had trouble stopping the run against UCA and UTEP. The Razorbacks defense might need nickle and dime packages all day because the Red Raiders like to throw it. After two games they have completed 56 of 84 passes for 730 yards and 7 touchdowns. In the preseason Tech was the pick. Not now. Arkansas 42-35

ASU AT MIAMI

Almost no one gives the Red Wolves a chance in this game, but the Hurricanes haven't looked like a great offensive team and that gives ASU more than a fighting chance. In fact, this could be one of the biggest victories in ASU's history. ASU 27-24

SOUTHERN MISS AT ALABAMA

The Tide get another tuneup game before hosting Florida next week. Nick Saban tried to blame the media this week for creating a quarterback controversy, yet he's the one who won't announce a starter. Alabama, 49-0

KENTUCKY AT FLORIDA

It would not bode well for the Gators to look ahead to their game with Alabama. The Wildcats defense is improved, and while they have a ways to go they are capable of an upset. Will Muschamp knows he is on the hot seat and he can't afford to let up on anyone, so he should keep his team focused. Florida 21-10

GEORGIA AT SOUTH CAROLINA

This has become a classic SEC East game and it is one Steve Spurrier and the Gamecocks cannot afford to lose if they want to have a shot at the East Division title. Georgia had an extra week to prepare and may not have needed it judging by its season-opening victory over Clemson. Georgia, 35-24

LA.-MONROE AT LSU

The Tigers may not take the Warhawks seriously in the first half, but after a fiery speech by Les Miles they will rally in the second half and put this one in the victory category easily. The Tigers are becoming Running Back U. LSU, 38-17.

LA.-LAFAYETTE AT OLE MISS

The Rebels made a statement against Vanderbilt and should run their record to 4-0 before facing Alabama since their next opponent is Memphis. They may still be Cajuns, but there won't be much ragin' in Oxford on Saturday. Bo Wallace passes for three first-half touchdowns. Ole Miss, 42-7

MISS. STATE AT SOUTH ALABAMA

The Jags opened with an unimpressive victory over Kent State and the Bulldogs struggled with UAB's passing attack, but that will be corrected for this week. With the game dedicated to the longtime voice of the Bulldogs, Jack Cristil, who passed away this week, it will be a runaway. MSU, 49-14

CENTRAL FLORIDA AT MISSOURI

The Knights lost to Penn State 26-24 in their opener, played in Dublin, Ireland, and now go to Columbia, Mo., to take on the Tigers, who rang up 49 on Toledo last week. Missouri, 28-27

TENNESSEE AT OKLAHOMA

Can Bob Stoops score enough on an SEC team? Oklahoma, 49-24

RICE AT TEXAS A&M

The Aggies are one of the surprise teams of the season, Rice isn't. Texas A&M, 55-9

UMASS AT VANDERBILT

Someone has to win, which is something neither has done this year. A great opportunity for the Commodores to stop the bleeding. Vanderbilt, 21-10

Sports on 09/12/2014