Like It Is

Razorbacks out to improve bowling stature

Arkansas coach Bret Bielema stands on the field following a 51-50 loss to Mississippi State on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2015, at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville.

For seven months this season was anticipated with hopes and dreams, but in the end it was still Alabama's to win or lose.

Last week was an OK effort at 6-3, bringing the overall record to 77-23, but hoping to go out on a high note with these final picks on the final weekend of the regular season.

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MISSOURI AT ARKANSAS

Today's game marks the final game for Missouri's Gary Pinkel, a good guy and a good coach, but it is an important game for the Razorbacks because they are trying to improve their bowl situation. No one really wants to play the day after Christmas in the Independence Bowl, even though it is a nice bowl that is well-run. Arkansas quarterback Brandon Allen could set another passing record with three touchdown passes. It is senior day, but several juniors are expected to enter the NFL draft next summer so it is their last game in a Razorback uniform as well, so there are emotions on both sides of the ball.

The Tigers have a good defense but have struggled on offense. It's been just the opposite for the Razorbacks. Arkansas 28-21

ASU AT NEW MEXICO STATE

The Red Wolves could secure at least a tie for the Sun Belt championship with a road victory Saturday against the Aggies. New Mexico State has won only three games, but all three have come in the past three games so the Aggies' confidence is growing. It seems like every time the Red Wolves win a championship they lose their head coach, but Blake Anderson has a fairly hefty buyout and seems to be happy to be at Arkansas State. The Red Wolves are playing for a shot at the New Orleans Bowl. ASU 27-17

ALABAMA AT AUBURN

One of football's great rivalries. Auburn is hoping a victory here makes everyone forget the five losses, but the Tigers would have to play an almost perfect game and the Crimson Tide would have to play a terrible game, like they did against Ole Miss. Derrick Henry is running for the Heisman Trophy, and Alabama Coach Nick Saban wants him to win it. That makes it easier to recruit the next great running back. Alabama 35-21

FLORIDA STATE AT FLORIDA

The Gators have had a great year, but for it to be an unforgettable year they need to beat their archrival and keep their playoff hopes alive. There is some controversy in Tallahassee as rumors are flying that Jimbo Fisher wants a change of scenery.

The Gators defense is good enough. Florida 21-17

GEORGIA AT GEORGIA TECH

This has been an odd year for both teams. The Bulldogs were expected to challenge for the SEC championship and the Yellow Jackets expected to do the same in the ACC. Instead they are playing for the Georgia championship. Georgia 31-28

LOUISVILLE AT KENTUCKY

The Cardinals are a disappointing 6-5. Outside of his first year at Arkansas, Bobby Petrino has never had a team be barely above .500 in a regular season. This is the Wildcats' last shot at getting bowl eligible, and right now that seems like a longshot. It took playing a team named Charlotte for the Wildcats to break a five-game losing streak. Louisville 35-21

TEXAS A&M AT LSU

It's the Save Les Miles Bowl. Some fickle Tigers want Miles gone. The Aggies aren't as good as their record. LSU 35-27

OLE MISS AT MSU

That noise you will hear in central Arkansas on Saturday is Debbie Dillon, a proud MSU grad, ringing her cowbell. This is another great rivalry. Can the Rebels stop Dak Prescott? Probably not, but it should be high-scoring. MSU 42-38

CLEMSON AT SOUTH CAROLINA

Its' obvious now why Steve Spurrier abandoned ship. Clemson 49-24

VANDERBILT AT TENNESSEE

Rivalry. Blah, blah, blah. Tennessee 38-10

Sports on 11/27/2015