This is going to be grow up weekend in the SEC with four games that will indicate which way programs are headed.
It starts with Texas A&M vs. Arkansas at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and includes Mississippi State at Auburn, Tennessee at Florida and Missouri at Kentucky.
Went 7-3 last week to bring season total to 25-7, and thankfully the picks aren't against the spread.
Here are this week's picks:
TEXAS A&M VS. ARKANSAS
This could be biggest challenge of the season for Dan Skipper and Denver Kirkland as they take on the best tandem of defensive ends in the country. The Aggies' defense is hugely improved since last season and they have 15 sacks in three games. Brandon Allen has yet to be sacked, and keeping it that way will be a huge challenge. Logic and common sense say to pick A&M. Arkansas 35-31
ARKANSAS STATE AT TOLEDO
Red Wolves Nation would probably rather win this game than any other on their schedule because it would give them tremendous bragging rights over the Razorbacks, who lost to Toledo two weeks ago. However, the last time they met the Rockets shut down the Red Wolves' running game and won the GoDaddy Bowl 63-44. Not expecting 107 points this time. Toledo 24-14
LA.-MONROE AT ALABAMA
The Crimson Tide need this game like an Irishman needs sun screen at the beach. Coming off a loss to Ole Miss -- Alabama's second to the Rebels in two years -- at home has been a bitter pill to swallow for the Crimson Tide Nation. Alabama 49-7
MISSISSIPPI STATE AT AUBURN
After needing overtime to beat Jacksonville State and then getting thumped by LSU, the Tigers need something to boost their confidence. A change at quarterback might help, but the Bulldogs, who returned only seven starters (the fewest in the SEC), are better than expected and don't need to change quarterbacks as long as Dak Prescott is healthy. If it were in Starkville or a neutral site, the pick would be the 'Dogs. Auburn 24-21
TENNESSEE AT FLORIDA
Both are trying to prove they are contenders and not pretenders. The Gators were not devoid of talent in recent years, but Will Muschamp had to spend too much time dealing with discipline problems and not enough on football. The Vols won't be looking ahead to next week's game with the Hogs. Tennessee 28-24
SOUTHERN AT GEORGIA
This is probably not much more than a controlled scrimmage for the Bulldogs, which could be timely since they host Alabama next week. Georgia 49-10
MISSOURI AT KENTUCKY
The Tigers are struggling and will follow the lead of Auburn and South Carolina by changing quarterbacks, but look for Maty Mauk to play. The Wildcats are decent, especially at home. Kentucky 17-14
LSU AT SYRACUSE
The Tigers should be three touchdowns (by Leonard Fournette) better, but Les Miles needs to keep his thinking cap on because the undefeated Orange will have a distinct advantage at home. LSU 28-21
OLE MISS AT VANDERBILT
The Rebels are for real. Not sure what the Commodores are. It would be natural if Ole Miss had a little letdown after beating Alabama in Tuscaloosa, but no one can let down that much. Ole Miss 49-10
CENTRAL FLORIDA AT SOUTH CAROLINA
The Knights are winless and the Gamecocks almost are. The Knights are coming off third their consecutive loss, the last one to Furman. No doubt it appears the wheels have come off at South Carolina and everyone is pointing a finger at Steve Spurrier. Hard not to like the Ol' Ball Coach, at least from a distance, but pride does cometh before the fall. This week can't help him. South Carolina 28-14
Sports on 09/25/2015