MSU v UAB

From the Ritz to the Rubble - Arctic Monkeys

Pretty self-explanatory title there... and a damn good song, mind you.


Just a S.E.C. -
UK v SC - South Carolina and Steve Spurrier will tap Conner Shaw as their starting QB this time around, attempting to regroup after losing to Auburn last week.  Whoever lines up at QB, this should be a bounce-back game for the Gamecocks.  Victory goes to: SC.

Vandy v Bama - The Tide continues rolling, knocking off Florida in convincing fashion last weekend.  Nary a stumble to be found in this contest, either, from the looks of it... at least for Alabama.  Victory goes to: Bama.

GA v Tenn - Georgia sports losses to Boise State and South Carolina.  Tennessee's lone loss is to Florida.  In a contest of the Eastern also-rans, this will be a better game than you might expect.  Playing in Neyland Stadium gives the Vols the edge.  Victory goes to: Tenn.

The Truffle-Shuffle is so last millennium...

Auburn v Ark - Arkansas barely escaped new-kid-on-the-block-to-be Texas A&M last weekend with a dramatic come from behind victory... and at least one Hawg fan was pretty psyched about that.  Auburn lost a few weeks ago to Clemson but has rebounded, posting a big win over highly ranked South Carolina most recently.  Home field advantage will have the Hogs rolling on, undefeated. Victory goes to: Ark.

Fla v LSU - Florida faces undefeated LSU and a rough double dose of SEC West powerhouses.  Having lost to Bama last weekend, the Gators must travel to Baton Rouge to face a scary LSU team.  Florida will limp away from this one licking their wounds. Victory goes to: LSU.


Week In Review - Last week MSU lost to Eastern division foe Georgia, in what was essentially an un-funny comedy of errors.  Costly turnovers and lack of execution at every position over the course of the game led to the maroon-clad Bulldogs getting in a hole early, thereby forcing MSU to attempt to take to the air, something that has not gone well in recent weeks.  Carmon bouncing around to different spots didn't help solidify anything on the offensive line, either.

Pay no attention to the man behind the hedges!

Also, Nickoe Whitley peed on the hedges (allegedly).  Frankly, I find this a non-issue.  I personally like to 'commune with nature' when I have the opportunity, and I'm sure he was only thinking of the fans when he decided to exhibit a bit of modesty and hide his 'exposure' in the bushes, lest some old blue-hair have a coronary.

Keys to the Game - This week MSU faces a UAB team that they narrowly avoided losing to at home last year.  With the injuries the Bulldogs are saddled with, it's important to get the young guys experience, quickly.  If Dan Mullen can find a permanent spot for Carmon and let him anchor the line, we should see some progress from the O-line, and by extension, the offense.

MSU Recievers: "They look like big, strong hands..."

Offense - Chris Relf and his wide receivers need to have a 'come to Jesus' meeting, like yesterday.  It's 50/50 on bad passes and missed catches...  Then there's the O-line which has been riddled with injuries.  This game will be a great opportunity for the offense to get back on the right track, but it will not be a cakewalk.  UAB played MSU frighteningly close in Starkville last season, and they have something to prove coming into the game 0-4.


Defense - MSU's defense did pretty much all you could ask of them the past few weeks.  Keep in mind, MSU played the defending national champions on the road, and #1 team in the nation at home in back to back weeks.  Their performance has been lacking at times, but they've performed close to expectations for most realistic fans.  The problem for the Dawgs has been the offense and their lack of execution.  For all the heat Chris Wilson has taken (and I've thrown some around myself) they are doing enough to keep MSU in these games.


Final Score -

Wild and Woolly Prediction -
MSU 35 UAB 7

Realistic Prediction -
MSU 27 UAB 17