MSU v Ole Miss

Egg Bowl Edition!


Oops, I Did it Again... - Richard Thompson

So, yeah... oops?  Being on vacation for Thanksgiving totally threw off my concept of time, and as a result I am starting this blog at 9:30 on Friday night.  LSU has already defeated Arkansas, and I totally missed that game, but honestly I would've picked LSU anyway.  It's just not Arkansas' year.  Anyway I picked the song for the obvious reason, and also because I thought it'd be a fun little jab at Ole Miss after we win the Egg Bowl for the fourth straight year!  So, time's a-wastin, let's get down to the good stuff!


LSU v Arkansas

Like I said, I would've picked LSU regardless, but I honestly would've thought they posted more like 28-32 points.  Anyway, hindsight is 20/20 and all that rot...


Georgia Tech v Georgia

Georgia is one of two SEC teams that are squarely in control of their own destiny... and that destiny could include a trip to the National Championship game.  Georgia will need to take care of Georgia Tech, whose triple option offense is no joke, in order to remain in the driver's seat.  After that they will travel to Atlanta for the SEC Championship game against Alabama, who incidentally is the other team in control of their own destiny.  Those destinies will colide in Atlanta, and the winner will punch their ticket to the biggest game of the year...

Georgia Tech 17 - Georgia 27


Kentucky v Tennessee

One of the most important things you'll need to know about this game is that the loser will secure their position as the last place team in the SEC East.  This is also the last game for both coaches, as Derek Dooley and Joker Phillips have already been put on notice that they're being let go at the end of the season... Nothing to play for but pride here, and Tennessee (whether deservedly or not) has a lot more than Kentucky...

Kentucky 14 - Tennessee 24


Auburn v Alabama

LOL.  Seriously?  Do I even need to write out all the reasons that Auburn will lose, Bama will roll, and this is a foregone conclusion?  Well, I'm not gonna...

Auburn 6 - Alabama 27


Florida v Florida State

Now this could be a good game... both teams are ranked (FSU at 10, Florida at 4) and FSU is ranked as the #1 defense against the rush this year.  However Florida's defense is stifling in all facets of the game, so the question becomes who has the more potent offense?  If Jeff Driskell plays (and rumor has it he will) then Florida will have a talented QB who is a legit passing threat on their hands, as well as serviceable in the running game.  If not, the Gators become a bit more one-dimensional, but FSU will have to prove they can score points against the Gator defense no matter who is taking the snaps for Florida.  I think this will be a defensive struggle similar to the Georgia/Florida game from earlier this season, and I think the Gators will come out on top...

Florida 17 - Florida State 14


Vanderbilt v Wake Forest

Vanderbilt will be bowling regardless of the outcome of this game, but another win could only help the Commodores.  On the other side of the ball, Wake Forest would also like to make a bowl game, but will need to win this one to do it.  Vandy's Zac Stacey looks to be a key figure in the offensive game plan for the 'Dores, but wide receiver Jordan Matthews is quietly making a name for himself as well.  The Demon Deacons will find their season coming to a close when this game wraps, but Nashville will be a-rockin as the Vandy fans celebrate 8 wins and an upcoming bowl game...

Vanderbilt 27 - Wake Forest 17


Missouri v Texas A&M

The Aggies play host to the Tigers as the two newest members of the SEC finally square off in what could possibly become a great rivalry, should Missouri ever manage to prove that they deserve to be in the SEC in the first place.   These two teams have played before, it should be noted, and TAMU holds the upper hand at 7-5 in the series.  TAMU stepped in and made a name for themselves in their inaugural SEC season... Mizzou?  Not so much... at least not the kind of name they were hoping for.  As much as the Tigers would like to grab that all-important 6th win, the Aggies are just not going to be team players on this one...

Missouri 14 - Texas A&M 41


South Carolina v Clemson

Now THIS is going to be a grudge match for the ages.  These two teams (both located in South Carolina) have a long and ugly history between them, and the last 3-4 years have only served to heighten the animosity.  Clemson coach Dabo Swinney has no love for Steve Spurrier, and the Ol' Ball Coach ain't exactly brimming over with the ooey-gooey for Dabo, either.  Comments have flown around this rivalry for the last few years, giving each team more locker room poster-board material than either could ever want.  But it's rare that both teams are ranked in the top 15 teams in the nation, and the "losing-est" of the two teams only sports two losses on the season.  There is talent all over the roster, and in the coaching staff, for both teams.  Who's angrier?  Who's meaner?  Who's uglier? Who wants it more?

South Carolina 24 - Clemson 30


Mississippi State v Ole Miss

And now, the moment you've all been waiting for... the Egg Bowl prediction!  First and foremost you need to remember, this is a Mississippi State blog.  I am in no way affiliated with the university or any of it's sports programs, I'm just a humble fan with a computer and the willingness to share my decidedly amateur opinion on SEC football.  Don't get your red and blue panties in a wad when you read what I'm about to write, because you know it's coming...

At the start of the season I picked MSU to go 9-3 with an outside shot at 10-2.  The third loss that WASN'T to a team named Alabama or LSU I had attributed to Arkansas at the time.  Then the dumpster caught fire, and that flame fed my hopes and dreams.  Auburn was dealt with early on in the season, paving the way to a glorious 7-0 run to start the season before a horrible showing against superior competition gave the Bulldogs their first loss at the hands of Bama.  When MSU responded with another horrible outing the next week against TAMU I started to worry what a likely 3 game skid would do to the players' mentalities.  But they showed me they still had some fight in the LSU game, and I knew they would take care of business when Arkansas came to town... which brings us to the Egg Bowl.

The Egg Bowl... the REAL rivalry game.  You'll never catch me (or any sane MSU fan) trying to claim Alabama or LSU, Arkansas or Auburn as our "REAL" rivals.  Rivalry games have history.  Rivalry games have spirit.  Rivalry games have relevance the other 364 days of the year, to BOTH fan bases.  THIS is a rivalry game, and THIS is when you can throw out the records and look at the heart of each team to see who will fight and claw and scratch and rake to get that last yard... that last inch... that last point.

Not many people expected Ole Miss to have 5 wins going in to the last 2 games of the season, considering they only managed to win 2 games all of last season.  Hugh Freeze has light a fire under these players and they have responded with drive and grit.  You can bet the Rebels will be hungry for a win, and there is no shortage of reasons for motivation.  The Rebels should've hit their 6th win against Vandy a few weeks ago but blew a 23-6 lead in the third quarter.  They played LSU down to the wire but lost a heartbreaker.  They are hungry for that 6th win.  They're hungry for bowl eligibility.  They're hungry for tripling their win total from last season... but most of all, they're hungry for that Egg Bowl trophy.  The trophy has spent the last three seasons in Starkville, and Dan Mullen has made sure that the red and blue faithful have not forgotten that fact.  That is a big part of the reason Houston Nutt was shown the door last season...

I expect the Rebels to give the Bulldogs a hell of a fight... both teams will come out swinging, and both defenses will likely need to make adjustments quickly to shore up any weaknesses.  Tyler Russell has proven to be a more efficient QB with only 4 INTs against 21 TDs on the season, whereas Bo Wallace has thrown 22 TDs... and -13- INTs.  That has to be in the back of his mind facing this highly touted MSU secondary.  Look for Banks, Slay and company to reel off at least 2 INTs in this game, likely in the second half, and another turnover in the form of a forced fumble, either from Cam Lawrence or maybe Nickoe Whitley.

Part of me thinks this could be a barn-burner... both offenses have the capacity to put up a lot of points in a hurry.  But there's also the possibility that either or both offenses can stumble and falter, leading to a lower scoring game.  I feel like this game will play out similarly to the Arkansas/MSU game, although with a slightly higher score...  but in the end, you know you can wrap this one in Maroon and White.

Mississippi State 49 - Ole Miss 27



And when that clock starts winding down the final seconds of the game you may just find yourself humming "Oops I Did it Again" and smiling as a few die-hard Bulldogs raise their smuggled cowbells and ring them in triumph.  Damn it feels good to be a Bulldog... I hope you all have a great weekend and week, and check back with us once the bowl games are announced!  The House of Hooch will break down all the SEC bowl games, including the National Championship, and you won't wanna miss that!  Thanks so much for reading, and make sure you stop by our Facebook page and give us a like!

#HailState and #GoDawgs!

SEC Recap: Week 12

[Mr. Hooch] Well it was a wild weekend in college football, if not the SEC.  Lots of out of conference foes were handled in due course, although new kids on the block Missouri weren't able to handle their share of the load.  Also KSU clearly couldn't handle the pressure of being #1, and Oregon wasn't really comfortable with their lot in life either, apparently.  Thanks to Baylor and Stanford the SEC is back in the hunt for the National Title... Now let's check in with the Professor and get his take.



[Professor D] The SEC came close to a stellar performance this weekend. Trust Missouri to drop the ball in the 4th quarter against Syracuse to really mess it all up. The conference went 7 – 1 against non-conference opponents and although some of its top teams looked sluggish they got a big boost from unlikely allies Baylor and Stanford. Overall I grade the conference an A this week as the SEC sends 6 teams to the top 10 BCS standings, which is fair. Florida, Georgia, Alabama, LSU, Texas A&M, and South Carolina are all easily top 10 teams. An unfortunate reality for decent teams like Mississippi State who despite having an 8 – 3 record and a decent shot at 9 - 3 is looking at a trip to the Gator Bowl or if they’re very lucky the Chick-fil-a bowl.


Kentucky 34 - Samford 3

Well Joker Phillips got what he wanted for the Kentucky seniors, and that's all any fan could really ask for.  I wish him nothing but the best in his next job, wherever that may be.  Not a whole lot else to say about this one...

Kentucky 34 – Samford 3

Kentucky finally snapped an 8 game losing streak by beating up on hapless Samford. Not to be confused with the SEC’s favorite non-conference team of the week (should that become a thing? I think that should be a thing) Stanford. The Wildcats pummeled the bulldogs early on to the tune of 31 – 3 at the half, allowing only a second quarter field goal from Samford. I guess Kentucky finally remembered their an SEC squad and SEC squads do not lose to the likes of Samford and Kent State (glare). Joker Phillips may not have saved his job in this game, but he at least bought himself another week (unlike a to be named later SEC coach).

Auburn 51 - Alabama A&M 7

As expected, a frustrated Auburn team (and fan base) took out some aggression on Alabama A&M on Saturday.  It won't get them bowl eligible and it probably won't help much in preparation for the REAL Alabama this Saturday, but a win is a win.

Auburn 51 – Alabama A&M 7

Speaking of teams waking up and realizing they play in the SEC, Auburn also had a strong first half performance, leading 35 – 0 at the half. I’ll admit I was worried about this game, and who can blame me. No one who has seen the Tigers play this year that’s for sure. Auburn finally got a chance to showcase that offense they’ve been so high about the past few years. Yeah it’s really awesome guys. Good enough for win 3 in week 12. I really hope Auburn doesn’t make any major changes this offseason. It has been awesome watching them fall on their face this year, and someone has to take Ole Miss’ place at the bottom of the West.

 Texas A&M 47 - Sam Houston St. 27

The Aggies handled their share of the OOC load this weekend, dealing an entirely expected loss to Sam Houston St.  Now they look ahead to fellow newbie Missouri, who will visit College Station this weekend and desperately hope to pull off the upset against the upstarts.



Texas A&M 47 – Sam Houston 27

The score wasn’t close, but the game was even more lopsided. Texas A&M took their foot off the gas (finally, remember the Aggies haven’t had a bye week this year) in the 4th quarter against Sam Houston when they led 47 – 7. The Bearkats were able to score 21 points in the final quarter to make the score look a little more respectable. It was nice of the Aggies to give them that. Sam Houston (Sam Houston State actually but I’m too lazy to go back and change it and have quite a bit of work to be getting along with thank you very much) plays in the Southland conference with the likes of Lamar and Nicholls State so scoring 27 against TAMU might be worthy of a T-shirt (if you’re Missouri that is…).


 Florida 23 - Jacksonville St. 0

Florida's defense did what they do, and the offense was about what you'd expect.  Not stunning, but serviceable.  Florida basically used J'ville St. as a tuneup for the FSU game this weekend, and that game might be closer than some folks want to believe.  Ah Rivalry Week...

Florida 23 – Jacksonville State 0

Florida, for the fourth week in a row, came out sluggish against Jacksonville State. The 

Gators led just 10 – 0 at the half and relied on their defense all game. Granted Florida was 

missing their starting quarterback, but still, you can’t tell me FLORIDA didn’t have a back up 

they could send in and score more than 23 against Jacksonville State. The Gators are one of the 

teams that benefited from the weekends upsets though and the return of Driskel to the lineup 

should give Florida the spark they need to get in position for a National Championship (what? 

really? Did I just say that? How did that happen…) if Notre Dame skids on the banana peel (it’s 

a phrase ok? It’s legit. Mario Kart says so).

Georgia 45 - Georgia Southern 14

Georgia took care of business Saturday, not that the loss would've kept them out of the SEC title game. We already know that, barring a stunning slip up against Auburn, Alabama will be facing Georgia in the SECCG, so unless Notre Dame falters the winner will be facing the Fighting Irish in the National Title Game.  Don't mind the fact that ND gets to skate by having to play in a championship game for any conference (they are ACC in all sports EXCEPT football, now)... I cannot wait for college football playoffs.

Georgia 45 – Georgia Southern 14

This game turned out to be important. See despite beating Florida earlier in the year the computers are loving the Gators strength of schedule. If Georgia had fumbled around a bit in this game and the pollsters decided to bump the Gators over Georgia then Florida, a team not in contention for their own Conference Championship, could have been number 2. An all SEC championship game would have been unavoidable if Notre Dame loses. But as it is Georgia was able to smash Georgia Southern (as they should) and all is ok in the world of the BCS (except, you know, the BCS). I should probably talk more about the actual game, but you all can probably guess how that would go. Aaron Murray was awesome blah blah the opponent had no answer for the freshman running back tandem blah blah. Yeah.

Alabama 49 - Western Carolina 0

Alabama's defense decided to send a message to Auburn and Georgia on Saturday by blanking W. Carolina.  It's hard to imagine that TAMU was able to knock off the Tide, but that wasn't a dream.  It was just another example of how being in the best conference (the SEC, in case you weren't sure) lends itself to teams that would otherwise run the table in other conferences cannibalizing themselves during conference games.   It's just a shame more people don't understand that...

Alabama 49 – Western Carolina 0

Much like the Georgia game, this one actually turned out to be important. See there are quite a few people who aren’t happy with Alabama sitting ahead of the bulldogs in the polls. Georgia has the tougher schedule and both teams play in the same conference. Both teams also have a loss to teams of approximately the same caliber in South Carolina and Texas A&M. The points scored by the Tide don’t really matter as much as the big goose egg sitting where Western Carolina hoped to put at least a 3 or a 7. The Tide’s defense returned to form after being shredded by Texas A&M last week and pounded by LSU the week before. That goes a long way to reminding people why no one outside of Athens is giving Georgia much of a chance against Alabama in Atlanta.


Missouri 27 - Syracuse 31

I had a feeling this was going to be a tough contest, I just ended up picking the wrong pony to back.  Missouri now travels to Texas to take on giant-killers Texas A&M this weekend in the first match up of the new kids on the SEC block.  If they want to be bowl eligible they're going to need a minor miracle... or two, or three.

Missouri 27 – Syracuse 31

My only mistake was believing Missouri could actually pull this one out when they led 17 – 10 going into the fourth quarter against Syracuse. Then the Tigers were the Tigers and allowed 21 points to slap them with the loss. Mizzou played better than I expected, serving as a reminder that it is SEC teams that have been pounding them this year, but in the end did as they have done all year (with the notable exception of the Tennessee game), lose. Sigh. Things will get better for Missouri. After all they got better for South Carolina and Arkan… well maybe we’ll save the Arkansas example for a better year (or just pretend this year never happened and Petrino actually hates motorcycles. Man didn’t that insurance company do a great job with that ad? I thought they were making fun of the motorcycle, you know, a Hog. I completely forgot about the Petrino incident! Gosh that was hilarious. Maybe next year they’ll do something about their coaches debt. What was I talking about? Oh yeah Missouri lost. Sorry it just gets so dull typing that every week. I mean it’s fun watching Auburn lose. I guess it is sadder talking about Kentucky. I kind of feel sorry for them. Until I remember Calipari. Then I don’t. I should close those parentheses now before I ruin your day by not doing it. Actually no, that could be fun.

South Carolina 24 - Wofford 7

I didn't see any highlights or anything for this one as I was intermittently crashing tailgates, celebrating the overdue win against Arkansas, or watching more interesting games, but SC managed to do what needed to be done anyway.  I can just imagine the sourpuss on the Ol' Ball Coach's face when they go into the fourth tied with Wofford, though.  Oh, that face...

South Carolina 24 – Wofford 7

Man this was a scary game for awhile. This game was tied going into the 4th quarter (another Mizzou style t-shirt idea!). I couldn’t believe it. The Gamecocks were able to put things together though and real off 17 points in the 4th in a Florida Gators style win. I don’t think anyone expected this one to be close, but I suspect that with the East locked up and South Carolina so far ahead of Vanderbilt in the standings that the Gamecocks played soft, keeping up their strength for a bowl game.

Vanderbilt 41 - Tennessee 18

Sorry, Derek Dooley.  It sucks that you got fired but that comes with the territory when you're coaching at a former National Championship winning school that's fallen on hard times.  Vanderbilt did a great job in this game, regardless, and have improved their stock for bowling by adding a 7th win.  Congrats, 'Dores, you've earned it...



Vanderbilt 41 – Tennessee 18

Who expected this? I’m going to go ahead and copy and paste that as my intro for the next three games. Seriously though, I know I said Vandy had a pretty good defense, but holding Tennessee to just 18 points? And scoring 41! I know the Volunteers suck on defense but still! Way to go there Vanderbilt! You just secured a winning season! The SEC is proud of you. As a State fan I kind of feel like a big brother to Vanderbilt. You know, they’re really smart and all and you’re proud of them for it, but still. And you really feel for their football struggles, after all you’ve been there before. This loss was so bad for the Volunteers they fired the lovable Derek Dooley over it. Which is a shame, but hey, Tennessee was a powerhouse. They won’t be happy until they find the coach that can return them to that.


LSU 41 - Ole Miss 35

Credit Ole Miss, they gave LSU a better game than I would've expected, but the end result was the same.  That really sucks for the Rebels, though, because when MSU beats them this Saturday they will have lost their shot at a real trophy (The Golden Egg), a fake trophy (The Magnolia Cup) and a bowl game.  This game was right down to the wire, and that can only help the Bulldogs Saturday as Ole Miss will likely still be a little hungover from pouring everything they had into this one and coming up short...

LSU 41 – Ole Miss 35

Who expected this? I didn’t. Ole Miss really gave LSU one heck of a game. And Les 

Miles gave one heck of an interview. Nothing could have capped this game off better than the 

Mad Hatter in front of the mike. Seriously this guy is awesome. LSU did something I didn’t 

think they’d ever do. Put up 41 points in a game. They also allowed 35. Weird. I don’t know 

how that happened but I know it sets up one hell of a showdown this weekend in the Egg Bowl. 

Should be fun y’all.

Mississippi State 45 - Arkansas 14

Man, that felt good to say (type, whatever)... It's been 4 years since MSU beat the Razorbacks, and granted this wasn't your typical Arkansas team by any stretch of the imagination, but they also aren't the dumpster fire that started the season wearing their jerseys.  As I expected, turnovers really put this one away for us, so big shout out to our secondary and our defense in general for creating all those turnovers.  This loss also put the Razorbacks out of any bowl discussions, not that they were really in any to begin with.  MSU notched another SEC win, improved to 8-3 and has now set their sites on rival Ole Miss... that is going to be a great game!

Mississippi State 45 – Arkansas 14

Who expected this? I mean I expected State to win, but by 31?!?! Wow that was 

awesome. The offense didn’t look great but the defense was stellar (except those missed tackles, 

but going for the strip paid off big so I won’t complain much). Arkansas really couldn’t get out 

of their own way. It almost got old laughing at them shoot themselves in the foot. Then I 

remembered the pig sooey cheer and suddenly enjoyed it again. I really wish the Piggie fans 

behind me had stayed for the whole game. I really wanted to pay them back for all their smack 

talk in the first two quarters. Speaking of the first half though, the Bulldogs need to step up their 

game. Ole Miss looks pretty good and they will be playing for the post season… at home… oh 

boy. By the way Chad Bumphis leads the SEC in touchdown receptions. Pretty good for a guy 

who isn’t much of a down field threat. Suck it ESPN. Also, Hamilton, meet Darius Slay. You 

two aren’t going to get along very well.

And that will do it for the recap!  I don't know what the hell is going on with the spacing here, blogger has never been very easy to work with.  I finally just said fuck it.  Anyway, y'all have a great week, and hopefully I'll see a few of you at the Egg Bowl!

#HailState and #GoDawgs!

MSU v Arkansas

Skrillex - Levels Remix (CFB pump up vid)

[Mr. Hooch] Tell me that doesn't get you amped for some football...

Welcome back to a "normal" edition of the Weekend Preview here at the House of Hooch!  I won't bore you with the details, but various things kept interfering with Mr. Hooch's ability to put forth the product you've come to know and love the last few weeks (and no, it wasn't the losing streak, smartass), but we're back on track now, baby!  Enough with the small talk, though... let's do this!!!



W. Carolina at Alabama
The Crimson Tide will take out their frustrations on a 1-9 W. Carolina team this weekend, and it won't be pretty.  Alabama saw their dreams of an appearance in the National Championship game all but evaporate at the hands of unlikely spoilers Texas A&M last weekend, and you know they're not happy about it.  The defense will be playing to prove something after the Aggies gouged them last week, as will the offense after being stuffed on their last possession inside the 10 yard line... This won't be pretty...
W. Carolina 0 - Alabama 47
Alabama v. Western Carolina
[Professor D] Alabama is reeling after a stunning loss to Texas A&M. A weekend date with Western Carolina may be just what the doctor ordered for the Crimson Tide. Alabama doesn’t really have a challenge left on the schedule until the SEC Championship game in which the Tide will most assuredly be playing. After trashing Western Carolina this weekend Alabama has only lowly Auburn left on their schedule between them and an SEC West title. This game is going to get ugly quick as Alabama puts itself back together.
Alabama 41 – Western Carolina 3



Jacksonville St. at Florida
Florida has a 50 game win streak going against non-BCS conference teams.  Jacksonville St. actually beat a BCS team last year.  That team, incidentally, was fellow SEC member Ole Miss.  The long and short of it, however, is that Florida will not let another ULL gaff happen this week.  They will be tuning up for their annual showdown with FSU next week, and the Gators will roll...
Jacksonville St. 10 - Florida 30
Florida v. Jacksonville State
Florida hasn’t looked great for their last two games but Jacksonville State shouldn’t present the Gators with much of a challenge, then again Missouri shouldn’t have either. Florida escaped the last two games and I don’t imagine Will Muschamp will allow this skid to become a trend. This game comes at the perfect time for Florida. The Gators, even with their injuries, should come out firing, especially in the second half.
Florida 24 – Jacksonville State 13


Wofford at South Carolina
The Wofford Terriers (I'm not kidding) bring their triple option offense to South Carolina this weekend, and this could be a tougher game than it looks on the surface.  Many MSU fans will remember the Georgia Tech triple option which stifled the Bulldogs a few years ago... The Gamecock linebackers will have to play solid, disciplined defense to contain the Terriers' backfield.  If SC can hold on (and I think they will) they will have won 10 in a row at home and have their first undefeated season in their stadium since 1987.  That's big.
Wofford 21 - South Carolina 30
South Carolina v. Wofford
South Carolina has the grave misfortune of being a good team while Florida, Georgia, Alabama, and LSU are all busy being great teams. The Gamecocks are fighting desperately for a decent bowl game and hoping that somehow Georgia or Alabama end up in the National Championship game. A loss to Wofford would take South Carolina out of contention for a decent post season game. That shouldn’t happen though as the Gamecocks will be more than a match for Wofford.
South Carolina 38 – Wofford 10


Georgia Southern at Georgia
Georgia already knows they're headed to Atlanta for the SEC title game... but if they keep winning, with a little luck they could work their way into the National Championship conversation.  That's motivation enough to stay focused this week as they play host to Georgia Southern.  That's not going to be as easy as it sounds though, as GA Southern also boasts a triple option offense, as well as an 8-2 record.  Be that as it may, Georgia holds a 4-0 record in this series, and they will have been focusing on the triple option in practice as their next game with Georgia Tech will also pose the same offensive strategy...
Georgia Southern 21 - Georgia 33
Georgia v. Georgia Southern
Georgia has locked up the SEC East and is hoping for a few slip ups from Notre Dame and Kansas State for a shot at the National Championship. The bulldogs have been on fire since  that close game against Kentucky and should more than handle Georgia Southern. The key to the games leading up to the SEC Championship will be staying healthy. If Georgia could stay healthy they have a pretty good chance against Alabama… well better than most teams would have.
Georgia 41 – Georgia Southern 14


Alabama A&M at Auburn
Auburn is playing for two things in their last two games of the season: pride, and Gene Chizik's job.  I'm not really sure the players are too concerned about the latter, though.  That being said this is a SWAC team and Auburn has a lot of frustration to vent.  Chances are they blow the doors off the place in this one, but there still won't be anybody in the stands by the second half...
Alabama A&M 10 - Auburn 27
Auburn v. Alabama A&M
The 2 – 8 Auburn Tigers take on the 7 – 3 Alabama A&M Bulldogs on Saturday. This will be Auburns third game against a team called the Bulldogs. They lost the first two in embarrassing fashion and the third could go the same way. Alabama A&M has played decent ball this year, not great, but pretty good for a team from the SWAC. Auburn meanwhile has been playing bad football for a team from any conference. This game could end up an embarrassing one on the Plains, something Auburn fans should be used to.
Auburn 17 – Alabama A&M 20


Sam Houston St. at Texas A&M
The prodigal son returns home to Kyle Field this Saturday as Johnny Football and the Aggies return to be greeted by a TAMU crowd which could likely be the most insanely amped 10th man that anyone has ever seen.  After knocking off the hands down favorite to make an appearance in the National Title game, TAMU will face an 8-2 Sam Houston team that is riding a 7 game win streak.  Unfortunately for the Bearkats, the Aggies are going to light them up brighter than the Jennings Osborne Christmas lights at Disney World...
Sam Houston St. 14 - Texas A&M 47
Texas A&M v. Sam Houston
Texas A&M is riding high after upsetting Alabama, and Johnny Manziel could probably beat Sam Houston with just an offensive line. This game will get ugly and stay ugly as Texas A&M finally gets a break from their SEC schedule, and they should celebrate in true SEC fashion by smashing an out of conference foe.
Texas A&M 49 – Sam Houston 10


Syracuse at Missouri
Two 5-5 teams will battle for a bowl bid when these two take the field Saturday.  Missouri is coming off a 4 OT thriller against Tennessee, and Syracuse is coming off an upset win of previously undefeated Louisville.  The Tigers' D-line will need to handle the Orange backfield if they want to win, but there's a lot of variables here.  How will Syracuse respond after the emotional win?  How will Missouri respond after the exhausting 4 OT game?  Can the Tigers manage with the slew of injuries they've had?  Can QB Nassib and RB Smith take control of the game for Syracuse?  If both teams come to play, and they should, this will be a fun one to watch...
Missouri 34 - Syracuse 21
Missouri v. Syracuse
Missouri desperately needs a win over Syracuse to become bowl eligible. They are sitting at 5 – 5 and will close out the year against Texas A&M, who will in all probability crush them. Syracuse is coming off a big win over previously undefeated Louisville and Missouri is coming off of an upset over Missouri. Syracuse should come out ahead over the Tigers, but stranger things have happened.
Missouri 21 – Syracuse 33


Samford at Kentucky
Excuse me while I pontificate on something for a minute... I thought Joker Phillips was a 'good guy' since Kentucky hired him.  He strikes me as the kind of guy who puts in good, honest, hard work in every facet of his game/coaching career.  I'm disappointed that Kentucky is firing him.  On the surface you see a 1-9 team in a coach's third year and you say "yeah, well, he had his time to make something happen..." but there are some extenuating circumstances here.  For one thing it's KENTUCKY, and it's NOT basketball.  You're a lower-tier SEC East team.  And to add to that, you're a lower-tier SEC team with THE NATION'S TOUGHEST SCHEDULE!  /end rantAnyway, this will be the last home game Phillips coaches and his seniors will want to send him off with a win, so you can expect to see a fired up Wildcat team take the field Saturday.  Samford has the talent to hang with Kentucky, but I'm giving them the nod anyway...
Samford 21 - Kentucky 27
Kentucky v. Samford
Kentucky is 1 – 9 and their only rout to improving that is through Samford as they close their season against Tennessee. Samford is 7 – 3 and this game feels a lot like the Auburn game described previously. Kentucky needs this win bad to save some face, but Samford may just be the better team. This may be a painful week for the SEC with Auburn and Kentucky facing potential losses against non-conference opponents.
Kentucky 17 – Samford 13


Ole Miss at LSU
They always say you can put the records aside when it comes to rivalry games... and Ole Miss would like to do just that.  The problem is this isn't a REAL rivalry just because you invented a trophy to give yourself on the odd occasion that you pull off an upset.  Like Tom Landry said, "When you get to the end zone, act like you've been there before." Don't create a trophy because you won a game you were trying to win.  Regardless of that, Ole Miss is a long shot at even covering the spread in this one.  LSU is just too talented all over the field, and especially against the pass which is the Rebel's bread and butter on offense.  The Rebel's will leave Tiger Stadium still in search of that elusive 6th win, looking ahead to a REAL rivalry game with Mississippi State next weekend...
Ole Miss 17 - LSU 30
LSU v. Ole Miss
LSU is on fire since Mettenberger’s sudden ability to pass the ball. Ole Miss meanwhile is enjoying their return to mediocrity. Ole Miss could be in this game at the half but LSU will be way more than the Rebel whatevers can handle. I don’t see this one ending close as LSU fights for a bowl berth.
LSU 38 – Ole Miss 21


Tennessee at Vanderbilt
Vandy is already bowl-eligible but would very much like to improve the value of their stock.  Tennessee needs to win out to have a shot at bowling.  Derek Dooley would also very much like to keep his job, so there's some added motivation for the Vols.  But if the Commodores can beat Tennessee and Wake Forest next week they will hit the 8 win mark for the first time since 1982.  That'll be more than enough reason to celebrate in Nashville.  Tyler Bray and Cordarelle Patterson can light you up in a hurry, but Vandy has the 3rd best passing D in the SEC, so that should be a good match up to watch.
Tennessee 20 - Vanderbilt 27
Vanderbilt v. Tennessee
Tennessee may have the best offense in the nation without a conference win. The Volunteers desperately need to beat in state rival Vanderbilt. Meanwhile Vanderbilt is hoping to make it back back to back years heading to a bowl game. The Commodores have been getting it done this year with good defense and a decent offense. They are playing good SEC football but Tennessee’s offense will be looking to outscore Vanderbilt, and I doubt the ‘dores ability to keep up with the scoring.
Vanderbilt 32 – Tennessee 45


Arkansas at MSU
The Bulldogs enter this game riding a 3 game losing streak, after opening the season with seven straight wins.  Arkansas stumbled out of the gate this season and spent most of the season trying to correct their costly mistakes.  The Razorbacks still have an outside shot at a bowl game, but they must win their last two games against MSU and LSU to do so.  MSU wants very badly to end the losing streak, add another SEC win to the tally and improve their bowl stock.
The key match ups in this game will be the MSU passing offense vs Arkansas pass defense, and Arkansas' rushing attack vs MSU's rush defense.  Tyler Wilson and Tyler Russell are essentially the same player on different teams.  Tyler Russell has a 60.5% completion ratio and 17 TDs.  Tyler Wilson has a 60.9% completion ratio and 18 TDs.  The difference will be the supporting cast.  For the Bulldogs Darius Slay and Johnthan Banks will keep an eye on Cobi Hamilton, as he is Wilson's favorite target.  MSU MUST stack the box and stop the run, and play man coverage on the wideouts to force turnovers from a turnover-prone Arkansas offense.  I am looking at you, Chris Wilson.  So help me god if I see 3 man fronts and zone coverage for more than 2-3 plays this game it better be players wearing Razorback Red.
The Mississippi State offense needs to come out passing in order to open up some opportunities on the ground.  Arkansas is much more susceptible to passing attacks that the ground game.  If Russell can continue to accurately hit his receivers in tight spots the Bulldogs will win this one walking away.  If the passing game struggles the Bulldogs may find themselves in trouble.  Luckily MSU is ranked 10th nationally in turnover margin... the Razorbacks?  They're 6th... from the bottom.  Sporting the 118th rank nationally in turnovers is what has cost the Razorbacks more than one game this season, so if the Dawgs can win the turnover battle it should put the game well in hand.
This will be just what the doctor ordered for the boys in Maroon and White.  While it won't mean anything to the players, it will be sweet justice for fans like me to see us end Arkansas' hopes at going bowling since we haven't beaten the Razorbacks since 2008, and they've done us the same favor on more than one occasion.  The Dawgs will wrap this one in Maroon and White and move on to dash Ole Miss' dreams of bowling next weekend in Oxford, and THAT will be a glorious day.
Arkansas 17 - MSU 28
Mississippi State v. Arkansas
Mississippi State is coming off of a three game slide while Arkansas is fighting for pride. The Razorbacks chances of a bowl game disappear with a loss, while the Bulldogs are fighting for a 10 win season for the first time in I don’t even remember how long. State seemed to get on the right track last week against LSU but just couldn’t pull out the win. The Bulldogs should see a different story unfold against the Razorbacks this Saturday. Arkansas won’t roll over for State though and it should end up a tough game.
Mississippi State 30 – Arkansas 24


As always, thanks so much for reading, we hope you enjoyed it!  Spread the word on Twitter, like us on Facebook, and tell all your friends!
As a bonus (or to make up for the lack of pictures, since I ran out of time), if you're in the Tupelo area tonight (Friday) you should head over to the BancorpSouth Arena at 7:30 and watch the MSU Ice Dawgs take on Tennessee tonight!  Here's a little motivation... see I'm going to a hockey game, so I picked a song with 'cold' in the title... because, you know... it's funny, or ironic, or whatever it is.  

Man my jokes are lame...
Breaking Benjamin - So Cold

Y'all have a great weekend!  #HailState and #GoDawgs!