First off allow me to make my apologies for not getting a weekend recap out this week. Like I mentioned in last week's preview I thought this might happen, and sure enough I was completely wiped out from my epic weekend so I really didn't have a chance to catch any games, much less replays, so I don't have much to offer in that regard. My epic weekend was truly epic though, and I've decided to share some pics from DragonCons past to give you an idea of what you missed. Meanwhile Professor D has stepped up and delivered a brief synopsis of this past weekend's games, so let's get that out of the way first... Professor, take it away! (Editor's note: the font has freaked out in various places and I have neither the time nor desire to pick through and fix it... please just roll with it)
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| Saw Xerxes here a few times, dude was uncanny... DragonCon, yo. |
Tennessee 45 - Austin Peay 0
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| This blasted up Stormtrooper represents Austin Peay's feelings after that game. |
Missouri 58 - Murray State 14
Well I have to admit the Tigers were better on both sides of the ball than I expected. Missouri put up points at will, particularly late in the game, and didn’t have much trouble keeping Murray State out of the endzone. We’ll see if these guys are for real this year soon enough, for now though, give yourself a pat on the back Missouri.
Florida 24 - Toledo 6
So I kind of expected Florida to lay an egg in this one. Boy was I wrong (a familiar theme this weekend). The Gator defense came out stifiling, allowing just over 200 total yards all game. Wow. That is a recipe for a lot of wins in the SEC. The other half of that though is scoring points. Compared to Missouri and Tennessee it almost looks like the Gators may be in trouble, but I don’t really see it. Toledo is a much better opponent than either of the other teams. I think Florida may be the real deal out of the East this year, although I wouldn’t trust much of what I say right now, partially because...
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| Most Kentucky fans probably would've prefered looking at these cats instead of their own last weekend. |
Wow. Kentucky is now 0 - 2 in the last two meetings with the Hilltoppers. How insane is that? I have to say it was a toss up calling the upset between Kentucky, Auburn, and Arkansas, and I picked wrong. Kentucky is in some serious trouble this year. Of the SEC losses, this one surprised me the most, and probably spells the most trouble. Hold on Cats, basketball season isn’t that far away.
Auburn 31 - Washington State 24
One of the few things I did get right was the margin of victory in this game. 7 points. That’s all that separated the recent National Champion Auburn Tigers from defeat at the hands of the lowly Pac-12 Washington State Cougars. Auburn looks to be exactly the team I expected them to be this year. Bad, but loaded with talent. This team is raw, flashing between greatness and an all around bumble-f*&$. The Tigers could give us some fun games this year as they make some serious upset bids, but I expect this team to play to level of their opponents, losing a lot of close games.
Arkansas 34 - University of Louisiana-Lafayette 14
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| Arkansas (middle) knocking out the first two weeks' competition... |
Well I went out on a limb and it really bit me in the behind. I’m going to be honest with you guys, I don’t know much about how this game (or many of the others) went down, but on the surface it looks like the Razorbacks may be finally inching their way forward as a team. Offensive and defensive numbers are looking okay, a huge change from last season, and the coaching appears to have stabilized. Indications are the future could be bright for Arkansas, but the future isn’t this year. Enjoy the win, relish it, because I’m still not convinced there will be many once they hit the teeth of that schedule.
South Carolina 27 - North Carolina 10
So South Carolina took care of business this weekend, their defense a little bit more complete than I expected, and the offense within reason of what was anticipated. So I guess I shouldn’t be surprised the Gamecocks held on to their number 6 ranking, but it doesn’t change the fact that I am. Despite this win, which is kind of impressive, Connor Shaw went an okay 11 - 20, a bad sign for an offense that won’t live up to their expectations on the run game. Sure Mike Davis went for 115 yards on just 12 attempts, but I’m willing to put that on North Carolina’s D more than the talent of the Gamecocks backfield. I don’t know, congrats on the win, but I’m still not convinced. Also, Clowney was impressive. Like really impressive.
Alabama 35 - Virginia Tech 10
“Oh lordy lordy Alabama’s O-line is in trouble and the losses are rainin’ upon us!” “Alabama’s defense has officially reloaded and the Crimson Tide look well on their way to a three-pete!” Alright ESPN, I realize you do opposing viewpoints all the time as a way to generate hype, but seriously? Sure the O-line didn’t look up to last year’s standards, but last year’s standard was National Championship and first round draft picks. Jeez give these guys a couple games to play together! Sheesh. That said, the defense does look pretty good, although Virginia Tech may not prove to be the best measuring stick. Overall, I think Bama is in position to….. Whatever. They won, they won big, I’m depressed just thinking about it. Moving on.
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| Poll: What's more distracting? A) Johnny Manziel's antics B) Catwoman's cleavage |
Well then. Texas A&M was interesting in this game, or if you’re an Aggies fan, troubling. “Umm Professor? You do see the 52 points they put up right?” Yup. Yes I do good sir with the well thought out, admirably phrased question! And handsome too… ahem, as I was saying. Texas A&M scored 28 points in the first half of the game without Johnny Football. With him? 24. Huh. Interesting. The Aggies were actually more dangerous against a fresh Rice defense without Manziel than they were with him against a unit that had already given up 28 points. Maybe this is because the Owls had no defensive scheme against a non-Manziel led Aggie attack, but I think there is a more complete reason. Johnny Manziel is a distraction fast approaching liability. His on the field antics far overshadowed his play, and the team played worse with him on the field. Sure A&M won handily against an all around pretty good team, but what happens when Bama comes to town and Manziel is too busy signing his center’s ass to read the blitz coming at him? A&M may be ranked number 7, but I don’t expect them to finish that high after seeing this year’s team (Manziel).
LSU 37 - TCU 27
LSU won a shootout….. against TCU. What? Seriously, I know I kind of predicted this (let me have it, I didn’t win a lot this weekend), but wow. LSU’s offense really showed up against a TCU defense that should shape up to be pretty good this year. The Tigers have to be proud of this win and looking forward to this season. Their schedule just started looking a whole lot easier with the exception of Alabama, Texas A&M…. Florida…….. and Georgia. Whoa. Nevermind. Well at least it looks like LSU should hold their own against that schedule now. I fully expect LSU to head into the Georgia game undefeated, as this offensive display certainly makes them favorites over Auburn, the Tigers only threat before facing the Bulldogs. That Alabama game should be fun again.
Clemson 38 - Georgia 35
Ummm guys…. Anyone remember the score I predicted for this game? 38 - 35, Georgia. Damn. So close. Just like Georgia was. I have to say I’m disappointed in the Bulldogs defense. Georgia has one heck of an offense, and while Clemson is dangerous, they aren’t Georgia dangerous on that side of the ball. I just can’t believe the bulldogs let Clemson look that good. But, like so much this week, it happened. I’m still pretty high on Georgia, but with LSU on the schedule out of the West they’ve certainly got an uphill battle to get in position for a National Championship.
Vanderbilt 35 - Ole Miss 39
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| It turns out Stormtroopers aren't all work and no play after all... |
This one hurt. This hurt bad. I really thought Vandy was going to pull it out at the end of that game, but they just threw it away. This is the type of loss that can really haunt a team, and the type of win that can propel the other. I hope neither happens. I hope Vanderbilt picks themselves up and runs the gauntlet in the East, and Ole Miss falls flat on their undeserving faces. Ugh. I don’t even want to get into this game, and since Dragon*Con really has our backs against the wall on timing, I won’t.
Mississippi State 3 - Oklahoma State 21
Let’s just jump right into the bad from this game, and end on a better note. Mississippi State’s offense scored 3 points. More points than the number of third downs they converted. That is unacceptable. I’ve said for a couple of years now Dan Mullen really needs to reconsider his offensive coordinator. The play calling is atrocious, everyone in the stadium knows what’s about to happen. In the first quarter we played our game. We ran, we passed, we were balanced, and it was wonderful. We controlled the clock, kept Oklahoma State’s offense off the field. Then what happened? Coaching happened. We have four experienced running backs behind an experienced offensive line, and a receiving corps with no starts under their belt. Why were we not running the ball effectively? Why did Tyler Russell have to stand in the pocket and throw to guys who weren’t ready for this game? Because the offensive line has taken a step backward. I know its early and we don’t know how good Ok State’s defense is, but these guys have faced LSU, Bama, and South Carolina. They should have the experience to open up running lanes, or stop the quarterback from getting hammered. This is the biggest worry for me going forward. I think the receivers will get better, there’s too much talent there not to, and the running backs have all proved they’ve got talent. None of that matters though if there’s nowhere to run and Russell has no time to develop plays. It’s time to break down and go recruit us an o-line, cause our guys are just not up to task. Also, Devon Bell? I’m officially over you. I gave you the benefit of the doubt last year cause you were young and being asked to kick 40+ yards, but you’re not young, and that was a chip shot. Recruiting goal number 2: get a kicker who can boot it out the back of the endzone on kickoff and make a 35 yard field goal every time.
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| This Bulldog defense could be super-sexy... only time will tell. |
Overall State fans should really try sticking to the positives of this game. No we won’t be upsetting LSU, Alabama, Texas A&M, or South Carolina, but Auburn, Arkansas, Kentucky, and even Ole Miss just started looking a whole lot more manageable after watching our defense. Alcorn State should provide our offense just the breather they need to get something going. Things are, strange as it seems, looking up. We should be heading into the last two games of the year (Arkansas and Ole Miss) one win away from a fourth straight bowl game. I know it isn’t the 10 wins we wanted, but hey, its better than a lot of State fans have gotten for a long long time.
(Mr. Hooch) Thank you, Professor! Entertaining and insightful as always! Now we move on to this week's previews of all the action in the SEC. I apologize for the brevity of my portion, but between vacation, work and birthday obligations there just wasn't a lot of time for me to flesh these out this week. I'll still be making some quick assessments and projections, but going forward things should start to become more consistent. At any rate, let's get to it!
MIA (OH) at UK - Miami (Ohio) isn't equipped to deal with an SEC team, even if it is the reeling Wildcats.
This one will likely be over before it starts. The Redhawks will score late to lessen the sting somewhat, but it will still be a solid win for the 'Cats.
Kentucky 27 - Miami (OH) 10
Kentucky 27 - Miami (OH) 10
FLA at UM - The REAL Miami (or at least the one most college football fans pay attention to) hosts the Gators this weekend, and this game has some teeth. Both teams performed well in their openers, but Florida's defense is going to work over Miami's offense when it's all said and done.
Florida 17 - Miami 10
Florida 17 - Miami 10
WKU v TENN - Tennessee will win this game in the trenches. Their O and D lines will wear down and overpower the Hilltoppers' throughout the course of the game. Western Kentucky goes 1-1 against the SEC, which is good by any other conference's standards.
Tennessee 30 - Western Kentucky 17
Tennessee 30 - Western Kentucky 17
TOLEDO v MIZZOU - Missouri will hand Toledo their second straight loss to an SEC team in as many weeks. The Tigers' offense will hit their stride and put on a show in anticipation of their upcoming game with Indiana.
Missouri 35 - Toledo 14
Missouri 35 - Toledo 14
South Carolina 30 - Georgia 21
SEMS v OM - This game will be about as exciting as reading End User License Agreements on all that software you illegally downloaded, unless you're a RebelShark fan. Then it'll be as exciting as clicking "I read this" on that EULA when you actually didn't. But not much more.
Ole Miss 35 - Southeast Missouri State 10
Ole Miss 35 - Southeast Missouri State 10
SAMF v ARK - Samford beat Georgia State in week 1, but Arkansas did their job as well. Playing in War Memorial Stadium is never a treat. Arkansas will crush Samford and Razorback Nation will be riding high into week 3.
Arkansas 42 - Samford 14
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| I slept with Johnny Manziel and all I got was his autograph... on my, uh, parts of me you can't see. Oh well, at least I didn't get Rainbow Herpes... wait, what the... DAMMIT!!! |
Texas A&M 42 - Sam Houston State 17
UAB v LSU - Do I really need to say it? LSU wins... Big.
LSU 49 - UAB 6
APSU v VANDY - Vandy takes out some aggression on Austin Peay after their upsetting loss to OM. Austin Peay has no answer for the unbridled rage of the Commodores.
Vanderbilt 28 - Austin Peay 14
Vanderbilt 28 - Austin Peay 14
ALCORN v MSU - The Bulldogs faltered on the offensive side of the ball in Houston last weekend en route to a 21-3 loss at the hands of Oklahoma State. While the defense was serviceable for the most part the offense just couldn't establish a rhythm, and injuries didn't help matters. MSU lost Jay Hughes for the season, and Tyler Russell will sit out this game due to a concussion he sustained in last Saturday's outing. Not how the Bulldogs wanted to start their season, as you can imagine...
So now the Dawgs return home to the friendly confines of Davis Wade Stadium and are no doubt eager to blow off a little steam, much to the chagrin of the Braves. Alcorn opened well with a 63-12 win over Edward Waters, but the competition will be many orders of magnitude greater this time around. Truthfully there isn't much of a way to build this game up other than to say that if the margin of victory is not 2 TD's or greater then Bulldog Nation is in for a loooong season.
Now, why wouldn't we win by more than two touchdowns, you ask? Les Koenning. That's why... apparently Koenning is German for "unimaginative, generic, vanilla-flavored offense." Every school has that subset of fans who are, shall we say, unintelligent and yet highly vocal? But when the armchair QB's are calling the plays and getting them right, your days of job security as an offensive coordinator are numbered. For all the talk that Mullen calls the majority of the offensive plays there is still the fact that Koenning is the one up in the booth with the bird's eye view, and so he should be more of an asset to his head coach. I respect Dan for taking the heat, but Les doesn't deserve his protection if he's not going to bring anything to the table.
We won't learn a lot about our offense this weekend, because the chances of Dan and Les opening up the playbook with this being Dak Prescott's first start at QB are very slim, and I have to imagine they will want to hold something back for the swing game at Auburn next weekend, as well as the rest of the season. What we will learn is how good of a decision maker Prescott is, but even that will be somewhat suspect. SEC defenses will move significantly faster than this SWAC opponent.
Ultimately here are the things you should look for: The offense needs to establish a rhythm with a new starting quarterback and put up more than 30 points against this subpar opponent. The defense needs to blank said opponent. Barring a shutout holding the Braves to 1-2 field goals would still be considered acceptable. The final score SHOULD look something like 52 - 0. I think it will end up more like 42 - 10 with Alcorn putting up one last score late in the game against bench players, but that should still give this team some much needed confidence going into week 3 with a road game at Auburn looming.
Mississippi State 45 - Alcorn 10
Now we will swing back over to Professor D for his picks for this weekend... take it away, Professor!
(Professor D) Week one is in the books (whew) and it’s on to week two, which I’m dubbing the non-conference carousel. Seriously, three of the non-conference opponents on this week’s schedule just finished an SEC match up last week, and one of them walked out with a win. Will anyone knock off
the SEC this weekend? In my opinion, there are really only four real chances of that, and I don’t know that I’ll pick any of them, certainly not more than one. It’s kind of a short week here at the House of Hooch, so I don’t know how detailed I’ll be able to get on some of these games. Good news is I’ll be in town this weekend, so should start getting my own feel for some of these guys rather than having to read up on all of them.
(Mr. Hooch) So that's it for a slightly abbreviated run down of this week's games! Thanks so much for reading, and as always if you like House of Hooch be sure to give us a little love by clicking the Facebook, Twitter and/or Google+ links at the top of the page! We will be back next week with more House of Hooch, so until then #HailState and #GoDawgs!
So now the Dawgs return home to the friendly confines of Davis Wade Stadium and are no doubt eager to blow off a little steam, much to the chagrin of the Braves. Alcorn opened well with a 63-12 win over Edward Waters, but the competition will be many orders of magnitude greater this time around. Truthfully there isn't much of a way to build this game up other than to say that if the margin of victory is not 2 TD's or greater then Bulldog Nation is in for a loooong season.
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| This little lady could beat Alcorn 35-14 by herself... and If I were Alcorn I'd let her! But the Dawgs have to do better. |
We won't learn a lot about our offense this weekend, because the chances of Dan and Les opening up the playbook with this being Dak Prescott's first start at QB are very slim, and I have to imagine they will want to hold something back for the swing game at Auburn next weekend, as well as the rest of the season. What we will learn is how good of a decision maker Prescott is, but even that will be somewhat suspect. SEC defenses will move significantly faster than this SWAC opponent.
Ultimately here are the things you should look for: The offense needs to establish a rhythm with a new starting quarterback and put up more than 30 points against this subpar opponent. The defense needs to blank said opponent. Barring a shutout holding the Braves to 1-2 field goals would still be considered acceptable. The final score SHOULD look something like 52 - 0. I think it will end up more like 42 - 10 with Alcorn putting up one last score late in the game against bench players, but that should still give this team some much needed confidence going into week 3 with a road game at Auburn looming.
Mississippi State 45 - Alcorn 10
Now we will swing back over to Professor D for his picks for this weekend... take it away, Professor!
(Professor D) Week one is in the books (whew) and it’s on to week two, which I’m dubbing the non-conference carousel. Seriously, three of the non-conference opponents on this week’s schedule just finished an SEC match up last week, and one of them walked out with a win. Will anyone knock off
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| The SEC is the Kratos of the college football pantheon... |
LSU v. UAB
Oh man, I hope I get to tune into this one and see some of the action. It’s going to be hilarious. UAB was pretty decent in their conference not too long ago, but they’ve fallen off since, going 3 - 9 last year and 2 - 6 in Conference USA (which featured winless Southern Miss). LSU should manhandle these guys. The score itself could get funny, but what I really want to see is UAB’s defensive line taking on LSU’s o-line in the fourth quarter. Seriously, the Tigers are fully capable of putting up 300 yards on the ground in this game. Gonna be nasty.
LSU 56 - UAB 10
Ole Miss v. Southeastern Missouri State
Ughhh I still can’t believe Ole Miss won that game. Well they’re probably going to do it again this week. At least this time I’ll see it coming and have time to prepare. Southeastern Missouri State is 0 - 1 after losing to Southeastern Louisiana in the We Have Ridiculous Names Bowl last week. That does not bode well for them against an Ole Miss team that is flying high after what I’m sure Hugh Freeze views as Divine Intervention. Sorry, I just think Hugh Freeze is delusional and I hate the way he uses his faith. Do I really have to predict a score for this? I guess the best I can hope for is Freeze starts talking about a Holy Crusade through the SEC West to take the Rebel Black Land Ewoks to the holy land.
Ole Miss 42 - Southeastern Seriously Get A Shorter Name I Don’t Like To Abbreviate Too Much Missouri State 10
Texas A&M v. Sam Houston State
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| Gettin real tired of your shenanigans, Manziel... |
Well the drama is over (not) and Johnny Manziel will take the field against Sam Houston State. I’ll blow through the actual game real quick (honestly I won’t be watching). A&M is probably going to win. Like, more than likely. Probably. Dang, I really want Sam Houston State to do something crazy. They won their season opener 74 - 0. Like whoa. Granted they played Houston Baptist, but still, 74 is a lot, and you can’t get lower than 0. Yeah the Aggies are probably going to blow them away, but it’d be awesome if Sam Houston State could get that offense going and put up some points. Outside the actual game though, will Manziel stay out of trouble or will he turn out like almost every other child star? If you read my recap of week one you know I think Manziel is turning into a parasite for this Texas A&M team. Just like last week, the Aggies may get the win, but will Johnny Football do enough damage to cost them the season?
Texas A&M 52 - Sam Houston State 21
Arkansas v. Samford
Yeah, like I said, the SEC schedule is much easier this week than it was in week one. Last week Samford went on the road against Georgia State and won 31 - 21, which is cool and all, but on the road to Georgia State is nothing like on the road to Arkansas. The Razorbacks should have their way with the Bulldogs (there are as many Bulldogs playing this week in SEC matchups as there are Tigers) this weekend. I won’t get too much into it, because I really don’t think Arkansas will do anything unexpected this year, and neither will Samford. This game should be exactly what everyone thinks it will be, meaningless.
Arkansas 38 - Samford 14
Vanderbilt v. Austin Peay
I would probably watch this game if I can. Mainly because I want to see how Vanderbilt responds
to last weeks game against Ole Miss. Austin Peay rolled over for Tennessee last week in a 45 - 0 loss, and despite what happened last Thursday, I still think the Commodores are a better team than the Volunteers. I don’t know if the Governors (‘Ello Govna!) will be blanked a second week in a row, but I don’t expect them to make waves against this SEC competition. The Commodores should come out fighting, they need a good moral victory to wash the taste of last week out of their ears (we taste with those I promise).
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| You don't need a golden lasso, I'll tell you the truth right now! |
Vanderbilt 34 - Austin Peay 10
Kentucky v. Miami (OH)
Oh Kentucky. You guys really need to win this one if you want anyone to show up to your next game (Louisville… LOLOLOLOLOLOL). Unfortunately Miami (OH) is still a bit of a mystery this year. They opened up against Michigan State (ouch) and did about what you’d expect against that kind of competition. Kentucky, is not that kind of competition. Still though, you got to think the Wildcats will come out snarling after last week. At least I hope they do, cause I’m going to pick them again in what is going to end up a duo of well intended but probably stupid repeat picks from last week.
Kentucky 27 - Miami (OH) 21
Tennessee v. Western Kentucky
I want to watch this game. Tennessee dominated a weak opponent while Western Kentucky beat an SEC foe. Yeah, I know it was Kentucky, but still. I think the Volunteers will continue what should be a better than expected season with this game, especially if that defense really is as improved as it appears to be. The guys in orange could really upset a few folks in the East if they are. I’m not sure how I feel about Tennessee coming back as a legit SEC threat. On one hand, I don’t like them, on the other, they play Alabama every year. Ok, yeah I want them back. Come on Volunteers!
Tennessee 38 - Western Kentucky 20
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| Claw? What claw? I didn't see a claw where I was looking... |
Missouri v. Toledo
I mentioned last week that Toledo could pull an upset against Florida. Well, Florida turned out to be really frickin’ good, so I have no idea what Toledo could be capable of. Unfortunately, Missouri also looked pretty good in their opener, and I have to give the nod to the SEC. Even if they are newbies. They’re also playing at home, which could prove the difference. I think Toledo has a legit shot at upsetting Missouri, and it’s really tempting to call it, but I’m going to go with the safe bet here. The Tigers offense looked great last week, and the defense was passable, I’ve got no reason to be hard on the poor guys.
Missouri 31 - Toledo 21
Auburn v. Arkansas State
Umm…. guys….. Arkansas State rushed for 509 yards in their opener against Arkansas Pine-bluff. That’s 509 yards… rushing… I can’t resist this, I’m going for it. Arkansas State is going to get the upset. Sure their defense may not be anything special, and the offense hasn’t faced anything on the caliber of Auburn, but I don’t think the Tigers can overcome that kind of ground attack. I think
Arkansas State eats the clock, gets a couple key stops, and comes out of this 2 - 0. Arkansas State, by the way (so you won’t all think I’m crazy), won ten games last year, is riding a 9 game winning streak having last lost in September of last year to Western Kentucky. Excepting a 17 - 13 victory over #25 Kent State in their bowl game, the Red Wolves have been scoring 30+ points per game, topping 40 in eight of their last fourteen matchups. I’m starting to wonder if this would even be an upset. Seriously, of their three losses last year, two came to Oregon and Nebraska. These guys are the real deal, and I think they take down the Tigers. You know what though? Let’s go back further with this Arkansas State team. Since the end of the 2010 season they are 21 - 6 averaging just under 35 points per game. Whoa.
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| Nerds have a sense of humor... who knew!? |
Auburn 17 - Arkansas State 28
Miami (FL) v. Florida
The rivalry that should be. Miami was a powerhouse of college sports not too long ago and the Florida - Miami game was one of the biggest in the country. When the SEC went to an 8 game conference schedule, the Gators dropped Miami from the list of non-conference opponents. And really, who can blame them? Florida State and Miami as non-conference opponents? Heck no, and with Miami’s…. colorful… history, Florida State became the easy choice. Miami leads this series 28 - 26, making this an important pride game for the Gators. Both these teams are on the upswing, but I give the edge to Florida. The Gators looked ferocious in their season opener against Toledo, giving up just 6 points and scoring 24. Sure Miami also gave up just 6 points and scored 34, but that was against Florida Atlantic. FAU is just not up to par with Toledo. Either way, this is going to be a hard hitting game, and will end with bruised bodies and bruised egos. Miami accused Florida of canceling the traditional rivalry with the Hurricanes because they were afraid of losing. The Gators countered there was just no room on their schedule with the new SEC requirements. All the back and forth means fireworks whenever these two finally get a chance to go at each other.
I think Florida’s offense will be enough to handle the Miami defense down the stretch, and Florida’s defense should be able to keep the Hurricanes in check. I don’t expect this to be a high scoring affair, but I do expect Florida to get the win. They have to if they want to reclaim their spot at the top of the SEC East. Well, okay, they don’t actually have to since it’s a non-conference game, but with the Georgia loss to Clemson last week, and the Georgia - South Carolina matchup this week, a win could cement the Gators as the early favorites in the East.
Florida 17 - Miami 13
Georgia v. South Carolina
Alright. Georgia was my preseason team to beat and they laid an egg in round one. Let’s not do that again, cause I’m not quite ready to jump off this bandwagon just yet. Despite last week’s results, I still think Georgia is the team out East. I just don’t see South Carolina being a complete enough unit to run the gauntlet of the SEC. That said, it’s early in the season and South Carolina is riding high after beating down North Carolina in their opener while the Bulldogs are…. well we all remember. I think the two headed monster of a rushing attack will be enough to negate Clowney, although Aaron Murray better remember to put his contacts in on the eyes in the back of his head, cause the beast will be coming. Murray was stellar against Clemson last week, throwing for over 300 yards and picking apart Clemson’s defense. South Carolina, meanwhile, looked…. well I’m not really sure what they looked like. They weren’t flashy, they weren’t lucky, they just managed to get things done. I don’t think that’s enough against a team like Georgia.
To say this game has huge implications in the race for the SEC title would be an understatement. This game could define the race for the National Championship, with hopefuls Florida, Alabama, LSU (Yes I said it), and Texas A&M all probably having to go through one of these two teams to get there. That’s big. Really big. I don’t buy either of these teams rankings, I think Georgia should have SC’s rank, and SC should have Georgia’s. But time will tell. Once again I will be picking Georgia in a close game. Come on (Han) ol’ buddy, don’t let me down.
Georgia 28 - South Carolina 21
Mississippi State v. Alcorn State
Well it’s time to wash the taste of last week out of our mouths and move on. Mississippi State
will be without two starting corners, two backup tight ends, and their starting quarterback. But this is Alcorn State, and Dak Prescott isn’t your typical back up. This game is vital for the Bulldogs. We’ve got to break in our young receivers, and get some confidence for our offensive line. Tyler Russell not being in the game certainly doesn’t help us try out the youngsters at receiver, but it does help our offensive line. I don’t expect Dak to hold the ball as long, and his ability to scramble out of the pocket will be a relief. I really hate our play calling, and have for years, but against this defense it would be perfectly acceptable to simply let our running backs go wild. What should be a four-headed monster at running back could really cruise over Alcorn State, but that doesn’t do a whole lot for getting some experience to our receivers. Sigh. Basically what I’m trying to say is, this is a game where I really wish I could trust our offensive coordinator to take this as an opportunity to shore up our weaknesses. Unfortunately, I do not trust our offensive coordinator, and think our coaches will use this opportunity to run up the score and try for a motivating victory. Ugh. Sorry I don’t have more for you, but there aren’t a whole lot of questions about our team to debate. The offense has talent but no leadership, the defense is ferocious but without support. We’re excellent punters and terrible field goal kickers. And Alcorn State is still Alcorn State.
Mississippi State 42 - Alcorn State 14 |
| Navin R. Johnson... Sounds like a typical asshole. |
(Mr. Hooch) So that's it for a slightly abbreviated run down of this week's games! Thanks so much for reading, and as always if you like House of Hooch be sure to give us a little love by clicking the Facebook, Twitter and/or Google+ links at the top of the page! We will be back next week with more House of Hooch, so until then #HailState and #GoDawgs!
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