COLUMN: The end draws near for Al to pick up ground
By By Austin Bishop / EMG regional sports director
Nov. 6, 2004
There are just two weeks left in the pigskin picking showdown between Al Brown and myself, so my big buddy needs to try to make up some ground this week.
We picked six games this week, but only one different. I'll try to give us several games to choose from next week, so Al will have a chance to pass me on the last weekend.
We both went 4-0 last week to put me at 28-9 on the season and Al at 26-11.
Alcorn State
at Miss. Valley
Alcorn has a pretty strong football team, while the Delta Devils are still trying to climb back into respectability.
Al and I both think the Braves are going to take care of business in Itta Bena.
THE PICKS: Al goes with Alcorn State 42-7, while I pick the Braves to win 38-12.
Alabama A&M
at Jackson State
This is where Al and I differ.
He thinks the JSU Tigers can continue on the upswing and pick up another SWAC win, but I think the A&M Bulldogs will be too big of a brick wall for the Tigers to run through or around.
THE PICKS: Al says JSU wins 18-10, I pick Alabama A&M 19-13.
Arkansas at
South Carolina
With Lou Holtz on the hot seat, this would be a good time for the Gamecocks to rise up and take a big SEC win.
The Razorbacks can play some offense, but can they win a league game on the road? Al and I both think the answer to that question is yes.
THE PICKS: Al goes with Arkansas 38-35, while I pick the Hogs 24-14.
Notre Dame
at Tennessee
I put this game on the picks list because I thought we may actually pick opposite on this game. I knew I was going with UT, but thought Al could possibly go with the Irish.
I was incorrect big time!
THE PICKS: Al says UT rolls 38-0, while I think The Vols win 24-16.
Cincinnati
at USM
This is a huge game for Southern Miss. The Golden Eagles are trying to hold on to a No. 21 ranking in the country, an undefeated run in Conference USA and a shot at the Liberty Bowl.
Cincinnati can play good at times and poorly at times.
Dustin Almond is expected to be back at quarterback for the Golden Eagles and that should make a big difference.
THE PICKS: Al goes with USM 17-13. I don't think it will be that close. I pick USM 34-17.
Miss. State
at Alabama
I really considered picking Mississippi State in this game. I actually feel I kind of owe it to the Bulldogs after being so wrong on their win over Florida.
But, I am trying to win this contest with Al so I'm going to have to stick with the Tide.
This is a real important game for Mike Shula. A loss here hurts the Tide for a lot of reasons. It just opens the door for more Auburn recruiting success in the state and also leaves room for MSU's Sylvester Croom to get his foot in the door.
Maybe next year.
THE PICKS: Al says Bama wins 27-6. In honor of my good buddy Justin Brewer I'm picking Alabama to win 24-14.
