COLUMN: Lead secure heading into today's play
By By Austin Bishop / EMG regional sports director
Oct. 16, 2004
I am very upset at the University of Florida.
Had the Gators taken care of business against LSU on Saturday I would have had my buddy Al Brown hollering Uncle.
But instead, he got LSU's win right, I got it wrong, and my lead over him remains a two instead of a more impressive four. Oh well, maybe this week.
One thing is for sure, I will still have the lead after this week, because out of six games we only picked one different.
I am 16-7 after going 2-2 last week, missing the LSU win over Florida and Ole Miss' win over South Carolina. Al also went 2-2 (14-9 overall) as he missed the Ole Miss and UAB wins.
Enough of last week, let's talk about today's games.
Tennessee at
Ole Miss
The Volunteers have been impressive as of late, but you have to admit that Ole Miss stepped it up last week as well.
I don't know how far a three-quarterback rotation will take the Rebels this season, but both Al and I agree that it won't do much for Ole Miss on Saturday.
THE PICKS: Al goes with the Vols 28-7, while I pick Tennessee 38-17.
USM at
Alabama
USM's starting quarterback is out, while Alabama is missing their best quarterback and best running back.
The way I see this both defenses will dominate the game and a special teams play could very well make the difference.
USM can create some excitement returning kicks and has long been known for its kick-blocking expertise.
Alabama is a solid football team and could cause USM's new quarterback, Damien Carter, tons of problem. This should be a tight one all the way.
And, by the way, this is the one game Al and I disagree on.
THE PICKS: Al goes with Alabama 13-10. While I agree that the game will be close, and most likely low-scoring, I pick USM to win 20-17.
Arkansas
at Auburn
Could this be a game in which Auburn slips up?
Possibly, but not likely.
Auburn has a strong football team and is the pick from the West to play for the SEC championship.
THE PICKS: Al says Auburn walks 31-17. I agree, the Tigers will put up some points, but Arkansas will score a few as well. Auburn wins 38-24.
North Carolina
at Utah
I tried to sucker Al with this one, but he wouldn't bite. Obviously he's been reading the newspapers and watching ESPN
North Carolina has the bigger name but Utah has the bigger game and will stomp the tar out of the Heels.
THE PICKS: Al goes with Utah in a big way, 48-14. I see the Utes romping 35-10.
Virginia at
Florida State
This is another game that I really thought Al and I would go opposite directions on.
The chic pick in this game is
Virginia. A lot of the experts are tabbing the Cavaliers to upset the Seminoles in Tallahassee.
I don't agree with that line of thinking at all, and, alas, neither does Al.
While Al does think this game will be close, methinks a booty kicking is in the offing for the Cavs today.
THE PICKS: Al says FSU wins 20-16, I say the Seminoles win 31-14.
Arizona State
at USC
Boy, if I only had the nerve I would pick Arizona State. I really thought California would beat USC last week, but it didn't happen.
And, to be honest, I think California is much better than Arizona State. That makes it pretty hard to pick the upset in this one.
THE PICKS: Al goes with USC 27-13. I think he's just about got it nailed. I pick the Trojans 28-17.
