Blessed and Honored:
Let me begin this week’s edition of mindless drivel with a gesture of appreciation. I want to thank all that have written and called me with encouraging messages following my recent return to Nashville radio. I also want to thank the great people at 104.5 The Zone for giving me an opportunity to continue doing what I love to do. Thanks!
Tennessee-Bama:
While attending the University of Tennessee, Bama week was filled with anticipation and eagerness while classes were cut the week of the game and priorities were properly aligned. After seeing Tennessee lose two more to the Tide during my freshman and sophomore years in 1991 and 1992, I remember thinking that the men in white finally had ‘em in ’93. But, the Deuce get loose as we watched from my friend Ethan’s Hess Hall dorm room my junior year.
Instead of graduating following another loss in 1994, I elected to come back to school for a fifth year in an effort to try to experience a Big Orange win against Alabama while a student on the Hill. So back I came in 1995 and down to Birmingham we went. I remember play number one that year as Peyton Manning found Joey Kent who ran right towards the orange draped Tennessee fans for a quick touchdown. The route was on and much fun was had. It’s quite a feeling to know you’re team is going to win a big game just a few moments in. I also remember gracious Alabama fans telling us at every turn that our team played a good game.
Each of you has many memories of this storied series. Which ones stick out to you?
Can Tennessee Get It Done?:
The quick answer is no. If you look at this game on paper, you have a hard time finding a way for Tennessee to move the ball against Alabama. In fact, it is very likely that a young QB will make costly mistakes in a game of this magnitude. The Vol defense should be prepared and good enough to keep this close. The Vols are ranked third in rush defense and could cause the Tide O some problems. But, if the defense is continually asked to come up with three and outs, there will be a breaking point. Javier Arenas could be the difference. He’s an electrifying return man and, as we all know, the Vols are far from good at covering kicks. Tennessee has won 10 of 13 in the series, but the Tide has won two of three. Make it three of four, even if Eric Berry plays offense and Lennon Creer has the most carries.
Review of Last Week’s Picks:
After further illustration two weeks ago as to why I do not put my money where my keyboard is, last week proved to be a little better. But, just a little. I went 3-2 against the spread with the wins coming with Arkansas, LSU and Vanderbilt. Bama didn’t cover and neither did Tennesssee. Ironic, don’t ya think?
I am now 32-22 against the spread and 42-14 overall. But what’s going to happen this week?
Auburn at West Virginia: Mountain Men favored by 3 ½. Man, does this match-up look different than it did before the season began. National Title aspirations were thought to be on the line. Now, the two teams will have combined for 6 losses when this one is done.
Auburn has lost two straight and Tommy Tuberville is responding to many various rumors. However, Auburn is 6-1 on Thursday night.
The Pick: Auburn 16
West Virginia 13
Middle Tennessee at Mississippi St.: State by 11 ½. Middle Tennessee is not a bad team, despite the 2-5 record. And, State’s offense certainly is to go along with theirs. 11 ½ is too many points. And, I think Middle has a chance to win this game.
The Pick: Mississippi St. 24
Middle Tennessee 23
Kentucky at Florida: Gators by 24. They say that Tim Tebow sleeps with a night light. Not because Tim Tebow is afraid of the dark, but because the dark is afraid of Tim Tebow. I don’t know what that has to do with this game. I just thought it was funny. 24 is a big spread. But the Gators will get it done. They’re finally getting production out of the running back position. Jeffrey Demps has gone over a 100yds in back to back games and is averaging over 13 yards per carry.
The Pick: Florida 38
Kentucky 10
Ole Miss at Arkansas: Rebs by 4 ½. It’s a league filled with constant storylines. This time it’s Houston Nutt returning to Arkansas. The Hogs could have won last week, and could win this week. But, a great motivator will have his Rebs motivated.
The Pick: Ole Miss 24
Arkansas 21
Duke at Vanderbilt: Dores’ by 9 over Coach Cut. Vanderbilt can get win number six, becoming bowl eligible for the first time since 1982. But will they? Vanderbilt is 0-6 after picking up their fifth win of the season over the course of the last two years. And, they’re 3-15 since 2005 after picking up their fourth win in a season. They have trouble getting to six. But they do it Saturday!
The Pick: Vanderbilt 34
Duke 17
Georgia at LSU: LSU is favored by 2 ½. I think Charles Scott could have a nice day. I’m certain Knowshon Moreno will. The difference here will be at QB. Matthew Stafford will deal with the elements.
The Pick: Georgia 23
LSU 13
Alabama at Tennessee: Tide by 7. Tennessee needs three things to happen to win. The Vols must stop the Alabama run game on first down creating predictable passing situations. Eric Berry must be involved on defense and on offense and Tennessee must be close at the half. Bama is not a good second half team this year. Can the Vols get all of that done? Yes. Will they? Not so much.
The Pick: Alabama 13
Tennessee 9
Thanks for reading! Happy Footballing. -Brent.