So the big boys are finally set to Covid-Clash on the gridiron this Saturday. Quite honestly, I'm pumped and nervous any time our War Eagles play, and this weekend is no different. But the reality is that it appears whatever committee came up with this slate of games used a single criteria of "Let's start with the most boring and mundane SEC games we can come up with." I guess you could call AU/UK the marquis matchup since both are technically top 25 teams right now. Otherwise, the "big" games are Miss. State @ LSU and Tennessee @ Sakerlina. So I'll dive right into a few with my uneducated, Nostra Dumbass prediction skills.
MSU @ LSU: Actually, this one could be the game of the week when you think about the difference a year makes. The simple fact that the Pirate, Mike Leach, is holding the Bulldogs' leash, makes this one intriguing. Can anyone truly prepare for an offense that airs it out 90% of the time, with a passing scheme run by a master craftsman like Leach? They will score, no doubt. How much is anyone's guess, which I will do.
The Fighting Orgerons are an absolute unknown. I think it's safe to assume they will have an abundance of talent and athleticism, given their recruiting in recent years. But coming out of their MNC season, that program was absolutely gutted with graduations, early departures and players opting out. I would dare say...dare I...that few if any teams in the nation will have to replace more starters. But one area that stayed in tact, and in my opinion will be the difference in the game, is at defensive back. Derek Stingley and Jacoby Stevens are bona fide badazz, and that's where MSU's offense will directed. A wild one in the Rude:
LSU: 35
MSU: 30
Florida @ Ole Miss: Really not a lot to analyze here. Ole Miss has been bad since Freeze was shoplifting the pooty. Kiffin may pump some life into them and come up with some wrinkles. But Go Gaytah is thought by many to be a legitimate contender to take down Fuck Georgia in the East. They always play proppa defense and love him or hate him, Dan Mullen is a good coach and knows how to game plan. Like every game on the card, any home field advantage is negated by the Rona. Gaytah in control from the start with gusty play.
UF: 34
OM: 17
Kentucky @ Auburn: The extent of what I know about the Cats is they have a gimpy returning QB and a lot of upperclassmen. They've been on a lot of the "experts" radar as the upset special this week. Not that it would blow me away if it happened, but I just don't see it. There are only two question marks for me. First, the elephants in the room. Probably as inexperienced an O-line as there is in football, maybe with the exception of LSU. We just don't know what to expect, but you have to hope a new O-line coach and new scheme will be the difference. Which brings me to question number dos. Is Gus going to let Chad Morris run his offense?
If he does, that brings two things into play that just haven't been there under Gus, use of the TE's and RB's in the passing game, and actually making teams defend the middle of the field. (See PJ Fleck for reference) I'm hoping and praying Corch Malzahn gets out of the way. If he does, I like our D. Enough beef and athleticism up front, and some mean, fast playas behind them.
AU: 30
UK: 21
Plenty of other games on tap, along with FSU and Miami out of conference. What say you?
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