Pick #1
Alabama @ Ole Miss - 15:35 ET I think we all know two things about these teams-#1. Alabama's is the best team in the country without a guy named Tebow on the roster. Secondly, Ole Miss was overrated coming into the season, and were humbled on the road @ S.Carolina in a tough thursday night match up two weeks ago.
The key to this game will be how well the Ole Miss defense can respond, the run-it-down-their-throats approach of the Tide. Historically, it seems these two teams always play close games, with the Tide getting the rebels in the end more often than not. The Tide have won six of the last seven against the Rebs, and with the Tide defense performing like it has, I don't see Ole Miss pulling it out and rekindling the Jevan Snead for Heisman talk-even though the Rebels will have the homefield advantage. However, this will be hotly contested and Ole Miss will show up, but Alabama's defense will make the necessary plays to stop the Rebels from pulling the upset.
My Prediction:
Alabama 30, Ole Miss 24
My Play:
Alabama -200
Pick #2
Florida @ LSU
Will He? Or Won't He? That's what gator fans want to know, but I'm here to tell you the concussed Florida QB Tebow will play, and the Gators will deal the Tigers their first Saturday night home loss in 38 games. Will the place be rocking? Absolutely, but the Tigers offense has had a great deal of trouble scoring in the red zone this season, and if the Tigers think they can beat the Gators kicking field goals, they are sorely mistaken.
In addition, LSU has overachieved, they are more of a top 15 caliber ball club, than a top 5 caliber ball club. Let's say worse-case scenario, Tebow sits, and Brantley plays. Brantley still has an excellent backfield to help him keep the LSU defense honest, and while he doesn't have the mobility or size of Tebow, the guy can still make all the throws. If Brantley can handle the environment, then I think the Gators still get a W-with or without superman.
My Prediction:
Florida 27, LSU 16
My Pick:
Florida -7
Pick #3
North Texas @ UL-Lafayette
There is one crucial element of this matchup that all saavy sports bettors need to take into consideration. The Mean Green of North Texas are a dismal 1-9 in night games. The Cajuns are a more honest 7-5, and are 6 point favorites. The weather forecast tentatively calls for t-storms and showers, so this isn't going to be the shootout I thought it may be earlier in the week, which would have resulted in my pick being the over 53-however, the Cajuns have enough fire power to beat the mean green at home by at least a touchdown.
My Prediction:
UL-Lafayette 24, North Texas 14
My Pick:
UL-Lafayette -6
