Quick Picks

No point in intro's, let's just dive right in...

Arkansas at LSU: (Friday, 2:30)
Ar-Kan-Saw or Ar-Kan-Sas? Poe-Tay-Toe or Poe-Tah-Toe? Forgive Les Miles' apparent speech impediment, or simple ignorance of his northerly neighbor's proper pronunciation. He's been Blue this week, or thinking Blue at least. This is great. We've got two coaches in their last SEC regular season games. But even though this is Les' last game at Baton Rouge, don't count out an upset. Darren McFadden tries to get back in the Heisman hunt with a strong showing, but it won't be enough. Bayou Bengals 20, Little Piggies 17.

Virginia Tech at Virginia:
It's funny to me that the winner of this game gets to go to Jacksonville and play a championship game that means less annually than the Other Jacksonville game - Georgia/Florida. But don't tell Frank Beamer that. Beamer-ball wins easily. The Cavaliers can't get over the hump. Free Mike Vick 24, Cavaliers 10.

Miami (Florida) at Boston College:
Shouldn't we start doing this now? Call the Redhawks simply 'Miami' and the needs-to-return-to-the-Big-East team 'Miami of Florida'? This game is a joke. Miami of Florida needs Doug Flutie to win this one. Matt Ryan 41, Tropical Depressions 9.

Tennessee at Kentucky:
I'm wearing Kentucky Blue on Saturday, so I'm biased. (Don't worry, I'll still wear Red too...) Very few college students were alive the last time UK knocked off the Vols. But no one can win 23 times in a row, can they? Okay, the old Notre Dame owned Navy for decades, but seriously, in the SEC, 23 straight? The Great Pumpkin loses his first to my boys in blue. But it's close. Up-And-Comers 23, Tennessee Hunting Club 20.

Clemson at South Carolina:
Here's another chance at two coaches' last games at their current schools. But that's a long shot. I love Tommy Bowden, and I'd love to see Steve Spurrier and his visor ride off into the sunset. Spurrier said (more or less) that his Gamecocks' recent practices reminded him of his Duke days, and Clemson is the most up-and-down team in college football. This one's only worth watching if you live in the Palmetto State. But catch the end, it's always good to see the Visor thrown in disgust. Kittie Kats 17, The Fighting Chickens 13.

Florida State at Florida:
Speaking of Bowden's and riding off into the sunset, anybody think Bobby can stand Spurrier enough to hop on that train with him? Time to retire, Mr. Bowden. It's been a nice run. Tim Tebow is the best running back in Florida, and on his way to getting snubbed in New York. But the Gators win. Denim Shorts 31, Criminoles 17.

Alabama at Auburn:
Nick Saban is the greatest coach since Bear Bryant, the greatest man to walk the earth since Winston Churchill and recently gave the greatest speech since Mark Antony's "Friends, Romans, Countrymen..." in Julius Ceasar. If you look at this through the eyes of St. Nick, Alabama at Auburn is on the same scale at the Allies vs. the Axis in WWII. I hope the Tide turned Crimson after hearing their beloved coach's recent comments, and they'll certainly see red after their 4-million-dollar man drops another one. Tommy Tuberville's on his way to Texas A&M, but the Tigers give him a great farewell tour. War Tigers 20, Forrest Gump 9.

Georgia at Georgia Tech:
The Dogs are playing their best football under Mark Richt. And the Jackets are playing for their coach's career. Bobby Dodd will be 25% Red and Black on Saturday, but a it's still a rivalry and a road game, and neither are ever gimmes. This one could be close. The Dogs have a not-so-secret weapon: Tech, meet Knowshon; Knowshon, meet Tech Endzone. And Tech counters with their only offensive Choice: Tashard just might eat up the Georgia D. So it comes down to the pass. Stafford's got the play-action working and Billy Bennett is not nearly the upgrade over Reggie-throw-away-the-Ball that Tech fans hoped he'd be. Georgia pulls out of town with their sixth in a row. Tech fires Chan Gailey immediately after (See Below). SEC East Champs 27, ACC Chumps 20.