SEC Picks - Week #10

Another week, more excellence from your humble sheriff and his erstwhile deputy son. We both went 7-0 straight up and 4-2-1 against the spread last week. The overall records stand at 44-6 straight up and 24-22-1 against the spread for Buford. While Junior sits at 39-11 straight up and 20-25-1 when battling the line. Yes, he still sucks.

Let’s just go ahead and call this weekend what it is, Upset Saturday in the SEC. There are four home underdogs this weekend. It is a good weekend to be Auburn and Alabama. They are the only two home favorites.


Northwestern State at Mississippi – No Line

Junior: The O takes out some frustration as Ole Miss wins easily. Rebels 41, Northwestern State 14.

Buford: The Rebels are going to win. By a safety, on the last play of the game. Mississippi 2, Northwestern State 0.


Florida at Vanderbilt – Florida favored by 14.5

Junior: Florida has had a bad habit of playing down to the level of their competition (but not like Auburn or Bama), so I'll take Vandy to cover. Gators 35, Vandy 24

Buford: I’m very close to calling for the upset here. And yes, I mean the straight up upset. However, Florida is too good defensively to let a game get away from them before they can pull it out. Florida 24, Vanderbilt 13.

Mississippi State at Alabama – Alabama favored by 14.5

Junior: I'm so torn where to pick this one, I know Bama will win, it's the classic "keep the other team hanging around until the 4th quarter, and then return a pick for a TD to ice it" type game that Bama has trademarked over the past 20 years or so. I just can't pull the trigger on MSU covering, for some reason. Bama 21, MSU 3.

Buford: Alabama hardly ever struggles with Mississippi State. They usually win going away and then the entire fanbase starts claiming another national title. Alabama 28, Mississippi State 7.


Georgia at Kentucky – Georgia favored by 6.5

Junior: I really think that playing well against UF last weekend will help UGA out these last couple of weeks. Sure, their QB is young, but UGA has loads of talent. I think UGA wins, but it's close. Dawgs 23, Cats 17

Buford: The Bulldogs are destined to get to a bowl game given the hot start to the season. The Cats can make one by finishing hot. Ladies and gentlemen, this is your battle for the bowl lineup. The winner goes to Nashville, the loser to Shreveport. I like Kentucky in this one simply because the game is in Lexington. Kentucky 17, Georgia 14.

Arkansas at South Carolina – Arkansas favored by 2

Junior: Obviously, in the Justice household, we're going to be big Cocks fans this week. I'm just not sure the Ole Ball Coach's defense can stop the Hogs running game. Hogs 28, Cocks 24.

Buford: I’m interested to see how Arkansas responds to this game. Beside the fact that they beat Auburn, I like Arkansas. They play the game with crispness and I feel they are getting somewhat of a bump rap because of the loss to USC. They can certainly play and are a better team than South Carolina. However, as the senile old man on Gameday says, “Not so fast my friend.” Spurrier will find a way to beat the Hogs’ defense. The big question is can South Carolina’s defense standup and stop McFadden and Jones. South Carolina 28, Arkansas 24.


Louisiana State at Tennessee – Louisiana State favored by 3

Junior: At the beginning of the year, this looked like it could have been a preview of the SEC Championship game. Given LSU's ability to blow big games, I'm taking UT. Vols 21, Tigers 20.

Buford: I want the Tigers to win. I really do. I need the Tigers to win. Plus, I know it’s a revenge game. I know LSU was pissed about Tennessee’s come from behind win in Baton Rouge last year. I just can’t do it. I can’t take LSU on the road, with Russell, and THE HAT. History is very important. Hopefully they will prove me wrong. Tennessee 14, LSU 10.


Arkansas State at Auburn – Auburn favored by 31

Junior: This better be the blowout we've been waiting for all season long. Tigers 51, Ark St 7.

Buford: Why oh why would I pick Auburn to cover? Besides, Junior has to catch up somehow. Tigers 35, Arkansas State 17.