PETE’S PIGSKIN PROGNOSTICATIONS

In a departure from the usual SEC first game results, this year’s first week produced some surprises. Vandy upsets and manhandles the purported cream of the MAC, Alabama manhandles the purported cream of the ACC, and La Tech beat up on Mississippi State. Tennessee and South Carolina are both looking for QB’s (though SC may have found one).

Week 2
(9-3 last week; 9-3 overall)

“.....that’s why they play the games”

This week’s schedule looks like what it usually is for the FIRST week, with most everybody a heavy favorite. Everybody but Tennessee is in action this week, so:

Tulane @ Alabama – Even with a letdown after the win against Clemson, the subs will play most of this game. Tide by 40.

Louisiana-Monroe @ Arkansas (Little Rock)– The Hogs lackluster performance last week gives some hope to La-Monroe, but not much. Pigs by 17.

Miami (FL) @ Florida – This used to be a big game....no more. Miami is a mere shadow of its former glory. Gators by 24. (Radio station WGOW in Chattanooga is selling a fund raising T-Shirt with a Volunteer choking a Gator. The caption? A Reptile Dysfunction.)

Central Michigan @ Georgia – Another compass-point win for the Dawgs. Georgia by 38.

Norfolk State @ Kentucky - Money game for Norfolk. Breather game for UK. Ky by 38.

Troy @ LSU – LSU is not going to need a wooden horse to bring down Troy. The football team should suffice. Bengals by 30..

Mississippi @ Wake Forest – An early read on how Vandy’s last regular season opponent fares against the SEC, and a good view of Vandy’s upcoming SEC foe. The hope here is that they both look terrible. Demon Deacons 13-12.

Southeastern Louisiana @ Mississippi State – A chance for redemption for the Doggies. State by 24.

Southern Mississippi @ Auburn – No chance for Southern Mississippi.

Auburn by 24.

South Carolina @ Vanderbilt (Sept 4) – All Dr Evil and his son have to do to fire up the troops is to show the lowlights for last year’s loss to Vandy. For more inspiration, they can show how much Vandy has improved from last year via the Miami game. If Vandy can maintain offensive consistency and special teams competence, and Smelley is smelly, VU has a chance. DJ Moore may make the difference, but history is on the side of the Chickens. SC 24 – VU 20.

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