LCB Picks: SEC Games of the Week

LSU vs. -3.5 UGA @ 3:30 on CBS:
Langston: If UGA was a baseball team, they would be the Washington Nationals. While the records may not be comparable, the plan of attack is eerily similar. They play with a home run offense and take time out to rest on defense. This had made for some of the best games this season, but that mixture has to hurt them at some point. You can't just plan to win with offense every week, especially in a conference with so many good defenses. And while LSU isn't the team of old, they are extremely talented and will make Georgia re-evaluate their strategy and maybe Willie Martinez's job title. LSU 35 UGA 28

Teach: In the comments section of last week's previews, I stated that the A.J. Green Heisman candidacy had officially launched, seeing how he single-handedly propelled the Dawgs to victory over Arizona St., with not only his play at the wide receiver position, but by blocking a Sun Devil field goal in a game that was decided by three points. If he really does want to have his name tossed around in such debates, then this would be the game for such statements. Georgia will win the game because they're playing at Sanford Stadium, they have the best player on the field, and LSU really hasn't done much to impress this season. Georgia 24 LSU 20

Auburn vs. -2.5 Tennessee @ 7:45 on ESPN:
Langston: I don't want to come on here and act like I know a whole lot about Auburn. I don't want to come on here and tell you all the reasons why they are undefeated and still unranked. Don't get me wrong, usually I would give you all the analysis you need to make the best bet with your local bookie. But I know nothing of their skills or weaknesses, and I know almost as much about the teams they have beaten. Why? Because they haven't played anyone. What do I know? Tennessee is playing at home. They may have the best defense in the SEC. And the running combo of Hardesty/Brown is reason enough to watch a team with the worst QB in SEC history. I'm taking the Vols to get their first win against a team that matters. UT 24 Auburn 18.

Teach: It's hard to tell which team this game carries more meaning for. If Tennessee wins, it keeps them on track to possibly finish top two in the SEC East. If Tennessee loses, then there's the possibility that their season could go into a tailspin; their next two games after this weekend are against Georgia and Alabama. Auburn, on the other hand, is still undefeated, but they haven't beaten anyone. It's a long ways down the road, but imagine the hype that would surround an Auburn-Alabama matchup that could propel the winner into the SEC championship game. For that to happen, Auburn has to beat Tennessee this weekend and then split their two games with LSU and Georgia. Auburn 28 Tennessee 16

Deckfight Game of the Week:
Ole Miss vs. +8.5 Vandy @7:00 on ESPNU :
Call it the Michael Lewis curse. If Michael Lewis profiles your team, you're screwed until the principals leave. Hence, Michael Oher has left Oxford and Ole Miss flies high, but Billy Beane remains in Oakland and now everyone tests for steroids, so the A's are left for dead.

The 'Dores lost their chance against the Rebs last week when South Carolina upended them. Their best chance was to sneak up on them, but now they have to deal with the dreaded "statement" game, where Ole Miss must prove it is a Top 10 team. I expect hijinks to ensue, because when one gray-haired mascot gets going against another, no one knows exactly what will happen. But I suspect the Rebel Wildcat will unleash its full fury against the injured Dore defense and drop-happy offense.

Ole Miss 36 Vandy 14