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Southern Exposure: SEC Preview, Week 4

September 25, 2010  |  By Benjamin Miraski

There haven't been many reasons to pay attention to Arkansas over the past 30 years.

One governor, one five and dime store, almost a second governor.

The Wildcat and two running backs who still need a roadmap for success in the big league.

That is pretty much the list right there.

It should all change Saturday when two ranked teams meet in Arkansas for the first time in over 30 years.

See, told you there wasn't much reason to pay attention to them.

Are you ready? Because here come this week's picks.

UAB at Tennessee (-14) - Things haven't been going as expected in Tennessee. Does anyone miss Phil Fulmer yet? I bet a few people would have a change of heart on that "retirement." UAB isn't great, but they are better than the single win on the Vols schedule so far, Tennessee-Martin. I have to think the Blazers have enough offense to hang with the less than stellar Volunteers. Going out on a limb and taking UAB and the points.

Alabama at Arkansas (+7) - These are not the same two teams that met last year when Arkansas took a beating. Alabama might be better this season. Still, everything about Arkansas is improved and they are ready to compete and maybe even win this game. Take a look at the poise that Ryan Mallett showed last week against Georgia and it should dispel any doubts. The Razorback defense should at least slow down the two-headed monster at running back and we should see a good game here. And since this is the first real test for Alabama all year, I am going with Arkansas and the points.

Kentucky at Florida (-14) - I have gone against Kentucky all season, but that is going to change this week. Florida barely managed a push against Tennessee and that was pretty much gifted to them. Kentucky based on everything that we have seen so far is better then Tennessee. Go with the Wildcats and the points in a close win for Florida.

Georgia at Mississippi State (even) - Even. Really. Georgia is better than you would expect. They have played South Carolina and Arkansas close and the oddsmakers believe that they are even with Mississippi State, even if it is on the road? That is a severe downgrade to a team that has been unlucky enough to start against two of the main contenders in the conference. Just because they weren't the teams everyone is used to competing in the SEC doesn't mean that they don't count. Georgia should easily win.

Fresno State at Mississippi (-2) - I am in a Cats and Dogs mood today, along with a Hog for good measure. I am not sure that the Fresno State Bulldogs can slow down Jeremiah Massoli, but I do know that Mississippi has been dreadfully worse than expected every time out. I even had them covering against Vanderbilt. How did that one turn out? Oh right. And I am a sucker for Fresno State because they are the ultimate underdog, traveling the country for any game that they can take, and usually competing. I am going with the Bulldogs and calling for the outright upset.

South Carolina at Auburn (-3) - Get ready for a defensive struggle. Auburn finally has a team that won't pressure them immensely through the air and South Carolina has a chance to show that they can contain a do everything quarterback. I think Auburn can shut down Marcus Lattimore enough to cover the three points at home. I will say it again. Auburn, at home, at night, is almost an automatic pick, especially with a team this good. Sorry Mr. Spurrier. War Eagle! Take Auburn and lay the points.

West Virginia at LSU (-10) - I debated on this one the longest of any game this week. After all, it would break my string of picking cats and dogs. I just can't get behind LSU. They might have more talent than every team they have played, but they just don't use it to its maximum potential. Maybe Les Miles has gone soft since getting that National Title. West Virginia has to wave the flag for the Big East tonight, or risk the conference just being totally shoved into a closet until next August. Will anyone even watch a game with a Big East team in it if West Virginia loses tonight? Because let's be honest, this is the best team they have there, as we saw Thursday when Pitt (the supposedly best team) got skewered by Miami. This is Tiger Stadium, so I will concede that a win for West Virginia is unlikely. But given LSU's shaky play lately, I am taking the Mountaineers and the points.

Lazy Saturday: Vanderbilt (Time for some Old Fashioneds)

Southern Exposure went 4-2-1 last week to bring the season' record to 14-10-1 overall.

Posted September 25, 2010 9:00 AM