Pretty intriguing couple of days of games where you got a favorite on the road at the house of their main rival.
Odds say at least one of these upsets is going to happen versus going chalk. Which one?
Ole Miss (-6.5) @ Miss State - Ole Miss notably better and more talented team but Kiffin drama distraction a factor?
Texas A&M (-2.5) @ Texas - Texas' weak rushing numbers (110th nationally at 3.37 yards per rush), a questionable OL against an elite A&M pressure/sack attack (A&M is the best nationally in 3rd percentage defense at 22%), and a sometimes suspect horn pass defense against an elite Aggie WR/TE group are on paper all great matchups for A&M. But the horns are a top-10 talented roster with plenty of future NFL players, have played better at home, and given their post-season is most likely an Opt-Out meaningless bowl game this will be their Super Bowl and Sark may very well empty his offensive playbook.
Ohio State (-9.5) @ Michigan - On paper Ohio State wins this game. But it is Michigan. With Ryan Day coaching Ohio State who is 1-4 against Michigan. At Michigan...
Alabama (-6.5) @ Auburn - Alabama has to win to make playoffs. Auburn has nothing to play for except ruin Bama's season. Jordan-Hare Stadium can be a Haunted House for Bama. Auburn has plenty of talent.
BONUS:
Vanderbilt (+2.5) @ Tennessee - Different than the above four games in that the favorite is the home team. Can Vandy beat Tenn? If they do, chances of sneaking into playoffs? If they do, Pavia a Heisman finalist?
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My rankings (Least Likely to Most Likely):
4) Ohio State @ Michigan - I know Michigan has lately had Ohio State (specifically Ryan Day's) number but I'm not buying an upset this time. I think Ohio State just has too many clear matchup advantages on both sides of the ball. So ranking this Least Likely.
3) Ole Miss @ Miss State - The Lane drama has to been some distraction but I think the talent/quality gap is just too much between those teams. Give me Ole Miss. Then Lane likely dumps his girlfriend Rebels for hot but crazy psycho girl LSU.
2) A&M @ Texas - A loss is very possible but I really like several of the matchups in this game for A&M. What makes me nervous is A&M's tendency to shoot themselves in the foot for stretches in games with turnovers and penalties. The horns are good enough that A&M can't afford to be doing too much of that.
1) Bama @ Auburn - I'm kind of feeling this one. Bama has looked a bit shaky the past couple of games in particular versus LSU and OU at home. And now they have to go on the road to what has often been a House of Horrors for them.
Odds say at least one of these upsets is going to happen versus going chalk. Which one?
Ole Miss (-6.5) @ Miss State - Ole Miss notably better and more talented team but Kiffin drama distraction a factor?
Texas A&M (-2.5) @ Texas - Texas' weak rushing numbers (110th nationally at 3.37 yards per rush), a questionable OL against an elite A&M pressure/sack attack (A&M is the best nationally in 3rd percentage defense at 22%), and a sometimes suspect horn pass defense against an elite Aggie WR/TE group are on paper all great matchups for A&M. But the horns are a top-10 talented roster with plenty of future NFL players, have played better at home, and given their post-season is most likely an Opt-Out meaningless bowl game this will be their Super Bowl and Sark may very well empty his offensive playbook.
Ohio State (-9.5) @ Michigan - On paper Ohio State wins this game. But it is Michigan. With Ryan Day coaching Ohio State who is 1-4 against Michigan. At Michigan...
Alabama (-6.5) @ Auburn - Alabama has to win to make playoffs. Auburn has nothing to play for except ruin Bama's season. Jordan-Hare Stadium can be a Haunted House for Bama. Auburn has plenty of talent.
BONUS:
Vanderbilt (+2.5) @ Tennessee - Different than the above four games in that the favorite is the home team. Can Vandy beat Tenn? If they do, chances of sneaking into playoffs? If they do, Pavia a Heisman finalist?
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My rankings (Least Likely to Most Likely):
4) Ohio State @ Michigan - I know Michigan has lately had Ohio State (specifically Ryan Day's) number but I'm not buying an upset this time. I think Ohio State just has too many clear matchup advantages on both sides of the ball. So ranking this Least Likely.
3) Ole Miss @ Miss State - The Lane drama has to been some distraction but I think the talent/quality gap is just too much between those teams. Give me Ole Miss. Then Lane likely dumps his girlfriend Rebels for hot but crazy psycho girl LSU.
2) A&M @ Texas - A loss is very possible but I really like several of the matchups in this game for A&M. What makes me nervous is A&M's tendency to shoot themselves in the foot for stretches in games with turnovers and penalties. The horns are good enough that A&M can't afford to be doing too much of that.
1) Bama @ Auburn - I'm kind of feeling this one. Bama has looked a bit shaky the past couple of games in particular versus LSU and OU at home. And now they have to go on the road to what has often been a House of Horrors for them.