Rivalry Week Scorecast and Synopsis

Here are the picks for Week 14. Keep in mind that the panelists' records and picks are made
based on the spread.

Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Arkansas @ Missouri - How impressive was Arkansas last week? They appear to have finally figured it all out in the SEC. However, Mizzou has also been impressive. They've had to win two very tough road games to maintain their hold on the SEC East. Here's the problem: They play this game at home where they lost to Indiana and were destroyed by UGA. The Hogs gets it done in a good game. Arkansas 27-21

2. Mississippi State @ Ole Miss - Ole Miss has seen its magical season fall apart at the end of the year. Their losses have actually hurt State who still is fighting for a spot in the playoff. This game is at Ole Miss but they aren't the same without their best player on offense. Their defense is solid but Dak Prescott finds a way to get it done. State 24-21

3. Georgia Tech @ Georgia - Tech has quietly been very good this year. Their defense has been the catalyst and their offense is always difficult to prepare for. UGA has the athletes to dominate Tech and have managed to do so over the last decade. Despite their record, I think Paul Johnson is still coaching for his job here. Plus, a win over the Dawgs and the Noles and Tech becomes a dark horse playoff candidate. I think the Engineers will play well but the Dawgs just have too much to overcome at home in the end. UGA 31-21

4. Auburn @ Alabama - Auburn has looked like a shell of itself in the past few weeks while Alabama has returned to the top of college football. But I just don't see them getting shellacked in the Iron Bowl. I think the Auburn offense does enough to keep them around in this game, but I think the Tide punch their ticket to Atlanta in the end. Alabama 28-20


Brian

1. Arkansas @ Missouri - Missouri may not be great, but they are better than people give them credit for. The loss at home to Indiana was bad, but outside the UGA game, Missouri has played well lately. Missouri has one of the best defensive lines/pass rushes in the country. Arkansas has one of the best rushing attacks in the nation and has played very impressively the past two weeks. The last two teams Missouri has beaten (Texas A&M and Tennessee) rely on QB play more than Arkansas. Thus, I like Arkansas's rushing attack to nullify Missouri's stellar pass rush. Arkansas 31-21

2. Mississippi State @ Ole Miss - It really surprised me how terrible Ole Miss looked against Arkansas. Mississippi State still has a ton to play for and will be ready for this game. I don't see the Egg Bowl being overly close. Mississippi State 34-17

3. Georgia Tech @ Georgia - This game is a question of whether Georgia will show up or not. Yes, Tech has played well this season, but I don't give their offensive and defensive lines a chance against Georgia's, assuming UGA takes Tech seriously. By the start of this game, UGA will know if they will be representing the SEC East in Atlanta. If Missouri wins the East, it could be a small let down for UGA, even though they could still make one of the power bowls. In any case, I still expect UGA to overpower Tech. Georgia 42-28

4. Auburn @ Alabama - Auburn did not look good against Samford, and we know how they looked against Texas A&M and Georgia. Setup for a blow-out in Tuscaloosa, right? Not exactly. Strangely, Saban defenses have struggled against Malzahn offenses. While Alabama has everything to play for, Auburn knows this and would love to spoil Alabama's season. Expect this to be closer than the spread, but the Tide will still win. Alabama 31-28

Keppel

1. Arkansas @ Missouri - One of these teams will show up. I pick Missouri at home. 

2. Mississippi State @ Ole Miss - One of these teams will show up. I pick Mississippi St. 

3. Georgia Tech @ Georgia - One of these teams will show up. I pick Georgia.

4. Auburn @ Alabama - One of these teams will show up. I pick Alabama.