Week 8 Scorecast and Predictions

Synopses:

Jeremy

1. Utah @ USC - The Trojans amassed over 600 yards of offense last week against Notre Dame. Utah has been really good but had to rally late to beat Arizona State. The fact that USC is favored should tell you something. I'm certainly not in love with this pick, but I'm taking the Men of Troy in what should but an upset but isn't. They are able to rally the troops after a tumultuous couple of weeks. USC 34-28

2. Auburn @ Arkansas - We thought this would be an intriguing game at the beginning of the season but for a myriad of different reasons. Auburn has underachieved but may have finally figured something out offensively against UK last week. The Hogs have been a disappointment to many. The problem for the Tigers here is I think the Razorbacks are going to out physical them and then put them away in the fourth quarter. This one might be ugly but compelling nonetheless. Arkansas 28-20

3. Texas A&M @ Ole Miss - If A&M can manage to not throw 3 TDs to the other team, I get an easy cover last week, even if they didn't win. But credit to the Tide defense. My question is how do they bounce back? Teams typically don't fare well the week after playing Alabama. Meanwhile the Rebel Bears are in disarray after losing to Memphis. I think this game will be a back and forth affair but I honestly think the loss of Robert Nkemdiche will be the difference. Ole Miss can't get a stop when they need it the most. Texas A&M 42-38

4. Tennessee @ Alabama - Which Tennessee team shows up? If they play as if they have nothing to lose from the start, then I think they can keep it close. If they try to cram it down Bama's throat and get behind like they did in other games, then I don't like their chances to cover. Josh Dobbs is not a very accurate QB and that scares me when the Tide have turned so many bad throws into defensive scores. That combined with the fact that Jalen Hurd will have very little room to run makes things difficult for a team on the road. Tennessee has the talent to keep this close, I just don't think they do. Alabama 34-17


Brian

1. Utah @ USC - I'm really not sure why USC is favored? Utah has beaten some quality opponents this season, and USC is in disarray after firing Sarkisian and losing to Notre Dame. I like Utah, especially given they are the underdog. Utah 42-28

2. Auburn @ Arkansas - Beating Kentucky isn't usually a big ordeal, but the Cats are not a bad team. This was a quality road win for Auburn. I feel Sean White and Auburn are slowly gaining confidence and may be a threat down the stretch. Auburn 28-21

3. Texas A&M @ Ole Miss - Even though Texas A&M turned the ball over way too often against Alabama, I saw the semblance of a good team in the long-run. Chavis has the defense improved from last season, and I like A&M's offense to take better care of the ball against Ole Miss. Texas A&M 35-32 

4. Tennessee @ Alabama - I'm still wondering how Tennessee beat Georgia. Vols QB Dobbs was a major factor in the win over Georgia, but with several injuries to UT's offensive line, I don't think Tennessee will give Alabama much of a fight at Bryant-Denny. The only way Tennessee has a chance is if Dobbs can make plays (if he is blitzed) and is able to scramble out of the pocket. I just don't see it. Alabama 31-10

Keppel

1. Utah @ USC - Blend me some juice. USC wins

2. Auburn @ Arkansas - For the win, in a few months. Arkansas wins

3. Texas A&M @ Ole Miss - It's about time someone got some ventilation in here.  Ole Miss wins

4. Tennessee @ Alabama - Dew in the morning blows. Alabama wins