Week 2: SEC Previews & Predictions

    Ole Miss (1-0) at Vanderbilt (0-1) Sept. 6, 4:30, ESPN Here’s The Deal: It’s hard to come up with a worse start to a coaching era than Derek Mason had

    September 5, 2014

    Ole Miss (1-0) at Vanderbilt (0-1) Sept. 6, 4:30, ESPN 

    Here’s The Deal: It’s hard to come up with a worse start to a coaching era than Derek Mason had last week. Not only was he taking over for the energetic and popular James Franklin, but with so many nasty games on the slate, his Vanderbilt team needed a good win over Temple. Instead, the game started late, the team barely showed up, and seven turnovers later came a brutally stunning 37-7 loss. Meanwhile, Ole Miss managed to start out its season with a blast, turning it on with a 28-point fourth quarter to put away a good Boise State team. With UMass up next, a 3-0 start is a mortal lock if the Rebels can get by the SEC opener, while Vandy – with Louisiana-Lafayette and Memphis to follow – can quickly turn things around with a win before dealing with Alabama and Texas A&M. 
    Why Ole Miss Might Win: Forgetting all the turnovers for a moment, Vanderbilt’s offense simply didn’t work. The defense wasn’t a prize, but the quarterback situation is a mess, the ground game was swallowed up for 54 yards on 29 carries, and there wasn’t any consistency or any rhythm. Ole Miss had some mistakes of its own, but made up for it with a huge day from Bo Wallace and the passing game to blow the game wide open in the second half. If Temple’s P.J. Walker can throw for 207 yards and two touchdowns against the Commodore secondary, Wallace should be able to do whatever he wants. 
    Why Vanderbilt Might Win: All was right with the world on the final scoreboard, but Ole Miss was a bit of a mess. Wallace threw three picks, the team committed 14 penalties, and the O line didn’t generate any semblance of a push whatsoever for a ground game that went nowhere. The Rebel defense was phenomenal, but Boise State was able to hang around into the fourth quarter in a game that should’ve been an ugly blowout early on. Vanderbilt has to hope this gets mess. It can’t turn the ball over – Boise State helped out Ole Miss with some really, really bad interceptions, and four in all – and it has to take advantage of every opportunity. But first … 
    Who To Watch Out For: Does Vanderbilt have a starting quarterback? Patton Robinette wasn’t bad, completing 4-of-6 passes for 38 yards, but he didn’t get the offense moving. Stephen Rivers threw for 186 yards, but he only completed 12-of-25 throws, and Johnny McCrary was a disaster, missing on all three of his passes with two picks. The coaching staff is going to play around with the situation to try to find something that works, but no matter who’s under center, the offense has to move and the production has to come. 
    What’s Going To Happen: Ole Miss won’t be as good as it was in the fourth quarter against Boise State, and the Vanderbilt won’t be nearly as bad as it was against Temple. The Rebels will still win without a problem – don’t expect a game anywhere near as fantastic as last year’s thriller between the two. 
    Prediction: Ole Miss 34 … Vanderbilt 17
    Line: Ole Miss -20 o/u: 49.5 
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 2.5 

    Arkansas State (1-0) at Tennessee (1-0) Sept. 6, 3:30 

    Here’s The Deal: Tennessee took care of one preseason Group of 5 star in Utah State, and now it’s on to deal with a dangerous Arkansas State squad that looked okay, not great, in its opener against Montana State. ASU – the cradle of hot-shot SEC coaches – has the make-up and the talent to pull off a Sun Belt title, and with road games against the Vols and Miami before dealing with Utah State, the chances are there to make a big national splash if head coach Blake Anderson can get his team ready for the suddenly-terrific Vols. Tennessee might be young and regrouping, but it couldn’t have been sharper in the 38-7 domination of the Aggies to kick off its season. With road games at Oklahoma and Georgia to follow, though, there’s no time to screw around. 
    Why Arkansas State Might Win: The Red Wolves can move the ball. There were a few problems with turnovers against Montana State, and the running attack hit a few snags, but for the most part, the offense worked. This is a deep and talented team – even though it’s young – with the ability to run a balanced attack to keep the Vol defensive backfield from cheating up. ASU hit on the big play last week through the air with a good receiving corps that can keep the chains moving. Like Utah State, Arkansas State has a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays, and with the film of what went wrong for the Aggies, there should be a bit more offensive creativity. But … 
    Why Tennessee Might Win: The Tennessee linebacking corps should keep Fredi Knighten in check. ASU always gets excellent production out of its dual-threat quarterbacks, and with a playmaker like Knighten, linebackers have to respect him taking off on every play. Tennessee’s linebacking punch of A.J. Johnson, Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Curt Maggitt kept USU’s Chuckie Keeton from going anywhere, holding him to 12 yards on eight carries. Knighten can throw, but his game is about being a baller and making plays on the move. Tennessee has the defensive front to keep that from happening. 
    Who To Watch Out For: Everyone came to see a quarterback last week, and the wrong one stole the show Is it possible for everyone to relax for a little bit about the Tennessee quarterback situation? Justin Worley was terrific against the Aggies, leading his young, inexperienced team completing 27-of-38 passes for 273 yards and three scores – and no picks. He’ll never be confused for Peyton Manning, but for these Vols, being able to spread the ball around and get everyone involved is enough.. 
    What’s Going To Happen: Despite being just 450 miles apart – which is nothing in college football road trip terms – this is just the second meeting between the two. Tennessee won 48-27 in 2007, and while ASU is stronger now, but as last week showed, it’s football time in Tennessee again. This is a fast, athletic team that’s ready to explode. 
    Prediction: Tennessee 34 … Arkansas State 14 
    Line: Tennessee -16.5 o/u: 51 
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 2 

    Missouri (1-0) at Toledo (1-0) Sept. 6, 12:00, ESPN 

    Here’s The Deal: Former Toledo head coach Gary Pinkel is taking his team back to his old stomping grounds for a dangerous non-conference game before UCF and Indiana come to town. The Rockets made the trip to Columbia last year, losing 38-23, and now Mizzou is returning the favor coming off a lackluster 38-18 win over South Dakota State. Is the Tiger firepower of last season ready to return? It might have to against an explosive Toledo team with enough talent and athleticism to take the MAC. The offense rolled up an evil 666 yards against a strong FCS team in New Hampshire, but beating Missouri in one of the biggest home games in the school’s history would be truly something special. 
    Why Missouri Might Win: Just because Toledo is experienced in the secondary, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better, or good enough to come up with the stops needed against the Mizzou speed. The Tigers appeared to lose focus and fire last week after jumping out to a 31-7 first quarter lead, and that was just enough of a scare to allow Pinkel and his coaching staff to fire away on the defending SEC East champs. Defensively, the pass rush was good enough to help force three key turnovers, but …
    Why Toledo Might Win: Can it be disruptive enough to stop the Toledo passing game? South Dakota State was able to get back in the game through the air against a Tiger secondary that was suspect last year, and had a tough time in the opener allowing 246 yards and too many big plays. The D tightened up when it had to, but SDSU RB Zach Zenner was able to hit a few home runs including a 75-yard scoring dash, and QB Zach Lujan connected on 21-of-28 passes for 239 yards. Toledo figured out its quarterback situation, and the offense flourished last week with a huge performance from … 
    Who To Watch Out For: Phillip Ely. Sharp from the start, he connected on 24-of-24 passes for 334 yards and four scores, playing poised and efficient spreading the ball around to nine different receivers. For the running game, as long as Kareem Hunt is healthy, look out. The Rocket star tore off 136 yards and two touchdowns last week, and the opportunities should be there to shine against the Tiger D. 
    What’s Going To Happen: Missouri will be better. Yes, it let South Dakota State back into the game, but it also turned it up a few notches to put the game away in the second half. However, Toledo is going to be a major challenge, keeping it close throughout. It’s going to be a four quarter fight. 
    Prediction: Missouri 38 … Toledo 34 
    Line: Missouri -3.5 o/u: 60 
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 3.5 

    Florida Atlantic (0-1) at Alabama (1-0) Sept. 6, 12:00, SEC Network 

    Here’s The Deal: Bama is still the second-ranked team in the country, but with a little more hesitation than just a week ago. The Crimson Tide survived its trip to Atlanta to face West Virginia, but it was a lot harder than expected. The Mountaineers hung around until deep into the second half, raising questions whether Bama might be a little overrated right now. Florida Atlantic’s early-season fundraising tour continues with this trip to Tuscaloosa. Last Saturday, the Owls were pummeled by Nebraska in Lincoln, 55-7. 
    Why Florida Atlantic Might Win: Alabama’s new corners, Bradley Sylve and Cyrus Jones, did not fare well against Clint Trickett on Saturday, allowing 365 passing yards. The Owls have a pretty good quarterback of their own, Jaquez Johnson, who can run as well as pass. And William Dukes headlines a talented group of receivers. 
    Why Alabama Might Win: Moving the ball on the Owls will not be a problem Saturday afternoon. Big Red gashed Florida Atlantic for 784 yards in Week 1. And the Tide has as many, if not more, weapons as the Huskers, including WR Amari Cooper and an embarrassment of riches out of the backfield. 
    Who To Watch Out For: All eyes at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be focused on the play of the home team’s quarterbacks. Improbable starter Blake Sims had a decent debut, and decent is usually enough in Tuscaloosa. But this isn’t the usual Tide D, which is why Jacob Coker will get his chance to impress the staff as well this weekend. 
    What’s Going To Happen: The outcome will never be in doubt, which is why the little things will get more scrutiny this weekend. Nick Saban—and Tide fans—will want a closer look at the quarterbacks and the defense to better understand if the close call with West Virginia was just an opening day fluke. 
    Prediction: Alabama 52 … Florida Atlantic 3 
    Line: Alabama -40.5 o/u: 48.5 
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton … 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 2

    East Carolina (1-0) at South Carolina (0-1) Sept. 6, 7:00, ESPNU

    Here’s The Deal: South Carolina was exposed by Texas A&M as an overrated team in the preseason. The Gamecocks will spend September trying to restore their national reputation. They’ll need to have short memories after being obliterated by the Aggies, 52-28, in front of a stunned national TV audience. East Carolina wants to keep South Carolina reeling, while enhancing its reputation as a big-game plunderer. The Pirates, which opened with a rout of North Carolina Central, blew out two ACC teams in 2013, and nearly upset Virginia Tech.
    Why East Carolina Might Win: The Gamecock D needs to be fixed after getting strafed for 511 passing yards by an inexperienced quarterback. The Pirate offense is a tough place to begin turning things around. Senior Shane Carden is a proven gunslinger, with talented weapons in Justin Hardy and Isaiah Jones. If the South Carolina pass rush remains impotent, Carden has the tools to pick apart the new-look secondary.
    Why South Carolina Might Win: North Carolina Central was unable to expose the ECU defense. But the Gamecocks will. The Pirates endured plenty of offseason turnover, particularly in the secondary. With or without RB Mike Davis, who has bruised ribs, South Carolina is going to run the ball with authority behind a talented line. And QB Dylan Thompson will do his part versus the iffy ECU pass defense by connecting with WR Nick Jones and TE Rory Anderson.
    Who To Watch Out For: South Carolina’s growing defensive concerns begin with the D-line, which didn’t show up last Thursday. Someone must step up to pressure Carden, or else the Gamecocks will be ripe for a second-straight upset. It’s incumbent upon ends Darius English and Gerald Dixon to be more present than they were against Texas A&M.
    What’s Going To Happen: It’ll be interesting to see how South Carolina responds to being dropped a peg in the opener. The Gamecocks are a flawed team that doesn’t have much time to regroup, and East Carolina presents a legitimate threat. Steve Spurrier and his staff will find a way back to .500, though, riding the running of Brandon Wilds and the intensity of a defense that’ll play as if jobs are at stake.
    Prediction: South Carolina 37 … East Carolina 23
    Line: South Carolina -16.5 o/u: 63
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton … 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 3

    San Jose State (1-0) at Auburn (1-0) Sept. 6, 7:00, ESPN2

    Here’s The Deal: Auburn needed a half to put Arkansas away, but the offense was terrific throughout its opener with both Jeremy Johnson and Nick Marshall at quarterback. It’s an interesting first part of the season for the defending SEC champs, going to Kansas State 12 days after this and with LSU coming up to start October, but San Jose State might pose an interesting challenge. The Spartans don’t have the defense to hold up, but the offense can push the ball down the field, even with David Fales now a Chicago Bear and with new parts to the offensive puzzle. Of course, dealing with the Tigers is a little different than beating North Dakota, but the parts are there to wing the ball around a bit.
    Why San Jose State Might Win: The Auburn secondary was suspect last season, and it wasn’t just because teams had to throw to stay alive. It’s still a question mark after playing an Arkansas team that doesn’t want to throw unless it has to. It’ll be bombs away for Blake Jurich, who completed 22-of-25 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns last week. The Spartans have just enough balance – potentially – to mix things up a wee bit.
    Why Auburn Might Win: The San Jose State run defense took a big step back last season allowing 212 yards per game and 29 touchdowns, and while there are good playmakers in some key spots, and eight starters are back, the jury is still out on whether or not this group can improve despite the loss of tackling machine LB Keith Smith and corner Bene Benwikere. Auburn’s offense picked up where it left off with a balanced attack, running for 302 yards and throwing for 293. San Jose State’s defense doesn’t have the depth to hold up under the pressure, but …
    Who To Watch Out For: DT Travis Raciti looked back to his 2012 form, at least for one game, after a bit of a down 2013 season. He was terrific against South Dakota with six tackles and a nice play behind the line, while big-hitter Christian Tago also made six tackles, even though he wasn’t needed much. If the Spartans are going to have any shot. Raciti has to hang out behind the line, and Tago will end up with at least ten tackles.
    What’s Going To Happen: The Spartans will throw well unless the defensive front can do more to get into the backfield, but it won’t matter – the Tiger offense will keep on humming.
    Prediction: Auburn 52 … San Jose State 20
    Line: Auburn -32.5 o/u: 66
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 2

    Sam Houston State (1-1) at LSU (1-0) Sept. 6, 7:30, SEC Network

    Here’s The Deal: LSU took a little while to find its groove against Wisconsin, and then, all of a sudden, everything clicked to overcome a 24-7 deficit with 21 unanswered points for a nice win. This kicks off a run of four straight home games with ULM up next before the SEC opener against Mississippi State and then New Mexico State for a likely 5-0 start before going to Auburn. But unlike last week against an anemic Badger passing game, now the Tigers are going to have to deal with an air show. One of the best teams in the FCS, Sam Houston State was on the wrong end of a firefight against a great Eastern Washington before opening things up on Alabama State. The Bearkats don’t have enough in the bag to beat LSU, but they’re going to test the Tiger secondary.
    Why Sam Houston State Might Win: LSU’s secondary is going to be fine, but it didn’t have to break a sweat against the Badgers and now have to deal with a passing game that rolled up close to 400 yards through the air on Alabama State. The Bearkats know how to get a passing game moving, and they have several weapons both in the backfield and receiving corps to provide a little bit of balance if needed – they’re going to keep coming.
    Why LSU Might Win: The Tigers will simply bludgeon with their offensive line. Eastern Washington didn’t just throw well in the opener; it ran for 317 yards with Quincy Forte taking off for 152 yards. LSU has the speed in the receiving corps to do what they did against Wisconsin and make plays on the move, but the front five will take care of business early on with its toughness and pop.
    Who To Watch Out For: Anthony Jennings wasn’t perfect against Wisconsin, but he was good when he had to be. While he only completed 9-of-21 passes, he made them count for 239 yards and two touchdowns, but he didn’t take off too much. He needed a little while after coming up with an 80-yard scoring play early, but he settled into the game and did what he needed to do. The completion percentage has to be up – he’ll get the time to do it.
    What’s Going To Happen: San Houston State will throw well, but LSU will turn it on in the second half and should be able to run as much as it wants to. The game will be more impressive for LSU than the final score.
    Prediction: LSU 38 … Sam Houston State 17
    Line: No Line o/u: No Line
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 1.5

    Lamar (1-0) at Texas A&M (1-0) Sept. 6, 7:30, SEC Network

    Here’s The Deal: After a brilliant Week One performance against South Carolina – who had a better opener? – Texas A&M can put it on cruise control for a while with Lamar, Rice and SMU next before dealing with Arkansas. The Manziel-less Aggies couldn’t have drawn it up any better, with Kenny Hill looking like a Heisman contender right out of the box throwing for 511 yards in the stunning blowout. Lamar had some fun of its own, beating Grambling 42-27 to kick off its season after going 5-7 last year. It might not be close, but if you like passing, enjoy.
    Why Lamar Might Win: The Cardinals can wing it a bit. One of the best in the SEC in passing last year, Caleb Berry and the offense rolled for 389 yards – third most in the FCS – in the season opener, making big plays down the field and having few problems on the way to a 42-13 lead. Lamar has several good targets and just enough of a running game to make it interesting.
    Why Texas A&M Might Win: Mistakes. Lamar has to come up with an all-timer of an all-time effort just to keep pace, but what should be a blowout might turn into something truly brutal if the Cardinals keep screwing up like they did last week. Against Grambling, the offense turned it over five times and committed 11 penalties – the Aggies don’t need the help.
    Who To Watch Out For: It’s Kenny Hill’s college football world, but in a game like this, the other parts need to be worked on. The running game did its part against South Carolina, running for 169 yards and four scores – with Tra Carson barreling in for three – but knowing the passing game works, this would be the chance to start getting the offensive front into a lather.
    What’s Going To Happen: Texas A&M will continue to be sharp as it rolls its way to an easy win.
    Prediction: Texas A&M 55 … Lamar 10
    Line: No Line o/u: No Line
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 1

    UAB (1-0) at Mississippi State (1-0) Sept. 6, 2:00, Fox Sports Net

    Here’s The Deal: Mississippi State is playing its third straight Conference USA opponent, having disposed of the last two without so much as breaking a sweat. The Bulldogs blanked Southern Miss, 49-0, for their first shutout in 15 years. Dan Mullen’s kids are hoping to build a head of steam versus weaker teams before heading to Baton Rouge on Sept. 20. Very quietly, UAB delivered one of the under-the-radar Week 1 surprises, routing rival Troy, 48-10. There’s a long way to go, but it’s already evident that Bill Clark will do more in Birmingham than Garrick McGee did.
    Why UAB Might Win: While Starkville will be an entirely different challenge, the Blazer offense was fantastic in the first game of the Clark era. UAB wants the power running game to set up the pass, getting 100-yard games from Jordan Howard and D.J. Vinson. When Howard and Vinson are softening defenses, it creates chances for Cody Clements to connect with speedy WR Jamarcus Nelson.
    Why Mississippi State Might Win: If the Blazers can’t establish the run, they’re in trouble. And it’s getting awfully tough to move the sticks on the Bulldogs. Mississippi State boasts one of the sneaky-good defenses in America, with LB Benardrick McKinney and tackles P.J. Jones and Chris Jones shutting down the middle. MSU also has an emerging star on offense, QB Dak Prescott, who’ll be unstoppable by UAB.
    Who To Watch Out For: Jameon Lewis is the Bulldogs’ top returning receiver, so it’s exciting that De’Runnya Wilson and Fred Ross each caught two of Prescott’s four touchdown passes on Saturday. Give the junior quarterback more weapons, and he’s going to make a run at the All-SEC Team.
    What’s Going To Happen: While UAB has a lot to be giddy about, the smile gets wiped off its face this weekend at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State is a team on the rise, and the Bulldogs have already shown the ease with which they dispense of second-tier Conference USA visitors.
    Prediction: Mississippi State 48 … UAB 16
    Line: Mississippi State -28 o/u: 57.5
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton … 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) – 2

    Ohio (1-0) at Kentucky (1-0) Sept. 6, 3:30, ESPNU

    Here’s The Deal: It might not have been the most scintillating of performances, but Ohio was able to get out of the MAC opener alive, beating Kent State on a 44-yard Josiah Yazdani field goal with no time left on the clock. This is a stronger Bobcat tam than it looked, but with a road trip this week to Lexington, followed up by a date at Marshall, this could be a rocky stretch before things ease up. UK loads up next week at Florida, but if it plays like it did in the opener against UT Martin – a 59-14 win – this might be one of the SEC’s most interesting teams. Can the offensive explosion continue? Ohio will be a good test.
    Why Ohio Might Win: Derrius Vick looked terrific. There were a few mistakes, but the new Ohio starting quarterback completed 18-of-24 passes for 262 yards and two scores, and ran eight times for 35 yards. He’s a strong enough all-around playmaker to keep the UK defensive front on its heels, while on the other side, the Bobcat run defense showed why it’s going to be among the MAC’s best after allowing just 31 Kent State yards on 22 carries – that wasn’t a one week aberration.
    Why Kentucky Might Win: Will Ohio keep screwing up? The Bobcats should’ve beaten Kent State by 20, but four turnovers – all fumbles – killed drives and kept the Golden Flashes in the game. The bigger problem was an Ohio secondary that couldn’t build off what the run defense did, allowing a mediocre KSU passing game to get a 30-of-41, 264-yard, two score day out of Colin Reardon. That’s a problem considering …
    Who To Watch Out For: Kentucky QB Patrick Towles looked like he’s made for the starting job. It might have only been UT Martin, but he still completed 20-of-29 passes for 377 yards and a score in a nearly flawless game. Florida is going to provide a wee bit of a bigger challenge next week, and Ohio should be a nice step forward in the progression to see where he and the UK offense are at.
    What’s Going To Happen: The Wildcats aren’t going to explode like they did against UTM, but they’ll continue to hit on just enough big plays to make Vick and Ohio press a little bit. UK will win the turnover margin on the way to a big second half.
    Prediction: Kentucky 35 … Ohio 17
    Line: Kentucky -12 o/u: 52.5
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 2

    Eastern Michigan (1-0) at Florida (0-0) Sept. 6, 4:00, SEC Network

    Here’s The Deal: Florida is finally starting its season after missing out on a beatdown over Idaho, but as long as the weather holds out, the blowout was only delayed by a week. From the horrible end to last season, to the controversy over three suspended players getting to play this week, even though they were suspended for a game, Will Muschamp and the Gators just need to get this thing going. With the SEC opener against Kentucky next week, this is the tune-up game against an EMU team that got the win, but needed to fight way too hard to get by Morgan State 31-28. Anything less than a Florida walk in the swamp will be cause for concern, but EMU is better under new head coach Chris Crieghton.
    Why Eastern Michigan Might Win: The defensive front has a game under its belt, and it loaded up and made plenty of plays against Morgan State with linebackers Hunter Matt and Great Ibe each making ten tackles, while Pat O’Connor dominated on the line with ten stops, 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss. This is an active group that should give the Florida O line a few problems.
    Why Florida Might Win: Does Eastern Michigan have the ability to keep Florida from teeing off against the run? The EMU quarterbacks combined to complete 18-of-30 passes for just 99 yards with absolutely nothing happening down the field, and it’s not like it’s going to be bombs away against the Gator secondary. EMU wasn’t holding back for this game; it was trying, and it struggled. The Eagles aren’t going to run for 292 yards and average 5.2 yards per carry like they did against Morgan State.
    Who To Watch Out For: Of all the players on the Gators who needed to get the season going and fatten up on the Idaho secondary, it was QB Jeff Driskel. After getting knocked out for the year early on with a broken leg, Driskel had to sit and watch the Florida offense go from bad to horrendous with no passing game and with nothing much happening down the field. New offensive coordinator Kurt Roper knows how to generate a passing offense, but can he get Driskel to make big plays and be a better, sharper passer? At least for appearances, a big start is a must.
    What’s Going To Happen: As if Florida wasn’t ready to blow up enough last week, after this week, and after the controversy, this should be a huge start. Eastern Michigan is about to get steamrolled.
    Prediction: Florida 45 … Eastern Michigan 6
    Line: Florida -38 o/u: 54
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 1.5

    Nicholls State (0-1) at Arkansas (0-1) Sept. 6, 4:00, SEC Network

    Here’s The Deal: Uh oh. If it’s possible, Arkansas didn’t look all that bad in a 45-21 loss to Auburn, playing well for a half on the way to a 21-21 tie, and then the offense fizzled and the Tigers heated up, but the Hog ground game still came away with an impressive effort. As that was happening, Nicholls State got ripped apart by Air Force 44-16. The Colonel ground game couldn’t hold up hold up against the run, and now it has to go from the Falcon speed to the Razorback power. Before dealing with Texas Tech next week, Arkansas has to figure out the passing game a little more – but running wild on the ground will be too tempting.
    Why Nicholls State Might Win: The Colonels can run the ball a bit, even if they didn’t show it last week. They averaged close to 200 yards per game on the ground last year, and maybe, in a perfect world, the Hogs won’t be taking this game seriously in the sandwich game that’s supposed to be breeze. NSU won’t run like Auburn did, but it could come up with a little bit of production if the backs can get a little room to move.
    Why Arkansas Might Win: The Hogs can win this game without throwing a pass – Air Force almost did, throwing it just six times. The Falcons cranked up 539 yards and six touchdowns, averaging 7.4 yards per try, and the Arkansas ground game can do whatever it wants. It’s not like the Arkansas running game didn’t work against Auburn, with Alex Collins averaging 6.8 yards per run and the team averaging 5.3 yards, but O had to start throwing after getting down which means …
    Who To Watch Out For: Brandon Allen has to be better. He wasn’t miserable, completing 18-of-31 passes for 175 yards and two scores with a pick, but there wasn’t anything big down the field averaging just 5.6 yards per pass. With Texas Tech, Texas A&M, Alabama and Georgia up within the next five games, Arkansas can’t survive unless Allen is more impressive.
    What’s Going To Happen: Arkansas will score on its first six drives as it rolls up a massive number. Bret Bielema will call off the dogs in the fourth quarter, but it won’t matter.
    Prediction: Arkansas 66 … Nicholls State 0
    Line: No Line o/u: No Line
    Must Watch Factor: (5: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton – 1: Hacked and Leaked Photos of Kate Upton and Justin Verlander) … 1

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