When 80% — and Mizzou — isn't good enough….

Posted on: September 26,2014

Last week, I gave you State over LSU at Baton Rouge by 3. The ‘Dogs won my 5. Never mind they should have won by 21. At least

Cleveland

I got the right team.
Of course, I also gave you Missouri 44, Indiana 7, and Indiana won the game. Who knew?
For the week, I was 12-2, which puts the record at 41-10 on the season, just above 80 percent, which is about Bo Wallace’s passing percentage right now. Which brings us to…
Ole Miss 38, Memphis 17 — The Rebels opened at 24. Bettors bet it down to 19 and now it’s back up to 21. What does this all mean? It means the betting public can’t make up its mind, but, overall, thinks 24 was far too many. The guess here is that the bettors think Ole Miss will be looking past Memphis to Alabama and the biggest weekend of football in this state in a long, long time — if not ever. I think the Rebels win but not without a few anxious moments. (Notice the Rebels score 38 on a special day.)
Rice 30, Southern Miss 24 — The Golden Eagles look more like a football team in Todd Monken’s second season, but there’s still a talent and experience shortage and lots and lots of puppies playing key roles in Hattiesburg. Rice is a veteran team that won Conference USA last season. They get some injured people back this week. USM needs a huge turnover advantage go win.
Texas A & M 34, Arkansas 24 — Arkansas is getting better, but the Aggies have home field advantage and an offense nobody has stopped. Lots of State fans will watch closely.
Kentucky 34, Vanderbilt 21 — Kentucky opened a 10-point favorite but money has poured in on the homestanding Wildcats and the spread has moved to 17. Just like the old days, Vandy, post-James Franklin, isn’t getting a lot of respect.
South Carolina 24, Missouri 21 — Frankly, I still can’t believe Mizzou lost to Indiana, at home. The Tigers will play a lot better this week but not well enough to win at the other Columbia.
Georgia 38, Tennessee 17 — I heard a talking head this week say Tennessee might be a year away. I would say two or three.
LSU 47, New Mexico State 7 — A natural rivalry, eh?
Auburn 48, Louisiana Tech 20 — Mismatch.
Duke 30, Miami 27 — This week’s upset special although I am not at all sure why Miami is favored by a touchdown.
New Orleans 27, Dallas 23 — The Sunday night special pits Tony Romo vs. Drew Brees, and I always will go with Brees in that match. One caveat: I am not sure the Saints have anyone who can cover Dez Bryant, especially if the Saints can’t stop the Cowboys’ solid running game and have to commit their safeties to stop the run. In New Orleans the catchphrase is often, “Throw me something Mister.” Sunday night, it should be: “Throw us one, Tony.”
•••
Hall of Fame’s book about Mississippi sports legends coming soon.