Tusk to Tail: Week 4 Predictions

 

Question of the week:

Do you think this will be the most evenly and competitive football season in the SEC in recent memory?

Forrest:

It certainly appears that way. A lot parity with NIL evening the college football landscape. The SEC is not as strong as it once was at the top but, one could argue it’s stronger top to bottom. Should make for an interesting race to Atlanta. 

Todd:

3 weeks in and it really looks that way. Not as top heavy as in past years. My thoughts after week 3 games:

First tier: UGA and Texas A&M

Second tier: Tennessee, LSU, and Oklahoma

Third tier:  Ole Miss 

Tier to be determined: Arkansas, Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina, Missouri, MSU, Texas, and Vandy

Bottom: UK and Florida

The Picks:

Arkansas @ Memphis

Todd:

After coming just 30 yards short of a potential game-winning touchdown in Oxford, the Hogs now head to Memphis — a city that might as well be their second home. Arkansas is no stranger to the Liberty Bowl; in recent years, it’s become one of the few postseason destinations the Razorbacks can realistically count on.This week, they face a Memphis team that’s no pushover. The Tigers are 6-1 in their last seven games against Power 5 opponents. But the Razorbacks come in with some serious offensive firepower. Averaging 245 rushing yards per game and leading the nation in third down conversions.Of course, there’s still that defense. Against Ole Miss, Arkansas got sliced up — the Rebels and their back up D-II QB  moved the ball almost at will. And while the Hogs managed a couple of key second-half stops, the offense couldn’t cash in. That said, it's hard to place too much blame on the offense — they were going blow for blow most of the night. The good news? Memphis doesn’t have the same kind of firepower as Ole Miss. They’ll put up points — Arkansas’ D-line and secondary still have a lot to prove — but they won’t be able to keep pace over four quarters. Hogs 42-28.

Forrest:

Another trip to the half imploded Liberty Bowl  for the Razorbacks. That placed has been kind to Arkansas as long as I can remember. Might as well replace War Memorial with it. I kid. Kind of. Anyways I hope for Arkansas to have a bounce back game but the 11am kick off and a salty Memphis Tigers squad could prevent that. I’ll take the Razorbacks in a close one. 

Forrest:

#22 Auburn @ #11 Oklahoma

 In one of the uglier and funnier games last year, OU squeaked one out down on the plains of Auburn. Now, Auburn has Oklahomas quarterback from last year and is making a return trip to Norman. Quite the head spinner. I think Oklahoma upgraded at the qb position and that Venable’s defense should be enough to stop a salty Auburn offense.

Forrest:

South Carolina @ #23 Missouri

A tale of two quarterbacks. Lenoris sellers for South Carolina goes down with a concussion last week and then South Carolina fell apart to Vanderbilt. Missouri entering this season had so many quarterback questions and yet Beau Pribula who everyone counted out, has now taken the reigns of the offense and is leading them quite well. As much as it pains me, give me the Tigers to win.