The Way I See It – Week Eight
Week eight of the college football season is upon us and Bulldog fans everywhere can rest, relax and enjoy the week off with the Bulldogs sitting on top of the college football world at number one. This is the last off week before six straight games to end the 2014 season so enjoy it.
There are some stellar matchups this weekend though and many you should pay attention to around the league and country, as many could affect your Mississippi State Bulldogs.
Let’s get right to the games on tap this week.
Last Week: 3-2
Yearly Predictions: 23-15
No. 10 Georgia at Arkansas
With running back Todd Gurley out, I truly thought Georgia would slip up last week at Missouri – didn’t happen.
Arkansas dang near beat Alabama last week and they are going to ding someone this year. Georgia is playing much better defensively and has the inside track on the East Championship. It’s close, but no cigar again for the Hogs.
Red Dog 27 Sweat Hog 20
No. 14 Kansas State at No. 11 Oklahoma
This game has big, Big-12 implications as well as playoff implications written all over it. The winner will advance, while the loser will in all likely hood be done and have to settle for a mid-tier bowl.
Both teams are very good and can score points. I actually like Kansas State’s approach and coaching staff better than Bob Stoops and Oklahoma, but being this game is in Norman, I’ll take the Sooners in a close one.
Boomer Swooner 31 Purple Cat 24
No. 21 Texas A&M at No. 7 Alabama
Kevin Sumlin and the Aggies are reeling after two straight beat downs from Mississippi and Mississippi State. Sumlin, as a coach hasn’t suffered back to back defeats like that in his career, to my knowledge.
Alabama is struggling to find an offensive identity, but playing good enough defense to win ballgames and stay in the Western Championship hunt.
Both of these teams need a win and badly and both need their quarterbacks to take a step forward to help their teams do so.
Texas A&M has struggled with physical football teams this year and I expect Alabama to flex on Saturday, putting a little heat on Kevin Sumlin.
Roll Bama Roll 24 Kevin Sumlin has Stopped Smiling 20
No. 15 Oklahoma State at No. 12 TCU
Another Big-12 elimination game is this weekend with the Cowboys and Horned Frogs. Oklahoma State’s only loss was a hard fought loss to Florida State, while TCU dropped a heart breaker to Baylor last week.
Again, the loser will be delegated to a mid-tier bowl, while the winner keeps their playoff hopes alive.
Purple Haze 40 Orange Cowboy 30
No. 5 Notre Dame at No. 2 Florida State
Talk about a mid-west media love fest game. I can promise you that whoever wins this game will steal the spotlight from the state of Mississippi for a little while. If the media had their way, both of these teams would be in the playoff this year regardless.
On to the game though, the Noles have had a tough week in the media with quarterback Jameis Winston and all that comes with him.
Notre Dame however, has been sitting back, getting ready and waiting. I think there are too many distractions around a Florida State team that has struggled at times, to handle Notre Dame. I also like the way Everett Golson is playing. Look for the Irish to win a close one and Golson to shoot up the Heisman Trophy watch list.
Domers 27 Crab legs-less 21