A Look at Week 8 in the SEC

    The biggest news from last week was the injury that South Carolina's superstar running back Marcus Lattimore sustained against Mississippi State. He tore ligaments in his knee and is out for the season. That is a big blow to USC's chances of returning to the SEC Championship. Lattimore meant everything to that team. Without him, they have no running threat and that will make it much harder for quarterback Connor Shaw to get the ball to wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. The Gamecocks still control their own destiny, but have tough games against Arkansas and Florida left on their schedule. It's not over yet, however, as the team chasing them, Georgia, has yet to play Florida and Auburn. It looks as though Florida will have starting QB John Brantley return from injury before their contest with the Bulldogs, and that will make the Gators a much tougher opponent.

    My picks were 5-1 last week with my only loss being the out of conference game I picked between Baylor and Texas A&M. I thought Baylor would win with their high-powered offense, but Texas A&M took them to the woodshed. However, with five correct picks I moved to the half century mark in victories on the season. For comparison's sake, without the three out of conference games I've picked I am 48-8 on the season. ESPN's SEC bloggers Chris Low and Edward Aschoff are 46-10 and 49-7, respectively. Here's to hoping that I can beat them out in the remaining weeks.

Now on to Week 8...

Game of the Week

LSU will count on backup RB Michael Ford with Ware out.

#20 Auburn at #1 LSU (3:30 PM, CBS): LSU comes into this game boasting the fifth best total defense in the NCAA, and Auburn's offense has been sputtering. Last week, Auburn made the switch at quarterback to redshirt sophomore Clint Moseley at halftime after the offense looked stagnant in the first half. He only threw seven passes as the Tigers were content to run the ball and play defense against a weak Florida offense. Although he didn't get many opportunities, Moseley provided the spark Auburn needed and was named the starter for the upcoming game against LSU. Death Valley is not exactly ideal for breaking in a new quarterback, and that among many other things does not bode well for Auburn.
    However, Auburn got a big boost in the form of three LSU suspensions. Cornerbacks Tyrann Mathieu and Tharold Simon and starting running back Spencer Ware have been suspended after failing a drug test. Those are three huge blows to LSU's team, as all three are integral parts of LSU's team. Ware is the leading rusher for LSU with 512 yards and six touchdowns, and Mathieu has been a big time playmaker and possible Heisman candidate with four forced fumbles, two interceptions, and two touchdowns. Simon is one of their top three corners and is important to the Tigers' depth on defense. Keep in mind Gene Chizik is 8-0 in his tenure as Auburn's head coach when games are decided by four points or less. Anything can happen if Auburn can keep the game close. However, despite the losses to suspension LSU should still have enough elsewhere to pull off the victory.
    Prediction: LSU 27-20

The Others
Tennessee at #2 Alabama (7:15 PM, ESPN2): Alabama remained undefeated against a hapless Ole Miss team last week. Tennessee struggled against LSU without their starting quarterback Tyler Bray. This matchup is undoubtedly headed for more of the same. Alabama should be able to dominate a struggling Tennessee team on both sides of the ball. 
      Prediction: Alabama 38-10


#9 Arkansas at Ole Miss (12:21 PM, SEC Network): Arkansas had a bye last week and was able to rest up after their 38-14 victory over Auburn in Week 6. Ole Miss was badly beaten by Alabama 52-7. This week looks to be similar as Ole Miss is arguably the worst team in the conference (only challenged by Kentucky for that honor). Arkansas's stud QB Tyler Wilson will air it out all over Ole Miss's secondary. This one won't be much of a contest.
      Prediction: Arkansas 44-6


Army at Vanderbilt (7:00 PM, ESPNU): Vanderbilt has an interesting story in junior quarterback Jordan Rodgers. Jordan transferred to Vanderbilt this year from Butte Junior College in California and is the younger brother of the Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers. Last week, Rodgers came in for senior QB Larry Smith and was able to move the offense somewhat effectively as he ran the ball 11 times for 80 yards. It remains to be seen whether Rodgers or Smith will get the start this week, but either should be able to do the job against an Army team with losses to Northern Illinois, San Diego State, Ball State, and Miami (Ohio). 
      Prediction: Vanderbilt  27-14

Jacksonville State at Kentucky (12:00 PM, ESPNU): Kentucky needs this win badly. The Wildcats are coming off four straight losses and are looking to rebound against an FCS team. Jacksonville State was able to upset Ole Miss last year in a double overtime thriller, but don't expect Kentucky to suffer a similar fate this year.
      Prediction: Kentucky 31-17
*All Times Eastern

Lucas's Week 7 Record: 5-1
Lucas's Season Record: 50-9