We landed back in Acworth, GA late Wednesday afternoon from our trip out west. It was such a grand time of sightseeing and visiting with dear, dear friends. I hope you enjoyed the abbreviated SEC picks sessions of the past two college football Saturdays. The overall record now stands at 49-12. That’s an .803 pct. Still at 80% after seven weeks. Now let’s jump on in to Week Eight.

Miss State at Arkansas (-6.5)

The Hawgs have been playing opponents off their feet but just can’t seem to seal the deal. Seeing as how the Bull Pups might be the worst team in the SEC and the game is taking place in Fayetteville, a win appears to be in the offing for Sam “Cold Beer” Pittman and his troops. Arkansas 31, Miss State 20.

Tennessee at Alabama (-9.5)

The third Saturday in October. Vols (5-1) and Tide (6-1). Both teams coming off close wins. The visitors winning 20-13 0ver the Aggies and the home team squeaking by Arky 24-21. Bama will be looking to avenge a last second loss in Knoxville last season and the Rocky Toppers seek to stick close to Georgia in the SEC East race. Those two go to war on 11/18 in Neyland Stadium. But to the business at hand. I simply do not see Josh Heupel & Co. stealing one in T-Town. Alabama 28, Tennessee 21.

South Carolina at Missouri (-7.5)

Speaking of nipping at UGA’s paws, the MO Tigers have only one conference loss. They’ll be trying to keep pace, as well. The Roosters are 2-4 with three conference losses. Thus, they are out of contention in the East. All they can do now is crush some other team’s hopes. Were this contest being held in Columbia, SC instead of Columbia, MO, I might be inclined to pick the Cocks. But it ain’t and I ain’t pickin’ Beamer’s boys. Eli’s Tigers go to 7-1! Missouri 34, South Carolina 24.

Army at LSU (-32)

My alma mater, the Troy Trojans, shutout the Black Knights up at West Point last Satday. That is one of the most beautiful campuses I’ve ever seen. On the shores of the Hudson River. This one will be played on the mighty Mississippi. Red Stick. Our Auburn Tigers were pummeled there last weekend. Army will see a similar fate tomorrow night. LSU 45, Army 6.

And…

Ole Miss (-6.5) at Auburn

Two teams seemingly headed in opposites directions. Our Tigers have dropped three conference games in a row and stand at 3-3 on the year. The Reb-Bears ar 5-1 with their only loss coming in Tuscaloosa to Nick’s Crimpson Tide. Quarterback quarterback. What are the hometown Tigers to do? Beats me. But if we want to hypothesize for a moment, here’s my take. Auburn meeds to run the football early and often. Keep the ball away from that high-powered Old Mrs., offense, run the clock, and keep it close with a chance to win in the fourth quarter. Peering into the crystal ball, I see fleet footed Robby Ashford leading a late drive, scoring himself, and propelling the home teams to an upset of the 13th ranked Lane Train. Auburn 30, Ole Miss 28.

That’s that. Only five games involving SEC teams this weekend. Football weather. We ran into football weather on our two week jaunt out west, featuring New Mexico. What a beautiful place! And having an evening to honky tonk in Ft. Worth was special. We spent our first three years of marriage in Cowtown. We loved it. But! There’s no place like home!

Hey! Enjoy the weekend and lotsa football! There are some big ones on the docket besides the SEC clashes. Penn State at Ohio State. Duke at Florida State. Utah at Southern Cal. Two Alabama teams have already chalked up victories. South Alabama clobbered Southern Miss, 55-3, and Jax State eased by Western Kentucky, 20-17. So onward we press. Take care out there and love your neighbor. Peace out!

Take us home, King George…

“Cold Fort Worth beer, just ain’t no good for jealous
I’ve tried it night, after night
You’re in someone else’s arms in Dallas
Does Fort Worth ever cross your mind?”

Photo credit Openverse