more and the Tiger coaches had their way with the Carolina coaches. Also, it appears the Tigers have intimidated the Gamecocks yearly by playing their most physical game of each year against the Gamecocks. The Tigers are in the Gamecocks’ head and the Gamecocks have to get past that psychological block.

The ACC appears stronger than the SEC this year, which means the Tigers have faced better competition than the Gamecocks. Against strong competition, the Tigers have played very well and had chances to win almost every game. The Gamecocks have had to scratch and claw for most of their wins and have had some lucky breaks. They play hard and seem to make the key plays at critical times. That trend will have to continue for the Gamecocks to have a chance to win.

Both teams have good momentum with a slight advantage to the Gamecocks. The Tigers have slightly better talent and better depth. Carolina now has coaches that can match the Clemson coaches in game strategy. Carolina seems to be a more physical, confident team this year. This game should come down to the Tigers’ desire to continue dominating the Gamecocks versus the Gamecocks’ desire to break that domination. That makes this game very tough to predict. Until the Gamecocks prove they can stand toe to toe with the Tigers, I have to go with the Tigers to win 24-21.

KENTUCKY AT GEORGIA

For much of the season, the Wildcats didn’t have an offense or a defense. Then, two weeks ago, they seemed to find an offense against Auburn and, one week ago, they scored 48 points against Vanderbilt, a team whose defense is as bad as their own.

Even if the offense is for real, the main problem is the defense. Unless, the Cats can learn how to play defense in one week, they are in for real problems against the Dawgs. The chances of the Cats’ defense stopping the Dawgs’ offense are slim to none. The chances of the Cat’s offense outscoring the Dawg offense are about the same. Dawgs blast the Cats 45-21 and claim the SEC East title.

VANDERBILT AT TENNESSEE

The Commodores have a good offense and a terrible defense. The Vols have a good defense and a terrible offense. This game will be a study in contrasts. Most of the past games have been competitive with the Vols always coming out on top

The Vol offense will fare better against the Commodore defense than the Commodore offense will fare against the Vol defense. Get ready Vol fans. Your team will finally score more than 30 points in a game this season. Vols win 35-30.

MSU AT ARKANSAS.

This game pits one team (Arkansas) that has made steady progress during the season against a team (MSU) that started the season slowly and has struggled all season long. The emergence of a passing game, a great running game and an improving defense make the Hogs an overwhelming favorite..

Anything less than a definitive Hog victory will be a shocker. Hogs win 31-10..

LSU AT OLE MISS.

The Tigers took the driver’s seat in the SEC West race last week by downing Alabama. Meanwhile the Rebels continued their season-long struggles and allowed Arkansas to take a come-from-behind win..

The Rebels just don’t have the talent or depth to compete with the Tigers, who should be on a mission..

If the Tigers try to get too cute or fine, the Rebels have a chance. Don’t look for that too happen. Tigers win 28-17..

ALABAMA AT AUBURN.

Both teams need a win to stay in the hunt for the SEC West title. Auburn seems to be the more complete team and have good momentum after their come-from-behind, dramatic win over Georgia. Meanwhile, the Tide watched their dreams of an undefeated season come to an end at the paws of the LSU Tigers..

Even Auburn appears to be the better team, this writer thinks the Tide is itching to make amends for their poor outing against LSU. Look for the Tide to play perhaps their best game of the season and claim a 20-17 victory.