Southern Fried Football
The regular season has almost been completed, but the upset bug continues to bite the Nation's elite programs. UL Monroe defeated Alabama in Tuscaloosa 21-14 last week. Now, Old Claude knows that if these two teams played again the Crimson Tide would probably roll. On November 17, 2007, however, for about three hours the War Hawks from Monroe, Louisiana, were the best team in Bryant-Denny Stadium. UL Monroe had zero turnovers, four takeaways, a blocked field goal, and a ten minute difference in time of possession. They put together an outstanding game for four quarters to beat Alabama. The Appalachian State win over Michigan in September is the biggest upset in 2007 and maybe in history, but the War Hawks win over the Crimson Tide has to be the biggest upset of Bama in the history of the program.
Will there be more upsets this week? Why not!
Arkansas at LSU - This "Black Friday" contest could easily result in an upset of the Nation's #1 team, the LSU Tigers. Apparently, this will be Coach Houston Nutt's final game as head coach of the Razorbacks. With the emotion that situation produces and the best running back tandem in the Country, lookout LSU! It's hard to pick against the Bengal Tigers, however. LSU by 6.
Alabama at Auburn - The Tide was obviously looking ahead last week. Their four million dollar a year coach, Nick Saban, had better get things turned around in a hurry or the wolves will be at his door. Auburn has played well for the most part this season, while enduring a brutal schedule. Having the Tide at home should be just enough for the War Eagles to triumph. Auburn by 3.
Ole Miss at Mississippi State - Sylvester Croom has the Starkeville Dogs going in the right direction. On the other hand, Ed Orgeron's Rebels are headed the other way. Mississippi State by 8.
Georgia at Georgia Tech - A Georgia win in Atlanta and a Tennessee loss to Kentucky would propel the Dawgs to the SEC Championship game. Regardless of whether Tennessee wins, Georgia needs to beat Tech for a BCS Bowl bid. Georgia by 12.
Clemson at South Carolina - A funny thing happened to the Tigers on the way to the ACC Championship game - Boston College. It's hard to say how the Tigers will react and Carolina has had an extra week to prepare. Tiger head coach Tommy Bowden's job is probably on the line in this one. Clemson by 3.
Florida State at Florida - The Gators have won three in a row from FSU. Florida also has Heisman candidate Tim Tebow at the controls on offense. Florida State has been up and down but has been playing much better lately. This should be a "head-knocker" with the Gators pulling out a close win. Florida by 4.
Tennessee at Kentucky - After barely escaping Vanderbilt's upset bid last Saturday the Volunteers need this one to make it to the SEC Championship game. Kentucky has been so inconsistent. If Kentucky QB Woodson is hot, an upset will be in the making. If not, Tennessee punches its ticket for Atlanta. Tennessee by 4.
Wake Forest at Vanderbilt - On paper Wake Forest should win this one going away, but they don't play football games on paper. If Vandy has any emotion left after the close loss to Tennessee, the Commodores could become bowl eligible by defeating the Deacons. Wake Forest is tough and Coach Jim Grobe is smart. That combination spells w-i-n for the Deacons. Wake Forest by 3.
Virginia Tech at Virginia - Coach Frank Beamer has the Hokies playing their best football of the season. Virginia keeps surprising everyone by continuing to post victories nearly every week. Also, the Cavaliers have had two weeks to prepare for the Hokies. This is one tough game to call, but Claude has to pick somebody. Virginia Tech by 2.
Miami at Boston College - The Canes seem to have folded the tent. Boston College may still be celebrating the big win over Clemson and a berth in the ACC Championship game next week. The Eagles must be careful because Miami may still have a little gas in the tank. Boston College by 10.
Duke at North Carolina - The Blue Devils are still looking for their first ACC win in three years. The Tar Heels are not overpowering, but they should win this one to conclude Coach Butch Davis' first season, and perhaps Ted Roof's career at Duke. North Carolina by 6.







