Tusk to Tail 2014: 7 predictions from Highly Effective Tailgaters, week 4

Last week the Tusk to Tail crew were impressive their prediction on the Arkansas matchup against Texas Tech. This week some of the professional tailgaters believe the Hogs will have a tougher battle against the Huskies of Northern Illinois.

Of the seven Tusk to Tailgaters who provided final score predictions for the game against Texas Tech, three said the Red Raiders would score 27 points and one said 24 points. The final score was 49-28, Hogs. However, no one predicted the Hogs would score more than 40 points.

And now to this week’s shots in the dark.

THE QUESTION
Who will be the Razorbacks’ Offensive MVP Saturday, and why?

Sean Casey
The Arkansas offensive MVP will be hotly contested this weekend between Alex Collins and JWill as the Arkansas running game consistently penetrates the Huskies D-line. JWill goes Cujo on the Huskies this weekend, getting 176 yards rushing and 3 touchdowns garnering the MVP.

Jack Clark
Keon Hatcher has a big game.

Dale Cullins
I'll stick with Alex Collins. He seems to be feeling it right now. Just keep getting him the ball and he will find the end zone.

Greg Houser
Offensive MVP will be Brandon Allen. He'll scramble for 50, throw for 150, and continue to manage the game. NIU, if I'm not mistaken, does not have a big D-line. The Piggies up front give him great protection.

David Rice
They should call those two running backs Bread and Butter, but I think we’ll see a little more from the passing game this week. Demetrius Wilson has made the most of his opportunities, but I’m expecting Hunter Henry to bust out on Saturday.

Mark Wagner
The Razorback MVP for the NIU game will be Brandon Allen. This week we start passing and he will do it well.

Jack Dewey
What do you like, more yards or more TD's? Power or Speed? Most weeks, it will be J. Williams, A. Collins or the O-line. I like the power of Jonathan Williams, "The Bull."

Todd Rudisill
Jim Chaney because he finally calls a screen pass to his plethora of running backs. Hello, Korliss Marshall out of the backfield will be a road runner.

THE GAMES
Northern Illinois @ Arkansas
Sean Casey
Arkansas wins a close game relying on its running attack. Hogs gash the Huskies and gain 312 yards on the ground and control the clock. Hogs 45, Northern Illinois 35.

Jack Clark
Hogs 40-17

Dale Cullins
Though it seems most are not taking NIU serious, this matchup will be a challenge for the Hogs. I could see a halftime score of 17-17. I think our O-Line will be too much in the long run for the Huskies, and our RB corps will find some holes and pull away. Call it 38-24, Hogs.

Greg Houser
I like my Piggies by 10. I think NIU is a better opponent than Tech, and they are used to winning. Home field advantage helps. The Hogs win and they stay healthy for the Aggies the following week.

Craig May
This weekend Arkansas plays an NIU team that has won at places like Minnesota, Iowa, Purdue and Northwestern. They understand how to win on the road, and will not be intimidated by the environment on Saturday. For Arkansas, this is another opportunity for young players to gain valuable experience and build confidence for the remaining SEC Schedule. I think NIU puts up a decent fight, but in the end Arkansas wins by 3 touchdowns. Hogs 42 NIU 21.

David Rice
The bandwagon is starting to fill up again, but I think Arkansas gets a little scare here. The Hogs come from behind to win by 10, 31-21.

Mark Wagner
This will be a very tough and close game. Y’all can read all about how well NIU has performed on the road. However, I'm firmly on the bandwagon and drinking the Kool-aid.
The Hogs win in a close one, 27-24.

Jack Dewey
Tougher competition this week. Tech sucked. Hogs win, but it will be a more competitive game. Surely our team will start the game hungry and not overconfident.

Todd Rudisill
Northern Illinois was in a BCS game two years ago. They have already beaten Northwestern this year, a team that has been decent recently, but not this season. The Huskies have won 17 games in a row on the road which is very impressive, I don’t care who you are. That streak ends in Fayetteville. Hogs 38-17.

Mississippi State @ #8 LSU
Craig May
Mississippi State takes on LSU this weekend in Baton Rouge. This season the Bulldogs have the talent and experience to play with the Tigers. The Bulldogs will be a factor in the SEC West this season but come up just short in this game. LSU 27 MSU 24.

Jack Dewey
Tigers. Although if State wants to prove this year is different, this would be a great win for them.

Todd Rudisill
State is salty this year, but they are still State. LSU, 31-20.

#4 Oklahoma @ West Virginia
Greg Houser
For my pick this week, I begrudgingly pick the Sooners over West Virginia. I've never been a fan of Bob Stoops and his mouth, but he usually gets the job done. West Virginia fans will burn a few couches and rally a war cry, but in the end, ole Boomer Sooner goes back to Norman a victor.

Jack Dewey
Oklahoma hasn't played a challenging road game yet. I expect them to win, but maybe the Mountaineers keep it interesting.

Todd Rudisill
I hate OU. West Virginia 40-39.

Florida @ # 3 Alabama
Sean Casey
Bama grinds the Gators into the ground. Bama rushes for 280 yards while Florida's offense falters. The most exciting thing about this game is when Muschump goes into cardiac arrest midway through the third quarter. Tide wins 52 -13.

Jack Dewey
Alabama. Only one team in Florida is worth watching this year. Never pulled for or considered Kentucky football before last week.

Todd Rudisill
Remember when this used to be THE GAME in the SEC? Phi Slamma Bama, 35-14.

#2 Oregon @ Washington State
Mark Wagner
Coming off my predicted upset of Georgia by South Carolina, this week I will lean toward the favorite. Oregon travels to Washington State to take on the Cougars and the pass happy attack of the old Pirate Mike Leach. Last year, the Cougars set an NCAA record with the number of passes they threw in the game, but it wasn't enough then, and it won't be enough this weekend. The Ducks are just too talented compared to the Cougars. Even though I predict an Oregon win, with these two offenses, this one will be a fun one to watch. Oregon wins 56-35.

Todd Rudisill
Oregon good. Washington State bad. Ducks 51-14.

#22 Clemson @ #1 Florida State
Jack Clark
Florida State wins easily.

Todd Rudisill
No upset this week. Noles roll again, 47-21