Tusk to Tail 2014: 7 predictions from Highly Effective Tailgaters, week 8

Here we go again, hoping for an end to what seems like 40 years of wandering in the SEC wilderness. Let my people go … to a Bowl game. Can the Hogs pull together FOUR solid quarters (and maybe a solid overtime) against the Dawgs? Who knows. And the football season is so odd that members of the Tusk to Tail crew say Kentucky has a chance to win the SEC East.

THE QUESTION
Who will win the SEC East?

Sean Casey
The SEC East is rife with mediocrity, and not a single team would win the dominant West division. Despite their losses in Little Rock and to Auburn, UGA wins the SEC East.

Jack Clark
Kentucky wins the East.

Dale Cullins
Georgia is playing well enough now to win the east. That division will come down to the Cocktail Party game on the first of November with Florida. UGA should win that game. However, I think they Hogs have their best shot at getting a win versus a top 10 opponent this week in Little Rock. The Hogs D is playing better each week, but depth is still an issue.

Greg Houser
Georgia is my favorite to win the East. Mark Richt may never have that magical year, but he has talent to trip over in that state year in and year out. SC and Mizzou look more inconsistent than UGA does, anyway.

David Rice
It looks like this division winner could have three losses. Georgia still has the upper hand, but don’t count out Kentucky or even South Carolina.

Mark Wagner
Georgia will win the SEC East.

J.E. Carter
Georgia.

Todd Rudisill
There’s a typo there. It should say, “Who will win the SEC Least?” Georgia.

THE GAMES
• #10 Georgia @ Arkansas
Sean Casey
Georgia is riding high off of the Mizzou win. Arkansas has shown definite improvement, but hasn't quite figured out how to grab that first SEC win. That changes his weekend. Arkansas comes to The Rock ready to battle and physically pummels the Bulldogs into submission. Hogs win 34-21.

Jack Clark
Georgia slips by the Hogs. The losing streak goes to 16 games.

Dale Cullins
I think the D can hold the UGA running game, and the Hogs grab a close win, 17-14.

Greg Houser
I think it's time to pick the Hogs. I say this with pause. UGA is mad about Gurley being suspended when schools like FSU obviously don't care. They are playing with a fire and that is hard to stop. Having said that, I think they used quite a bit taking it out on Mizzou last week, and the Hogs are just too physical for their second road trip. Hogs by 6.

Craig May
Missed opportunities and mistakes at crucial times have cost the Hogs in the last two SEC games. Bret Bielema and his staff have the program headed in the right direction, but there is no way to get a “moral victory” on Saturday. Win or it’s a disappointment, especially if Todd Gurley doesn’t play. Look for the Hogs to play well and get a big SEC win on Saturday. Hogs 28, Dogs 21.

David Rice
Now’s the time, the time is now. The Razorbacks finally play a complete game and beat the Bulldogs handily. Arkansas 30, Georgia 10.

Mark Wagner
Arkansas finally gets an SEC win. It happens Saturday. Count on it. The Hogs don't shoot themselves in the foot by leaving double digit points off the board, as we have done the last two weeks. That’s a little of the Miracle on Markham that only War memorial Stadium can provide.  Hogs win 35 – 21.

J.E. Carter
I just hope Arkansas still has some left gas in the tank. We have suffered through too many close losses. Have to go with Georgia, but it would be nice to sneak an upset in Little Rock.

Todd Rudisill
Okay, I was the only TTT guy to pick the Hogs last week and I was damn close to picking right. Damn you fumble at the goal line, bobbled FG snap, and blocked extra point! Georgia has no run defense, giving up over 100 yards rushing to three SEC opponents. Yeah, Mizzou had only 50 yards but they are a passing team. This is it. This is the week the streak ends. Hogs 31-24.

• #15 Oklahoma State @ #12 TCU
David Rice
TCU looks like a much better team, and they have home field advantage. If they’re not still reeling from last week’s heartbreaker at Baylor, they win here.

J.E. Carter
Over/Under at 164 last I heard. TCU at home.

Todd Rudisill
Even Oklahoma State’s coach Mike Gundy said this week they are not very good. TCU 44-38

• #14 Kansas State@ #11 Oklahoma
Dale Cullins
Kansas State has a pretty good defense, and Oklahoma struggled against Texas on offense. I think K-State gets the upset 27-24 in Norman.

J.E. Carter
Oklahoma. (Holding nose while making pick.)

Todd Rudisill
OU quarterback has not played well his last two games. He comes out of his slump and Sooners win 34-24.

• #21 Texas A&M @ #7 Alabama
Sean Casey
Bama hosts the Aggies this weekend, and we'll see two contrasting styles. Alabama is the more physical team, and they are able to smother A&M on both sides of the ball.  The Aggie woes continue: Bama 42, aTm 17.

J.E. Carter
Can you pick either one of these teams with confidence after last week? Alabama.

Todd Rudisill
The battle of two of the most overrated teams in college football. A&M should not be ranked and Bama is not a top 10 team after watching them last week. A&M defense makes Blake Sims look like Dak Prescott. Bama 33-21

• Tennessee @ #3 Ole Miss
Craig May
Tennessee does not have the weapons to put up big numbers on the nation’s 13th ranked defense.  It’s not going to be pretty but Ole Miss will keep on rolling.  Rebels 24   Vols 14.

J.E. Carter
Egg Bowl to decide SEC west? Really? Ole Miss.

Todd Rudisill
I still can’t fathom that Ole Miss is good. When will this nightmare end? I hope in Fayetteville next month. Black Bears 31-20.

#5 Notre Dame @ #2 Florida State
Mark Wagner
So, the big question is, does Jameis Winston play, or will he be too busy signing autographs? If he plays, then FSU wins and goes undefeated the rest of the season because they will have no competition. However if Jimbo Fisher does the right thing and sits him (sometimes I just crack myself up), then the fighting Irish can pull this off. My bet is that for once, all Americans outside the city limits of Tallahassee will pull for Notre Dame. However, with Jimbo making the decisions, then Jameis plays. FSU wins in a close one, 35-31.

J.E. Carter
Winston has to play well so that his newly autographed jerseys increase in value. Florida State.

Todd Rudisill
As long as the Nole’s thug QB hasn’t stolen some kids milk money this week, they will win. The Irish defense gave up 43 points to UNC last week. Noles roll 37-23.