Tusk to Tail 2014: Saban strangles Kiffen in Bye Week predictions

For the first time anyone can remember, every single game is a matchup of ranked teams. There’s not a lot of consensus in the Tusk to Tail picks, but they all agree it’s a great time for a bye week. What better way to spend a week away from going to a Razorback football game than sitting on a couch and watching football?

THE QUESTION
Which Razorback gets your vote for the MVP of the football season so far?

Sean Casey
My vote for this season's MVP goes to the offensive line. It's an obvious choice, but the team doesn't have any success without the fat boys dominating the line of scrimmage.

Jack Clark
I think the Razorbacks offense MVP thus far is the entire offensive line.

Dale Cullins
I'll go with the easy pick of Alex Collins. I debated on BA, but I think Alex is doing everything asked of him so far, and he is thriving. Keep giving that man the rock and let’s see what he can do the rest of the way!

Greg Houser
I'll name Alex Collins as the MVP for the Razorbacks this year. He looks bigger, a little faster, and most importantly, he acts like a team player. The Razorback faithful are extremely happy to see the coaching staff and team finally have some success. Keep it up fellas. It’s fun to watch y'all!!

David Rice
Denver Kirkland. The key to our offensive improvement is that massive offensive line, and he’s the best. I assume he will have a long successful career playing football.

Mark Wagner
Martrell Spaight. His play has been outstanding. His ability to make tackles and stop the play before it gets into our secondary has made our defense perform better all season. He needs some help, and hopefully the freshmen LB's can start to come on. He will be greatly missed after this year.

John McLaughlin
I should have no vote because I have never watched film. My favorite player of the season is Jonathan Williams. He is physical and unselfish. Honorable mentions to Brandon Allen because of his improvement, Spaight for tackling, and Collins for his moves and vision.

Todd Rudisill
Well it’s not Dan Tripper. I would say Brandon Allen for doing just enough in the passing game to open up the running game. Runner-up: Defensive Coordinator Robb Smith. We need depth but man, he’s got them playing aggressive.

THE GAMES
• #19 Nebraska @ #10 Michigan State
Dale Cullins
Nebraska beat a decent Miami team and the Spartans lost to an excellent Oregon team on the road in Eugene. I'll go with Michigan State, and I think they win by 17. There’s just a bit more talent on the Spartans team and they know how to play defense, something I just don't think Bo can get on campus in Lincoln anymore. Nebraska 20, Michigan State 37.

John McLaughlin
Nebraska gives State trouble and with Pelini focused on keeping his job, I think the Cornhuskers pull off a surprise upset.

Todd Rudisill
If there is one program in the Lil 10 I have respect for, it’s Michigan State. They always put a good product on the field. State – 31-17.

• #14 Stanford @ #9 Notre Dame
Greg Houser
I'll take the Cardinal over the Irish. I know the Irish are a different team from their National Championship game, but for some reason I can't get over how ordinary all the teams are from every state north of the Mason Dixon. I could be wrong, but I'll take the boys from out west by 7.

John McLaughlin
Freaking Domers.

Todd Rudisill
I highly recommend you don’t even turn this one on. BORING! Cardinal 17-14.

• #6 Texas A&M @ #12 Mississippi State
Craig May
The Bulldogs are going to be a force this season. I wrote them off when they played at LSU and that was a mistake. Look for this game to be a shootout with Dak Prescott and Kenny Hill putting on a show. MSU 42 Aggies 35.

John McLaughlin
If State is going to have the magical year, this is it. This games sets up well for them as they are coming off a bye week, and the Aggies had a physical matchup with the Hogs.  Insurmountable problem for State is that they can't have a magical year because they are State. Aggies are too good and will win.

Todd Rudisill
A&M got their scare last week and should have lost to the Hogs. (Tear) They shouldn’t have any problem playing defense against Dak.  hey saw that type of QB in practice for 2 seasons. He’s no Johnny Football. A&M 37-28

#15 LSU @ #5 Auburn
Mark Wagner
I'm picking LSU. A bunch of people say they haven't looked good this year, but I think their problems were because they couldn't decide on a QB. Well that has been resolved as Brandon Harris will get his first start for the corndog smelling tiggers! Les always has his team ready for the big game and the swamp people have something to prove, so look out Gus. I think you get beat at home this week. LSU 35, Auburn 28.

John McLaughlin
Been a while since Miles at LSU had less than 10 wins. I believe this is the year it happens again. Auburn.

Todd Rudisill
LSU is going with the freshman on the road. That’s not a good combination in the SEC. Gus bus rolls 37-24.

• #4 Oklahoma @ #25 TCU
Jack Clark
Oklahoma wins.

John McLaughlin
Horned Frogs play the Sooners tough. Somebody needs to knock the hated Sooners off the playoff trail. Might as well be TCU at home.

Todd Rudisill
This line opened up OU by 6. Now up to double digits. That makes more sense. Sooners 31-20.

• #3 Alabama @ #11 Ole Miss
Sean Casey
Blake Sims throws a couple of INTs to contrast with Bo Wallace having a solid game with his tall receivers. An inspired Ole Miss D-line smothers Yeldon and the Bama rushing game. Ole Miss upsets the Gumps 31-28. Saban grabs a step ladder and strangles Lane Kiffin, Harvey Updyke Jr. pulls up to the Grove with a commercial grade tanker, and the rest of Gump Nation sulks and continuously bleat "Row Tahd" because the school they never attended lost to Ole Miss.

John McLaughlin
The score might not indicate it, but Memphis played Ole Miss tough last weekend. Alabama is ready to hit mid-season form and will beat Ole Miss. Back to reality for both Mississippi schools!

Todd Rudisill
This line has hung around 4 to 6 points all week favoring Bama. What does Vegas know? I don’t see it. Bo Wallace can’t show up for 4 quarters ever. Bama, 34-20.