Friday, January 25, 2008

Weekend Games (1/26-1/27)

After a sparse mid-week menu, a full slate of SEC games returns this weekend. Here's a brief look at them...

Saturday

South Carolina @ Kentucky
The Gamecocks are playing better of late, but so are the 'Cats. It looks like they're starting to buy into HC Gillespie's system. The duo Patrick Patterson down low and Ramel Bradley outside will be too much for USC.

Auburn @ Alabama
Auburn upset Ole Miss last weekend by packing a zone down around the Rebel big men and forced the OM guards into bad shots. They'll look to do the same today as they have no matchup for Richard Hendrix down low. The Tide are officially at the point of desperation though. They'll dig deep and muster just enough to win this game.

Ole Miss @ Mississippi State
These two rivals have swapped roles since conference play started. It's the Bulldogs who are undefeated and turning heads and the Rebels toiling around .500. This game will come down to transition D. If the Bulldogs can stop the Rebels from getting out and running, they'll win. If not, the Rebels pull the upset. Look for the Bulldogs to hold serve in Starkville.

Georgia @ Tennessee
Tennessee is coming off their first loss of conference season. UGA is riding a 2-game SEC win streak. They can't run with UT for 40 minutes though. This one could get ugly for the 'Dawgs.

Arkansas @ LSU
Why did I think Arkansas was good this season? The Pelphrey hire was questionable at best and the most experienced team in the SEC West still can't beat the inferior teams it should. I refuse to pick them on the road (even against a John Brady-coached team) until they show me they can win there.

Sunday

Vanderbilt @ Florida
Vanderbilt's been a little exposed since conference seasons started. Their lack of a conventional big man hurt them in losses to UK and UT. Florida though is a similar team to Vandy. Lots of scorers, good speed and quickness, but no big body down low. This will come down to execution and the young Gators at home will get it done.

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