Around the Country: Week 4

I have learned my lesson, after two completely embarrassing weeks of Big Ten football I will refrain from including any B1G games in this weekend’s preview.  This week shifts its focus mainly to the SEC, where I would guess that it will stay for most of the remaining weeks. Say what you want about the media’s SEC infatuation, but I don’t remember the league producing a game like Penn State and Rutgers (which featured such hilariously terrible football that you couldn’t turn away from). Anyways, moving on to this weekend; you will notice that there aren’t any noon games to really keep an eye on again. Hopefully some will be coming soon.

Florida @ Alabama 3:30 CBS

I know, I know, I know… Florida almost (should have) lost at home to Kentucky last weekend.  They have yet to show any improvement on the offensive side of the ball. Side note: Michigan fans should take a moment to realize just how good our situation is. The Wolverine quarterback could be Jeff Driskel, who was higher rated than Devin and has been playing all 4 years. Yet, he still has no idea how to play the position.  Alabama has been less than impressive so far this year, and it looks like Lane Kiffen doesn’t really know how to utilize Blake Sims.  The Tide should be settled on one signal caller moving forward, which could help with offensive continuity.  If Alabama starts getting their offense comfortable and confident this game could be a laugher by halftime. I know the Tide have some inexperience questions about the backend of their defense, but seriously, do you expect Driskel and the Gators to capitalize? I’m going to take: what is no, Alex for $10000.

Mississippi State @ LSU 7:00 ESPN

The Tigers are tough to beat at home, especially when they get to play in Death Valley at night.  LSU has loads more talent that Miss St, but their offensive skill players are very inexperienced.  If the Bulldogs can rattle the young quarterback early, it could be the recipe to remove the crowd as a factor. I expect LSU to win this game, but I do think it will be closer than rankings would suggest.

Oklahoma @ West Virginia 7:30 FOX

It’s the second week in a row that the Sooners are featured in my weekend preview. Last week’s surgical disassembly of Tennessee was not as impressive as I expected, but this week Oklahoma has to travel to Morgantown to play one of the positive surprises of this young season.  West Virginia held their own against Alabama in the season opener, and overcame multiple turnovers and special teams gaffs to beat rival Maryland last weekend. Clint Trickett is gaining confidence with each throw and the Mountaineers might have enough weapons on the outside to test the Sooner secondary.  If you remember, the last time these two teams met in West Virginia it resulted in one of the best games of the 2012 season (OU won 50-49). I think the Sooners eventually wins this game, but they will be tested more than last week.