Alabama-Georgia The Key Matchup In Latest Crimson Tide ‘Game Of The Century’
First, it was defense on the field.
Now, the SEC can’t seem to defend against another relentless opponent: coronavirus.
Just as the Prognosticator settled in to write this week’s column, Nick Saban – tho asymptomatic – tested positive for COVID-19. Earlier in the day, the Swamp was swamped with positive cases and Florida postponed its game with LSU.
Now onto the games as they are currently scheduled. All times Pacific because the Prognosticator lives in San Diego.
Clemson at Georgia Tech (9 a.m., ABC)
The Dynamic Dabos continue digging into their pastry sampling platter with another conference creampuff. Yellow Jackets like sweets, too, but the ferocity of the Cats will keep them away like peppermint oil. So it’s another cakewalk for the Felines. Winner: Clemson
Auburn at South Carolina (9 a.m., ESPN)
The luck of the Plainsmen continued last week when yet another inexplicable referee’s call – that’s two this year – saved the Gussers from going 0-3, or 1-2 at the very least, but that kind of good fortune does not usually happen away from Jordan-Hare. This is a must win for the Muschampers, who have enough fight in them for an easy win, provided the coach and the refs don’t bungle it. Winner: South Carolina
Louisville at Notre Dame (11:30 a.m., NBC)
The Red Birds are certainly living up to their mascot’s traits – shy and not aggressive – and it’s doubtful they will leave a mark on the Golden Domers. This will be like a walk in the park on a fine South Bend day for the green-clad lads. Winner: Notre Dame
Ole Miss at Arkansas (12:30 p.m., SEC Network)
There’s an old truth in the SEC, and that is when a team plays Alabama close one week, it loses the next. That’s because it put so much into beating the Tide it has nothing left against the next team. This is taking nothing away from what Sam Pittman has done with the Pigs, lifting them out of the pits to what should be a 2-1 record. There’s no doubt the Hogs are madder than wild bore in a cage after that botched call on the Plains, and they will be seeking revenge on the suddenly-stunned Rebels. Winner: Arkansas
Texas A&M at Mississippi State (1 p.m., ESPN)
Jimbo finally found his stride in those tight-fitting cowboy boots, which were beginning to cut off his circulation to the alumni. But now that he’s got them loosened up a bit they will continue to be a good fit, and don’t think the suddenly inept Air Raid is going to be giving him any fits. Unless Mike Leach loosens his leash on his offense and throws deep. Only then will those leather clogs start to feel uncomfortable again. Winner: Texas A&M.
North Carolina at Florida State (4:30 p.m., ABC)
The Spears showed some spunk last week before getting overwhelmed and now that they are back on the Tallahassee reservation they will try and figure out how to fight to the finish. That won’t be easy against Mack Brown’s Powder Blue Crew, who could score enough to end this one at halftime. FSU is going to need a lot more than a war chant to win this one. Winner: North Carolina
Georgia at Alabama (5 p.m., CBS)
Every year in the SEC, there is a Game of the Century and every year it involves Alabama. This one brings the roaring Dawgs into T-town against the Pachyderms, who limped back with their tails between their defensive legs after the Ole Miss game and face uncertainly over their coach’s condition and availability for the game. Kirby is among the former Saban assistants who are smarting after losing to their mentor and this leads to an interesting “if a tree falls in the forest” type of question: if King Nick is not on the sideline, does it count in the former coach vs. Saban statistic? Winner: Alabama
Boston College at Virginia Tech (5 p.m., ACC Network)
The hobbled Gobblers are not looking like turkeys this year and put up fine fight last week against some sticky Tar Heels, and this week get to host the Eastern Eagles who escaped thanks to a missed extra point last week. It won’t be this close this week. Winner: Virginia Tech
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