THE 2012 ROAD TRIP - PAC 12

August 30, 2012

This is it. It’s the final installment of my ultimate road trip for the 2012 college football season. The Pac 12 has some great games on the schedule. Below you will find my games of the week and bowl projections. Enjoy.

9/2 (Sun) - Colorado vs. Colorado State (bonus game) - This annual clash is played at Invesco Field in Denver. The Buffaloes have won seven of the last nine. It is a always nice to open up the season with an in-state rivalry game.

9/8 - Illinois @ Arizona State - Last year in Champaign, the Illini won 17-14. This will be a good early test for new head coach Todd Graham. The Sun Devils were 6-7 last year and return only eight starters. Throw in road games at Missouri, Cal, Colorado, Oregon State, USC and Arizona and Graham’s first year could be a long one.

9/15 - BYU @ Utah -This will be the 88th meeting of “The Holy War.” Twelve of the last 15 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less. Last year was an exception as the Utes rolled to a 54-10 victory in Provo.

9/22 - Colorado @ Washington State -The Pirate is back! Mike Leach takes over the Cougars looking for WSU’s first winning season since 2003. He has 14 starters returning from last year’s 4-8 squad. It is Homecoming weekend in Pullman, and this opponent should serve up a Cougar win.

9/29 - UCLA @ Colorado - Although the Buffaloes are not expected to contend in the Pac 12 South, a trip to Boulder is a must. Besides enjoying nice weather in a beautiful area of the country, you get to experience a great college football tradition when Ralphie the Colorado mascot rumbles out onto the field.

10/6 - Washington @ Oregon -The Ducks have their sights set on a fourth consecutive BCS bowl. Autzen Stadium has a reputation for being one of the loudest venues in the country, which is impressive considering it only has a capacity of 54,000. Break out some florescent yellow or neon green, and you will fit right in.

10/13 - USC @ Washington - Two former USC assistants battle here as Lane Kiffin matches wits with Steve Sarkisian. The Huskies have won two of the last three meetings but were throttled last year. In recent years, trips to Seattle have been tense for the Trojans. 

10/20 - Stanford @ California - Part of me is annoyed that a great rivalry game like this has been moved to October. These teams are in the same division and could easily play the final week of the regular season. However, the choices in November are tough enough. Now, I get this awesome game midseason. Strike up the bad and prepare for laterals... it’s time for The Big Game.

10/27 - USC @ Arizona - Something about the squad from the desert does not agree with the Trojans. The last five games have all been decided by seven points or less. Now that Rich Rod has taken over in Arizona, this game gets even more interesting.

11/3 - Oregon @ USC -The league’s top program faces the latest challenge to the throne. Come to think of it, you can debate who is who in that last statement. USC has the history, but the Ducks have won three straight Pac 12 crowns. Chances are you can see this game at the Coliseum on Friday, November 29th too.

11/10 -Oregon State @ Stanford  - This year we will see what kind of coach David Shaw really is. Now that Andrew Luck is gone, Josh Nunes takes over at QB. Make sure you have a chance to enjoy the legendary Stanford band.

11/17 - USC @ UCLA - This rivalry was supposed to regain its intensity after UCLA knocked the Trojans out of the BCS Final in 2006. Then Rick Neuheisel was expected to pump new life into this city rivalry. To his credit Jim Mora Jr. is doing his part. The new head Bruin went on an LA radio station and said that people don’t get murdered one block from the UCLA campus. Round one of Kiffin versus Mora should be interesting.

11/24 - Oregon @ Oregon State - They call this one “The Civil War.” Like most rivalries, not much here is civil. Twice in the last four years, the Beavers found themselves one win from the Rose Bowl, only to have the Ducks squash their dreams. The Apple Cup was tempting for today, but this game has been bigger in recent years and should be again.

The Pac 12 is the epitome of a two horse race. It’s Oregon and USC. The winner of their game on November 3rd will host the rematch for the league title. The winner of both meetings will be USC. I see them going 13-0.

Games of the Week:

Michigan vs. Alabama - The Cowboys Classic features two storied programs. Michigan had a bit of a rebirth last season. The defending national champs must replace some key people, but they do return QB AJ McCarron. Denard Robinson won’t be able to win this one on his own. I expect Bama to make him throw all night which means trouble for the Maize and Blue. I will take Alabama 30-14.

Tennessee vs. NC State - This game isn’t as sexy as Bama-Michigan on Saturday night, but it is a great one to enjoy Friday night. The Vols are hoping to bust loose this year after multiple mediocre seasons. The Wolfpack have experience and should challenge the Vols. UT Head Coach Derek Dooley is on thin ice. The clock will start ticking toward his firing with an opening week loss. I think the Vols win, but it won’t be a cake walk. I say 34-24.

Boise State @ Michigan State - The Broncos are supposed to come back to reality this year. Kellen Moore is gone after what seemed like seven years as starting QB. Boise brings back seven starters. The Spartans must replace Kirk Cousins. It’s in East Lansing. I think Sparty starts off with a solid win 31-17.

BOWL PICKS:

BCS Championship Game - Oklahoma (Big 12 Champ) over USC (Pac 12 Champ)

Rose Bowl - Wisconsin (Big Ten Champ) vs. Oregon (At-large)

Fiesta Bowl - Texas (At-large) vs. Alabama (At-large)

Sugar Bowl -  LSU (At-large) vs. Nebraska (At-large)

Orange Bowl - Florida State (ACC Champ) vs. South Florida (At-large)

Capital One Bowl - Michigan vs. Georgia

Outback Bowl - Iowa vs. Auburn

Cotton Bowl - Arkansas vs. Oklahoma State

Gator Bowl - Northwestern vs. Tennessee

Insight Bowl - Michigan State vs. TCU

Chick-Fil-A Bowl - South Carolina vs. Virginia Tech

Alamo Bowl - Stanford vs. West Virginia

Holiday Bowl - Utah vs. Kansas State

Champs Sports Bowl - Notre Dame vs. Clemson

Belk Bowl - Louisville vs. NC State

THE 2012 ROAD TRIP - BIG EAST

August 29, 2012

Here is part five of my ultimate road trip for the 2012 college football season. Since the Big East only has eight teams, I decided to include the four independents. Enjoy.

9/1 - Notre Dame vs. Navy (bonus game) - I don’t need much of an excuse to head over to Ireland. In your down time, may I recommend a tour of the Guinness Storehouse, the Wicklow Mountains and Temple Bar. Oh, as for the game, the Irish lost three of their last five to Navy. A loss here will make for a long season in South Bend.

9/8 - Syracuse vs. USC (bonus game) -In addition to their trips to South Bend, Indiana every other year, USC has visited Columbus, Ohio and Charlottesville, Virginia. This game is at MetLife Stadium in the Meadowlands. When was the last time USC played in or around NYC?

9/15 - Virginia Tech @ Pitt -Once upon a time, this was a league game. Ironically, it will be again when Pitt joins the ACC. The Panthers won the last three meetings with the Hokies. This is a good early season test for both teams. If you can manage to stow away in Heinz Field, the Steelers host the Jets the next day.

9/22 - Michigan @ Notre Dame -Lots of teams will call ND their rival. The Wolverines get a reciprocal hatred from the Irish. Michigan has pulled out three straight against ND by scoring a TD in the final minute each time. This one is under the lights. It is a can’t miss game this season.

9/29 - Florida State @ South Florida - Over the last three years, the Bulls have defeated FSU and Miami. This will be the first time they have hosted the Noles. Skip Holtz returns 15 starters including QB BJ Daniels. With USF eyeing a BCS bid, and FSU dreaming of a national title, this  is actually a bigger game than FSU-Miami this season.

10/5 (Fri) - Pitt @ Syracuse - First, Panther fans lost their annual game with Penn State. Now, the Backyard Brawl with WVU is no more. With the Orange moving with Pitt to the ACC, this is the next big gridiron rivalry for both schools. Maybe when they move to the ACC, they can play their big games on Saturday with the rest of the big boys.

10/13 - Oregon State @ BYU - Don’t forget, the Cougars are an independent. Their home schedule doesn’t have many exciting options. In fact, after opening with Washington State, their other home games outside of this one are against Weber State, Hawaii, Utah State and Idaho. This is also Homecoming in Provo.

10/20 - Rutgers @ Temple - I think the best thing I can say here is that the Eagles are off on Sunday, and the Phillies are unlikely to be playing anymore. This will be the biggest sporting event in the city this weekend. Seriously.

10/26 (Fri) - Cincinnati @ Louisville -This isn’t a nationally known rivalry (except in basketball), but they do play for one of the cooler trophies in college football. The winner of this game is awarded the Keg of Nails. The winning team is believed to be “tough as nails.”

11/3 - Air Force at Army - Air Force would have a chance to win the Commander and Chiefs Trophy if they have already beaten Navy on October 6. Enjoy a great atmosphere in a gorgeous setting and visit Michie Stadium on the Hudson.

11/9 (Fri) -Pitt @ UConn  - This conference is so up for grabs, this game may have huge implications... or none. Either way, it should be a competitive game and maybe you can catch a basketball game.

11/17 - Texas State @ Navy - I’d apologize for such a lousy match-up in your trip to Annapolis, but you would have already seen Navy in Ireland. Does it really matter who they play here?

11/23 (Fri) - South Florida @ Cincinnati - The Bulls may be looking to wrap up their first Big East title and BCS bid. The home team is 1-4 in the last four meetings. Pack some turkey sandwiches and enjoy what could be a crucial game in the Big East.

11/29 (Thr) - Louisville @ Rutgers - Tony Soprano will be disappointed in you if you skip a trip to Piscataway. Do you honestly want him mad at you?

12/8 - Army vs. Navy (bonus game) - If you live in the northeast region of the United States and call yourself a college football fan, you must experience this game at least once in your life. Nothing compares to it.

I think this is finally the year that South Florida lives up to its expectations. They return 15 starters including experienced QB B.J. Daniels. They play only three conference road games (Temple, Louisville and Cincinnati). I see the Bulls in the BCS.

THE 2012 ROAD TRIP - BIG 12

August 27, 2012

Here is part four of my ultimate road trip for the 2012 college football season. Time to hit all 10 Big 12 stadiums. Enjoy.

9/1 - Skip this week - I normally give you a few bonus weeks where I can, but the opening week in the Big 12 is awful. There are four games with FCS schools, a bye week, a game at UTEP and these beauties: Tulsa @ Iowa State, SMU @ Baylor, Marshall @ WVU and Wyoming @ Texas.  

9/8 - Miami @ Kansas State (bonus week) -It’s not every year that the U visits the land of Dorothy, Toto and Bill Snyder. Manhattan should be rocking.

9/15 - TCU @ Kansas -This will be the first Big 12 conference game ever for TCU. They were once league mates with Baylor, Texas Tech and Texas in the SWC, but this will be a new yearly match-up. It is also Charlie Weis’s first game as the Jayhawks head coach.

9/22 - Kansas State @ Oklahoma (bonus game) -The Wildcats are expected to be 3-0 entering this game (provided the U doesn’t ruin the party on September 8th). OU has its sights on Miami and the national title game. The Sooners have won five straight meetings by an average of 22 points per game. Other options for this week if expect another OU romp are Virginia @ TCU and Maryland @ WVU.

9/29 - Texas Tech @ Iowa State - The Cyclones shocked the world last year with their November upset of Oklahoma State. They parlayed that into their 2nd bowl bid in six years. If they want to go bowling again, they must win games like this. That is likely easier said than done here. Tech brings back 17 starters and wants to avenge a 41-7 loss to the Cyclones last season.

10/6 - Kansas @ Kansas State -I know it isn’t basketball, but it is still an in-state rivalry, and now that Kansas won’t be playing Missouri, this will be the biggest rivalry game they play.

10/13 - Texas vs. Oklahoma (bonus game) - This one is only listed as a bonus game because it is a neutral site game. However, this is a must in the Big 12. It is a midseason bowl game with a state fair outside. Get yourself a deep fried anything and enjoy a college football tradition.

10/20 - Texas Tech @ TCU - These two teams have played 54 times, but they have met only twice since the death of the SWC. With a loaded back end of the Horned Frogs schedule, this game will be huge for TCU. It will be TCU’s first league game against a Texas based school other than SMU in a long time.

10/27 - Notre Dame @ Oklahoma -The Sooners are 1-8 all-time against the Fighting Irish. This would be the kind of road win the critics of ND don’t believe is possible any more. Other than annual in-state rivalries on Thanksgiving weekend, you won’t find a better non-league game this late in the season.

11/3 - Texas @ Texas Tech - It may be solely based on the mental image I have of Michael Crabtree setting off pandemonium in Lubbock in 2008, but I would love to check out this atmosphere. It clearly means more to Tech than to the Horns, but the natives will be beyond hostile. 

11/10 - West Virginia @ Oklahoma State - This game is between two teams that each won a BCS game last season. With these two offenses, this has a chance to turn into a track meet awfully quick.

11/17 - Oklahoma @ West Virginia - Plenty of people nationwide looked down on Big East football as a whole. WVU did garner some national respect by defeating Clemson, OU and Georgia in BCS games. One thing the Big 12 will learn quickly is that Morgantown is not friendly to outsiders. Visiting teams beware. This home field advantage is no joke, and this is the biggest game on the home slate this season. If WVU wins, hide your couch.

11/24 - TCU @ Texas - It is a series that has been dominated by the Longhorns. the excitement here will be rekindling old conference ties. TCU has a brutal schedule the last 6 weeks of the season. Texas may have a BCS game in their sights on Thanksgiving weekend.

12/1 - Oklahoma State @ Baylor - If recent history is any indication, OSU’s offense will put on a real show. They have averaged over 45 points per game in the last five meetings. Baylor will be looking to wrap up their third consecutive bowl bid.

This season comes down to just a couple of games in the Big 12. The annual Red River Rivalry will determine the league champ, and the Sooners visit to Morgantown should be the difference between going undefeated and playing for the BCS title and another Fiesta Bowl bid. I see the Sooners running the table with Texas getting an at-large bid to the BCS.

THE 2012 ROAD TRIP - ACC

August 26, 2012

Here is part three of my ultimate road trip for the 2012 college football season. Time to hit all 12 ACC stadiums. Enjoy.

9/1 - Miami @ Boston College - A pretty cool opener. Although by going to the game, you will miss the obligatory replay of Flutie’s Hail Mary as called by Dan “the Duke” Davis on the TV broadcast. BC has won the last two meetings, and the Canes only return ten starters. BC Went 4-8 last year, but they won three of their last five and return 17 starters. 

9/8 - North Carolina @ Wake Forest - This would obviously be better if it were a basketball game, but I could say that about 75% of the games on this list. Both teams open with an FCS opponent. Warning to UNC fans... the home team is 4-2 in the last six meetings.

9/15 - Connecticut @ Maryland - Just call this one the Randy Edsall Bowl as the head coach of the Terps faces his old program... including many kids he recruited to UConn.

9/22 - Miami @ Georgia Tech - The Canes have won the last three meetings... handily. The Jackets triple option hasn’t mustered much offense the past few years, scoring a total of 34 points in those losses. Atlanta is in the heart of SEC country. It’s time to see how much juice there is for an ACC game in this town.

9/29 - Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati (bonus game) - This game will be played at FedEx Field in Landover, MD. This is a rematch of a BCS game the ACC actually won (Orange Bowl in January ’09). Not nearly as exciting as when Va Tech played Boise State here in 2010, but it is a solid ACC-Big East game.

10/6 - Virginia @ Duke -This would actually be a better lacrosse game than anything else. On the gridiron last year, Virginia ended a 3-game losing streak to Duke. You read that right.

10/13 - Maryland @ Virginia - It is Homecoming weekend in Charlottesville. The Terps are the only team from the Atlantic division that the Wahoos have routinely beaten as of late.

10/20 - Florida State @ Miami - I’d rather see this one in Tallahassee or even the old dump that was the Orange Bowl, but this was my first choice for the ACC Road Trip. I know it has lost its luster from the late 80s and early 90s, but it is still intense and hard hitting Florida football.

10/27 - NC State @ North Carolina - This is the 102nd meeting of these in-state rivals who are separated by a mere 20 miles. The last three games have been decided by a total of 18 points.

11/3 - Virginia @ NC State - You could probably stay in the same hotel all week with the proximity of this game to last week’s trip. Wolfpack QB Mike Glennon is worth the trip. The senior threw 31 TD passes last season in winning eight games.

11/8 (Thr) - Florida State @ Virginia Tech -You may be seeing a preview of the ACC Championship Game here. Blacksburg is a great college town, and for a big game like this, the team entrance to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” should be incredible.

11/17 - NC State @ Clemson - The road trip isn’t complete until you hit Death Valley. Don’t miss the “most exciting 25 seconds in college football” as the Tigers rub Howard’s Rock and then run down the hill into the stadium. It’s truly one of the best traditions in college football. The game should be pretty good too.

11/24 - Florida @ Florida State -It’s one of three SEC-ACC games today (Ga Tech-Georgia and Clemson-South Carolina). This one allows you to see both of the state’s top rivalries this year (FSU @ UM). Chomps versus chops. It will be a toss up as to which you will tire of first.

The Seminoles look ready to live up to the hype. I don’t believe they will run the table, but they will win the Atlantic division with a win over Clemson on September 22nd. 

On the Coastal side, with the Tar Heels ineligible for the postseason, the Hokies look to have a clear edge on getting back to the league title game. I will still take FSU to claim the ACC crown and head to the BCS.

THE 2012 ROAD TRIP - BIG TEN

August 24, 2012

Here is part two of my ultimate road trip for the 2012 college football season. Time to hit all 12 Big Ten stadiums. Enjoy.

8/31 (Fri) - Boise State @ Michigan State -The boys from the blue turf once again challenge themselves in the opener. This will be a true test for Chris Petersen. After losing Kellen Moore, he returns only seven total starters. MSU must replace Kirk Cousins, so this is an excellent opening week game. 

9/1 - Alabama vs. Michigan (bonus game) - Okay, so adding this one in would likely require airfare. It is still the best game of week one. 

9/8 - Iowa State @ Iowa - The Cyclones won last year’s meeting in 3OT. The state of Iowa will be fired up for this one. What does that mean? No clue. That’s the point. Plus, who doesn’t want to see the Cy-Hawk Trophy awarded?

9/15 - Boston College @ Northwestern - Two small schools. One has had a bit more national success (think Flutie). This will be a even match-up in the Chicago suburbs.

9/22 - Temple @ Penn State - In general, I would recommend a big game atmosphere at Beaver Stadium. However, the games with OSU & Wisconsin conflict with better games. Of the remaining home games, this will be the most special. It is a stadium wide Blue Out to show support for victims of child abuse.  Donations will be accepted at the stadium for the PA Coalition Against Rape. 

9/29 - Wisconsin @ Nebraska - I considered the Michigan-Nebraska game, but that is a busy day in the Big Ten. Here, the cheeseheads meet the cornheads. The Huskers will be amped up to pay back the two-time defending league champs after losing 48-17 last year in Madison.

10/6 - Michigan @ Purdue - Notre Dame will have a big impact on how important this game is considering they host both teams in September. Purdue returns 15 starters and may be Wisconsin’s biggest threat in the Leaders division (since 1/3 of the division is ineligible). Even if Michigan loses to Bama & ND, this will be a great atmosphere in West Lafayette.

10/13 - Northwestern @ Minnesota - Okay, not the most exciting match-up, but the Gophers home schedule doesn’t leave many good choices (New Hampshire, Western Michigan, Syracuse). This should be a competitive game, and it is Homecoming in Minneapolis.

10/20 - Michigan State @ Michigan - This rivalry has been heating up the last few years. Pretty  much since Mike Hart referred to MSU as Michigan’s “little brother.” Sparty has won the last four. This game could decide the Legends division. The Big House should be fired up to try and retake the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

10/27 - Michigan State @ Wisconsin - I’m passing on OSU @ PSU and Nebraska @ Michigan for this game. Why? Just watch for the replay on the Big Ten’s Greatest Games on BTN from their two encounters last year.

11/3 - Iowa @ Indiana - Choices in Bloomington were slim. See games with Indiana State or Ball State or watch OSU, Wisc or MSU crush Indy. This one might be competitive. Hey, maybe John Cougar Mellencamp will perform that weekend.

11/10 - Bonus Week - You can either rest up for the big finish by taking a week off or enjoy one of these games... Penn State @ Nebraska, Wisconsin @ Indiana, Minnesota @ Illinois, Purdue @ Iowa or Northwestern @ Michigan.

11/17 - Purdue @ Illinois - Not the sexiest match-up, but these two teams are pretty even on paper. This game should have some bowl consequences for both sides. You may even be able to catch a hoops game at Assembly Hall this weekend.

11/23 (Fri) - Nebraska @ Iowa (bonus game) - In case you want to spend more time in Columbus for tomorrow’s game, I made this one optional. I would be tempted to hit Iowa City for the Heroes Game (as it is called).  Personally, I think it should be played for the Golden Corn Cob. We could call it Farmageddon. 

11/24 - Michigan @ Ohio State - This rivalry is getting some juice the last 18 months. Brady Hoke will only call them Ohio. Urban Meyer is in to restore the Buckeyes to glory. Big Blue ended their seven game losing streak to the Bucks last November. For OSU, THIS is their bowl game. Plus, they may have the opportunity to knock Michigan out of the Big Ten Title Game.

As for predictions, the easiest pick in decades is Wisconsin winning the Leaders division.  OSU will lose no more than three times. I have been dead on pegging PSU’s bowl game the last four seasons (last year’s pick of Insight Bowl would have been correct if not for the scandal). I think the Lions go 7-5.

In the Legends Division, Nebraska’s schedule is just too difficult to win the division, but they will be an at-large pick to the BCS. I think Michigan edges MSU, but falls to the Badgers in the league title game.

THE 2012 ROAD TRIP - SEC

August 22, 2012

At the start of every season, most college football publications will list their “Games of the Year.” They do this with your DVR in mind. I prefer to look at the upcoming schedule with three things in mind... significance, variety and travel. (Notice, I left out money.) 

One of my favorite books is “Dixieland Delight - A Football Season on the Road in the Southeastern Conference” by Clay Travis. In the book, Travis spends one football season attending one game at every SEC stadium. (I dream of doing that one year in the Big Ten.)

So, I have looked over the schedules of every team in the SEC, Big Ten, Pac 12, Big 12, ACC, Big East and Independents, and I have constructed the ultimate road trip for EACH league.  (I combined the independents with the Big East, since the BE has the fewest teams). 

The goal was to hit the biggest games all year while finding competitive games for the less talented teams. Some sacrifices and tough decisions had to be made obviously, but I am 100% satisfied with the games I have selected. 

We start with the SEC, which was difficult because there are 14 stadiums to hit on only 13 Saturdays. It is the only league that ended up with only conference games. Enjoy.

8/30 (Thr) - South Carolina @ Vanderbilt - Opening night in CFB. What better way to start than with an SEC divisional game? Steve Spurrier is coming off his most successful season at SC & Vanderbilt played in just their 2nd bowl game in 29 years.

9/1 - Alabama vs. Michigan (bonus game) - By choosing SC-Vandy on Thursday night, I have left Saturday open. Auburn-Clemson in Atlanta is nice, but this match-up at the new Cowboys Stadium is where I want to be. Two of the game’s most storied programs, Big Ten versus SEC, Denard Robinson facing a defense like Bama’s. I can’t wait.

9/8 - Georgia @ Missouri - It will be a historic day in Columbia as the Tigers play their first ever SEC league game. The place will be rocking, but that’s nothing new to the Bulldogs who bring back 16 starters including QB Aaron Murray.

9/15 - Florida @ Tennessee - The Vols have one winning season in the last four years. The Gators have won 7 straight in this series. It is do or die time for UT Coach Derek Dooley. The folks in Knoxville want this one badly.

9/22 - Vanderbilt @ Georgia - Ideally, I would prefer to go between the hedges for the UT or Ga Tech game, but this will do. Depending how the league opener went, this becomes a must win.

9/29 - South Carolina @ Kentucky - I had two options for Lexington. Pick a game early in the year when their record was respectable or wait until November and catch a basketball game too. The problem with the latter is missing the bigger late season gridiron clashes. This is a big revenge game for UK. Last year, the Gamecocks crushed them 54-3 & outgained them 639-96. 

10/6 - LSU @ Florida - There is no way I would go to the Swamp for any old game. This is by far the biggest game on the home schedule in 2012. The Gators will be the underdog here, especially if A&M and/or UT beat them in September.

10/13 - Auburn @ Ole Miss - Homecoming in October in the Grove. That’s enough for me.

10/20 - LSU @ Texas A&M - Some folks in the south see this becoming the next great SEC rivalry. Les Miles leading the Tigers into a raucous Kyle Field is a must see.

10/27 - Tennessee @ South Carolina - Derek Dooley’s fate may have been decided by now with five tough games in their first seven contests. SC has won three of the last four. The Gamecocks will be coming off games with UGa, LSU & Florida. Who knows what the records will be here? It’s still the Vols vs. Spurrier.

11/3 - Alabama @ LSU - Do I really need to explain this one? 

11/10 - Georgia @ Auburn - Alabama-Auburn is the best rivalry in the south, if not all of sports, but this is the deep south’s oldest rivalry. This will be the 116th meeting between the two.

11/17 - Arkansas @ Mississippi State - Get your cowbells ready. The Bulldogs have a chance to get off to a great start this year. A Cotton Bowl bid or better may be on the line for both teams here.

11/23 (Fri) - LSU @ Arkansas - How do you visit 14 stadiums in 13 weeks? You find a non-Saturday game worth adding. This one is clearly it. The home team has won four in a row in this rivalry. This could be the difference between Miami and New Orleans for the Tigers.

11/24 - Auburn @ Alabama - I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. In state rivalries are always more intense and bitter than intrastate rivalries. OSU-Michigan is state versus state. This is neighbor against neighbor, brother versus brother. Last time in Tuscaloosa, Cam Newton cemented his Heisman campaign erasing a 20-point deficit to stay undefeated.

There you have it. The ultimate SEC road trip for this season. As for a prediction, I see LSU edging out Alabama in the West. Both will make the BCS, but neither will be perfect. In the East, Georgia has the edge over the Gators at QB and schedule, but they will lose to LSU again in Atlanta.