ANDY’S PICKS: One thing Hogs need to be aware of against Bulldogs

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — This one shouldn’t even be close. About the only way this is a surprise is if Arkansas is not leading Louisiana Tech by three touchdowns at halftime.

The Razorbacks simply have too much of a talent advantage.

There is something, though, Sam Pittman probably is very aware of today and it has very little to do with the game. He simply doesn’t want to get anybody hurt before facing a Missouri team next week he’s never managed to beat just once. As a whole since they started trying to sell this as a big rivalry, the Hogs have won just twice. Doing it with some key people missing would not be easy, especially on the road where Arkansas has never won.

There’s not even much to analyze about this game. We’ve heard nothing but platitudes from coaches and the players that was mostly cliches strung together to just get to the game. Everybody will be figuring out what bowl game they’ll play in if they get a win.

At six wins, you’re probably looking at Birmingham or Memphis as the best possibilities. Beat Missouri next week and it brings Nashville and maybe even a trip to Florida into the equation.

Arkansas 48, Louisiana Tech 14

SEC Picks

Considering the way Pete’s been going out on limbs this year and thinking the Razorbacks had a legitimate shot against Texas sealed his homer fate. When you’re that far behind, I guess just take a shot. It won’t help him by the end of next week’s game.

(9) Ole Miss at Florida – The Gators are playing better than anyone thought they would be by the end of the year, but so are the Rebels. Florida’s wanting a win to get to any bowl game while Ole Miss is playing for the College Football Playoff. This game will probably be interesting for a half, then the Rebels will break it open. Rebels by 14.

Massachusetts at (10) Georgia – After saying Arkansas’ game shouldn’t be close by halftime, this one should see the Bulldogs have a three-touchdown lead at the end of the first quarter. It’s that big of a mismatch. Bulldogs by 41.

UTEP at (11) Tennessee – Vols trying to get ready for what suddenly may be an interesting end of the season game in east Tennessee next week. This week won’t be be close unless Tennessee plays even worse than they did against Arkansas. Vols by 34.

Kentucky at (3) Texas – This will be an ugly game because the Wildcats do have a defense that has played very well on occasion. It’s the final home game of the year for Texas, though, having to take a short trip to A&M next week for a more important game. That game is also why they can’t afford to stumble in this one. Longhorns by 9.

Wofford at (18) South Carolina – “Good Grief Game” the Gamecocks will have no problem with, but will need some help elsewhere to shoot up in the standings. South Carolina may feel it needs style points for the playoff committee, though, and pour it on. Gamecocks by at least 25.

LA Tech at Arkansas – The Razorbacks will increase their average margin of victory in the series. Hogs by 34.

(23) Missouri at Mississippi State – Considering the way Missouri has played up to or down to their opponents this year, this game could be much closer than anybody thinks. It also may be the best shot for Jeff Lebby to win an SEC game in his first year. The only problem is Missouri has better players. Tigers by 7.

GAME OF THE WEEK

(15) Texas A&M at Auburn – Everybody keeps waiting on Hugh Freeze to do something this year with the Tigers other than watch the eagle fly around before games. The Aggies still have a path to get into the SEC Championship game and maybe into the playoffs. Their defense could make that path clearer, but they do have their big challenge next week against Texas. Aggies by 14.

(7) Alabama at Oklahoma – Even the Sooners’ faithful don’t hold out a lot of hope on this one. Alabama is looking for style points to possibly improve their playoff position, but more importantly keep everybody healthy for that pesky Auburn game next week. Bama by 17.

Vanderbilt at LSU – Something just doesn’t seem right coming to the end of the season with the Tigers. Don’t ask me what the problem is because I really have no idea. Somehow I am going to take one of Pete’s risks here and pick an upset. Commodores by 4.