Arkansas has a bye this week, and, honestly, if Chad Morris were still the coach I would pick the Hogs to lose.
What’s that? You have not heard Morris has been relieved of his responsibilities from the University of Arkansas? Oh, then, well, uh, what’s your favorite Justin Bieber song?
Here is another newsflash: Barry Lunney, Jr., is the interim coach, and, believe it or not, there is a gradual increase in enthusiasm. Yes, THAT Barry Lunney, Jr. The southpaw who threw “the catch too close to deny” to JJ Meadors with six-seconds left to beat No. 13 Alabama in Tuscaloosa, 20–19, on Saturday, Sept. 16, 1995.
So while many are pondering what the future holds for Razorbacks football and its coaching search, the players get to enjoy an extra week of preparation for a trip to Baton Rouge to face current No. 1 LSU.
Prior to Morris’ firing I would have said the only chance Arkansas has to upend the Tigers would be if after the Ole Miss game Katy Perry offers to allow all of the players to be in a “Teenage Dream” revival video, the team bus gets repossessed, and Ed Orgeron allows his old buddy Hugh borrow his cell phone for a few minutes.
Granted, none of these things will happen, and Arkansas will still not have a chance, but maybe … JUUUUUUST MAYBE we can make a game of it. Get them pumped up, head coach Lunney. We are rooting for you.
Speaking of Orgeron, am I the only Hogs fan that absolutely loves this guy? What’s not to like? He sounds like your arrogating drunk Uncle Jimmy halfway through every family reunion.
I have never been pro-LSU, but I sincerely want this guy to win a national championship.
While we are on the topics of awards, congratulations to Ty Story who was voted the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week, beating out the likes of LSU’s Joe Burrows and Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts. Congratulations, #4.
Listen, I didn’t write a piece last week simply because of the turmoil going on ‘The Hill’ alongside the return of Ty Storey.
To all of you crediting Tyson Helton for making Storey a great quarterback I would respectfully disagree. Ty was already an AMAZING quarterback, and my personal belief is Helton would still be starting a lesser Steven Duncan because Duncan is Helton’s guy.
Not only is Ty by far the best quarterback in Bowling Green, it is beyond safe to also state he would have been the best quarterback on the Arkansas roster this season, he just never had enough time to allow a play to develop, and Morris just could not grasp it. Perhaps too much Red Bull clouds one’s judgment.
Just because the Hogs are off this weekend does not mean the weekly picks cease. It’s close, but not as close as I would like.
Andy Hodges has informed me I need to prepare a concession speech. Well, Mr. Saturday Night Special, they don’t call me Al Gore, Jr. for nothing.
(Editor’s note: As the Hogs aren’t playing this week and editor Andy Hodges’ picks are the same as Peter, he will continue to drag behind as the season winds down.)
(5) Alabama at Mississippi State: The weirdest thing I have done all week is put a “5” in front of Alabama. I imagine it’s as awkward as getting caught on a date with oyur sister. Unless you’re from Bama, then it’s as awkward as getting caught on a date without your sister. The Crimson Tide will have had an entire week to stew over the loss to LSU. Even at home Mississippi State is not ready. Alabama by 35.
(11) Florida at Missouri [UPSET WATCH]: The absolute temptation to predict this as a full-on upset is unbearable. I do not know why, however, there was simply a feeling deep inside I could not seem to ignore. It turns out it was a bad parmesan chicken sandwich. Gators squeak out of Columbia with a win. Florida by 4.
(4) Georgia at (12) Auburn [GAME OF THE WEEK]: Georgia is playing for an SEC East Championship and for a spot in the BCS. Is Auburn playing to keep Gus Malzahn’s job? No. Granted, Tiger fans will be upset, but the Arkansas native is in no danger of Auburn paying his buyout even if they drop this one and another one against in-state rival Alabama. The Bulldogs are on a mission. Georgia by 10.
Kentucky at Vanderbilt [SLOPFEST OF THE WEEK]: This one will be either very ugly or very interesting due to the evenly matched teams. I am willing to bet not even Andy has a strong feeling one way or another on this one. I had my Girls pick a number. Vandy by 10.
(1) LSU at Ole Miss: LSU beat Alabama last week for the National Championship. This week the Tigers must focus to prevent a let-down. Ole Miss has an upset on their mind at home as the season begins its conclusion. One last hoorah for the Rebels? No, ma’am, Ms. Perry. Tigers by 28.
South Carolina at Texas A&M: Ah, the late game for the SEC. The ONLY reason anyone has a solid edge in this game is because A&M is at home… plus they’re better than the Gamecocks. For all of my fans in Myrtle Beach, I apologize, those are simply the facts. Aggies by 18.
Enjoy the weekend off, Razorbacks fans. We get to relax and enjoy the anticipation of Barry Lunney, Jr.’s debut for at least another week.
Oh, and to the LSU bus driver, might I recommend I-10 West for your trip home. There’s a 30-mile stretch near the Pascagoula River Bridge you guys are going to love.
Find me on ‘Twitter’: @PeterMorganWPS
Go HOGS!!!
