Southeastern Conference Football. It just means more.
So much more, that LSU has decided to grab some of its roster from the NFL reject bin. That’s a whole other story, man.
We are focusing on picking the SEC games instead of talking the politics, so let the new round of uninformed guesses begin.
Every so often a game gets scheduled that makes one roll their eyes and know a team is voluntarily taking an ‘L’ in exchange for a paycheck.
Once, when asked who would win between a Nick Saban Alabama team and an FCS rent-a-win, Andy responded with a melancholy, “Good grief.”
Despite my loathing of the man’s amazing ability to pick SEC games, I often pay tribute to his wit with my “Good Grief Game” when such a mismatched contest comes along.
From time-to-time, I like to label a game as my SEC Game of the Week, and, occasionally, I will put a game on upset alert. None of this means anything to you, but if you are a gambler, I do accept tips.
Something new I am doing this year are shorter summaries for games that are candidates for the Good Grief Game. There is not much to break down in a Tennessee State at Georgia game.
That said, let’s dive into Week 1 of the 2026 SEC Season.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff at (25) Missouri – The Razorbacks have nothing to do with this game, but I will take a victory on the field against the Tigers any way I can get it. Missouri will not obtain ten touchdowns on ten possessions like the Hogs did in 2024. The SEC representative still wins big, though. Mizzou by 40
UTEP at (10) Oklahoma – I cannot see a Miner keeping up with a Sooner. OU by 45
East Carolina at (13) Alabama – It may have been more recent than my mind can recall; however, it seems like an eternity since the Crimson Tide started a season outside the Top Ten. They will make a case to move up in the rankings over a tough American Athletic Conference foe. Bama by 23
Kent State at South Carolina – Shane Beamer may end up on a very warm seat this season, but not because of anything this week. Gamecocks by 28
Youngstown State at Kentucky – I have two questions with the first one wondering if Youngstown State is a religious school. The second is why is their mascot the Penguins. I could see them being the Pilgrims, but the Penguins? Wildcats by 31.
Good Grief Game
Tennessee State at (3) Georgia – There is no way the Tigers pull an upset. Bulldogs by 56.
Texas State at (5) Texas – Remember when Texas State had Scott Bakula at quarterback? Longhorns by 38
Furman at (20) Tennessee – This was a Good Grief Game nominee. And that’s all I have to say about that. Vols by 48.
Baylor at Auburn – This one is actually intriguing as it pairs two teams with someone recent historical success. This could a high scoring game. With this one being at home, the Tigers should handle the Bears at home by two scores. Plainsmen (or whatever nickname they want to go by this week) by 10
North Alabama at Arkansas – This one will be covered in my article focusing upon this game. Arkansas 34, North Alabama 10
Missouri State at (8) Texas A&M – This one will be close midway through the second, but then the 12th Man takes over. Aggies by 31
Austin Peay at Vanderbilt – This game will play a role in how the Commodores do throughout the season. They should get off to a good start to 6- or 7-win season. Vandy by 23
Clemson at (11) LSU – No NFL washouts for the Tigers vs the Tigers. That will not stop the boys from Baton winning. LSU by 21
UL Monroe at Mississippi State – Be prepared for a possible upset here. We will know more about MSU after this game. State by 14
Florida Atlantic at Florida – I dub this one “Good Grief, Junior”. Gators by 38
PETE’S SEC GAME OF THE WEEK
(24) Louisville at (9) Ole Miss – I do not think the Rebels will be as good this season as they try to wade through the waters without Lane Kiffin.
This one could be an offensive showdown despite Ole Miss touting a solid defense. The homefield will be the difference late in the game. Rebels 14.
Please check out all the write-ups for Arkansas’s game this weekend against North Alabama, right here on HitThatLine.com. Enjoy the SEC, folks.
It is the greatest conference in the nation.
Go HOGS!!!
