Just a couple of surprises last week in the SEC

Texas A&M and LSU spoiled my run of predicting two weeks worth of games correctly as the Tigers slipped past South Carolina and TAMU escaped a late rally from La. Tech. Both games were decided by two points.

So, as we move into the last half of the season, Alabama continues to be ranked No. 1 in the nation in every poll, including the first BCS poll of the year released Sunday.

Florida, which I thought to be weaker than usual, is ranked No. 2 in the BCS, creating more angst for the rest of the conferences to have something to complain about. Why does the SEC get all the attention? Why does the SEC get the best rankings? Why is Oregon not ranked above Florida?

Well, the best indicator of the future is the past. Look at the past and see how many consecutive BCS championships the Southeastern Conference has claimed...six in a row dating back to 2006 when Florida got the ball rolling with a win over Ohio State. Since then, the SEC has disposed of the Big 10, the Big 12 twice and the Pac-10. Then, last year, the computers spit out two SEC teams and the Crimson Tide put an exclamation point on the season by thumping LSU.

That's why...

Back to this weekend's action. Alabama should have no trouble with Tennessee on Saturday, even with more than 107,000 fans singing Rocky Top every time the Vols score. Tune in late if you want to hear the song, or during pre-game. It may be the only time you will get that chance.

Arkansas takes the week off to prep for Ole Miss, which also has a bye week. LSU visits Texas A&M. With the way TAMU scores points, I don't see the Tigers hanging in with them. The Aggies had a hard time putting away La. Tech this past weekend and couldn't stop the Bulldogs from putting massive points on the board. I don't think LSU has that type of firepower as the Tigers slip further in the standings and out of BCS contention.

Auburn travels to Nashville to play Vanderbilt and for once the Commodores pick up a conference win. I don't remember the last time Auburn was this bad.

Georgia should have no problems with Kentucky, leaving them in contention in the East, depending on the outcome between Florida and South Carolina. Two weeks ago, I would have put money on the Gamecocks to run the table in that division. I am not so sure at this point after LSU toppled South Carolina on Saturday. Florida holds on in The Swamp. Should be a great game.

Mississippi State hosts Middle Tennessee in Starkville in what should be a fairly easy win for the Bulldogs. MTSU upset Georgia Tech earlier in the season. But the Rambling Wreck from Georgia Tech is awful and MTSU is not capable of throwing the ball, allowing the Dogs to sit in man coverage in the secondary and put eight in the box to stop the run. If MSU is going to prove they belong ranked No. 12 in the BCS standings, it needs a solid performance this weekend.

That will prompt poll voters to bump the Bulldogs into the Top 10 next Sunday so ESPN can bill it as huge matchup and take College Gameday to Tuscaloosa for the big event.

Every analyst in the nation will pick the Tide to roll.

Chan Davis is the Sports Editor for Carroll County News. Contact him at ccnsports@cox-internet.com.