After a long season, SEC isn’t what it was | The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

This season, like most, seems to have flown by. Seems like Arkansas opened yesterday with Arkansas-Pine Bluff in Little Rock.

In some ways it’s been a crazy season with big upsets, but at the same time the SEC doesn’t seem to be quite as strong as it was when Alabama and Georgia were at the top.

Maybe Nick Saban had to retire with what he had, like the transfer portal or name, image and likeness.

If Auburn upsets Alabama, the SEC would have 14 teams in the postseason, but not as many in the College Football Playoff as the Big Ten.

Goed 8-3 with picks last week, increasing record to 102-27.

Last week’s tips:

ARKANSAS, MISSOURI

The Razorbacks haven’t won consecutive games since September, but the pressure to make a bowl is off and there’s a chance these Hogs can go out and have some fun in their regular season finale. The Tigers are becoming more unpopular with Razorback fans every year. Cold weather is forecast for some hot pigs. Arkansas 31-27

OLD DOMINION IN THE STATE OF ARKANSAS

Butch Jones has quietly made it a successful season and is aiming for an eighth win, which would move the Red Wolves up the pecking order. Arkansas State 31-21

AUBURN, ALABAMA

The Tigers have improved this season but will take a bigger leap next season. The Crimson Tide still have hope of making it to the CFP, but if they don’t focus on it, that dream will disappear faster than you can tell Nick Saban. Alabama 31-24

FLORIDA IN THE STATE OF FLORIDA

That would be especially great for the Gators, who have won two straight games against ranked teams. The Seminoles (2-9) should be happy to have this season in the rearview mirror. Florida 31-17

GEORGIA TECH IN GEORGIA

The Yellowjackets are capable of pulling off an upset, but it would require the same effort as they did against Miami. The Bulldogs could help themselves in the CFP rankings and bracket. Georgia 35-21

LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY

The Cardinals have been inconsistent this season, while the Wildcats have consistently struggled on offense. The only thing at stake is pride, as Louisville is bowl eligible while Kentucky is not. Louisville 28-24

OKLAHOMA AT LSU

Brent Venables managed to qualify for a team bowl with a win over Alabama, and he’s still missing most of his receivers and linemen. The Tigers are on a three-game losing streak and will look to make it to Death Valley again this season. LSU 27-17

MISSISSIPPI ST. AT OLE MISS

Normally it’s a case of throw out the records when these rivals meet, but the only way for the Bulldogs to win is if the Rebels are still licking their wounds after being kicked out of the FBS against Florida last week. That could happen, but talent should dominate. Ole Miss 35-21

SOUTH CAROLINA NEAR CLEMSON

The Tigers still have a chance to make the CFP playoffs, but the Gamecocks really are as good as their 8-3 record suggests and they’ll be looking to continue climbing up the bowl standings. South Carolina 27-24

TENNESSEE NEAR VANDERBILT

Obviously this could be a trap game for the volunteers. The Commodores’ win over the Crimson Tide was no surprise. What matters here may be who has the ball last. Tennessee will most likely have the most fans in the stands, but that could hurt its CFP chances. Tennessee 31-21

TEXAS AT TEXAS A&M

An old rivalry is resuming and the Aggies could close out their season with a win over the SEC leaders. Texas wants to advance to the SEC Championship Game and appears to be CFP-bound, but shouldn’t take any chances. Texas 34-31