Congratulations Vanderbilt – you finally did it…
It’s been a long time coming, but Vanderbilt is finally establishing itself as a decent football team. Thanks to their 5-0 record and the nationally televised win over Auburn, the Commodores have rocketed up the rankings to #13 in the AP poll. Many of the computer rankings that are used to calculate the BCS rankings have them ever higher. It’s a virtual lock that they will qualify for a bowl (thanks to a home game against Duke), and at this point, it’s entirely feasible that Vanderbilt could win 8 or 9 games. Or is it…?
Does anyone remember the rapid ascension of South Carolina and Kentucky in last year’s polls? By week seven, the two teams were ranked #6 and #8, respectively, in AP Poll. The following week, both teams suffered losses that sent them into a downward spiral. Kentucky would then lose three of its next four to finish 7-5 before rallying to win its bowl game against a depleted Florida State, while South Carolina lost its next four to finish 6-6 and didn’t even go to a bowl.
Apparently Las Vegas is not convinced that the ‘Dores are for real either. Vanderbilt is currently a 3 point underdog in its road trip to Mississippi State, although the line did open at Even. With upcoming games against Georgia, Tennessee and Florida, not to mention road trips to Kentucky and a ranked Wake Forest team, Vanderbilt’s run may be at an end. They’ll certainly have the opportunity to make their case, but talk about Vanderbilt being an SEC ‘contender’ needs to stop right now. If they beat Georgia next week, then we’ll talk…
A few other lines worth noting:
Clemson at Wake Forest: -2.5
Clemson has been struggling lately, but they destroyed Wake Forest last year 44-10. Wake Forest isn’t exactly playing its best football, as they’re coming off of an embarrassing home loss to Navy.
Tennessee at Georgia: -13
Tennessee absolutely dismantled Georgia in their last meeting. The game was a mirror image of last week’s Georgia-Alabama game, when Tennessee raced to a 35-0 lead. I don’t expect that too happen this week, though, especially with all instability at the QB position. One thing to keep in mind: Tennessee’s defense is underrated. In fact, no team has gained over 300 yards of total offense against the Vols, despite their three losses.
LSU at Florida: -4
Florida is coming off a disappointing loss that exposed them as a two-man team (Tebow and Percy Harvin). LSU hasn’t really wowed anyone, which some might find surprising considering their #4 ranking. However, close wins over Mississippi State and an overrated Auburn team clearly haven’t impressed Vegas.
Penn State at Wisconsin: +5
The Great Nittany Hope of the Big Ten is a deserved favorite. Wisconsin is coming off of back to back heartbreakers against Michigan and Ohio State, while Penn State has been nothing short of spectacular. Their upcoming three-game stretch (Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio State) could cement their status as top dawg. I expect Penn State to handle the Badgers, but they’ve disappointed before…
Arkansas at Auburn: -19.5
Auburn can barely score 19 points if you give them two games, so I’m skeptical that they could beat anyone with a pulse (ie not LA-Monroe) by more than 19 points. Arkansas is pretty gawd-awful, though, and could be just what the doctor ordered for the Tigers’ ailing offense.
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