SECCG Predictions

[GoVols1998]

What are your predictions for the SECCG? I think Tennessee has good a shot with LSU being bummed about not going to the NC and Miles being hammered with questions about the Michigan job and with probally most everyone saying that were gonna lose. I think Tennessee pulls it out.

Call me a homer

Tennessee- 38
LSU-31

And by the way lets not forget 01. The roles were reversed everyone thought TN would handle LSU and go to the NC but that wasn;t the case. Good luck to LSU should be a hell of a game.

GOVOLS!!!!

[Tennessee Ted]

I like our chances here too. We match up better against LSU than we do against Kentucky. Flynn is a decent quarterback, but he makes mistakes. I think we can contain their running game. Dorsey seems pretty banged up, so if he is limited that gives us an advantage with our running game. I am picking UT too.

24-21.

[BAMAPERRY]

The battle of the two coaches who do the least with the most.

LSU has had an extra days rest, that could mean a lot. As the 3rd best team in the East, UT is lucky to be in the game. They may be even luckier to be playing an LSU team that seems to get worse by the game.

That said, if UT & LSU both play to their potential, I like LSU in a rout. I doubt that happens. UT and their fans are tickled pink to be there. LSU and their fans are extremely disappointed in how the season panned out. Miles & Staff are under a lot of pressure to win this game because, apparently, Michigan doesn't want Miles and LSU is stuck with him. This is his last, best chance to win this thing. I think he pulls it out.

LSU 44 - UT 34

[Tennessee Ted]

LSU has had an extra days rest, that could mean a lot. As the 3rd best team in the East, UT is lucky to be in the game.
LSU 44 - UT 34

I admit that we are not as good as Florida, but I refuse to believe we are not as good as Georgia. Everyone has just excused Georgia for that game like it never happened. I know we got trounced by Cal, Florida, and Alabama but we have played better since those games too.

[D^3]

I admit that we are not as good as Florida, but I refuse to believe we are not as good as Georgia. Everyone has just excused Georgia for that game like it never happened. I know we got trounced by Cal, Florida, and Alabama but we have played better since those games too.

Well you guys get to just excuse Bama, Cal and Florida.... I don't see why we can't excuse the one blowout loss we had.



This game could go either way, IMO. Based on skill and talent alone I think LSU wins this game, but I think UT might be able to catch LSU in an emotional slump after falling out of the National Title hunt. However the reverse might be true and LSU might be on a mission to annihilate their next opponent and take out frustration.


In the end,

LSU: 34
UT : 24

if LSU gets caught pouting...

UT: 27
LSU: 24

[JerryBeeds]

Ut 38 Lsu 21

[volimhtown]

DAMN!! I never thought this season would lead to this....the Vols playing for the SECCG. I'm still skepticle about this team, but it feels pretty good none-the-less. I will say this....this Vol team has character and has heart despite the other short comings. They could have folded SO MANY times down the stretch and didn't. They found ways to make plays and fought all the way. Survived a ferocious comeback by the Cocks, kept their heads up long enough to come back against Vandy, and out-lasted Kentucky....with a key goalline stand at the end of regulation, and coming up with a blocked field goal to keep the game going. I for one have been VERY critical of my Vols this season and especially Fulmer. I think they finally deserve some credit for what they've accomplished despite themselves....especially in a year that nobody else has done much better. So, here's a BIG CONGRATS to the Vols and Coach Fulmer for being SEC East Champs!!

To the Vols....I stated a few weeks ago that I did not think Arkansas was a good match up for the Vols and that I thought we'd just get punched in the face up front. Boy was I wrong! The fact of the matter is that this isn't the same defense that got shredded by Florida and Cal. They have matured and the front seven is finally playing physical, agressive football. The secondary is still vulnerable, but has the ability to force the turnover, so you take the bad with the good.

On offense, it's all about Ainge....which is my one consistent criticism on this side of the ball. Foster is one of the most under-rated backs in the conference, but that's a result of the playcalling and style of play. I just can't help but wonder how this season might have been different if the coaches wouldn't have abandoned the run game so early in our 3 losses. Anyway, the receivers have matured and the Vols' offense has finally taken shots down the field which has opened up the pass underneath....I think the biggest reason the Vols are in Atlanta. Consistency is still an issue as dropped passes nearly cost us the Kentucky game.

For the Tigers....yet another disapointingly successful season for Les Miles and the gang. Much like the Vols, their success has been as much about making the breaks as it has been about solid play. On offense, Flynn's a capable QB, but just has never found a consistent rhythm this season. With Hester, Holliday, and company, the offense has plenty of weapons, but as is becoming a consistently bitter tune with LSU's offense under Les Miles, they just can't seem to find the right combinations to achieve consistent play.

On defense, if the Tigers played even half up to their hype, they'd be incredible. Injuries have certainly slowed them down...especially with regards to Dorsey, but they have certainly been exposed lately both on the ground and through the air. A very formidable group, but still far from dominating and a disapointment considering the expectations.

What happens?? On paper, this is seemingly a mismatch...a game that the Tigers should physically dominate. You can throw the stats and everything else out of the window, I think this game simply comes down to the intangibles. LSU's reeling from everything they lost last week, and suffering from all of the Les Miles speculation. Added to that is all of the thinking by the press that this game against the Vols won't be much of a challenge. For the Vols, they are still playing for respect and their coach's future. They have been "dead and burried" since getting run off the field in Gainesville back in September and have a pretty big chip on their shoulder because of that. It doesn't mean much to anybody else, but this is a huge opportunity for redemption and a chance to begin to elevate the program back to what it recently was. This one's easy to figure...

Vols-34, Tigers-17

[GTTiger]

The battle of the two coaches who do the least with the most.
LSU has had an extra days rest, that could mean a lot. As the 3rd best team in the East, UT is lucky to be in the game. They may be even luckier to be playing an LSU team that seems to get worse by the game.

That said, if UT & LSU both play to their potential, I like LSU in a rout. I doubt that happens. UT and their fans are tickled pink to be there. LSU and their fans are extremely disappointed in how the season panned out. Miles & Staff are under a lot of pressure to win this game because, apparently, Michigan doesn't want Miles and LSU is stuck with him. This is his last, best chance to win this thing. I think he pulls it out.

LSU 44 - UT 34

Kinda contradicted yourself there buddy =P

[BAMAPERRY]

You think Arkansas or Kentucky has near the talent as LSU does? Those two coaches have consistently underperformed with superior talent. That is all.

[volimhtown]

You think Arkansas or Kentucky has near the talent as LSU does? Those two coaches have consistently underperformed with superior talent. That is all.

And how badly it must suck to consistently be looking up at and envying such underachievers!! :thumpsup:

[BAMAPERRY]

And how badly it must suck to consistently be looking up at and envying such underachievers!! :thumpsup:

Did the Vols have more talent than Bama?

Does 41-17 ring a bell? :laugh:

[GTTiger]

You think Arkansas or Kentucky has near the talent as LSU does? Those two coaches have consistently underperformed with superior talent. That is all.

LSU finished higher than expected the last two years and this will be the 2nd time in the SECCG in the last 3 years. Not too shabby.

Now, since we're talkin about underachievers, lets talk Bama. Finishing 6-6 with teams with such stellar talent as Miss St and UL - Monroe!

[ugamcrae]

The Vols will hammer LSU. I wager they will beat them by two touchdowns. LSU has a horrible habit of playing way beneath their talent. They have done this for as long as I can remember.

[Tennessee Ted]

Did the Vols have more talent than Bama?

Does 41-17 ring a bell? :laugh:

Yea it does ring a bell just like the 21-14 bell ringing against UL Monroe. :laugh:

[Tennessee Ted]

Well you guys get to just excuse Bama, Cal and Florida.... I don't see why we can't excuse the one blowout loss we had.



Because that loss was to us. I would like to argue that we are better than Florida, but I can't because we got shillacked by them.

[BAMAPERRY]

We probably should have been around 8-4. But, there are some attitude problems on this team stemming from completely different coaching philosophies and expected standards of performance from the previous coaching staff. The ones who weren't Seniors will be weeded out in the offseason. Recruiting is the best its been since the Bryant years. I'll give him a pass this year. The future looks bright for the Tide.

[gudog]

I think that unless Michigan hires a coach, not named Les Miles, before Saturday, that UT will win the game.

If Michigan hires someone today or tomorrow, then Les has a chance to screw LSU's collective head on straight enough to beat Tennessee.

[Bulldog Bry]

Too pissed to think about it. I'm still mad at the kickers for South Carolina, Vandy AND Kentucky.

I think this game will be closer than most think. LSU by less than a FG.

[GoVols1998]

wow I can't believe people are giving TN a shot

[Tennessee Ted]

Too pissed to think about it. I'm still mad at the kickers for South Carolina, Vandy AND Kentucky.

I think this game will be closer than most think. LSU by less than a FG.

I think the Vandy kicker deserves better. His team nonchalantly dinked and dunked up the field with time expiring. If they were a little more aggressive they could have made that a shorter field goal.

[Tator]

There has been an Amber Alert for the pre-October LSU defense. If anyone see's this defense, please direct them to the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, GA.

I see another distracted, lay down performance by LSU's defense, but the offense shines after a slow 1st qtr start and it ends up being who can score last type game. All I got to say is, so long as the SECCG doesn't go to 3OT's, LSU should win it close.

LSU:38
UT:34

[shanksta13]

My cousin, an LSU student, and every other Tiger student I know is still talking National Championship and saying this game is a lock. Here are some juicy tidbits from a conversation we had:

(LSU fan speaking to Florida fan)
"I'd put money that if Mizzou and WVU lose we'd be in the championship game...and Tenn?...please...they've looked like *expletive* all season... *explitive* even yall murdered them...the game is in the bag."

[GatorBait15]

My cousin, an LSU student, and every other Tiger student I know is still talking National Championship and saying this game is a lock. Here are some juicy tidbits from a conversation we had:

(LSU fan speaking to Florida fan)
"I'd put money that if Mizzou and WVU lose we'd be in the championship game...and Tenn?...please...they've looked like *expletive* all season... *explitive* even yall murdered them...the game is in the bag."

Even yall what a bunch of b/s haha we should have beat lsu haha Its not like we are a bad team!

[Tennessee Ted]

(LSU fan speaking to Florida fan)
"I'd put money that if Mizzou and WVU lose we'd be in the championship game...and Tenn?...please...they've looked like *expletive* all season... *explitive* even yall murdered them...the game is in the bag."

I think that is the way Tennessee felt in 2001. I hope the players think the same thing.

[Bulldog Bry]

I think the Vandy kicker deserves better. His team nonchalantly dinked and dunked up the field with time expiring. If they were a little more aggressive they could have made that a shorter field goal.

Kickers have but one job, even Vandy kickers. Kick it through the uprights. That's all.

(just indulge my anger, ok?)

I can't believe that anyone thinks it's a stretch that UT could win this game. The Bayou Bengals just don't look as fierce as they did in early September.

[crawfish]

Love those predictions, but I understand the hopeful thinking. LSU will give Tennessee all it wants plus some. Everything coming out of the Tigers practice today is that all the players have a real nasty attitude. I like our chances a lot. Should be a fun game for all, and between two really good ball clubs. Good luck to the Vols!

LSU 45
Tennessee 28

[GeauxTo]

Tennessee is playing very good football right now. Ainge is looking like the QB everyone has always thought he could be; they pitch and catch very well. Their one runner is very good, but they don't have many.

LSU has been playing pitiful defense and spotty offense. If they can put together a good offensive game, they have a lot of firepower. If Nebraska is occupying Pelini's mind, Miles needs to scrutinize the defensive plan very closely. The talent on that side of the ball is being wasted and left to function on its own.

This game could geaux either way, but Matt Flynn does have a special knack for the Georgia Dome surface. The Tigers should win, but, by the same token, they should have beaten R-Kansas.

[LSU PRIDE]

i think we gonna bounce back from that last game... we dont lose 2 ina row to often

38-24 LSU

[KillerNut]

LSU struggles in the first half then comes out firing in the second. LSU 42 Tenn 31

[Wizard of Orange]

LSU struggles in the first half then comes out firing in the second. LSU 42 Tenn 31

Apparently, you've seen TN play before.... that seems to be the standard mode of play lately. Get a big lead in the first half, go into a shell in the second, pray for a miracle at the end...

[Tennessee Ted]

I think this game will be close. It might even come down to the last minute like last year. Our strength is our run defense because McCoy and Mayo are warriors in rush defense. Flynn is not good enough to exploit our weak pass defense the same way Wilson, Longshore, Tebow, and Woodson did.

LSU may be upset and come out focused because of last week's loss, but I feel Tennessee is getting no respect and has something to prove. It must anger the players like it angers me to keep hearing you got lucky getting into the game and that you are the 3rd best team in your division. This may be the case because Georgia and Florida are awesome, but it still must rankle them to hear this especially after we beat the one team by three touchdowns (Granted Georgia is a different team since then.)

[gatorunvrsty]

I think a lot will depend on what happens in the first quarter. WVU isn't going to lose, and LSU players and coaches know that it'll take a beatdown of epic proportions of UT for them to have any shot at getting in the NCG. If UT hangs with them, or leads early, I think they'll get deflated; and not play like they're hungry. If LSU jumps out to a big lead, I think they keep rolling. UT will be playing like they're thankful to be in the position they're in, and will be well-prepared. LSU players are probably a little distressed about what's happened; and nobody knows what's going on between Miles's ears. Ainge is finally starting to show his potential, too. I'm saying UT 31 - LSU 27.

[Tennessee Ted]

[QUOTE=gatorunvrsty;335542]UT will be playing like they're thankful to be in the position they're inQUOTE]

Good post, except I hope that UT plays with a grudge because of a lot of the disrepect they are getting instead of just happy to be there.

[fernandomike]

I doubt that our guys are satisfied with simply getting to Atlanta. As far as I know, you don't get rings for winning your division. They want to be champs and should be loose and focused going into the game with a favored LSU team.
I do think that UT has a decent shot to win. LSU's true nature is to run the ball and our glaring weakness are our corners. Further, the Tigers defense has not lived up to its preseason billing. Ainge should be able to find some holes. I'm excited to be playing for the crown and I believe that our team is likely just as hungry as our fans are. After all, we haven't won one since '98.

[Gator2753]

If this game goes to OT, Ill bet you all can guess who I'm going with:laugh:

IMO, this year is the best chance for the SEC west to reclaim the SEC title. Next year, UGA and UF will be the teams to beat, and Carolina will be more consistent as well.

I like Fulmer, I like the Vols, and I would be thrilled for Tennessee if they win it. Their fan base and their coach deserve a title.

I think that LSU will be well prepared though. Im taking the tigers in this one and hopefully, if that happens, LSu will find themselves in the NCG.

[GatorBait15]

Close game I see here, Tennessee seem's like they will be out for blood 31 23 tennessee!

[Tennessee Ted]

If this game goes to OT, Ill bet you all can guess who I'm going with:laugh:

IMO, this year is the best chance for the SEC west to reclaim the SEC title. Next year, UGA and UF will be the teams to beat, and Carolina will be more consistent as well.

I like Fulmer, I like the Vols, and I would be thrilled for Tennessee if they win it. Their fan base and their coach deserve a title.

I think that LSU will be well prepared though. Im taking the tigers in this one and hopefully, if that happens, LSu will find themselves in the NCG.

If LSU wins how do you figure they will jump 5 teams?

[Gator2753]

If LSU wins how do you figure they will jump 5 teams?

They still have a shot. They will need help though. They should jump UGA for sure since they arent playing an extra game. WVU and Mizzou could lose as well. Stranger things have happened.
Appalichain State / UM
Stanford / USC
USF @ AU
UL Monroe / Bama

[Neyland's Ghost]

I think this game will be close. It might even come down to the last minute like last year. Our strength is our run defense because McCoy and Mayo are warriors in rush defense. Flynn is not good enough to exploit our weak pass defense the same way Wilson, Longshore, Tebow, and Woodson did.

LSU may be upset and come out focused because of last week's loss, but I feel Tennessee is getting no respect and has something to prove. It must anger the players like it angers me to keep hearing you got lucky getting into the game and that you are the 3rd best team in your division. This may be the case because Georgia and Florida are awesome, but it still must rankle them to hear this especially after we beat the one team by three touchdowns (Granted Georgia is a different team since then.)


UGA ought to thank us for taking them behind the woodshed again, because that loss is what lit the fires under their collective asses. If UGA plays us close or wins then they would have been smoked by Florida and the tumble would have continued with Auburn and they wouldn't even be talking about BCS this or BCS that.

[BAMAPERRY]

Hard to get a grasp on this game. LSU SHOULD win and I think they'll win a close one. The mental aspect is very big in this game. Wouldn't shock me to see either team win big.

[Roscoe]

Apparently, you've seen TN play before.... that seems to be the standard mode of play lately. Get a big lead in the first half, go into a shell in the second, pray for a miracle at the end...

Should be a good game then, LSU is exactly ass backwards from TN. Allow opponents to get a huge lead in the first half, come out firing in the second, tie the game, and then pray for a miracle the last 60 seconds.

[Chinaski]

44 - 37 Lsu

[Tennessee Ted]

UGA ought to thank us for taking them behind the woodshed again, because that loss is what lit the fires under their collective asses. If UGA plays us close or wins then they would have been smoked by Florida and the tumble would have continued with Auburn and they wouldn't even be talking about BCS this or BCS that.

The question Georgia has to ask themselves is why did it take a loss to us to get them to where they are now? You cannot win national championships by rebounding from dominating losses. They need to be focused from the beginning of the year next year.

[U-Dub Gamecock]

Tennessee has been playing well lately.. and something just aint right with LSU.. Rocky Top 34 LSU 31

[Bulldog Bry]

I think a lot will depend on what happens in the first quarter. WVU isn't going to lose, and LSU players and coaches know that it'll take a beatdown of epic proportions of UT for them to have any shot at getting in the NCG. If UT hangs with them, or leads early, I think they'll get deflated; and not play like they're hungry. If LSU jumps out to a big lead, I think they keep rolling. UT will be playing like they're thankful to be in the position they're in, and will be well-prepared. LSU players are probably a little distressed about what's happened; and nobody knows what's going on between Miles's ears. Ainge is finally starting to show his potential, too. I'm saying UT 31 - LSU 27.

Um, I would consider you a pal, but I've got to call BS on that. You're telling me that the LSU players are so chapped at missing out on a MNC, that they will give up - even if the SEC crown is on the line? Re-think that.

Nor do I think UT will EVER be like, "Oh, we're just so glad to BE here". They have a chance also to win, ahem, the SEC Championship. And while the rest of the country is whining and moaning about the BSC, UT knows that they can absolutely steal this thing. I mean, I know they won close games against Vandy and Kentucky when they were reeling, but they WON. They did what they absolutely HAD to do. If that doesn't jack you up, nothing does.

Also, I agree with you about Ainge.

[D^3]

The question Georgia has to ask themselves is why did it take a loss to us to get them to where they are now? You cannot win national championships by rebounding from dominating losses. They need to be focused from the beginning of the year next year.

The problem is not that they needed a dominating loss to get them started... it was that they are all inexperienced and didn't know what it takes to win. I don't remember which one of the players it was that was quoted, but it was one of the freshman who said that they might have thought that they would win games because "they were Georgia"... and they really had no idea how much it took to stay on top. These are for the most part all Freshman and sophomores on this team... and none of them have been part of a championship team yet. The loss to Tennessee was more of a lesson in what happens when you don't give 100% than a spark that got them ignited. Now they know what it takes to win games in the SEC, and also how you lose them. Since they are all young and will still be with us next year... they won't need a loss to inspire them next year.

[Wizard of Orange]

By the same token, the A*S - Whooping TN received from Bama woke them up as well IMO

[WallyGoat]

I can't stand Miles and LSU and I certainly can't stand Fulmer and UT. I gain nothing from rooting for either team. But with the whole Michigan/Miles deal, he's going to be too distracted to focus on beating the Vols.

24-19 UT over LSU.

[GoVols1998]

I can't stand Miles and LSU and I certainly can't stand Fulmer and UT. I gain nothing from rooting for either team. But with the whole Michigan/Miles deal, he's going to be too distracted to focus on beating the Vols.

24-19 UT over LSU.

I agree plus Tennessee has alot of momentum from beating KY. LSU is coming off a loss thats basically ruined there season.

[GeauxTo]

It is not a good idea to count the Tigers out. The Vols are still going to see more speed and talent than they've witnessed all year. Whether the coaching is pristine or not, look for the Bayou Bengals to play pretty much up to their ability, which is not good news for the Vols. There is a good chance that Ryan Perrilloux will start, and that, too, may not be good news for the Vols. He is not as smart or as experienced as Matt Flynn, but he's a better runner and a better passer. And Bo Pelini has been bashed all week on Baton Rouge sports radio; look for him to have his defense ready and try to recoup some of the glory that they had earlier in the year, like against Virginia Tech.

[The Ramp]

my prediction......SHOOTOUT

[shanksta13]

I think Perrilloux starting is a very bad thing for the Vols. Peach Bowl in 2005 anyone?

[TDArkansasOhmy]

The battle of the two coaches who do the least with the most.

Good point, I agree. These are the bottom of the barrel coaches as far as smarts go. IM going with overall talent and say LSU in a close one.