I hope everyone is having a great Thanksgiving holiday weekend. I caught the Texas @ A&M game last night, and I thought the personal foul call late in the game was ludicrous. This was a great opportunity for a no-call, and not allow the game to be determine by an unnecessary penalty. But Big XII officials have a reputation for propping up Texas and stepping in to lend them a hand. Last night was no different and it seemed like another moment in a long line of head scratchers that have benefited The Longhorns.
Hopefully the Big XII egos can be set aside and this rivalry can be salvaged. The SEC handles rivalries a bit different. No one said the teams liked each other, but we never let that get in the way of good rivalry.
ARKANSAS (#3) at LSU (#1)
A lot, rightfully so, has been made of this game. The line has LSU -12, and I think Arkansas' lack of a true road win has many skeptics of Arkansas that might catch up with them today. The last time Arkansas saw a great defense (Alabama back on Sept 24th), they got shutdown when it counted most. LSU seemes to be on a path of destiny, but The Razorbacks will have their shot today in a similar fashion to '07 game. LSU had the better squad on paper, but a motivated Arkansas team walked away with the win. Petrino's offense is the 10th best passing attack in the country, and that will account for something. Matching up against LSU and finding a crease in that defense will be tough going. They'll have to use LSU's aggressiveness against them. Expect a lot of crossing routes, pick plays, and screens. I like LSU in this one. Their defense and run game are too strong, and I seem them getting more 3rd downs converted, controlling the clock and controlling the line of scrimmage.
HOUSTON (#8) AT TULSA (#27)
This game does have some extra juice on it as the CUSA West claim is at stake. This one might be closer than many think as Tulsa has been playing tough opponents throughout the year (Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Boise), but failing to win one. Tulsa has reeled off 7 wins in a row, and Houston has not lost a game November 27th of last year. Today just might be there day, but its highly unlikely as Case Keenum continues to astound and beat up on lesser foes.
