B&S week 3 game by game previews
Week three will show us what Auburn and Florida are made of - but don’t sleep on the rest of the games. Going to be a great Saturday!
By: Bossman Slim, The Hammer, The Waco Kid
Potentially a huge statement gaem for Bo Nix and Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images
Bossman Slim is in Colorado this week for work, so his submissions are a bit scant. Rest assured, he still got his picks in and the rest of the crew picked up his slack with some solid analysis and picks.
Here’s how week 2 shook out in the B&S office:
Bossman Slim: 10-3; 21-5 overall
The Hammer: 11-2; 22-4 overall
The Waco Kid: 12-1; 22-4 overall
Some awesome games this week that could help shape the rest of the season. Let’s get into it.
Early Games
#7 Texas A&M vs New Mexico - 12:00 PM ET on SEC Network (A&M -28.5)
Bossman Slim: Zach Calzada gets it going this week after week of practice with the first team. Jimbo Fisher will have a good gameplan and the Lobos have long been a doormat. Former Kentucky QB Terry Wilson doesn’t have enough around him to beat a team like A&M in Kyle Field. Aggies, big.
#7 Texas A&M 45 - New Mexico 7
The Hammer: The Texas A&M offense and Zach Calzada had a rough outing last weekend against Colorado, narrowly escaping with a 10-7 win. Give Calzada credit though for making plays when it mattered most in the 4th quarter. It will be very interesting to see how Calzada looks after a full week of practice reps as QB1. The Aggies will need Calzada to and the entire offense to step up if they have any hopes of competing for the SEC West crown. The defense, on the other hand, is playing at an elite level, which is why this game is of no concern. The Lobos should not be able to score more than 10 points. Hopefully the offense can execute well and look sharp because if so, this one should be over quickly.
#7 Texas A&M 41 - New Mexico 10
The Waco Kid: Texas A&M had a rough outing last weekend but it was against a P5 opponent that was believed to have some talent on the field. The real issue was the Haynes King injury. Games always get a little more difficult when you lose your top play caller abruptly. The good news is new QB1 Zach Calzada has the passing ability to step in with ease and after a week of working with the number 1s, there should not be too much of a drop in productivity. Also did you see the Aggie defensive line? A&M could score three times and win by three touchdowns. This will be Calzada’s coming out party. Welcome Home.
#7 Texas A&M 52 - New Mexico 17
Kentucky vs Chattanooga 12:00 ET on SEC Network+ (Kentucky -32)
Bossman Slim: Kentucky has been playing well and notched a big win over Mizzou last week. Chattanooga ain’t known for football. Kentucky rolls. One more thing - put Kentucky in the top 25!
Kentucky 44 - Chattanooga 6
The Hammer: The hype coming out of the Bluegrass state is real. The Cats took care of business last week against a solid Mizzou team, and although they relied more on the run and the offense wasn’t as wide open as some thought, they still took shots downfield. The Kentucky of old ran the ball all day and rarely threw the ball more than 10 yards downfield. Chris Rodriguez showed why you hand him the ball as much as possible last week, but Will Levis connected on some big plays downfield despite only throwing 18 passes. Kentucky could be in for a special season. Oh, and this game will be a blowout.
Kentucky 48 - Chattanooga 7
The Waco Kid: I cannot even think about football in this one, the only thing on my mind is the below gem.
Kentucky 49 - Chattanooga 10
Missouri vs SE Missouri State 12:00 ET on SEC Network+ (-35.5)
Bossman Slim: Next.
Mizzou 48 - SE Missouri State 14
The Hammer: Another blowout in the making. Mizzou found something last week against Kentucky in a 16 round boxing match. The Tigers took some punches and kept swinging back until the final bell rang. Tyler Badie is becoming a real weapon on the ground and in the passing game. Tigers cruise.
Mizzou 38 - SE Missouri State 7
The Waco Kid: This will be a bounce back game for Mizzou after a tough loss to SEC East competitor Kentucky. The Tigers played very well on offense last week, the Wildcats were just able to put up more points by the end of regulation, which if you didn’t know is how games are won. Bazelek was a firework lighting up the Lexington sky, but his 294 yards and 4 scores fell upon deaf ears and blind eyes behind a huge day from the UK steamroller Chris Rodriguez. SE Missouri State will not put up anywhere near the same offensive production and Missouri will be looking towards Boston College by the middle of the third.
Mizzou 41 - SE Missouri State 13
Tennessee vs Tennessee Tech 12:00 ET on SEC Network+ (-40.5)
Bossman Slim:
Tennessee 41 - Tennessee Tech 10
The Hammer: Alright these cupcake games are getting out of hand. A lot of mismatches this week in the SEC. Tough loss for the Vols last week but they’ll get back on track here, otherwise Josh Heupel could find himself in a Jeremy Pruitt like situation where the University rats themselves out in order to fire him without a buyout. I’m going to be watching the QB positions closely, as that seems to be up for grabs again. Is Milton healthy enough to play? Is Hooker the guy moving forward? Is Harrison Bailey alive? Outside of that, this game will be a snoozer.
Tennessee 52 - Tennessee Tech 17
The Waco Kid: While Hendon Hooker played in relief of Joe Milton last week, this game will be the defining moment for one of these young men. One will become a starting SEC quarterback, the other will be the next Tate Martel. So guys play your hearts out or you too could end up at UNLV or Miami, that tropical depression of a team. The reality of it is, no matter who gets the starting nod the Tech Golden Eagles won’t be a challenge for the Vols. This is a chance to show off and pad stats because pretty soon UT won’t have a shot to do so. While the Knoxville kids make me nervous I don’t see a scenario where a loss is in the books.
Tennessee 49 - Tennessee Tech 14
Midday Games
#1 Alabama at #11 Florida 3:30 ET on CBS (Alabama -14.5)
Bossman Slim: This is a big one. Alabama has rolled the first few weeks, but Saban has been chewing his team out for their lack of focus. Florida has two wins under their belt but a big question mark at quarterback heading into this week. I expect to see both QBs in this one. The Swamp helps, and if Anthony Richardson gets the majority of snaps, I think the Gators can give the Tide a scare. But they won’t get it done.
#1 Alabama 38 - #11 Florida 28
The Hammer: I really want this game to be close. Like so bad. Please for the love of God, someone challenge Alabama. I don’t have high hopes here though. Alabama’s opening weekend demolition of Miami lost some of its luster last week with Miami barely beating Appalachian State, but Florida has not looked very good either. Emory Jones has been painfully inconsistent in their first two games, and the one thing you cannot do against Alabama is turn the ball over. It’s possible that Bryce Young and the Tide offense might be a little out of sync in their first road game, but I don’t think they’ll be out of sync enough to lose this game. Hopefully Anthony Richardson can make a few big plays, which he seems to do every time he touches the ball, but I don’t trust the Gators’ offense to score enough here. If they can get to 30 points, they’ll be right in it but I’m not sure they can do that on the Crimson Tide defense. Tide keeps rollin’.
#1 Alabama 38 - #11 Florida - 17
The Waco Kid: Florida is still having some issues finding its identity on offense. Which is a less than ideal situation to be in when hosting a Nick Saban coached team. The Gators have two quarterbacks they are deploying every game and cannot seem to make a decision on which is The Guy. Unfortunately whoever gets the nod this week will no longer be the starter going forward in the season, whether that be Emory Jones or Anthony Richardson. That means without a leading man in the huddle, the offense cannot cohesively work as one unit. This will ultimately be the downfall for Mullen’s squad. That and they are playing Bama. Even with all the talent lost to the 2021 draft, the tide (so far) seem to have not lost a step. This should cause concern to anyone on their schedule. They may falter in a game or two with a freshman quarterback, most likely not since that QB is raking in the cash money, but it won’t be UF that causes them to stumble. RTR.
#1 Alabama 52 - #11 Florida 24
Arkansas vs. Georgia Southern 4:00 ET on SEC Network (Arkansas -23.5)
Bossman Slim:
Arkansas 42 - Georgia Southern 17
The Hammer: Could we see a let down here for the Hogs after beating the #AllGasNoBrakes out of Texas? No, probably not. If I was a betting man, I’d say Georgia Southern covers the 23.5 point spread, but Arkansas won’t lose this game. Too much on the line right now after that big win and ahead of their matchup with Texas A&M the following week. Again, could be closer than people think but Arkansas will be able to run the ball enough and play sound defense to pull away in the second half and win. Sam Pittman has the group headed in the right direction and winning games they should win is a big part of that.
Arkansas 34 - Georgia Southern - 17
The Waco Kid: I have three games on my upset radar this week and this is one of them. The Razorbacks come off of a fantastic win over the perennial powerhouse Texas Longhorns. Oh wait, it isn’t 2006 and as much as the Exes want to live there, Welcome to the new era in college football. Dreams are now nightmares. Enough of UT sucking, we will have plenty of that to write about in the coming years, this past week was all about the Hogs. Fayetteville was rocking for this past one but will be pretty underwhelming for the Georgia Southern game. I always worry when an SEC team logs a big win out of conference because they tend to get overconfident. Luckily the amount of arrogance that may be shown in this game will not outweigh the talent. I do not think Georgia Southern can create an upset on the Hill. Sam Pittman’s team will come out lackadaisical and find themselves in a close game until mid 2nd quarter. At that point, we know the big man will turn that damn jukebox up.
Arkansas 45 - Georgia Southern 21
Mississippi State at Memphis 4:00 ET on ESPN2 (Mississippi State -3)
Bossman Slim: This one has some intrigue. Memphis has been feisty in recent years and Mississippi State is 2-0 but expected to be bottom tier in the SEC West. Can the Tigers drag down the Bulldogs? Nope...not this time. Leach gets the Bulldogs to 3-0.
Mississippi State 33 - Memphis 24
The Hammer: Mississippi State is coming off a statement 14 point win at home over NC State. A lot of people, myself included, had the Wolfpack beating Mississippi State but the Bulldogs took a dump on the Pack and sent them running for the hills. Memphis is no slouch though. The Tigers have put up 42 and 55 points in their first two games respectively. Luckily for the Bulldogs, their defense seems to be the strength of their team again. Cowboy Will Rogers and the offense have not been awful, but they haven't been very explosive. It seems like they are still trying to find a groove. I think they can find something this weekend though. Memphis can score but their defense is pretty weak. I think Mississippi State will overmatch the Tigers in the Liberty Bowl and come out with a win.
Mississippi State 38 - Memphis 31
The Waco Kid: This serves as my second upset alert for the weekend. Sure, the Bulldogs came out hot against NC State, but I still think Leach has a few upsets in his future before securing a top spot in the SEC. Memphis is a tricky team, they have played no one but have scored at will. They also have a history of being a bit of a nuisance for Power 5 schools. Former Denton Ryan quarterback, baby face Seth Henigan, is at the reins for the Tigers and has not thrown for under 240 yards this season. In fact last week he passed for 417 yards and 5 TDs. Fun fact Henigan resembles one of our own, The Hammer (if he ever had long hair and was back in high school). Still, this kid is a rising star and has a ground game behind him led by Brandon Thomas that has not rushed for under 140 yards this year. Potent offense, bad competition, still one has to wonder what this team from Tennessee can do in a real game. Mississippi State is still finding their identity, Will Rogers seems to be the future but a downtick in the ground game could prove difficult for MSU. I think this could be the game of the week.
Mississippi State 29 - Memphis 35
Late Games
#2 Georgia vs. South Carolina 7:00 ET on ESPN (Georgia -31.5)
Bossman Slim: It might be Carson Beck under center for the Dawgs this week as JT Daniels and Tombstone Bennet battle injuries. Beck was a 4-star recruit, so he’s got some talent. Doty may start for USC but Zeb Noland has gotten them to 2-0. Even if UGA is on their third-string QB, USC won’t get to 3-0. The Dawgs are too much.
#2 Georgia 38 - South Carolina 13
The Hammer: Georgia has been downright dominant defensively through two games. Just obliterating opposing offensive lines and locking down wide outs on the outside. Clinical stuff. And offensively, thanks to Stetson Tombstone Bennett, they showed some explosiveness against UAB, who isn't a bad team at all. All that is to say, the Dawgs are playing well. I’m not sure if JT Daniels will play this weekend or not, but Stetson has won plenty of SEC games in his day to take care of business if called upon. South Carolina on the other hand is trying really hard. From what I’ve seen, the team really likes Shane Beamer and busts their tail for him. Problem is, they can’t match up with the Dawgs talent-wise. It’s just too big of a gap right now, especially if Zeb Noland is under center. I’m hearing rumors that Luke Doty might be coming back, but it might be in his best interest to sit this one out unless he wants to take a beating right after coming back from injury. That Georgia front seven is going to punish the Gamecock QB all night long. I think this one gets ugly.
#2 Georgia 42 - South Carolina 7
The Waco Kid: The game may not be in jeopardy but the betting line definitely is, especially because the spread opened at UGA -31.5. It all comes down to which quarterbacks are active for the game. At the beginning of the week JT Daniels was questionable but Georgia had a guy named Stetson Bennett who made the best out of his chance to start last week by throwing 5 touchdowns on 12 passes. Kirby Smart came out and said that now Bennett is dealing with a nagging back injury so he may not be ready to go. So who will be active for Saturday’s contest? If both have not recovered, it looks like Carson Beck will be given the keys to Olympia. Beck could engrave his name in history as god or be thrown into a hell consisting of riding the pinewood. Either way Athens will be rocking like it’s 1896 by the end of this one because that defense will hold Zeb and the Gamecocks to under 10 points leaving little for the offense to take care of. If the QB1 or QB2 play in this one bet the over, if not, well I wouldn’t expect a 31.5 point difference.
#2 Georgia 42 - South Carolina 17
#22 Auburn vs #10 Penn State 7:30 ET on ABC (Penn State -5)
Last White Out game the Nittany Lion fans forced a Michigan timeout on the opening play of the game
Bossman Slim: This should be a great game. A perfect measuring stick for Auburn, and in a hostile environment to boot. The white-out atmosphere in Happy Valley is one of the toughest environments to play in in the country. Penn State has average QB play and is so-so in my opinion. Auburn is breaking in a new coaching staff - what are you made of, fellas? Give me the Tigers in an upset. Hardass Harsin didn’t come to Auburn to coach no sissies. They’ll walk tall, Bo Nix throws two TDs and Tank Bigsby helps get the job done on primetime television.
#22 Auburn 28 - #10 Penn State 26
The Hammer: Auburn and Bo Nix have looked really good through two games. That’s great for morale, but they ain’t played nobody Pawwwl. But actually - they have played some of the worst football teams this country has to offer in the first two weeks. Now it gets real. Going on the road to Happy Valley for the White Out game is no joke. Auburn is no stranger to tough road environments, but Bo Nix never plays well on the road. And until he does, I don’t trust him. I don’t trust Penn State QB Sean Clifford that much either, but I give the Nittany Lions the edge at home. Penn State is a big, physical team that went into Camp Randall in week one and pulled out a tough win over Wisconsin. They are tested, Auburn is not. I expect Penn State to stack the box and make Bo Nix beat them through the air. They have to bottle up Tank Bigsby and Jarquez Hunter. If they can do that, it could be a long night for Bo Nix. Give me Penn State in a close one.
Penn State 24 - Auburn 20
The Waco Kid: I hate choosing a team for this one. Neither are programs I particularly care for but once the pick is made it will make the game a little less fun. No matter the outcome, the only thought going through my mind will be “I better be right”. That being said, it is football time now!!! This game most had circled (after UGA v. Clemson) as one of the best of the 2021 season. Two historically good teams from two legendary powerhouse conferences. I’m torn on how to gauge these teams. Auburn’s offense has been unstoppable against the bottom of the barrel, and Penn State beat Wisconsin to start the season but the Badgers have not looked great this year. It’s the White Out game for the Nittany Lions so Happy Valley will be shaking. That gives the advantage to PSU. However, Sean Clifford “The Big Red Dog” has left fans underwhelmed with his performance under center and the duo of Nix and Bigsby continues to make waves throughout the nation. If Bo can keep his cool in a hostile environment, the Tigers can pull this one out. Keep an eye on the Auburn sideline because as soon as you see a temper tantrum from the quarterback, the game is over. Here’s to hoping Nix can keep it together, at least for this week. War Eagle.
#22 Auburn 38 - #10 Penn State 23
LSU vs Central Michigan 7:30 ET on SEC Network (LSU -19.5)
Bossman Slim: LSU struggles again but gets the W.
LSU 34 - Central Michigan 21
The Hammer: LSU’s season is off to about as bad of a start as possible. Get whooped by UCLA and then snooze to a victory against McNeese. The Tigers offensive line has big issues. They couldn’t run the ball against McNeese and now starting tailback John Emory Jr is out for the rest of the year due to academic issues. Ed O is desperately trying to regain control of this program, but Central Michigan is not a team to overlook. The Chippewas gave Mizzou all they wanted in week one, and based on what I’ve seen Mizzou might be better than LSU right now. I’m having trouble seeing LSU actually losing this one in Death Valley at night, but I do think the Chippewas keep it close and the anger in Baton Rouge will echo from Death Valley to Bourbon St.
LSU 31 - Central Michigan 24
The Waco Kid: It doesn’t matter how bad LSU is on any given year, if you enter Death Valley all bets are off. Once the helmets are strapped and the shoulder pads are buckled it’s a whole different world. You are in for a battle whether you are on the sidelines, in the game, or in the stands. I can’t imagine Central Michigan travels well especially to Louisiana so this will be an overwhelmingly home game in every sense of the term. The Chippewas have been playing some good ball, they almost toppled Missouri in the season opener, while the LA Tigers lost to UCLA to start the season. The difference is almost toppling Mizzou is not an achievement in the SEC, it is an expectation. LSU just came off a sound win against McNeese State and if Coach O can let his son (QB for McNeese) take a beating he will show no mercy to others. Add in Max Johnson who is coming along as a starting quarterback and I am taking the bayou boys in this one.
LSU 38 - Central Michigan 10
#17 Ole Miss vs. Tulane 8:00 ET on ESPN2 (Ole Miss -14)
Bossman Slim: Matt Corral and this improved Ole Miss defense are too much for Tulane, who puts up a good fight early.
#17 Ole Miss 45 - Tulane 20
The Hammer: The Lane Train has been cruising through two games. Matt Corral looks like the Heisman candidate he was hyped up to be, unlike some other QBs (ahem, Spencer Rattler, Sam Howell). But Tulane has looked good in their own right. They gave Oklahoma all they wanted in week one and then pounded Morgan State in week two, scoring 35 and 69 points in those games. This ought to be a good test for the Rebels defense. Do not get caught overlooking Tulane or the Green Wave will hit you in the mouth. I think Lane will have his guys ready and Matt Corral has been around enough to know this is no gimme. I think Tulane can score on Ole Miss but they can’t keep up with the Reb’s offense.
#17 Ole Miss 52 - Tulane 38
The Waco Kid: This is the third and final game that an upset isn’t too far-fetched. Tulane looks good. They almost took down #3 Oklahoma, not saying much, but they had the heart of a feisty dog in every single contest this year. Ole Miss has handled every team they have faced but the Green Wave might be the best offense they have seen this season. Plus the defense isn’t too shabby either, forcing multiple interceptions from “top quarterback in the nation” Spencer Rattler. Yeah the quotations were used for sarcastic affect. Oklahoma is weak but gotta love what Lane Kiffin is doing down in Oxford, however he’s still due for some tough losses and this could be one. I’m not fully convinced it will be this week but it should be a close contest. Win, Lose, or tie the Wave faithful will be at the Boot in uptown New Orleans, celebrating a victory or pouring one out for what could have been.
#17 Ole Miss 38 - Tulane 35
Vanderbilt vs Stanford 8:00 ET on ESPNU (Stanford -12.5)
Not sure why this was shot on a flip phone but I can’t hear Stanford without thinking of this clip
Bossman Slim: Stanford got Clay Helton fired, and the Trojans have talent. Vanderbilt does not have talent.
Stanford 41 - Vanderbilt 17
The Hammer: Can Clark Lea and the Vanderbilt Commodores win two in a row? Doubtful. Stanford was served some old school Kansas justice by the Kansas State Wildcats in week one, but then turned around and dismantled USC 42 - 28 and got Clay “9 Lives” Helton fired (finally). Don’t forget Helton is a great guy though. David Shaw and the Cardinal have been a little down in recent years, but the team got new life when Tanner McKee took over at QB. Despite the win a week ago, Vandy has so far to go and I think Stanford is the better team and undoubtedly program right now.
Stanford 35 - Vanderbilt 17
The Waco Kid: Stanford just got Clay Helton fired. Vanderbilt got the East TN State coach a raise. This isn’t brain surgery. We all want to say Clark Lea is on the right track but for the ‘Dores that train hasn’t been on the track since James Franklin left for Penn State. I took Vandy for the win over Colorado State but I cannot give them the edge over a Cardinal team that is playing well. The Black and Gold are back to yearly expectations and this one should fall into that category. Ken Seals always has a good game hidden up his sleeve but I think it will probably come out later in the season. I’ve got Stanford in this one until we see some decent football coming out of Nashville.
Stanford 34 - Vanderbilt 13
Well, that’s all she wrote for our week 3 previews. Another awesome week of SEC football ahead of us. Time to crack an ice cold Miller Lite and park myself on the couch.
*X = This game was is so bad Vegas didn’t even set a line.
** = Neutral site game