Perception vs. Reality: Week 14
It’s time to look at key questions across the SEC involving Saturday’s Week 14 slate of games:
Perception: Arkansas is red hot and Mizzou has weaknesses
No team in the country wants to play the Razorbacks at the moment, especially a nationally-ranked team from their own conference. Arkansas became the first unranked team in college football history to shut-out consecutive ranked teams last week, blanking No. 8 Ole Miss, 30-0. A feisty defense limited top offenses Alabama and Mississippi State to 14 and 17 points, respectively, and now get a chance to sink their teeth into a unit that’s only recently played up to its potential with quarterback Maty Mauk.
Reality: Tigers have been here before and welcome underdog role
Remember what happened last season? A midseason loss to South Carolina ended Mizzou’s long winning streak and put pressure on the Tigers to win out in order to stay atop the division. They did it, beating Ole Miss and Texas A&M over the final two weeks to reach Atlanta. It’s happening again, this time as narrow underdogs at home. Don’t discredit what Mizzou’s done this season despite bad losses to Indiana and Georgia. With a win on Friday, the Tigers earn another shot at an SEC Championship.
Perception: As a 9.5-point fave, Alabama-Auburn won’t be exciting
Payback’s a … you know. Last year’s Iron Bowl loss has marinated for a year on the minds of Alabama’s players, a setback that kept the Crimson Tide out of Atlanta and the national championship game. In a similar situation this weekend, here’s a chance at a do-over against the Tigers as a 9.5-point favorite. Alabama’s playing at an elite-level defensively and hasn’t given more than 23 points in any game all season. Don’t expect any game-winning kick six’s this time around, but that’s why we watch.
Reality: Expect an ‘all in’ approach from the Tigers
No, Auburn hasn’t met expectations this season thanks to one of the nation’s toughest schedules. But do you think Gus Malzahn’s harped on disappointment this week with his team heading into Tuscaloosa? Doubtful. This game is the Tigers’ season, a chance to forget about recent struggles and derail Alabama’s shot at another national championship.