We all think we’d make great headline writers, but it’s actually more difficult than it looks.
Coming up with something short, simple and witty that can tell the story of an entire football game in just a fraction of a sentence is a unique skill.
This season, we’re going to have some fun trying to predict the headlines you’ll read about your favorite team in your local paper on Sunday morning.
We’re at a disadvantage, of course, because don’t know how the game will actually turn out. That’s the part of the prediction that makes things interesting.
Here are our headline predictions for Week 2:
Alabama vs. Middle Tennessee: Tide Rolls; bring on the rematch
The Crimson Tide should cruise its way to an easy win against the Blue Raiders. Everyone is already looking forward to the Sept. 19 rematch with Ole Miss in Tuscaloosa.
Arkansas vs. Toledo: Rockets grounded in Little Rock
The Razorbacks are a three-touchdown favorite against Toledo in their annual trip to War Memorial Stadium in Arkansas. Hogs win big here.
Auburn vs. Jacksonville State: Johnson gets tune-up, Tigers win big
The home opener against Jacksonville State serves as an opportunity to show off Auburn’s new scoreboard, and instill some confidence back into Tigers QB Jeremy Johnson following a mistake-filled opener in Week 1.
Florida vs. East Carolina: Gators shipwreck Pirates once again
For the second time in the calendar year, Florida will get the best of East Carolina.
Georgia at Vanderbilt: One down, seven to go
The Bulldogs will take care of business in their SEC opener in Nashville. Seven more conference games stand between the SEC East favorite and a trip to Atlanta for the championship game.
Kentucky at South Carolina: Wildcats come home empty-handed, again
Kentucky has not won a road game under Mark Stoops, and the expectation is set for this to be the game that breaks the streak. South Carolina has different plans.
LSU at Mississippi State: Sweet revenge
The Tigers fell victim to Mississippi State in Tiger Stadium last season, but this year’s game in Starkville breaks LSU’s way.
Mississippi State vs. LSU: Now what?
The Bulldogs drop a close one in their SEC opener, leaving a team with SEC West title aspirations behind the eight ball already.
Missouri at Arkansas State: Tigers escape den of Wolves
Make no mistake about it, Arkansas State is fired up about a visit from an SEC opponent. The Red Wolves will put up a solid effort, but Missouri will prove to be too much to handle.
Ole Miss vs. Fresno State: Rebels firing on all cylinders
After last week’s 76-3 pummeling of UT-Martin, the competition level will move up a notch with Fresno State coming to town. The Rebels will respond with another impressive performance at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium.
South Carolina vs. Kentucky: Momentum building
After what was a painful 2014 season, South Carolina jumps out to a 2-0 start, including a win against Kentucky in the conference opener.
Tennessee vs. Oklahoma: We’re back, baby!
Butch Jones secures a “signature win” as the Vols take down Oklahoma at Neyland Stadium.
Texas A&M vs. Ball State: Isn’t she lovely?
The Aggies show off a new-look Kyle Field in what should amount to a blow-out win against Ball State.
Vanderbilt vs. Georgia: Dawg Days have arrived for Mason
After a less-than-inspiring loss to Western Kentucky, the Commodores move to 0-2 on the season as the pressure starts to mount on Vanderbilt’s second-year coach.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
