I have no idea if Glenn Frey had any interest in college football. But the Glen Frey song from the movie Beverly Hills Cop had a refrain that perfectly fits SEC Football in Week 8: "The heat is on." Almost every SEC football team faces a Week 8 precipice.
Every SEC football team is in action in Week 8. For many teams, Playoff viability is at risk. For others, Week 8 games present potential tipping points that later games could not reverse. More than a couple of head coaches' tenures hang in the balance. Week 8 and 'means more' is an appropriate combination.
Week 8 SEC Football Games
- LSU (5-1) at Vanderbilt (5-1) - The Bengal Tigers as an underdog in Nashville is borderline stunning. LSU's Playoff chances will take a major hit with a loss. The Dores have slim Playoff chances, but they could rise or crash depending on the game's outcome.
- Oklahoma (5-1) at South Carolina (3-3) - According to ESPN, the Sooners have slightly lower Playoff chances than Vandy. That 24.4% probability will drop into the teens with a loss. South Carolina will drop to official 'also ran' status with a loss at home.
- Texas A&M (6-0) at Arkansas (2-4) - Despite pushing Tennessee hard before losing last week, the Hogs will likely experience more pain against the Aggies. Mike Elko's team, with a 78% Playoff probability (second to Alabama's 83.7%), will not lose much if upset by Arkansas.
- Ole Miss (6-0) at Georgia (5-1) - The Dawgs need the win more than the Rebels. Ole Miss lacks a truly impressive win. Upsetting Georgia in Athens would be a resume-booster for Lane Kiffin's team.
- Mississippi State (4-2) at Florida (2-4) - Billy Napier is coaching for his job ... again. A win may not save him. A loss, and he is done. The Bulldogs need to continue the momentum being built under Jeff Lebby.
- Texas (4-2) at Kentucky (2-3) - The two-touchdown favorite Horns need to continue offensive progress. Though Mark Stoops is protected by a big buyout, a blowout loss would increase pressure for a change via a negotiated settlement.
- Tennessee (5-1) at Alabama (5-1) - The Game of the Week in the SEC has two teams whose Playoff chances can't afford an October hit. Kalen DeBoer's team needs to maintain its momentum.
- Missouri (5-1) at Auburn (3-3) - Auburn has a defense good enough to stifle Missouri. Hugh Freeze's offense is a problem, but it may not be the Tigers' biggest problem on Saturday night. If, as some suggest, Freeze has lost his locker room, Hugh's inevitable exit from Auburn could snowball. The other Tigers need to avoid back-to-back losses.
My 'straight up' game winner predictions are: LSU, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Georgia, Florida, Texas, Alabama, and Missouri. I will not be surprised if Freeze gets a Houdini-like win in Jordan-Hare. Neither will I be surprised if, in the second half, with Auburn destined to lose, Auburn fans boo Freeze.