predictions report compiled by David Rice
Editor’s note: Welcome to the fourth season of Tusk to Tail – the sport of tailgating as organized, performed and perfected by a group of Hog fans who have been tailgating together sober and otherwise for more than a decade. Members of the Tusk to Tail Team are Sean Casey, Jack Clark, Dale Cullins, Greg Houser, Craig May, David Rice and Mark Wagner. Tusk to Tail is managed by The City Wire. Legal representation is iffy at best and professional psychological help is typically ignored, if not mocked.
The diehards may also be followed on their Facebook page. Or follow the crew on Twitter — @TuskToTail
There is a rumor going around that the Hog football coach with a big mouth doesn’t much care for Auburn. Another rumor is about a big rain on the Arkansas-Auburn match. Great. Two teams with soggy futures will not be all wet.
THE QUESTION
Who gets your vote for the Razorbacks’ MVP at the midpoint of the season?
Sean Casey
It is difficult to find a valuable player with the record the Hogs currently have. In the event I am forced to nominate someone, I will go with Alex Collins, with Drew Morgan being the runner up.
Dale Cullins
I'll go with Brooks Ellis. He has made a lot of plays, though I'm not sure if that's because of him being in the right spot, or the lack of standout players on the Hogs D-Line.
David Rice
Offensively I give the nod to Drew Morgan, as he’s gone from a reserve role to one of our biggest playmakers. I hope to see more production from Hunter Henry and Dominique Reed in the coming stretch run. But the real star is our defense, who has held 5 of our 6 opponents to their lowest score of the season. Brooks Ellis leads the team in tackles, and was an absolute beast against Bama, so he is the MVP thus far.
Mark Wagner
No player other than Alex Collins and Drew Morgan has stepped up and lived up to or exceeded my expectations. Therefore I’m going with Coach Robb Smith. Despite a lack of quality linebackers, and a young secondary, the defense has improved to where, in my humble opinion, we can win out. The man has proven this year that he is a great coach.
Blake O’Nelly
There is not a MVP right now, which is why we are below .500.
THE GAMES
• Auburn @ Arkansas
Craig May
Arkansas comes into the Auburn game well rested and looking to take advantage of playing 4 of their last 6 games at home. Auburn has struggled this season to find consistency at the quarterback position and their defense has been anything but impressive. The rain will be a factor on Saturday. Look for the Arkansas ground game to take over and keep the chains moving all day. Arkansas 27, Auburn 17.
Jack Clark
The entire season, Beliema's future, and the hopes for all Arkansas fans are all riding on this game. Even Jeff Long ought to be anxious this weekend as a Razorbacks loss might be the beginning of the end for Long and Beliema. Beliema ran his mouth the entire offseason about his hatred of Auburn and Gus Malzahn. He'd better back it up this time. I'll say Hogs in a close one.
Greg Houser
I always liked Gus and what he did for Arkansas High School football, but I'm a Hog and the home team wins. I'll take Arkansas with a solid ground game, and good enough defense to win by 10.
Todd Rudisill
It looks like this will be a game in heavy rain, but who really knows up until kickoff? Certainly not the weathermen. In case you haven’t heard Bielema hates Auburn. Hogs run all over Auburn 31-21.
• #15 Texas A&M @ #24 Ole Miss
Sean Casey
Ole Miss is reeling after a stunning loss to Memphis. The Aggies have been fairly consistent getting points on the board. I like Texas A&M to win in Oxford.
Blake O’Nelly
Great match up. Both teams coming off rough losses, and are trying to avoid falling out of the SEC West race. Aggies on the road are generally tough and I just don't like Ole Miss. Aggies get the win.
• #9 Florida State @ Georgia Tech
Greg Houser
Georgia Tech reminds me Arkansas this year: lots of great expectations met with nothing but question marks. Florida State Criminals by two touchdowns.
Todd Rudisill
Tech is just not very good, especially on the road. Noles 28-17.
• Tennessee @ #8 Alabama
Craig May
Alabama is on a roll beating two Top 10 teams on the road. They have only trailed once in the last four games. With road wins over No 8 Georgia and No 9 Texas A&M, Alabama is heading for a showdown with LSU in a couple of weeks. The Tide host Tennessee on Saturday with the Vols having lost eight in a row to Alabama and 22 in a row to ranked teams on the road. Look for the Alabama defense to dominate this game. Alabama 35, Tennessee 17.
Blake O’Nelly
Alabama is playing Tide football right now. This is a rivalry game and Tennessee is just not there yet. Bama gets another solid win at home.
• #6 Clemson @ Miami
Mark Wagner
Clemson is 6-0, and while Miami has looked good this season, their defense will not be enough to stop Clemson. I predict Clemson wins 32 - 14.
Todd Rudisill
Clemson has one of the best defenses in the country. Tigers over Canes, 34-17.
• #3 Utah @ USC
Blake O’Nelly
Is this a job audition for Utah's coach? Who knows? As Hog fans know, coaching searches are terrible.Utah is playing well and USC has too much chaos surrounding the program. Utah wins again.
Jack Clark
I'll take Utah in a blowout.