story info 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.
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This week a member of the Tusk to Tail crew in response to a question about something related to Arkansas football used the word, “Rubicon.” Movement has been made toward impeachment proceedings and attempts to photoshop Coach Bielema in Roman Army garb.
THE QUESTION
Two more unbeaten teams lost last week. Which 4 teams will make the playoffs this season?
David Rice
There is still a lot to play out. If Ole Miss and Alabama both won out, Ole Miss would hold the division tiebreaker to send them to the SEC Championship, likely against Florida. If the Rebels won that game, could they get into the playoff with two losses, while the undefeated Memphis team that beat them gets left out? I also don’t trust Clemson to stay undefeated, which would knock them out. So how about Ohio State, TCU, Stanford, and Alabama? Don’t count out Oklahoma State from the Big 12 either.
Greg Houser
Methinks there may not be an SEC team in the mix this year. If that's true I'll go with Michigan State (please please please over the Buckeyes), Stanford, Clemson, and Baylor. As an SEC homer I'd prefer not, but the stars might align that way.
Sean Casey
I think we'll see Ohio State, Alabama, Baylor, and Clemson make the playoff.
Mark Wagner
Ohio State, Clemson, TCU, and Alabama. After this upcoming weekend, you may need to ask me again.
Todd Rudisill
With JT Barrett back at QB for the Buckeyes, they look like the real deal again. The Michigan State game looms ahead though. I’ve got Ohio State, Clemson, TCU, and Bama as of today. Lots will change, though, as we know.
THE GAMES
• Tennessee-Martin @ Arkansas
Craig May
UT-Martin comes into the game with Arkansas on a four-game winning streak where they averaged 39 points a game. The only game the Skyhawks played this season against an FBS team was a 76-3 beating from Ole Miss. Ole Miss averaged 9 yards a carry and came up with several big plays in the passing game. For the most part, the Rebels did what they wanted all day long.
Arkansas needs to find a second tailback to take some of the pressure off Alex Collins. Kody Walker and Denzell Evans should get some work at tailback on Saturday. The Hogs will use the passing game early to get up big, then spend the second half figuring out the running back rotation for the last four SEC games. Arkansas 44, UT-Martin 17.
Jack Clark
Skyhawks? Really?
Dale Cullins
This game better be 35-0 at halftime. This Razorback team needs to show that the win last week in overtime was a Rubicon type event for them and that only bright things are ahead. That being said, I will say 49-10 will be the final.
Ryan Malice
Arkansas had a few players stand out last week to help with a win, including a nice assist from the Auburn receivers. No standouts or help needed this weekend. Arkansas rolls.
• Tennessee @ Kentucky
Craig May
Tennessee may be the best 3-4 team in the country. Their four defeats have been by a total of 19 points. Tennessee has won 29 of the past 30 meetings with Kentucky. The Wildcats’ only win came in 2011 when they stunned the Vols 10-7. Last season the Vols administered a 50-16 beat down in Knoxville. Both teams are looking to end the season on a positive note. Saturday’s game will not be a repeat of last season. The team that capitalizes on opportunities and is successful in the red zone will win the game. Tennessee 35, Kentucky 24.
Todd Rudisill
The Vols have been playing better recently coming off a heartbreaker to Alabama. If they had a field goal kicker they would have won the game. UK is up and down but has a good offense. Vols in a shootout, 38-35.
• #19 Ole Miss @ Auburn
Dale Cullins
I think the Ole Miss D is finding its feet again after a win last week over A&M, but this is a road game in the SEC and Gus will have his back against the wall. Auburn's QB situation is improving and the defense is playing better too. I'll give Auburn the edge in this one. AU 27, Ole Miss 21
Ryan Malice
Last week, I went with Ole Miss because I do not like them. Although Auburn is both making strides and playing at home, Ole Miss is just better this year. Ole Miss wins.
• #12 Oklahoma State @ Texas Tech
Greg Houser
Gundy gets to dance in the locker room again, while Tech fans still brood about not getting to throw tortillas on the field. Okie Light by 10.
Todd Rudisill
First off, prayers for the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic homecoming parade accident last week at Oklahoma State. OSU is favored by 3. Cowboys win 41-31.
• Georgia @ #11 Florida
Sean Casey
I like Florida at The World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party. Gators win 35-24.
Ryan Malice
One of those great games I would like to attend someday. Although the game always has upset potential, I will go with the surprise Gators at home.
• #9 Notre Dame @ #21 Temple
Mark Wagner
Temple is undefeated and off to their best start in the history of the program. However Notre Dame will be too much for them. Even though the game will be played in Philadelphia, I think Notre Dame wins by two touchdowns. ND 24, Temple 10.
Todd Rudisill
The Owls are ranked for the first time since 1979 and their defense has been very stout. But the wins are not against the toughest schedule. It should be a short stay in the top 25 for Temple. Irish 34-21.