CFI PREVIEW: SEC WEST

BY NEIL BISMAN
CONFERENCE USA INSIDER

Intriguing game of the week…Arkansas at Alabama: Running back Terry Grant has been a force thus far for the Crimson Tide and should be able to rack up quite a few yards against a defense that had trouble containing the Troy Trojans running game. Arkansas wide receiver Marcus Monk will not play due to surgery on his right knee and that does not help matters for the Razorbacks. Alabama should win this game by a bigger margin than people think as the Nick Saban era continues to be start off strong.
Prediction: Alabama 34- Arkansas 24

A must-win game for both teams…Mississippi State at Auburn: To be blunt, Auburn has looked atrocious in its first two games of the season. They were lucky to escape with a victory in their game against Kansas State and were not as fortunate in their game against South Florida. Auburn quarterback Brandon Cox needs to straighten things out or else he may be heading for the bench. Mississippi State might have a shot if the game were in Starkville but won’t be able to pull off any upsets on the road.
Prediction: Auburn 31 – Mississippi State 17

Lightning won’t strike twice…Middle Tennessee at LSU: Middle Tennessee was able to give Louisville quite the scare last week but don’t expect a repeat performance in Baton Rouge. Middle Tennessee may not be all that talented but it honestly would not matter if LSU were playing the Tennessee Titans, they are just that good.
Prediction: LSU 56 – Middle Tennessee 10