SEC Championship Pick

Is it just me or does this game seem to be flying under the radar? I haven't really heard much hype for the game and it doesn't seem to be getting much national attention. I guess when Ohio State and USC have already wrapped up the college football time on ESPN, this is what results. This post may even echo into a empty canyon of disinterest.

The silence on this game is a real shame because this has the potential to be the most exciting championship game in a while, at least going into the game. While Percy Harvin is out, fast and exciting players abound on each team. Plus, we'll get to watch two of the more unconventional offenses in the country, the Gator spread and the Hawg Wildcat formation.

When Arky has the ball: Arkansas has the homerun hitter in Darren McFadden, a superbad wrecking machine who shreds opposing defenses with the wings on his heels. Houston Nutt gets him in on almost every play, lining him up at QB, RB, and WR. The problem with the Hawgs is that they can't throw the ball worth a damn. And that fact is sad because they have Marcus Monk, a receiver that would be a star at UF. If Dick somehow steps up and can complete a forward pass, the Hawgs could be in business against a nasty Gator defense. The Gator defense though hasn't been quite as nasty without Marcus Thomas, the tree smoking D-tackle, and they'll miss him when McFadden runs all over the interior defensive line. The Gators have good ends, athletic linebackers, and a headhunter at safety in Reggie Nelson. Look for the Gators to load up on the line until Dick shows there is life in his arm. If they keep Arkansas in third and five or more, the Gators will win. Arkansas will score enough to stay in it, but any mistakes will push them further and further behind. And the Wildcat ain't built for a comeback.

When the jean shorters have the ball: UF's offense has been spectacular at times, but it lacks the nonstop scoring attack of Spurrier's teams. They score with unbelievable ease one minute, only to struggle the next minute, even when they shouldn't. This is Chris Leak's legacy game. If he can win it, maybe he can live up to the great hype he arrived in Gainsville with. If not, he's just the same 'ole soft Chris Leak. I don't see him breaking out now. He'll have a solid game, but nothing great. Just like his career at UF. The Arkansas defense should try to knock him around early, even if they give up some yards doing so. Leak doesn't play so well when he gets pressured early. The Hawg defense has been servicable all year, but not spectacular. Sam Olajubutu will contain Wynn, but the UF passing attack will score points in bursts, but not consistently.

In the end, I say the Gators win a close one, 28-27.