Vassallo: Saturday's Televised SEC Trifecta

It’s a blessing Rebel fans that we have an “off day” Saturday as eight hours of prime time TV coverage will impact our future fortunes beginning at 2:30 p.m. Here’s how each of the three games will have a tremendous bearing as to where we end up in the post season.
CBS at 2:30 p.m. — Mississippi State at Alabama
Should State win: The chances of the Rebs entering the 4 team playoff are “Gone With The Wind.” This would mean that an 11-0 team, ranked number 1 in the nation will be entering the Egg Bowl with the western division title wrapped around their cowbells…not a pretty picture!
Should Alabama win: The Elephants would be stampeding towards the western crown with only a wounded Tiger in their path. On the other hand a rattled Bulldog would fall out of the final four; in all likelihood forfeit any chance of winning the west; and last but not least, limp into the Egg Bowl needing their groomer alongside for getting “best in show.”

ESPN 6:15 p.m. — Auburn at Georgia
Should Georgia win: Auburn will have “found a way to lose” and with 3 “L’s” you can count this toothless Tiger down and out! Back-to-back losses in November won’t win you many post season accolades. Georgia, on the other hand, will keep their eastern hopes alive, still wishing for a Missouri loss in the final three conference contests. Also, a Georgia victory will continue to compete with the Rebels for major bowl considerations.
Should Auburn win: The Tigers would then be primed to challenge Bama in Tuscaloosa on the 29th. A victory would also keep them entrenched in the Top Ten slightly ahead of the Rebels. Although a victory would be encouraging for Auburn fans, it would still be very unlikely that a western title would come with it.

ESPN 2 at 7 p.m. — LSU at Arkansas
Should LSU win: A Tiger victory doesn’t help the Bengals a great deal having 3 “L’s” entering the fray. Although a fourth loss would be devastating insuring the Mardi-Gras crowd a trip somewhere north of New Orleans ala Shreveport or Memphis. In addition, an Arkansas loss would keep the Hogs down for at least another week forcing season ending twin wins to be bowl eligible.
Should Arkansas win: Momentum would then be on the side of the Hogs entering the November 22nd showdown with Ole Miss. Having a difficult opponent such as LSU right before Ole Miss is not the ideal scheduling especially with the Rebs off. Arkansas could then become bowl eligible with a victory over the Rebs.
So there you have it. Eight hours of nonstop action Saturday all impacting the Rebels one way or the other. It’s unfortunate all six cannot lose, but three definitely will! Let’s just hope it’s the “right” three.

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. In addition, he is a certified economic and community developer and currently, a highly successful leader in the real estate business with Premier Properties of Oxford. Steve’s lifelong dream has been to live in Oxford full-time. “I am now living my dream daily as is my wife Rosie, who works with the Oxford Chamber of Commerce,” Steve said. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.