It’s settled…even God hates going to Shreveport

There are very few things more disheartening among SEC than the prospects of spending the bowl season at the Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana . But a mediocre season and an 8th place finish in the toughest conferences in the land will get you some nice parting gifts and an all expenses paid trip to the Port City. Teams and fans alike are sure to enjoy the oppressive heat, street violence, and…hey look, casinos! But this year it means even more as the shamefully proud Indy Bowl is cutting ties with both the SEC and Big 12, instead choosing to disappoint a whole new batch of fans from the ACC and Mountain West in the coming years. So, its time to get sentimental people! Its the last run in Shreveport for the SEC, so lets make it count! Time to cash in those free Jack Binion’s Horseshoe buffet vouchers before its too late! And to commemorate this last year, every week FOTP will be taking a look at which SEC teams have the best chance of going bowling in East Texas the third most glamorous city in the Bayou State.

 1.  Arkansas (4-4) (1-4) Butt naked last in the SEC West at this moment but still alot of winnable games down the stretch.  The schedule sets up quite favorable for the Hogs, with South Carolina, Troy, and Mississippi State all having to travel to the land fueled by Everyday Low Prices as well as a road date at LSU.  If Arkansas can get at least a split, then that long trip down I-71 (with a stop in DeQueen for a bathroom break, of course) seems pretty likely.

2.  Georgia (4-4) (3-3)  An eye gouging blowout at the hands of Saint Tebow and the Gators and the Bulldogs find themselves very much in the crosshairs of Northwest Louisiana.  Like the Hogs, the Dawgs have three straight home dates, starting with Tennessee Tech, then Auburn and Kentucky.  Win only two of those and the Georgia faithful might want to think about mixing in a bullet proof vest with their red pants when packing for new years in the Port City.

3.  Kentucky (4-4) (1-4)  Just a devastating loss for the Wildcats last week.  The were all but booking their reservations at the Pelican Inn when they up and decide to drop one at home against State.  All hope is not lost however.  Games against Eastern Kentucky and Vandy loom before finishing a tough stretch against Georgia and Tennessee.  Somehow split those last four and UK gets back on the Rockin’ Rodeo dance card.

4.  Ole Miss (5-3) (2-3)  Ah Rebels, you were all but out of the Port City picture until an uneventful trip to the Plains over the weekend.  A “get well” game against Northern Arizona followed by two at home against UT and LSU will make or break the Rebel’s bowl season plans.  If things go poorly, the Shreveport play-in game could be taking place in Starkville over Thanksgiving.

5.  Mississippi State (4-5) (2-3)  A long shot but commendable that they are even in the conversation at this point.  Dan Mullen has his team playing with confidence, and they’ll need it with their remaining schedule that includes Alabama and a trip to Arkansas before the potential Brawl for it All against the Rebels in late November.

Out of the Poll This Week:  Tennessee, Auburn

Others Receiving Votes: Tennessee, Auburn, LSU, Danny Rolling, Mr. Jim’s Chicken, Affliction t-shirts