SEC Football Predictions 2012: Big-Game Winners and Losers for All 14 Teams

Okay, let's start a way-to-early, big-game prediction in the SEC. I'm bored. You're not, so let me fill you with my vacuum of despair. These are what I would consider the first big games of the season for each team.

Now with all due respect, I have done more drinking this bowl season than research, and my current picks reflect it. So, don't hold me to these projections. I will probably reevaluate after spring with a little more in-depth look at each team. 

Let the darts be thrown.

Kentucky at Louisville

It is basketball season, and the Wildcats are happy about that. Nonetheless, they have to look towards a starting point next season. And a good one at that. "So sorry Mr. Bond", Charlie Strong doesn't give them that.

Advantage: Louisville

Texas at Ole Miss

Texas is ready to make a statement, and so is Ole Miss. Unfortunately, Ole Miss has very little talent. Texas—just a slight bit more, or so I'm told.

Advantage: Texas

Florida at Texas A&M

This is the big one for both teams. The third meeting of these two teams and the inaugural kickoff into the SEC for A&M should make for good TV in the second week of play. With Weis out, it seemed that the Gators had some success with the new Urban Meyer team. However, I wouldn't write off the new Kevin Sumlin show yet. I just would keep typing, for now. 

Advantage: Florida

North Carolina State at Tennessee

Part of the double-header Kickoff Classic in the Georgia Dome, this is a must-win for UT. With more key components returning for the Vols than NC State, Dooley should feel somewhat at ease. But, don't think that chair is not warm.

Advantage: Tennessee

LSU...

I don't know which game to put as LSU's first big one. Washington? Auburn? Florida? Or, could it be Alabama? This team is going to be good next year as well. So, lets just say Auburn because we know Washington has zero defense. Breaking in a new quarterback is better than what they have now or what Auburn has on its side.

Advantage: LSU

Alabama at Arkansas

This is the Hogs' first big game, and it is in "Fayettenam" no less. Losing skill players like Joe Adams, Greg Childs (not this season) and Jarius Wright means Knile Davis will have to step up. But, that Arkansas defense is the problem. I don't see it getting better.

Advantage: Alabama

Clemson at Auburn

This game seems to be an interesting feat for both teams. Auburn must avenge last season's loss at Clemson, and Clemson must avenge every loss they have in the Georgia Dome. I'll give this one to Clemson because of returning players and coaches. What? Clemson loses their offensive line?

Advantage: Auburn

Georgia at Missouri

Another first big game for both. The proving ground that UGA should be back at the top, and Mizzou belongs in the SEC East title race starts in Columbia...the other Columbia. The Dawgs return the cylinders on their vehicle and have defense in them. But, sometimes things just go wrong. But still...

Advantage: Georgia

South Carolina at Vanderbilt

Believe it or not, this is a big game for South Carolina and, of course, Vanderbilt. Sure, I could put USC all the way to the Missouri game or even UGA at Columbia for their first big one, but I won't. You will find out when the game is played why. Statement time!

Advantage: South Carolina

Auburn at Mississippi State

This game, like last season, will define the Bulldogs' year. I know that Auburn doesn't have much of the greatness that they held in 2010 coming back, even in 2012, but they have talent. And that is more than MSU has. Same as last season.

Advantage: Auburn

Michigan at Alabama

Dallas will enjoy the amount of 'Bama and Wolverines fans flocking in for this one. Denard Robinson is a tricky one, but the Tide defense—though short some players—is stacked with real talent. Returning a stout offensive line and a good rushing game, the Tide will be hard to stop.

Advantage: Alabama