Bob’s picks

Bob's Picks for Sept. 25, 2010: This week, Point Spreads are based on Danny Sheridan's Friday spreads in USA TODAY.

Bow-wow: interesting and somewhat overhyped SEC dogs.

Perhaps it is wishful thinking. Plenty of people have hyped three SEC underdogs as possible winners this week. Hmmm.

Alabama (-7) at ARKANSAS (3:30 p.m. ET): A lot of people are fired up about Razorbacks QB Ryan Mallett being able to hit some big passes against no. 1 Alabama's defense. What makes me wonder is why the same people envision Arkansas' defense stopping the Tide attackers. Pick: Alabama -7

Kentucky at FLORIDA (-14) (7 p.m. ET): Florida's offense seems to be going through some growing pains with a significant switch from running QB Tim Tebow to passing QB John Brantley. Still, Kentucky hasn't got the horses. Kentucky has a chance to beat a 2-TD spread but has little chance of winning.

South Carolina at AUBURN (-3) (7:45 p.m. ET): The Gamecocks are the most interesting dog. In their South Carolina's favor, Auburn comes off a bruising overtime win over Clemson, ironically Carolina's biggest rival. That could help the Gamecocks, but much of it comes down to how Carolina handles the grief over the suicide of all-time leading receiver Kenny McKinley, who was loved by many of his former teammates. I think they might win, but I lean slightly to Auburn. I'd leave this game alone.

--Bob Boyles