David Paschall: A difficult SEC debut for Mizzou

Missouri may be a factor at some point in Southeastern Conference football, but not in year one.

The Tigers have stumbled out of the gate in their new league, losing by 21 points at home to Georgia and by 21 last Saturday at South Carolina. Missouri didn't score a touchdown against the Gamecocks until 17 seconds remained in the game.

"We're disappointed, but we understand that we've played two really, really good football teams and happened to play Arizona State in the middle of the two," Missouri coach Gary Pinkel said Wednesday. "We prefer to look at it that way, but we are disappointed we didn't play any better. There is a lot of season left, and the SEC is obviously a great league, and we're excited being in it and want to do a better job."

Pinkel has led the Tigers to six consecutive seasons of eight or more wins, and extending that streak will be challenging with next month's home date against Alabama and November trips to Florida and fellow SEC newcomer Texas A&M.

The Tigers could slip to 2-3 overall this weekend with their tricky trek to Central Florida, which would make it even more evident that Missouri will need a little longer to have the impact it desires.

"I think time will tell," South Carolina's Steve Spurrier said. "I don't want to make any predictions, and they've got a tough game this week. Are they underdogs going down to Central Florida? UCF is a good team down there, but I think we've all got to play the season out.

"Some teams get better as the season goes along, and some teams get worse."

Pasquali's Pix:

Arkansas at Texas A&M: This is just not a good year to be a Razorbacks head football coach. Aggies 37, Razorbacks 17.

MTSU at Georgia Tech: Rumor has it the Yellow Jackets will look to establish the run. Yellow Jackets 52, Blue Raiders 13.

Tennessee at Georgia: So how did that Twitter skirmish between Da'Rick Rodgers and Bacarri Rambo turn out anyway? Bulldogs 38, Volunteers 26.

South Carolina at Kentucky: The Gamecocks have won 10 consecutive games against SEC East opposition since losing in their last trip to Lexington. Gamecocks 35, Wildcats 10.

UTC at The Citadel: Oh, to have $10 for every "Mocs not giving up on season" articles through the years. Bulldogs 28, Mocs 21.

Towson at LSU: And you thought Alabama's trip Nov. 3 to Baton Rouge was gargantuan. Louisiana Tigers 58, Maryland Tigers 3.

Ohio State at Michigan State: According to the terms of the NCAA sanctions, Urban Meyer's Buckeyes do have to play some road games this season. Buckeyes 20, Spartans 17.

Ole Miss at Alabama: A 9:15 p.m. EDT kickoff? It's always good to see the SEC putting the fans first with these television contracts. Crimson Tide 49, Rebels 10.

Last week:

Winners......................21

Big Game Bobs..........4

Pasquali is 82-18 overall (82.0 percent) this season.