SEC Predictions For Week 8
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UMass at South Carolina:
It's been a rough start for Will Muschamp and the Ganecocks. Particularly the offense which is the lowest scoring in the nation. UMass has challenged previous SEC opponents Mississippi State and Florida for 3 quarters this season. Each time it got away from them in the 4th quarter. I expect the same and for South Carolina to show a little bit of life on offense in the 2nd half.
Prediction:
South Carolina 35
UMass 17
Tennessee State at Vanderbilt:
Vanderbilt is coming off of a big win over Georgia. Their defense looked great last week and almost singlehandedly won them the game. Tennessee State is capable of scoring points. They haven't scored less than 31 all season. That ends today. Vanderbilt continues to ride the momentum from last week.
Prediction:
Vanderbilt 28
Tennessee State 14
Middle Tennessee at Missouri
I believe this will be closer than most think. I almost picked Middle Tennessee to pick up the upset. They're a solid non 5 power school. Missouri isn't exactly scary. However, they haven't been at home in a month. I think that's the difference today in pulling out a win over Middle Tennessee. But I'm keeping my eye on this one.
Prediction:
Missouri 27
MiddleTennessee 20
Mississippi State at Kentucky.
Mississippi State has never lost to Kentucky under Dan Mullen (8-0). Kentucky is improved, and Mississippi State is struggling. You almost get the feeling that if Kentucky can't beat Mullen now, it may be a while before they ever beat him. The key matchup here today is the Mississippi State front 7 vs Boom Williams. It will dictate a large fraction of how this games gradually moves along. I see Mississippi State doing just enough to get by in this one.
Mississippi State 28
Kentucky 24
Ole Miss at LSU.
This is one of the 3 matchups in the SEC today that pits 2 ranked opponents vs one another. This is the beginning of a gaunlet for LSU as they will face 5 ranked SEC opponents. While Ole Miss is a disappointing 3-3, they're still dangerous with Chad Kelly at QB. They can move the ball on just about anyone. But the difference in this one will be LSU's dominant defense that isn't getting nearly the attention it deserves. I see Orgeron's squad pulling away in the 4th after a wild 3 quarters.
Prediction:
LSU 37
Ole Miss 24
Arkansas at Auburn:
While none of us were noticing, Auburn has quietly turned this season around. Vegas doesn't like the Razorbacks at all in this one and has them as a 10 point underdog. I see a closer game than that. This will be a game that's decided on the ground and by time of possession. And because Auburn is better on the ground and plays at home, I see them starting strong and giving them the edge in this one.
Prediction:
Auburn 30
Arkansas 24
Texas A&M at Alabama.
Alabama showed once again last week that they're by far the best team in America right now. And this may be the best offense Saban has ever had at Alabama. When you consider how well they always play defense, that's terrifying. This game pits the 2 remaining undefeated SEC teams vs one another. Texas A&M will have a tough time in this one. Alabama does a great job taking away the thing you do best. That's where it becomes a struggle for A&M. They thrive on being able to run the football, but Alabama thrives on shutting it down. It's strength vs strength, and in that scenario, Alabama wins.
Prediction:
Alabama 37
Twxas A&M 20
