Randy Smith
Last week, I picked all seven games in the SEC correctly, giving me a season score of 72-15 (83%). This week, Auburn, Arkansas, Kentucky and Texas A&M are idle.
Alabama at LSU
This game has been one of the biggest SEC games of the year for several years now. With Alabama having two losses and LSU having one so far, the luster may be a bit less but it should still be a good game. While LSU is still alive for an SEC Title game appearance and a spot in the playoffs, Alabama has no margin for error at all.
I believe neither team will be playing for an SEC Championship when the smoke clears but both teams are formidable. LSU has the advantage because they're playing in Baton Rouge but don't be surprised if 'Bama gets the win.
LSU 34 Alabama 28
Florida at Texas
The Gators played Georgia tough last week before quarterback D.J. Lagway suffered an injury. When that happened Florida had no chance of winning the game. Lagway suffered a hamstring injury which turned out to be less serious than first thought. Whether he plays or not won't be a factor in the game. Texas will win pretty handily over the Gators. The Longhorns control their own destiny the rest of the way, with their toughest game the rest of the way being their season finale at Texas A&M. This week, Texas will win handily over the Gators or I'll be very surprised.
Texas 37 Florida 14
Georgia at Ole Miss
This could be the best game in the SEC this weekend. Georgia hasn't played that well at all recently and Ole Miss is coming off perhaps their best game of the year when they hung 63 on Arkansas. Since the game is being played in Oxford, it gives the Rebels even more incentive to win. the 'Dawgs are favored by 2.5 points but that means nothing at all in games like this one. The big key to the game will be Georgia quarterback Carson Beck who has thrown 11 interceptions in his last six games. If he continues to throw picks at that rate, Ole Miss will win big.
Ole Miss 27 Georgia 23
Oklahoma at Missouri
This game is really interesting. Neither team has played well lately though the Sooners blasted Maine last week 59-10. Missouri has been plagued with injuries on both sides of the ball meaning this could be be a really competitive contest. Oklahoma has struggled offensively all season but played pretty well on defense. There are a few Oklahoma fans who are beginning to be disgruntled with Coach Brent Venables but he is as good as anyone out there right now so Sooner Nation....be patient. The game is a toss up with Mizzou being a 1.5 point favorite but I'm counting on the Sooners to get it done.
Oklahoma 27 Missouri 20
South Carolina at Vanderbilt
South Carolina pulled off a major upset last week when they handed Texas A&M its only SEC loss thus far. That was a huge surprise but Vandy has been the biggest surprise in the SEC this season. The Commodores won't win an SEC Championship and they won't make the College football Playoffs....but they will go to a decent bowl game which delights the Vandy fan base. South Carolina is favored by a field goal and this week I believe they will cover, though I could be wrong.
South Carolina 27 Vanderbilt 24
Mississippi State at Tennessee
The Volunteers aren't playing that well at all offensively but they keep winning due to their great defense. When Nico Iamaleava matures and the offense catches up with the defense Tennessee will be a legitimate championship contender. The game this week with the Bulldogs gives the Vols a chance to finally put things together before they face another bunch of Bulldogs in Athens next week. Hopefully, they won't be looking ahead to their SEC headliner next week at Georgia. Mississippi State is a huge underdog and rightly so. What could be a magical season for the Volunteers will continue at least one more week.
Tennessee 40 Mississippi State 17