The SEC slate gives us a little bit of everything this weekend—an explosive quarterback showdown in Starkville, Florida trying to prove last week was no fluke, and a desperate South Carolina team fighting to keep its season from falling apart.
Here are my picks.
ALABAMA 41, MISSISSIPPI STATE 35
Keelon Russell against Kamario Taylor could be a preview of the top two quarterbacks in the 2028 NFL Draft.
Mississippi State can score with anybody, and Starkville will be rocking. But the Bulldogs’ defense hasn’t convinced me it can get enough stops. Alabama survives one hell of a shootout.
GEORGIA 38, VANDERBILT 13
Vanderbilt will fight, but Georgia has too much talent on both lines of scrimmage. The Bulldogs control the game early, wear Vanderbilt down and cruise through the second half.
FLORIDA 34, MISSOURI 27
Florida made a statement by beating the hell out of Ole Miss, and Jadan Baugh has planted himself directly in the Heisman conversation.
Missouri at home will make this uncomfortable, but Florida’s physicality and running game travel. The Gators remain unbeaten.
TENNESSEE 30, AUBURN 23
Tennessee’s offensive-line injuries concern me, especially against an Auburn team that will attack the line of scrimmage.
But the Volunteers are at home, and I expect their running game to eventually take control. Auburn keeps it close before Tennessee pulls away late.
KENTUCKY 27, SOUTH CAROLINA 20
I cannot pick South Carolina simply because I’m a Gamecock.
This team remains undisciplined, LaNorris Sellers has regressed, and the offense has no dependable identity. Kentucky is playing with more confidence and looks like the more organized football team.
Until South Carolina proves otherwise, I have to believe the same problems will continue.
ARKANSAS 31, TEXAS A&M 27
This is my upset pick.
Texas A&M has lost two straight and appears to be searching for energy. Arkansas has enough offensive firepower to make the Aggies uncomfortable, and I think the Razorbacks steal one in College Station.
LSU 45, McNEESE STATE 10
There isn’t much analysis required here. LSU gets ahead quickly, empties the bench and moves on to the next one.
JB’S BEST GAME: Alabama at Mississippi State
JB’S UPSET SPECIAL: Arkansas over Texas A&M
JB’S LOCK: Georgia over Vanderbilt
JB’S BOLDEST PICK: Kamario Taylor gives Alabama everything it can handle—but the Crimson Tide escape Starkville.
