A Saturday Loaded With Statement Games
This may be the deepest SEC schedule we have seen all season. Five games feature teams trying to remain in the playoff race, while several others could determine whether a season keeps moving forward or begins falling apart.
Florida at No. 7 Texas
Noon | ABC
Both teams desperately need a rebound.
Florida was physically handled by South Carolina, while Texas watched its No. 1 ranking disappear against Oklahoma. The Longhorns have more talent, but Arch Manning has to stop forcing throws when the first read isn’t available.
Florida needs to feed Jadan Baugh, shorten the game and make Texas prove it can handle pressure. I expect the Gators to keep it close for a while, but Texas has too many weapons and too much at stake.
JB’S PICK: Texas 31, Florida 20
Mississippi State at No. 22 LSU
Noon | ESPN
This is my upset special.
LSU is coming off a brutal overtime loss to Kentucky, and now it has to deal with Kamario Taylor, one of the most dangerous young quarterbacks in the country.
Taylor gives Mississippi State a chance every time it steps onto the field because he can beat a defense with his arm or his legs. LSU has more overall talent, but right now I trust Taylor more than I trust the Tigers to play a complete football game.
JB’S PICK: Mississippi State 31, LSU 27
The Citadel at Texas A&M
1:00 p.m. | SEC Network+
There isn’t much mystery here. Texas A&M has struggled against legitimate competition, but this is an opportunity to clean up mistakes, build confidence and get its younger players meaningful snaps.
The Aggies should control the line of scrimmage from the opening series.
JB’S PICK: Texas A&M 45, The Citadel 10
Auburn at No. 1 Georgia
3:30 p.m. | ESPN
The Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry is always physical, but this is a terrible spot for Auburn.
Georgia is coming home after beating Alabama and taking over the No. 1 ranking. The biggest concern for Kirby Smart will be making sure his team doesn’t suffer an emotional letdown.
Auburn can make this uncomfortable if it creates turnovers and stays close into the fourth quarter. I just don’t believe the Tigers have enough offensive firepower to consistently move the ball against Georgia.
JB’S PICK: Georgia 34, Auburn 13
No. 13 Missouri at No. 9 Ole Miss
3:30 p.m. | SEC Network
This may be the most intriguing game of the weekend.
Missouri is coming off a dominant defensive performance against Texas A&M. Ole Miss just put 52 points on Vanderbilt and has one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the conference in Trinidad Chambliss.
Missouri must keep Chambliss in the pocket and prevent explosive plays. Ole Miss has to be patient because the Tigers will force it to earn every yard.
This feels like a fourth-quarter game, but playing in Oxford gives the Rebels the slight edge.
JB’S PICK: Ole Miss 34, Missouri 30
No. 8 Alabama at No. 14 Tennessee
3:30 p.m. | ABC
The Third Saturday in October has real playoff consequences again.
Alabama is coming off a physical loss to Georgia, while Tennessee survived a tougher-than-expected trip to Arkansas. The biggest issue for Tennessee is its quarterback situation. You don’t want uncertainty at that position when Keelon Russell and Alabama’s offense are coming to town.
Neyland Stadium will be loud, emotional and hostile. Tennessee will land a few early punches, but Alabama is the more complete team and Russell is the best quarterback in this matchup.
JB’S PICK: Alabama 34, Tennessee 24
Arkansas at Vanderbilt
7:00 p.m. | ESPN2
These may be two of the hardest teams in the conference to predict.
Arkansas pushed Tennessee before falling short. Vanderbilt was embarrassed by Ole Miss and now has to prove that performance didn’t break its confidence.
This game will come down to which team can establish the run and avoid the turnover that swings momentum. Arkansas looked tougher and more physical last week, and I think that carries over.
JB’S PICK: Arkansas 30, Vanderbilt 24
No. 15 Kentucky at Oklahoma
7:30 p.m. | SEC Network
Both teams are coming off emotional upsets.
Kentucky stunned LSU in overtime, while Oklahoma knocked Texas from the No. 1 spot. Now we find out which team can put the celebration behind it and refocus.
Kentucky is playing with confidence under Will Stein, but Oklahoma’s defense is fast, aggressive and difficult to attack through the air. Playing in Norman gives the Sooners another significant advantage.
This should be a physical, low-scoring football game decided late.
JB’S PICK: Oklahoma 27, Kentucky 20
JB’S GAME OF THE WEEK
Missouri at Ole Miss
JB’S UPSET SPECIAL
Mississippi State over LSU
JB’S STATEMENT GAME
Alabama over Tennessee
JB’S BEST BET TO DOMINATE
Georgia over Auburn
South Carolina gets the week off, but the Gamecocks still have plenty to watch. Several teams remaining on their schedule will reveal exactly who they are Saturday.
This isn’t just another SEC weekend. By midnight, the conference championship race—and the playoff picture—could look completely different.
