This weekend’s SEC schedule features two undefeated heavyweights in Tuscaloosa, the Red River Rivalry in Dallas and several games that could reshape the conference race.
The biggest variable may be Hurricane Isaias. Wet conditions and strong winds would affect the passing game in Georgia–Alabama and could turn the conference’s marquee matchup into a physical battle decided along the line of scrimmage.
Here are my predictions.
No. 2 Georgia at No. 6 Alabama
This is the game everyone has been waiting for. Georgia has been dominant without really being tested, while Alabama is coming off a 56-point performance against Mississippi State.
Keelon Russell has looked remarkably poised, but Georgia’s defense represents a completely different challenge. The Bulldogs will try to pressure him without sacrificing coverage and force the young quarterback to sustain long drives.
Weather could become a major factor. If rain and wind limit the passing game, Georgia’s ability to run the football, control the clock and play defense gives the Bulldogs the advantage.
Prediction: Georgia 24, Alabama 20
No. 1 Texas vs. Oklahoma
Anything can happen in the Red River Rivalry, but these teams appear to be moving in opposite directions.
Texas has looked like the most complete team in the country. Arch Manning is beginning to settle into the offense, and the Longhorns have enough speed on defense to make Oklahoma one-dimensional.
The Sooners have struggled to find offensive consistency and cannot afford turnovers or empty possessions. Oklahoma may keep it competitive early because of the rivalry, but Texas eventually pulls away.
Prediction: Texas 34, Oklahoma 20
No. 10 LSU at Kentucky
This may be the most dangerous game on the schedule for a ranked SEC team.
Kentucky showed tremendous toughness by overcoming a 17-point deficit and beating South Carolina in overtime. The Wildcats are physical, confident and playing at home.
LSU has more overall talent, but Kentucky can shorten the game by running the football and forcing LSU to earn every possession. I expect this one to come down to the final few minutes, with LSU making one more play.
Prediction: LSU 27, Kentucky 24
Upset Alert: LSU
Texas A&M at No. 14 Missouri
Missouri made a statement by dismantling Florida 45–17. Austin Simmons threw for 340 yards, and the Tigers looked like a team capable of becoming a factor in the playoff race.
Texas A&M responded to its disappointing start by beating Arkansas, but the Aggies remain difficult to trust. Marcel Reed will have to generate explosive plays because Missouri is not likely to give A&M many short fields.
Playing in Columbia gives Missouri another significant advantage.
Prediction: Missouri 31, Texas A&M 23
No. 9 Ole Miss at Vanderbilt
Ole Miss had an open week to regroup following its loss to Florida. The Rebels remain dangerous offensively, but their inability to consistently run the football and prevent explosive plays makes them vulnerable.
Vanderbilt can create problems if Ole Miss allows this game to remain close into the fourth quarter. Trinidad Chambliss should eventually make enough plays through the air, but this could be more uncomfortable for the Rebels than expected.
Prediction: Ole Miss 34, Vanderbilt 27
Tennessee at Arkansas
Arkansas appears to be heading in the wrong direction. The Razorbacks have struggled defensively and are coming off a 34–7 loss to Texas A&M.
Tennessee should attack early, force Arkansas to chase points and remove the Razorbacks’ running game from the equation. Unless Arkansas suddenly discovers some offensive balance, the Volunteers should control this game.
Prediction: Tennessee 35, Arkansas 17
South Carolina at No. 16 Florida
This feels like a desperation game for both programs.
Florida was embarrassed by Missouri after appearing to turn the corner with its victory over Ole Miss. South Carolina has now dropped three consecutive games and continues to repeat the same mistakes—poor execution, dropped passes, defensive breakdowns and questionable game management.
The Gamecocks have enough individual talent to compete, but nothing we have seen suggests they can play four disciplined quarters. Florida’s offense should lean heavily on Jadan Baugh and test a Carolina defense that has struggled to stop the run.
South Carolina will probably make a few explosive plays, but until the Gamecocks prove they can finish a game, I cannot pick them to win on the road.
Prediction: Florida 30, South Carolina 20
JB’S SEC PICKS
Georgia over Alabama
Texas over Oklahoma
LSU over Kentucky
Missouri over Texas A&M
Ole Miss over Vanderbilt
Tennessee over Arkansas
Florida over South Carolina
GAME OF THE WEEK: Georgia at Alabama
UPSET ALERT: Kentucky over LSU
MOST LIKELY BLOWOUT: Tennessee over Arkansas
PICK I FEEL BEST ABOUT: Missouri over Texas A&M
WEATHER GAME: Georgia at Alabama
