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What a week it was in the SEC last week! The Arkansas Razorbacks fell to the Warhawks of Louisiana Monroe and two SEC stalwarts rudely welcome the conference’s new additions to SEC conference play.
I went 9-2 on my week 2 picks, making me 21-2 on the young season. The only picks I missed on last week was obviously the upset in Little Rock and the Kent State-Kentucky game. No one predicted that Arkansas would be toppled at home by a smaller school and let’s be honest, would it have surprised anyone if Kentucky lost to Kent State?
Week 3 is highlighted by an Arkansas-Alabama matchup that has lost most of its hype, the Texas Longhorns traveling to Oxford to play Ole Miss, and what is expected to be a great game in Knoxville between Tennessee and Florida. There aren’t many chances for upsets this week but if they do happen, it will be to the detriment of Auburn and Vanderbilt.
Without further ado, here are my week 3 SEC Predictions.
PRESBYTERIAN at VANDERBILT
The Commodores are 0-2 to start the season and have to win this one. Luckily, for them Presbyterian won’t put up much of a challenge. This game is more of a tuneup for next week’s tilt against the Georgia Bulldogs. Vanderbilt 34, Presbyterian 13
UAB at SOUTH CAROLINA
Gamecocks quarterback Connor Shaw may not play in this game but South Carolina showed they can survive with Dylan Thompson at the steering wheel. The job is still Shaw’s but if Thompson has another great game, I can see a quarterback controversy brewing in the near future. South Carolina 45, UAB 17
MISSISSIPPI STATE at TROY
Troy has been a pest for the SEC in previous years, so Mississippi State should be on watch. They just defeated an SEC West team other than Ole Miss for the first time in years and have a right to be happy. However, Dan Mullen will have his team mentally prepared. Mississippi State 27, Troy 16
IDAHO at LSU
Is it just me or do potatoes look like goose eggs? Idaho will wish they stayed in the potato state after Saturday’s game. LSU 34, Idaho 0
WESTERN KENTUCKY at KENTUCKY
Alright, Kentucky I won’t pick against you. Well at least until you begin SEC play. Wildcats quarterback Maxwell Smith makes Kentucky fans reminisce about what it was like to have a decent quarterback. The Cats win easily. Kentucky 41, Western Kentucky 17
FLORIDA ATLANTIC at GEORGIA
FAU has a left guard that weighs in at 270 pounds. Size does not always matter but Georgia has two nose tackles that weigh over 350 pounds each. Can anyone say mismatch? Expect Georgia to dominate both lines of scrimmage in this one. Cornerback Malcolm Mitchell may play some offense in this one, meaning Aaron Murray has another toy to play with. Georgia 63, FAU 3
TEXAS A&M at SMU
A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel impressed in last week’s game with his ability to run the ball. However, the Aggies fell apart in the fourth quarter, just as they did last year. That shouldn’t be the case this year. Texas A&M 31, SMU 17
LOUISIANA-MONROE at AUBURN
Does anyone smell something burning? Oh that’s just the smell of Gene Chizik’s chair getting even hotter if he loses this one. Auburn is 0-2 to start the season and fans aren’t happy. Luckily for them they get a win this week but in a nailbiter thanks to the Warhawks. Auburn 27, La Monroe 24
TEXAS at OLE MISS
Ole Miss is off to a 2-0 start and momentum seems to be the highest it has been in a while for the Rebels. The Grove will be rocking Saturday and be a big factor…..for part of the game. Texas quiets the crowd in Oxford with a big third quarter. Texas 38, Ole Miss 24
ARIZONA STATE at MISSOURI
Mizzou is coming off a big loss to Georgia and will arrive in Arizona with a makeshift offensive line. James Franklin will amass more than 25 yards on the ground this week and will show off his arm against the Sun Devils. Missouri 38, Arizona State 27
ALABAMA at ARKANSAS
If it weren’t for the Warhawks, this game would be the most hyped of the entire weekend. Arkansas was thought to be a contender for the SEC West this year but the Razorbacks have looked less than mediocre the past two weeks. They should have tuned in to Nick Saban‘s press conference last week about respecting your opponent. Quarterback Tyler Wilson may not play against the Crimson Tide and without him, the Razorbacks stand less of a chance. Alabama 41, Arkansas 13
FLORIDA at TENNESSEE
For the first time in years, both of these teams are ranked. However, they are complete opposites of each other. Tennessee has a prolific passing attack while Florida’s passing game still seems to be in a stage of adolescence. The Gators have a great defense though unlike the Vols. Unfortunately, the Gators will be without linebacker Jelani Jenkins, a huge loss for them. Except Tyler Bray and the Vols to make a statement to the SEC in this one. Tennessee 38, Florida 24
Chris Lionetti is a writer for Rant Sports with a focus on SEC football
Follow him on Twitter: @ChrisLionetti
