Florida Looks to Rebound at Missouri in SEC Game of the Week
Last week’s slate of SEC games saw three really good games with Texas A&M winning at the final whistle, Missouri with a signature win at Georgia and LSU imposing their will over a great defensive team in Florida.
We also saw Mississippi State come awfully close to dropping their homecoming game to a team from the MAC, Arkansas get blown off the field by South Carolina and Alabama continue to roll as they have yet to be tested outside of their game at A&M.
I went 6-1 with my picks last week as I continue to be flummoxed with this Georgia team. I have eight incorrect picks on the 64 SEC games this season and half of them are on Georgia games, so when you see the prediction for their game vs. Vanderbilt, just take the opposite if you’re betting.
It will be interesting to see how the Bulldogs respond after their second loss of the season, but I’m most curious to see how Florida responds to their loss at LSU against Missouri, who will be playing with a backup at quarterback. This is a very good Missouri team who will be challenged by an angry and talented Florida defense.
The other game with two ranked teams playing against each other is Auburn at Texas A&M, two idle teams are Kentucky and Mississippi State, and for the first time all year, there are zero non-conference opponents on the docket.
Patrick’s a college football writer for Rant Sports and radio host on Sportstownchicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @PatrickASchmidt and add him to your Google network.
No. 15 Georgia at Vanderbilt
Georgia is coming off their second loss of the season and injuries are catching up to them, but Aaron Murray is still too much for Vanderbilt. Georgia wins 30-20.
No. 11 South Carolina at Tennessee
Tennessee was idle last week after their near upset over Georgia, while South Carolina played their best game of the year. The Vols nearly pulled off the upset over the Gamecocks last year in a game remembered for being Marcus Lattimore's last collegiate game, but they will be hard pressed to slow down Connor Shaw and Mike Davis. South Carolina wins 37-17.
No. 22 Florida at No. 14 Missouri
Florida is coming off a loss at LSU in which they averaged 3.5 yards per play while Missouri is coming off a big road win at Georgia, but lost James Franklin in the process. I like Maty Mauk at quarterback for Mizzou and think they remain undefeated in large part because of his supporting cast on offense and Michael Sam and company on defense. Missouri wins 23-17.
No. 24 Auburn at No. 7 Texas A&M
Auburn is getting Nick Marshall back at quarterback in addition to a top-25 rushing attack, so there will be some points scored in this game. However, Johnny Manziel is playing better than he did during his Heisman run last year and will be tough to get into a shootout with. Texas A&M wins 45-34.
No. 6 LSU at Ole Miss
LSU may be the scariest team in the country after the Tigers' defense dominated the Gators last week. The offense can beat you through the air or on the ground and is well-coached. Ole Miss took LSU to the wire last year as they lost in the final 15 seconds. I worry the Rebels are just too banged up to hang with one of the most complete teams in the country. LSU wins 42-28.
Arkansas at No. 1 Alabama
Things started so well for Arkansas as the Hogs rolled out to a 3-0 start, but they have since dropped every game since. Meanwhile, Alabama hasn't really been tested since they defeated A&M and should continue to cruise against Arkansas, who is reeling hard after only passing for 30 yards last week. Alabama wins 49-17.
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