Last week was not kind to the Vols and Razorback fan bases. This week sees 5 conference match ups, while Auburn, LSU, and Kentucky basically have the week off, as they'll pay over a million dollars for a win, and Vandy goes to Middle Tennessee State. The biggest game of the week is clearly Alabama at Georgia, but each SEC conference game has it's own appeal.
South Carolina
at Missouri - 3
South Carolina took care of business last week against a terrible UCF team, though they trailed 14-8 at the half. Meanwhile, Mizzou lost at Kentucky 21-13 and Maty Mauk completed 50% of his passes for 180 yards and 1 TD. Mauk is out this week, as he's suspended for a violation of team rules, which means Drew Lock will get the start at home. Both teams have been anemic on offense this season. I'd normally go with the home team here, but I've seen Mizzou play and they are possibly the worst 3-1 team in college football. They should easily be 1-3 if not at least 2-2. That having been said if UNC's starting QB could read basic zone coverage in the red zone, South Carolina would be 1-3 right now. The over/under in this game is 41.5 points, so if you're going to bet, probably take the under because the first team to get to 17 points is probably winning this game. Give me the Gamecocks to go on the road and get a win against Mizzou 17-14.
Alabama
at Georgia Line Even
Georgia has been favored all week, but the line has moved back to a pick em, after heavy money came down on Alabama in the last few days. This is a must win game for the Tide. If they go to 3-2 with 2 SEC losses, it's going to be extremely difficult to get to Atlanta. The stakes aren't so high for Georgia, with a weaker Eastern division, but they've got their eyes set on the playoffs. The forecast today is for rain, and a lot of it, all day. If Georgia runs the ball up the middle with Nick Cubb all day, they'll lose. That Alabama interior offensive line isn't letting Chubb rush for 100 yards against them. Georgia has to get the ball in space and they're going to have to win off the arm of Greyson Lambert. Mark Richt has not fared well in big games against Alabama. I'll go with the The Fighting Babars to get the win 30-24 in Athens.
San Jose State
at Auburn -20
Oh Auburn. What looked like a promising season has been crushed. Playoff hopes: Gone. SEC West Championship: Gone. Jeremy Johnson for Heisman: Gone. The Tigers will get the win this week against the Spartans from San Jose State, but I question whether or not they can cover this line, because they haven't covered a line since the middle part of the 2014 season. Auburn 28 San Jose State 10.
Eastern Michigan
at LSU -44.5
LSU playing in Death Valley at night is such a guarantee it should be a law, but jeez that's a lot of points. This game will see LSU jump out to an early lead and just coast in the second half. I'd be shocked if Fournette is in the game midway through the 3rd quarter. I wonder if Les will open it up and just let Brandon Harris throw all game to see if he's competent enough to complete a forward pass, or if he just stays conservative and runs the ball 70 times. Either way, I'll go with the Bayou Bengals to win and cover, 56-7.
Vanderbilt
at Middle Tennessee -3
Wait, Vanderbilt is getting points at Middle Tennessee? They've looked improved over the last couple of weeks, especially that defense. If Vandy runs the ball well with Ralph Webb and Johnny McCrary doesn't make any insanely stupid mistakes, I think the Dores get out of Murfreesboro with a win. Vandy 20 MSTU 17.
Arkansas
at Tennessee - 6.5
If Tennessee loses this game, the stock in moonshine and funeral homes is going to spike. I mean how many ways can you blow a 4th Quarter lead? A 63 yard TD on a curl route? You can't even do that in Madden on Rookie Mode. Then we look at Arkansas which actually resembled a football team last week, but lost in OT to Texas A&M, because they can't close out games either. I hope for the sake of Tennessee fans everywhere the Vols win this game. Arkansas can fall back on the fact that they have been hobbled by injuries and are playing on the road, but if they don't make a bowl Bret's seat is going to get mighty hot in 2016. Give me the Vols to win, but the Hogs cover. Tennessee 31 Arkansas 27.
Ole Miss -6
at Florida
It's Swag Kelly vs. Jorts & Crocs. The Rebels head to The Swamp in a battle of 4-0 teams looking to stay unbeaten. Half of the Florida Gators have been fighting the flu this week, and Will Grier might not even play. The Rebels looked like they were still hungover after the Bama win against Vandy. While, Florida pulled a Les Miles and managed to snatch victory from the jaws of the defeat from Tennessee. Both defenses are very good, but the Florida offense struggles to score points and Ole Miss doesn't. Ole Miss has the better QB and much better WRs, so give me the Rebels to get a win in Gainesville. It's close for 3 quarters, but a late turnover propels the Rebels to victory. Ole Miss 30 Florida 20.
Eastern Kentucky
at Kentucky No Line
Kentucky has looked much improved this year, and making a bowl for the boys in Lexington looks promising. They beat a bad Missouri team last week at home and they'll get an easy win against the Colonels tonight. The Wildcats go to 4-1 and get two weeks to prepare for Auburn at home.
Mississippi State
at Texas A&M - 4
This might actually be the best SEC game of the week. If the Bulldogs lose, their season is essentially done, and if A&M loses, with games left against Alabama at home and Ole Miss and LSU on the road, the Aggies would have an uphill battle to get to Atlanta. If this game was at a neutral site, I'd go with the Bulldogs, but I think being at College Station and at night, the Aggies find a way to get a win. Dak will put up good numbers, and the Bulldogs have looked better than expected, but A&M has more talent going into this game. In a high scoring game, the Yell Leaders win 34-30.
Week 5 of College Football begins shortly as Hurricane Joaquin approaches. Stay dry and thirsty. Cheers!
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