Not a great week last week but not horrible either. I went 6-1 straight up bringing my total to 51-8 (86.4%) and I went 4-3 against the spread which brings my season-to-date total to 33-22 (60%). This week we have five conference games, one tough mid-major foe and an FCS opponent. Let's get to the picks….
#25 Missouri (5-0, 1-0) at #7 Georgia (4-1, 3-0)
Noon EST, ESPN
Line: Georgia by 7.5
The tested vs the rested. Georgia comes into this game having already played three top ten teams, Missouri is yet to play a top 25 team. But, Georgia is banged up and Missouri is not. After losing two players to season ending injuries last week (Justin Scott-Wesley and Keith Marshall) and another for several weeks (Michael Bennett) the Bulldogs will have to adjust their game plan as they also wait to see if Todd Gurley will play this week. The keys for Georgia will be handed over to Aaron Murray and this is his game to win or lose. For Georgia to win, the young defense is going to need to step up. I do like Georgia to win this game at home but I think it will be another nail biter.
Prediction: Georgia 42 Missouri 35
#14 South Carolina (4-1, 2-1) at Arkansas (3-3, 0-2)
12:21 PM EST, SEC TV
Line: USCe by 6
The Razorbacks are on a three game slide but they are 3-1 at home including a tighter than expected game against Texas A&M. The Gamecocks have been in a bit of a funk and typically don't play that well on the road. On the road this year, the Gamecocks have lost to Georgia by 11 and beat UCF by 7. The Gamecocks should win this game and I think they do it by at least six but it will be a battle.
Prediction: South Carolina 27 Arkansas 17
Western Carolina (1-5) at Auburn (4-1)
2 PM EST
As of print, Nick Marshall is questionable for the game and the Tigers will go with Jeremy Johnson if Marshall can't play. Lucky for them it's just Western Carolina. Tigers roll in this one.
Prediction: Auburn 38 Western Carolina 14
#17 Florida (4-1, 3-0) at #10 LSU (5-1, 2-1)
3:30 PM EST, CBS
Line: LSU by 6.5
Last year Florida won an ugly game 14-6 in Gainesville. This year, LSU has found an offense so I just can't see a repeat of that happening this year. If Florida is going to win this game, they will need to open up the offense. This is the toughest defense that LSU has played this year but it's also the best offense that Florida has played this season. This should be a close one but I question Florida's ability to stick with LSU on the score board.
Prediction: LSU 30 Florida 24
#1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0) at Kentucky (1-4, 0-2)
7 PM EST, ESPN2
Line: Bama by 27
Alabama has disappointed some because they have seemed to lack a killer instinct against lesser opponents this season. Kentucky has looked like they are improving over the last few weeks but they haven't played a team like Bama yet. I think Bama opens it up in this one.
Prediction: Alabama 45 Kentucky 10
Bowling Green (5-1) at Mississippi State (2-3)
7:30 PM EST
Line: Miss St by 10
This is a potential upset alert for the Bulldogs, mainly because Bowling Green has a really good defense and the Bulldogs struggle at times on offense. Look for this game to be close but for Miss State to pull away in the fourth.
Prediction: Mississippi State 28 Bowling Green 17
#9 Texas A&M (4-1, 1-1) at Ole Miss (3-2, 1-2)
8:30 PM EST, ESPN
Line: A&M by 6
After a 3-0 start, the Rebels have faltered by losing their last two, both to teams in the state of Alabama. The Rebels come home for this game, will that help them get their mojo back? I just don't see it and mainly because of A&M's explosive offense. Look for A&M to continue their offensive dominance and they will simply put up too many points for the Rebels to counter.
Prediction: A&M 51 Ole Miss 28
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