Week 13 is a slow week for the SEC as most teams are playing an FCS school. Still, a couple competitive matchups will keep things interesting as we enter the first of two final weekends this season.
12pm ESPN: W Carolina Catamounts 3-8 (2-6) @ Alabama No.5 9-1 (6-1)
Alabama jumped out to a commanding start at Mississippi State last week. Apparently not commanding enough to take out the starting quarterback.
With less than three minutes left in the first half and Alabama leading 35-7, Nick Saban left starter Tua Tagovailoa in for the final drive. As he dropped back to pass for the second time on the drive, Mississippi State linebacker Leo Lewis and defensive end Marquiss Spencer got to Tua in a hit that would eventually take the Alabama quarterback off the field on a stretcher.
The projected first round draft pick is certainly out for the season. He will start a long journey on his way back to hopefully playing in the NFL. Alabama backup Mac Jones will have no trouble this weekend.
Prediction: W Carolina 3, Alabama 54
12pm SECN: Samford 5-6 (4-4) @ No.15 Auburn 7-3 (4-3)
Auburn came up just short at home against a playoff team in Georgia. The Bulldogs remained at number four in the CFP rankings.
The Tigers let the Bulldogs take a 21-0 lead into the fourth quarter before mounting a comeback of their own. The bid would eventually fall short as the Bulldogs won 21-14. They’ll cruise by Samford.
Prediction: Samford 0, Auburn 42
3:30pm CBS: Texas A&M 7-3 (4-2) @ No.4 Georgia 9-1 (6-1)
Texas A&M is starting to feel itself as they enter arguably the roughest stretch of the season. They’ve won their last four games with ease save a close night in Oxford. Their 30-6 win over South Carolina last weekend extends the winning streak to six games now.
Georgia secured their spot in the SEC Championship once again. It is the first year in a row the Bulldogs have won the East. Barring a massive LSU meltdown, it will also be the first time the Bulldogs don’t have to fave Alabama.
Texas A&M, unfortunately, gets the No.4 team on the road this week and the No.1 team on the road next week, assuming all things stay the same. It will be the third and fourth time they play a top four team, and the third time they play the No.1 team. The Aggies season is bound for a rough ending.
Prediction: Texas A&M 24, LSU 41
3:30pm SECN: UT Martin 7-4 (6-2) @ Kentucky 5-5 (3-5)
Kentucky let Vanderbilt get off to a 14-3 first-quarter lead before stomping on the Commodores. They finished off the game on a 35-0 run.
While it’s always a good thing to get one in the W column, this one means a little more for Big Blue Nation as it likely secures a bowl game this year. Should that happen, it will be coach Mark Stoops fourth bowl appearance in a row with the Wildcats.
Prediction: UT Martin 10, Kentucky 38
7pm ESPN: Arkansas 2-8 (0-6) @ No.1 LSU 10-0 (6-0)
Arkansas got a much-needed bye week, though it was likely more appreciated by the fans. It was the first week since September 14 the Razorback faithful didn’t have to watch the team lose. After the firing of Chad Morris after the Western Kentucky game, it’s safe to say they’ll see two more losses.
LSU rolled over Ole Miss last weekend led once again by Joe Burrow and the dominant Tiger defense. The Tigers jumped out to a 28-0 lead in what was thought to be a blowout before allowing the Rebels to go on a 21-6 run. The Tigers would finish up nicely however winning 58-37.
The Razorbacks don’t stand a chance in Death Valley this weekend. The game has been hovering around a 43 point spread in once of the most lopsided betting odds in recent memory.
Prediction: Arkansas 13, LSU 59
7:30pm SECN Alt: Abilene Christian 5-6 (4-5) @ MS State 4-6 (2-5)
Mississippi State started off ugly against Alabama at home last week. They allowed the Crimson Tide two touchdowns in the first two minutes and closed the half down 35-7.
After Tua Tagovailoa went down with injury the Bulldogs were able to draw even with the Tide. The second half ended with the Tide scoring just 3 in a 38-7 loss. This week will be a walk in the park as the Bulldogs face in-state rival Ole Miss in a battle for bowl eligibility on Thanksgiving night.
Prediction: Abilene Christian 17, Mississippi State 41
7:30pm SECN: Tennessee 5-5 (3-3) @ Missouri 5-5 (2-4)
Tennessee has absolutely turned the season around this year. What started as a disastrous 1-4 season with two embarrassing losses turned quickly to 5-5 and potential bowl eligibility. The Volunteers have won four of their last five, most decided without question.
Missouri, on the other hand, has gone from great to bad to worse. They’ll be fighting for bowl eligibility in their final two games. The Tigers have lost four in a row and need either a win at home against Tennessee on the road against Arkansas. Missouri is 0-4 this year on the road.
Based on momentum alone the Vols should be able to come into Columbia Saturday and win this one. Missouri is lost and has scored 1 total touchdown in their last three games. Tennessee has been playing better all around and are hungry to keep the streak rolling and earn bowl eligibility this weekend.
Prediction: Tennessee 24, Missouri 14
*All times listed are Eastern Standard Time
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