Kirk Herbstreit’s sticking with his surprise SEC Championship Game pick, but doesn’t think those same Vols will beat Oklahoma tonight in Knoxville, revealing his pick on College GameDay.

“I picked Tennessee to win the East and reach Atlanta and Oklahoma in the final four, so something has to give here,” Herbstreit said. “I’m going with the Sooners and Baker Mayfield with an improved defense to win a close game in Knoxville.

“This is a really tough game to call.”

Herbstreit also believes LSU will find a way to beat Mississippi State on the road in the SEC’s second nationally-ranked showdown during Week 2.

“Jamal Adams is one of my favorite players in all of college football, Herbstreit said. “He provides that energy that LSU always seems to have. You’ll see him all over the field tonight.

“I think LSU is going to the national championship this season.”

Kentucky, whose lost 22 consecutive SEC road games, is a trendy pick to upset South Carolina. Herbstreit picked the Wildcats.

“I wasn’t impressed with South Carolina in their opener against North Carolina,” Herbstreit said. “I think Patrick Towles will go into this football game and end up making enough plays to get out of Columbia with a win.”

Herbstreit’s Week 2 SEC picks

  • LSU over Mississippi State
  • Oklahoma over Tennessee
  • Kentucky over South Carolina
  • Alabama over Middle Tennessee (covering -35)