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We all think we’d make great headline writers, but it’s actually more difficult than it looks.
Coming up with something short, simple and witty that can tell the story of an entire football game in just a fraction of a sentence is a unique skill.
This season, we’re going to have some fun trying to predict the headlines you’ll read about your favorite team in your local paper on Sunday morning.
We’re at a disadvantage, of course, because we don’t know how the game will turn out. That’s the part of the prediction that makes things interesting.
Here are our headline predictions for Week 7:
Note: Auburn and Kentucky get a free pass this week thanks to the Thursday night contest.
Alabama (at Texas A&M): Playoff picture back in focus
It is cliche to say a team has its “backs against the wall,” but that’s exactly how Alabama much approach this game if it plans to be a part of the College Football Playoff this season. The Crimson Tide has some practice at this, including the majority of the 2014 season and a road win at Georgia earlier this month. Alabama wins at Kyle Field.
Florida (at LSU): Grier-less Gators lack bite
Make no mistake, the Gators are still a quality football team and the likely favorite to emerge from the SEC East, but winning at Tiger Stadium at night is a tough assignment. Doing so without your starting quarterback while also trying to stop the nation’s best running back is just too much to ask. LSU wins this game.
Georgia (vs. Missouri): Dawgs end skid, Tiger’s chances at three-peat
It may still be too early to call anything an elimination game when it comes to the SEC East, but many people will consider this one. With both teams already holding two losses in conference play, the loser is likely done. Even without Nick Chubb, Georgia should be able to outscore a Tigers team that has lacked offensive punch this season.
LSU (vs. Florida): Ugly, yet effective
Like most of the recent meetings with Florida, we can expect this game to be a nasty contest won in the trenches. LSU may not score many style points in this one, but when has Les Miles ever worried about winning pretty?
Mississippi State (vs. Louisiana Tech): State’s Bulldogs are best
This game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs won’t be a walk in the park, but Mississippi State should be able to close out its non-conference season with a perfect 4-0 record. Now, if Mississippi State can close out its in-conference season on a similar run, then we’ll be talking.
Missouri (at Georgia): No return trip required
It is likely that Gary Pinkel’s squad planned on making two trips to Georgia this football season. The first to compete in this game with the Bulldogs, and the second as participant in the SEC Championship in Atlanta for the third consecutive year. A loss to Georgia means that dream is likely over, and well, you see what that headlines says.
Ole Miss (at Memphis): Rebs ruin dream season
In case you haven’t been paying attention, Memphis is really good. But the Tigers are also really questionable on the defensive side of the ball. Expect Ole Miss’ high-powered offense to take full advantage of that, handing the Tigers their first loss of the season.
South Carolina (vs. Vanderbilt): Steve, wait…
Steve Spurrier blindsided college football with his mid-season resignation early this week. It created a whirlwind of emotions for many people, including players and coaches, and could predictably have an impact on the outcome of this game. Spurrier rarely lost to Vanderbilt, so a loss in a close game here may just leave South Carolina folks reciting the headline.
Texas A&M (vs. Alabama): Tide drowns unbeaten season
Texas A&M is in a good spot entering this game. Fresh off a bye week, the Aggies will host Alabama in a game that, while extremely important, won’t necessarily define whether they win the SEC West this season or not. That’s probably a good thing, because Alabama may escape Kyle Field with a win.
Vanderbilt (at South Carolina): Dores end SEC skid
Vanderbilt hasn’t won a SEC contest since James Franklin was in charge. The Commodores are coming off a victory and a fresh from a bye week, which is likely to put them in a much better frame of mind than the Gamecocks, who are coming in on an emotional roller coaster. The time is now for Derek Mason to grab his first SEC victory.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.