Could Week 7 in the SEC be just as fun as Week 6?

Possibly.

Upsets aside, we’re beginning to see which programs are serious this season about competing for not only a conference crown, but one of four coveted College Football Playoff berths. The Magnolia State’s hoping to have repeat success a week after recording the singlemost memorable (combined) day in the history of Ole Miss and Mississippi State football.

Week 6 Results

  • Brad Crawford — 3-3 (against the spread); 3-3 (straight up)
  • Christopher Smith — 4-2 (ATS); 4-2 (straight up)

Season totals

  • Brad (@BCrawfordSDS) — 21-23 (against the spread); 36-8 (straight up)
  • Christopher (@csmithSDS) — 22-22 (ATS); 37-7 (straight up)

Readers can make their Week 7 picks here.

RELATED: SEC Power Rankings

We’ll start with the Fighting Dan Mullens who have rapidly risen from unranked to No. 3 in the country at 5-0 this season …

Auburn (-2.5) at Mississippi State

Brad: Nothing against the Bulldogs, I just don’t think this flaming-hot level of play is sustainable week after week for Dak Prescott and Co. Regardless of the outcome of this game, the loser still remains very much in the thick of the Western Division race. The winner however gets an upper hand on the rest, especially Mississippi State if it can make it three straight impressive victories. I don’t think it’s happening, cowbells or not: Auburn 34, Mississippi State 31

Christopher: I’ve had as much trouble picking this game as I have any contest all season. Mississippi State could’ve beaten LSU and Texas A&M by three or more touchdowns. But the Bulldogs haven’t played a team of Auburn’s caliber. That said, I think MSU’s front seven can approximate the run defense Kansas State played against the Tigers earlier this season. Though Auburn has tremendous athleticism on defense, the unit isn’t intimidating, and I expect Dak Prescott, Josh Robinson and State’s top two receivers will get some yards and points. This is starting to sound more familiar as a blueprint against Auburn, but I think the outcome hinges on whether Nick Marshall and some of the team’s talented receivers can get on the same page and connect downfield against a suspect secondary. I think it’s tough for MSU to get up three consecutive weeks, but I also like either team getting points. Auburn 28, Mississippi State 27.

Georgia (-3) at Mizzou

Brad: Is this what equates to an Eastern Division championship game at Faurot Field? It certainly could be, but this side of the SEC’s too unpredictable to make an accurate, well, prediction. I’m not sold on quarterback Hutson Mason, and with Todd Gurley now suspended, it will be an uphill battle. Blitzing often could lead to an upset win for the Tigers and a clear path to Atlanta, but after seeing that offense punt 10 times against the worst defense in the SEC last time out, that’s an issue. Gurley or not, I’m going Georgia: Georgia 27, Mizzou 20

Christopher: Many are declaring “winner takes the SEC East,” but I’m not so sure. Missouri’s offensive line is mediocre, the run defense is bad at times and depth is an issue at receiver among other positions. Georgia’s defense to this point hasn’t improved as much as I projected under coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, and the Bulldogs miss Aaron Murray. There are too many holes on these teams to hand the winner an East Division title this early in October. Missouri’s pass rush and Georgia’s running game are dominant, even without Todd Gurley, but I think the Bulldogs are still a marginally better team. Georgia 31, Missouri 27.

Alabama (-10) at Arkansas

Brad: Can we wait until Arkansas at least wins a conference game before crowning Bret Bielema’s squad the SEC’s most underrated? The Razorbacks certainly look the part with arguably the league’s most talented backfield, but an 0-2 in SEC play doesn’t define a giant leap in the right direction. I think the Razorbacks’ chances would’ve been higher had Alabama come into this one unbeaten. After a loss, the Crimson Tide’s on a mission to play their way back into the mix in the wild, wild West: Alabama 34, Arkansas 23

Christopher: The Razorbacks are an improved football team — Brandon Allen is healthy and the defense is playing more aggressive, physical football. But let’s not get carried away with Alabama. The Tide lost, in hindsight, what was a tossup game to a talented team on the road. Arkansas won’t be able to do much to stress the Crimson Tide’s secondary or pass rush, which may be the team’s weaknesses. Meanwhile, Nick Saban and the Tide sound ornery this week. I expect an angry Bama performance. Alabama 31, Arkansas 20.

Ole Miss at Texas A&M (-1.5)

Brad: I picked Ole Miss to start the season 5-0 including last week’s win over Alabama. The Rebels’ first loss however? Saturday night in College Station against a team anxious to return to the field to repair its ego. By no means are the Aggies going to dominate offensively against what I consider the nation’s best defense, but the pressures of playing as the hunted instead of the hunter will show for Ole Miss and a late turnover will seal its fate: Texas A&M 30, Ole Miss 27.

Christopher: I believe Texas A&M at No. 14 still is overrated and will fall to a more appropriate spot as a fringe Top 25 team by the end of the season. Arkansas and Mississippi State each contained QB Kenny Hill and the pass offense for three quarters, and the Ole Miss secondary should follow suit. The Aggies defense has more playmakers than it did last year with Myles Garrett, Shaan Washington and Deshazor Everett. But De’Vante Harris (in coverage) and Armani Watts (against the run) are undoing some of the good, and the team gets undisciplined against the read option. Ole Miss should pull a Tennessee, get the ball out to the receivers as quickly as possible and let them do damage. Ole Miss 35, Texas A&M 31.

LSU (-1.5) at Florida

Brad: Three field goals could be enough points to win this game in Gainesville, no longer the marquee matchup that was once projected. Both times have been anemic at times on offense, each with their own unique set of problems at the quarterback position. The Gators must rely on Jeff Driskel to make plays which plays into LSU’s strength up front. The Tigers’ defense has underperformed throughout the fall, but comes up with a crucial stop to earn SEC win No. 1: LSU 16, Florida 13.

Christopher: If the Tigers lose here, it’s possible the season gets ugly fast — maybe last in the SEC West ugly. LSU’s in bad shape at quarterback and along the interior of the defensive line. Florida’s Will Muschamp is coaching for his job, and the Gators are dealing with three separate quarterback issues. Jeff Driskel is the football version of sterile, Treon Harris is suspended after sexual assault allegations and Skyler Mornhinweg somehow thought a defensive lineman stole his cleats, responding by challenging him to fisticuffs. Still, I like the Gators defense to limit LSU and expect to see plenty of Matt Jones and Kelvin Taylor. Florida 17, LSU 16.

Chattanooga at Tennessee (-26)

Brad: Brick-by-brick, Butch Jones has continued to talk a good game without results. This one’s a must-win for his regime not only to keep Vol Nation happy for a week but to try and hit that six-win mark for a bowl invite this season. The main issue has been Tennessee’s play up front, something that won’t be solved overnight. Providing protection for Justin Worley to perform against the Mocs is necessary or the Vols could be in for a fight: Tennessee 44, Chattanooga 17

Christopher: The Mocs, ranked No. 13 in FCS, look like a playoff team at that level. The SoCon frontrunners lost at Central Michigan of the Mid-American Conference, 20-16, on the road to open the season. But the Vols are better than an FBS bottom dweller despite the ability of dual-threat QB Jacob Huesman. Tennessee has feasted on non-power conference teams this season, and that trend continues here. The haunted Vols offensive line gets some confidence back in this one. Tennessee 38, Chattanooga 10.

Louisiana-Monroe at Kentucky (-21.5)

Brad: With a win on Saturday, the Wildcats are just one victory away from BOWL ELIGIBILITY. That’s an impressive feat for Mark Stoops and his staff. There’s a chance Kentucky could crack the Top 25 as well if we see another Saturday of upsets like the last. Patrick Towles throws a couple touchdown passes and an underrated defense recovers from last week’s nailbiting finish over South Carolina: Kentucky 34, Louisiana Monroe 10

Christopher: Kentucky at 5-1? Better believe it. The Wildcats defense is good enough to squeeze teams outside of the power conferences, and the Warhawks have a woeful offense that LSU shut out. Kentucky may not be as sharp, as this is a difficult spot to maintain the emotional edge of the South Carolina game, but UK won’t have trouble here. Kentucky 27, Louisiana-Monroe 3.

Charleston Southern at Vanderbilt (-25)

Brad: I don’t need to analyze the FCS Buccaneers to know Vanderbilt’s in no way, shape or form 25 points better than an opposing team this season. The Commodores will snap a mini-losing skid, but it won’t be pretty if quarterback problems persist: Vanderbilt 24, Charleston Southern 7.

Christopher: Charleston Southern is ranked in the FCS Top 25. The Buccaneers are 5-0, and quarterback… OK, I can’t pretend any longer. Even Vandy without Patton Robinette is capable of beating a decent FCS program. The Commodores will play conservative football, hand off all game and win a second game. Vanderbilt 27, Charleston Southern 10.