Predictions around the country for this weekend's SEC games
It’s game week. And with game week comes predictions.
Now that the 2016 college football season has officially kicked off, let’s take a look at projected final scores for this weekend’s remaining SEC games, according to four different media outlet’s experts — USA TODAY’s Dan Wolken, Bleacher Report‘s Brian Pedersen, Athlon Sports‘ Steven Lassan, and FBSchedules‘ Eric Taylor.
Missouri at West Virginia
Bleacher Report: West Virginia
Athlon Sports: West Virginia
FBSchedules: Missouri
South Alabama at Mississippi State
Bleacher Report: Mississippi State
Athlon Sports: Mississippi State
FBSchedules: Mississippi State
UCLA at Texas A&M
USA TODAY: Texas A&M
Bleacher Report: Texas A&M
Athlon Sports: Texas A&M
FBSchedules: Texas A&M
Note: Everyone is going all-in on Texas A&M against UCLA despite the tragic news that Trevor Knight has been dumped by his celebrity girlfriend this week. But seriously, the Bruins are going to have a tough time moving the ball consistently in that 12th Man environment. (Even you, Josh Rosen).
Here’s B/R’s Brian Pedersen on why the Aggies have the slight edge:
“Texas A&M enters this season at a crossroads, with coach Kevin Sumlin feeling the pressure after consecutive 5-0 starts in 2014 and 2015 were followed by dismal finishes.
… The Aggies need this game far more than UCLA and will play with a level of intensity that didn’t exist during much of last year.”
LSU vs. Wisconsin
USA TODAY: LSU
Bleacher Report: LSU
Athlon Sports: LSU
FBSchedules: LSU
Note: Which will be the more difficult task for LSU players: Beating Wisconsin or fighting the urge to make a Lambeau Leap? Experts might go with the latter.
Louisiana Tech at Arkansas
Bleacher Report: Arkansas
Athlon Sports: Arkansas
FBSchedules: Arkansas
Georgia vs. North Carolina
USA TODAY: North Carolina
Bleacher Report: Georgia
Athlon Sports: Georgia
FBSchedules: Georgia
Note: Georgia coach Kirby Smart recently named senior Greyson Lambert the starter over highly touted true freshman Jacob Eason, but don’t expect that to stick for very long. Three out of four experts are going with the Dawgs in Atlanta this weekend despite what could be a carousel under center.
UMass at Florida
USA TODAY: Florida
Bleacher Report: Florida
Athlon Sports: Florida
FBSchedules: Florida
Southern Miss at Kentucky
Bleacher Report: Southern Miss
Athlon Sports: Kentucky
FBSchedules: Kentucky
Alabama vs. USC
USA TODAY: Alabama
Bleacher Report: Alabama
Athlon Sports: Alabama
FBSchedules: Alabama
Note: It’s an intriguing matchup, sure, but Alabama is an 11.5-point favorite and its defense should be able to keep USC quarterback Max Browne — a first-year starter — in check for most of the night.
Clemson at Auburn
USA TODAY: Clemson
Bleacher Report: Clemson
Athlon Sports: Clemson
FBSchedules: Auburn
Notes: FBSchedules’ Eric Taylor is the only person I’ve seen this week with the guts to pull the trigger on Auburn. Clemson has arguably the best quarterback in the nation, a dynamic receiving core, a powerful running back and a disruptive defensive front seven. It is widely expected to make another playoff run and win it all this time.
Taylor on Clemson and why Auburn will catch its ACC opponent sleeping:
“Rather than repeat what it took last season to get so close, you only focus on where you fell short and base your work and preparation on being good enough to win when you get another chance to win it all.”
Ole Miss vs. Florida State
USA TODAY: Florida State
Bleacher Report: Florida State
Athlon Sports: Florida State
FBSchedules: Ole Miss
Note: Like the Auburn-Clemson game, Taylor is going all-or-nothing with Ole Miss over Florida State … which wouldn’t be nearly as shocking of a result. FSU will be starting an inexperienced quarterback under center in Deondre Francois, and the Rebels could boast one of the nation’s top passing units. It should be a fun one to watch either way.