No. 7 Alabama at Oklahoma: 6:30 p.m. CT, Memorial Stadium, Norman, Oklahoma
The Crimson Tide will hit the road for its first-ever SEC meeting with the Oklahoma Sooners in what has all the makings of a trap game. A night game against a good defense in a hostile environment could give Alabama trouble on Saturday, but the team should be able to block out the noise like it did against LSU two weeks ago.
The key for the Crimson Tide will be limiting turnovers and taking advantage of a subpar Sooners secondary through the air. Oklahoma head coach Brent Venables has built a solid defensive outfit that has played well against the run all season, but it has somewhat struggled against the pass.
On the opposing sideline, the Sooners look to cause chaos in Alabama’s postseason aspirations. For Oklahoma to pull out an upset, the offense will have to find a way to improve, as the team has scored more than 14 points in just one of its last three conference games.
As long as Alabama doesn’t find itself looking ahead to next week’s Iron Bowl or a possible SEC championship berth, it should be able to handle the Sooners in Norman.
Prediction: Alabama 23, Oklahoma 6
Where to watch: ABC
No. 15 Texas A&M at Auburn: 6:30 p.m. CT, Jordan-Hare Stadium, Auburn, Alabama
Texas A&M finds itself in a similar situation as Alabama this week in, playing a night game on the road against an inferior opponent that has shown flashes throughout the season.
For Texas A&M to succeed in this game, it’ll have to continue to do the things it has done well all season. Running the ball at a high level and playing lockdown defense will be key in staving off the Tigers. The concern about the Aggies in this game is whether they’ll be able to adjust if Auburn hits on plays down field and defends against the run well.
This season has been disappointing for the Tigers, who have won only one SEC game with two left to play. However, with a talented roster and the chance to eliminate two SEC rivals, including Alabama, from playoff contention, the Tigers aren’t likely to just roll over.
This team has been competitive in almost every conference game it’s played but hasn’t put all the pieces together to win consistently. If Auburn can run the ball effectively and protect the football, fans should feel good about their team’s chances of hanging in this game.
While Auburn will put up a solid fight in this game, the Aggies will find a way to escape the Plains with a victory in what is a must-win game for their playoff hopes. This sets up a massive showdown next week when they host Texas in what likely will be a game to determine who goes to the SEC championship.
Prediction: Texas A&M 21, Auburn 13
Where to watch: ESPN
Vanderbilt at LSU: 6:45 p.m. CT, Tigers Stadium, Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Vanderbilt and LSU have had drastically different seasons thus far. After pushing to be in the College Football Playoff, the Tigers fell right on their faces, losing three straight, all by double digits. The Commodores have had one of their best seasons in the last decade, beating then-No. 1 Alabama at home and Auburn on the road. LSU can end the season positively with 10 wins by winning out, while Vanderbilt is just looking to cause chaos, playing two ranked teams to end the season in LSU and Tennessee.
Coming off a bye, the Commodores will look to capitalize on a flat LSU offense, rebounding from a poor defensive performance versus South Carolina two weeks ago. If they can hold the Tiger’s offense in check, they’ll have a good shot at pulling off the upset.
LSU is playing for an identity at this point. It still has all the pieces of a playoff-caliber team but has struggled to assemble them over the last month. Fortunately, the Tigers have future NFL talent, making bouncing back a little easier.
Ultimately, LSU head coach Brian Kelly will prove he’s still a great coach, leading his team to a hard-fought victory over a scrappy Vanderbilt team.
Prediction: LSU 31, Vanderbilt 17
Where to watch: SEC Network
