It’s already Week 8 of the college football season, and we’re treated to a fantastic slate of games across the country on Saturday. Here are my picks for the SEC’s biggest games of the weekend.
No. 6 Alabama vs. No. 11 Tennessee: Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. CT
The Crimson Tide will play its fourth consecutive game against a ranked opponent when it takes on No. 11 Tennessee for this season’s edition of the “Third Saturday in October.”
This week, Alabama is looking to avenge a close loss on the road last season with what will be a raucous home night-game environment.
“It’s the continuation of a very tough stretch,” On3 national insider Andy Staples said. “Alabama has handled this all so well. I think they’re one of the hottest teams in the country … everything seems to be going really well for Alabama right now.”
The Crimson Tide is a 9.5-point favorite in this game despite it being a Top-15 showdown. With injuries to Tennessee’s defense and an offense that looks relatively one-dimensional, a motivated Alabama team should be able to handle the Vols in a somewhat comfortable fashion.
Cigar smoke will cloud over Bryant-Denny Stadium, and the Crimson Tide will move to 6-1 on the season.
Prediction: Alabama 30, Tennessee 21
Where to watch: ABC
No. 10 LSU at No. 17 Vanderbilt: Oct. 18, 11 a.m. CT
The Tigers and the Commodores will square off in a rare ranked matchup between the two squads.
LSU head coach Brian Kelly said that a key to victory this week is his defense’s ability to contain Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia’s rushing and passing ability.
“So we’ve got to really do a great job in the running game,” Kelly said of Pavia. “Not to say that he can’t throw the ball, because he can.”
The Tiger defense should be able to contain the Commodore offense for the most part. The question lies in whether LSU can get something going with its own offensive unit.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been banged up all season, but if he and the offense can get some points on the board, the Tigers will more than likely get a win in this game.
Prediction: LSU 27, Vanderbilt 20
Where to watch: ABC
No. 5 Ole Miss at No. 9 Georgia: Oct. 18, 2:30 p.m. CT
ESPN’s College Gameday is heading to Athens for a Top-10 throwdown between the Bulldogs and the Rebels.
Georgia looks to get revenge for last year’s loss in Oxford and also aims to stay in the SEC championship race, while Ole Miss looks to extend its perfect season to 7-0.
The Bulldogs are coming off a very strange win on The Plains in Auburn. I think this game serves as somewhat of a letdown spot for head coach Kirby Smart’s team after the close emotional win.
The Rebels come off an arguably stranger win against Washington State, in which the Rebels had to squeak out a 24-21 win. To me, the Rebels are due to bounce back in a big way when the lights are the brightest this week.
Prediction: Ole Miss 27, Georgia 20
Where to watch: ABC
