This week features two marquee SEC games that always fall on the same week. Here are the four best games of the week, and the factors that will determine their outcomes:
Alabama vs. Mississippi State
Alabama is hitting the actual difficult part of its schedule. With tough wins over Tuscaloosa County, Hillcrest and Northridge, the Crimson Tide has two tough games in three weeks. This week’s opponent is Mississippi State, who ranked No. 16 in the latest College Football Playoff poll. Still, Alabama has a tough test in the Bulldogs. The Crimson Tide are basically down to the Capstone Men and Women playing linebacker. Seriously, Alabama has four of its top eight linebackers hurt right now. I would not be surprised if you saw red dresses and suits making the defensive calls next to Rashaan Evans.
The depleted linebacker corps could not come at a worse time as Bulldog quarterback Nick Fitzgerald is a bruising runner. Still, Alabama should win, because Mississippi State can’t do anything but run the ball, which doesn’t work against Alabama.
Georgia vs. Auburn
The deep south’s oldest rivalry will add another installment into an insanely weird rivalry. Some of its most notable moments include Auburn wide receiver Robert Baker getting bit by Georgia’s mascot, Uga, or Georgia not knowing how to bat a ball to the ground, leading to a miracle Auburn touchdown. Still, this game every year provides some drama. Like last year, a Georgia win could set up Alabama to win the SEC West. That is not an easy task however, as Auburn is definitely a good enough team to beat Georgia. The Bulldogs and Tigers will run the ball every single play most likely. If either team is forced to throw, it could be ugly.
TCU vs. Oklahoma
If you decide to bet on this game, not that I condone that, but if you do, take the over. Like, please take the over. If you do not take the over you are wanting to lose money. This is a classic Big 12 matchup that should feature an 84-80 win by one of these teams. Playing in the Big 12 is like when you used to play NCAA football on XBox, and your friend would accidentally run field goal block instead of a normal defense, leaving your receivers wide open. All you need to do in this game is just throw it up in the air and someone will catch it, and it will most likely be one of your players.
Seriously, the Big 12 is just a breeding ground for cornerbacks to get torched week in and week out. I almost feel bad for them.
Miami vs. Notre Dame
I will no longer doubt Miami. I was one of those people who picked against them every week and no more. What I will do is always pick against Notre Dame, because Brian Kelly is not cool at all. Like, I can’t imagine a less cool guy to play for. He’s got a weird face and blames things on his players, and also can handle simple questions from reporters.
Still, noted loser Brian Kelly was able to get a running back like Josh Adams, who is on fire this season. Miami will have a tough time stopping him, but I think the Hurricanes match up well in this game, and should be able to get the win.
