It’s not the worst week of the year by any means. It is the slowest week of the year, though, for SEC fans. A total of six SEC teams are on byes this week which leaves only five games to pick. Only one of those games is within a 10 point spread. Let’s get to picking.
The Appetizers
Auburn at Ole Miss
Ole Miss 31, Auburn 20
Missouri at Arkansas
Missouri 34, Arkansas 17
Mississippi State at Texas
Texas 37, Mississippi State 14
The Main Courses
South Carolina vs. Oklahoma
This game feels pretty simple to be honest. Both teams are sitting at 4-3, and South Carolina is coming off back-to-back Top 20 wins for just the third time in program history. There’s still a very slim chance that the Gamecocks can make the College Football Playoff if they win out. That 1.7% path starts Saturday.
Oklahoma’s offense has been putrid for most of the season, and at its best it’s been one dimensional. The Sooners rank 15th in the SEC in scoring offense and 16th in yards per game and rushing yards per game. The key for South Carolina is winning the turnover battle. For the previous five seasons the Gamecocks led the SEC in total turnovers with 110 takeaways. This year they rank dead last in the league with just six turnovers forced. Oklahoma however, ranks last in turnovers lost with 15.
Under Shane Beamer, South Carolina is 6-22 when they lose the turnover battle. They are 30-11 when they finish even or plus in the takeaway department.
South Carolina 24, Oklahoma 20
Florida vs Georgia
One of the best parts of Florida head coach Jon Sumrall’s early success at Florida is that Florida finally has someone on its sideline that hates the team across the field from them as much as Kirby Smart hates the Gators. This rivalry being meaningful for college football fans once again is a huge win. I expect this game to be close early. Buster Faulkner has had success against Kirby Smart defenses. In three games as a play caller against Georgia he’s had just two three-and-outs. Expect more of the same in this one, but Florida moving the ball will probably be a bit more laborious than Georgia against the Gators porous defense. Expect Florida to keep it close early, but Georgia will pour it on late. Smart is 27-2 off a bye week, and this bye week is following a loss. Godspeed Florida.
Georgia 38, Florida 20
