A bold prediction for every Week 11 SEC game
The stretch run is here, and we’ve got a full slate of SEC games on tap. In the bold prediction department, we’re ready to roll. It’s about oddly specific or detailed or just plain crazy predictions for SEC football, and if we don’t get them all — for instance, Missouri and Kentucky didn’t quite play an all-field goal battle — we’re still taking shots. Here’s a bold prediction for every Week 11 SEC game.
Chris Rodriguez Jr. goes for 200 yards
Kentucky — slow-rolling offense and all — will be favored over Vandy. Given that Will Levis is playing well shy of 100 percent, look for the Wildcats to stick to the ground and keep things simple. That’s good news for senior running back Rodriguez, who has topped 100 yards in 3 of UK’s past 4 games. Given that C-Rod had 29 carries in 1 game and 31 in another, it’s highly likely that UK will pound the ball with him, beat Vandy by 3 scores and get 200 yards for Rodriguez.
Mizzou uglies up UT for a half but gets steamrolled in the 2nd
Of the remaining teams on Tennessee’s schedule, Missouri is perhaps the best defensive challenge. This isn’t claiming that MIzzou is UGA Jr. or anything, but it is worth noting that it is Mizzou that gave the Bulldogs their closest game of the season. Mizzou’s defense is solid in all phases. Now, the Tigers may need a few minor miracles on offense, but given that UT is likely to be a bit emotionally flat, it wouldn’t seem odd for Mizzou to hang around for a half before Hendon Hooker drops the 2nd-half hammer. UT by 21, but Mizzou has it tied at intermission.
LSU rolls Arkansas
This is our weekly entry for “What did that odds line say?” Yes, the game is at Arkansas, but how on Earth LSU is a 3.5-point road favorite is beyond imagination. Apparently, Vegas thinks the Tigers have an emotional hangover. Maybe they do, but playing for a division title feels like a pretty good motivator. Jayden Daniels will have his way (2 TDs passing, 2 rushing) with Arkansas in a 38-20 game that won’t be as close as the score.
Ole Miss upsets Bama
This is truly a game that could go in any direction, but momentum seems to be on the Rebels’ sideline. In Bama’s 2 losses, it has allowed 182 and 185 yards rushing. That came against the No. 6 and No. 7 rushing attacks in the SEC, and next, the Tide play numero uno. Alabama will strike 1st and lead early, but we’ll take the Ole Miss ground game to wear UT down late and win 34-31 via 3 rushing scores, 2 from Quinshon Judkins.
Turnovers down the Gamecocks
In a matchup of the SEC’s most turnover-prone team (Carolina with 20) against a team tied for the fewest turnovers (Florida’s 10 ties with UT and LSU), it doesn’t seem like a stretch to say that turnovers will matter. Spencer Rattler has thrown 1 touchdown and 4 interceptions in South Carolina’s losses this year, so suffice it to say we’ve got the Gators making him pay. Florida wins 35-21 with 3 Rattler picks, including a pick-6 that is the difference in the game.
Georgia D outscores State’s O
Mississippi State has a very disciplined, grinding offense. But it won’t grind against Georgia, which will let you throw 2-yard passes and then remove the receiver’s spleen on any given play. State will play from behind, and the guess here is that Will Rogers puts more points on the board for Georgia than he does for State. 38-6 is the final, and UGA’s D creates more points than MSU’s offense.
A&M 3, Auburn 2
OK, so this was a throwback to the Auburn-Mississippi State 3-2 game in 2008. This won’t REALLY be 3-2, but it’s probably going to feel a lot like that game did in terms of the general air of hopelessness. A&M feels like a team with a little more to play for than Auburn at this point. Devon Achane will take over in the 2nd half and deliver 125 yards and 2 scores in a 28-17 victory for the Aggies.