Missouri at No. 24 Texas A&M
Cody- I definitely think Texas A&M wins this game. Missouri had a really tough loss to Georgia a few weeks ago —34-0— barely beating Vanderbilt, who is at the very bottom 24-14, and barely beat Kentucky. I think Missouri quarterback Maty Mauk is not where the team needs him as a passer, Texas A&M has been improving a lot. Freshman Kyle Allen took over as the starting quarterback two weeks ago and had a great game against Auburn. He threw four touchdowns and only one interception and really set the tone of the game. I think Texas A&M is looking better and they match up well against Missouri. I have Texas A&M.
Dylan- I’ll take Texas A&M also. Kyle Allen really proved himself as the top quarterback on the Texas A&M roster, shaking off the rust from his first start of the season against Louisiana-Monroe two weeks ago. Allen showed great poise and control of the game as a true freshman on the road at a place like Auburn. I think Missouri is too inconsistent offensively. They don’t score enough points week to week. I think Texas A&M is going to take advantage of that. I have the Aggies big by at least two touchdowns.
Lacey- I’m going to have to go with Texas A&M, and I’ll tell you why. Last weekend’s gameplay against Auburn was the Aggies’ best performance of the season. I think Texas A&M is on the rise, and they will beat Missouri at home.
No. 17 LSU at Arkansas
Cody- I think this could be one of the closer games this week, but I’m going to go with Arkansas on this one. They’ve been trying to get the elusive SEC win this season. I think this is going to be the game that Arkansas gets over the hump. Arkansas’ run game is outstanding with Jonathan Williams and Alex Collins, who may be the best running back tandem in the SEC. These guys are always pounding the ball well up the middle. LSU will have success with running the ball, but where they’ll struggle is passing the ball. Quarterback Anthony Jennings struggles passing the ball. I think Arkansas can outplay LSU at their own game and win.
Dylan- Oct. 2012 was the last time Arkansas got a win in SEC play. I think this is the week where head coach Bret Bielema and the rushing attack finally makes a statement. Quarterback Brandon Allen will be the difference. He has played a lot better over the course of the season. Arkansas has come so close to winning games in the SEC this season, losing by one to Alabama and by a touchdown to Mississippi State. I think the Arkansas defense makes a statement against a strong LSU ground game and gets the win.
Lacey- I’m going to have to go with the Tigers. They are fierce competitors and they look snazzy with the purple on their uniforms. That’s why I’m taking LSU.
No. 9 Auburn at No. 15 Georgia
Cody- This is definitely another close one, but I’m going to go with Auburn here. Auburn has been hot recently, but Texas A&M took them out last week at Auburn in a surprising upset. I think Auburn is going to bounce back from that. Auburn’s offense has been playing so well this season. When in the loss to Texas A&M, they played outstandingly. Guys like quarterback Nick Marshall are tough to defend. Running back Cameron Artis-Payne quietly has over 1,000 yards rushing. Auburn’s offense will be too much to handle for Georgia’s defense. Georgia running back Todd Gurley’s return will help Georgia keep up, but the Auburn offense will be too much in the end.
Dylan- If you like high scoring games, this is the game you will love to watch. I’d hate to be the scoreboard operator for this one. Revenge will be on the minds of the Bulldogs after their loss on the famous “prayer at Jordan-Hare” at Auburn. I think the loss last year will help motivate Georgia to get the win at home. The key to the game will be Georgia’s senior quarterback Hutson Mason. He’s had a bigger role in the passing game ever since Todd Gurley was suspended. Mason threw for a career-high four touchdown passes against Kentucky last week. Gurley coming back will boost the offense. I think Auburn’s luck has finally run out and Georgia wins in a shootout.
Lacey- I’m going to pick Georgia. Mostly because I think Auburn’s luck has run out. They’re going to lose this game.
No. 1 Mississippi State at No. 5 Alabama
Cody- I’m taking Mississippi State on the road. Mississippi State has been considered the underdog in a lot of games this season, but they’re undefeated right now. I don’t think that changes. Mississippi State has been playing so well this seasoN, and they’re coming off a couple of games that have been easier for them. I expect the Bulldogs to be healthy going into this game. It will be important for Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott to have a big game against the Alabama defense. How the Bulldogs’ secondary will stack up against Alabama’s receivers will be key. If Mississippi State can pressure the quarterback and make Blake Sims uncomfortable, Mississippi State will win this game.
Dylan- I think this game is going to come down to the wire since both defenses are near the top of the SEC. I’m going to take Alabama at home. The big game experience that Alabama has over Mississippi State will be huge in determining the outcome. Alabama quarterback Blake Sims is the key to the game. Sims plays a lot better at home compared to on the road, and his numbers prove it. He’s more comfortable at home, and he finds his playmakers better at home. Junior wide receiver Amari Cooper will be a big problem for the Mississippi State secondary to try and contain. Who will cover Cooper down the field for the Bulldogs? I think that Dak Prescott will make his fair share of big plays but will turn the ball over late in the game giving the close victory to Alabama.
Lacey- This is a no-brainer. It’s going to be Alabama. The 9-0 record that Mississippi State has is going to be terminated. Mississippi State will pick up their first loss of the season this weekend at Alabama.
