By Cole Frederick
Alabama: Week 8 Review
For three quarters, it appeared Alabama was headed for its third straight loss. Texas A&M led the Crimson Tide 20-17 in the second half, but Alabama’s defense shut down Marcel Reed and the Aggies’ offense in the fourth quarter.
Keelon Russell and the Alabama offense finally found their rhythm in the final quarter, scoring two touchdowns to pull away for a 31-20 victory. Alabama outgained Texas A&M 379-278 and improved to 6-2 overall and 4-2 in SEC play.
Kalen DeBoer’s team has a bye week before traveling to Baton Rouge to face LSU on Nov. 7.
Auburn: Week 8 Review
Auburn became the latest team to struggle following a monumental victory. A week after upsetting Georgia in Athens, the Tigers returned home and were dominated by LSU, 38-17.
Auburn was outgained 552-270, and the game was effectively decided by halftime. It was perhaps the biggest talent mismatch the Tigers have faced this season. The loss dropped Auburn to 4-3 overall and 2-3 in SEC play.
The Tigers travel to Oxford to face Ole Miss on Saturday, Oct. 31.
SEC Week 9 Rankings
- Georgia (6-1, 4-1)
- Kentucky (7-1, 5-1)
- Alabama (6-2, 4-2)
- Ole Miss (5-2, 3-2)
- Texas (5-2, 3-2)
- Tennessee (6-2, 3-2)
- LSU (6-2, 3-2)
- Missouri (5-2, 2-2)
- Florida (5-2, 3-2)
- Oklahoma (4-3, 2-2)
- Auburn (4-3, 2-3)
- Mississippi State (4-3, 2-3)
- South Carolina (4-3, 2-3)
- Texas A&M (4-4, 1-4)
- Arkansas (3-4, 1-3)
- Vanderbilt (3-5, 0-5)
Week 9 Previews and Predictions
Week 8: 6-0; season: 64-15
Game of the Week
Florida at Georgia (-12)
The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party is moving indoors this year. Because of stadium renovations in Jacksonville, where the rivalry is held annually, the Gators and Bulldogs will meet in Atlanta this weekend.
Both teams should be rested after their bye weeks, and plenty is at stake as they look to strengthen their postseason chances. Georgia has more room for error than Florida at this point, but a win would be pivotal for either team entering the final month of the regular season.
Prediction: Georgia 34, Florida 17.
Auburn at Ole Miss (-13.5)
Auburn is in the midst of its toughest stretch of the season, and the challenge continues as the Tigers travel to Oxford to face Ole Miss this weekend.
The Rebels are coming off a close loss at Texas, making this a must-win game for Pete Golding’s squad. With Georgia up next, Ole Miss could be vulnerable to a letdown, but the Rebels have a significant talent advantage over the visiting Tigers.
Prediction: Ole Miss 31, Auburn 24.
South Carolina at Oklahoma (-5)
Shane Beamer has likely strengthened his position over the last three weeks. After a rough start to SEC play, Beamer has guided the Gamecocks to victories over Florida and Tennessee.
South Carolina likely needs at least two more wins, and possibly three, for Beamer to feel secure heading into next season. Saturday’s road game in Norman presents another winnable opportunity.
The Sooners got back on track with a victory over Mississippi State, but they will face a more challenging task against South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers.
Prediction: South Carolina 24, Oklahoma 23.
Mississippi State at Texas (-21)
Texas may have kept its season alive by holding off Ole Miss, and Steve Sarkisian may have eased some pressure by avoiding a second-half collapse.
The Longhorns led the Rebels 24-3 at halftime, but Trinidad Chambliss led Ole Miss on a comeback that produced 21 unanswered points and tied the game.
Texas now hosts Mississippi State, which could again be without star quarterback Kamario Taylor. If Taylor plays, the Bulldogs could threaten any opponent. If he is sidelined, Mississippi State could struggle to compete in the SEC.
Prediction: Texas 38, Mississippi State 10.
Missouri at Arkansas (+10)
Missouri’s College Football Playoff hopes remain alive despite two losses, but the Tigers have little room for error.
The SEC could place at least one three-loss team in the playoff field, and possibly more. Missouri could remain in contention with three losses because of its remaining schedule. However, Eliah Drinkwitz’s team cannot afford to lose to an Arkansas team it is expected to beat.
Prediction: Missouri 34, Arkansas 27.
