Alabama Week 11 Review
Led by another 200-yard rushing performance from Derrick Henry, Alabama dominated Mississippi State, 31-6, last Saturday (Nov. 14) in Starkville. The Crimson Tide improved to 9-1 overall and 6-1 in conference play and are in excellent position to make another trip to the College Football Playoffs. The Alabama defense was spectacular once again in keeping Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs out of the end zone all afternoon. The Tide returns home to take on Charleston Southern this Saturday (Nov. 21).
Auburn Week 11 Review
For the eighth time in the last 10 seasons, the Tigers lost to the Georgia Bulldogs. This was a disappointing loss for Auburn, especially following last week’s impressive win at Texas A&M. Quarterback Jeremy Johnson struggled all game, and Sean White looked hobbled when he replaced Johnson in the second half. The Tiger defense played well once again, but the Bulldogs returned a punt for a touchdown in the second half to take the lead for good. Auburn dropped to 5-5 overall and 2-5 in league play and welcomes Idaho to Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.
SEC rankings
1. Alabama (9-1, 6-1)
2. Florida (9-1, 7-1)
3. Arkansas (6-4, 4-2)
4. LSU (7-2, 4-2)
5. Ole Miss (7-3, 4-2)
6. Mississippi State (7-3, 3-3)
7. Tennessee (6-4, 3-3)
8. Georgia (7-3, 5-3)
9. Auburn (5-5, 2-5)
10. Texas A&M (7-3, 3-3)
11. Vanderbilt (4-6, 2-6)
12. Missouri (5-5, 1-5)
13. Kentucky (4-6, 2-6)
14. South Carolina (3-7, 1-7)
Week 11 Previews and Predictions
Week 10: 4-4; season: 69-23
Game of the Week
LSU at Ole Miss (-4). After promising starts to the season, the last month has been unkind to both the Tigers and the Rebels. LSU was undefeated and the favorite to win the SEC only two weeks ago, but since then the Tigers lost two games by double digits and now are eliminated from SEC West contention. Ole Miss technically isn’t eliminated yet from winning the West Division but the Rebels certainly no longer control their own destiny. The home team has won three straight in this series and five of the last six. Prediction: Ole Miss 23, LSU 17.
Georgia Southern at Georgia (-14.5). Mark Richt was on the hot seat a few weeks ago but now he has a great chance of winning out and finishing 10-3. Georgia Southern shouldn’t be overlooked on Saturday but the Bulldogs should be able to take care of business. Prediction: Georgia 27, Georgia Southern 10.
Charlotte at Kentucky (-24.5). A once promising season has turned into a disaster for Mark Stoops and the Kentucky Wildcats. At one point, Kentucky was 4-1 and looking like a much-improved team. The Wildcats now are 4-6 and must win out to reach a bowl game. Prediction: Kentucky 31, Charlotte 10.
Mississippi State at Arkansas (-3.5). Aside from Alabama, no team in the SEC is playing as well as Arkansas right now. The Razorbacks are 6-4 and have a good chance at finishing 8-4 on the season. Bret Bielema’s team embarrassed LSU in Baton Rouge last week and returning home to take on a Mississippi State team that was demolished by Alabama. Prediction: Arkansas 28, Mississippi State 20.
Tennessee at Missouri (+8.5). Before Missouri played BYU last week, head coach Gary Pinkel announced he was retiring at the end of the season due to being diagnosed with lymphoma in May. The Tigers played their best game of the season in a win against the Cougars and now are one win away from reaching bowl eligibility. Tennessee hasn’t been sharp the last two weeks and needs to play much better to knock off Missouri in Columbia in Gary Pinkel’s last home game. Prediction: Missouri 20, Tennessee 17.
Texas A&M at Vanderbilt (+7). Like last season, Texas A&M looked like one of the best teams in the country during the first six weeks of the season. Also like last year, the Aggies fell apart in the middle of the season and have more questions than answers heading into the last two weeks of the regular season. On the other hand, Vanderbilt has steadily improved in Derek Mason’s second season, and while the Commodores are unlikely to reach a bowl game, he has already accomplished enough to secure himself another season in Nashville. Prediction: Texas A&M 27, Vanderbilt 16.
Florida Atlantic at Florida (-31). Florida already has clinched the SEC East Division and remains in the mix for a playoff berth. The Gators should win easily against the Owls but will be tested in the following weeks against Florida State and, presumably, Alabama. Prediction: Florida 41, Florida Atlantic 10.
Idaho at Auburn (-32.5). The Tigers are one win away from bowl eligibility, and Saturday’s game against the Vandals should be an easy win. Auburn shouldn’t overlook Idaho, especially after the Tigers narrowly escaped an upset bid from Jacksonville State earlier this season. Prediction: Auburn 38, Idaho 13.
The Citadel at South Carolina (-19.5). It’s been a disappointing season for South Carolina, and with a game versus Clemson looming, this might be the Gamecocks’ last chance at a victory this year. Prediction: South Carolina 34, The Citadel 13.
Charleston Southern at Alabama (-39). After two straight impressive wins, Alabama gets an easy victory coming to Tuscaloosa this weekend. The Tide have a chance to get hea-thy before next week’s Iron Bowl. Prediction: Alabama 48, Charleston Southern 3.