By Cole Frederick
Auburn Week 12 Review
Auburn dominated Alabama A&M, 55-0, in its final tune-up game before the Iron Bowl. Jeremy Johnson earned his first start of the season at quarterback on Senior Night and completed 14 of his 19 passes for 147 yards and a touchdown. Johnson also rushed for 42 yards and two touchdowns. Kam Martin carried the ball 21 times for 176 and two scores, while Kerryon Johnson added 108 yards and a touchdown. Auburn (8-3) travels to Alabama on Saturday (Nov. 26) for the 81st Iron Bowl.
Alabama Week 12 Review
Alabama submitted its most lackluster performance of the season against UT-Chattanooga, but the Crimson Tide still won easily at 31-3. The Mocs led the game 3-0 after the first quarter, but UA took over in the second quarter. Jalen Hurts threw for 136 yards and three touchdowns and added 68 yards on the ground. Damien Harris rushed for 94 yards and a score and Calvin Ridley hauled in seven passes for 94 yards and a touchdown. Alabama (11-0) hosts Auburn on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
SEC football rankings
1. Alabama (11-0, 7-0)
2. Auburn (8-3, 5-2)
3. Florida (8-2, 6-2)
4. LSU (6-4, 4-3)
5. Arkansas (7-4, 3-4)
6. Tennessee (8-3, 4-3)
7. Texas A&M (8-3, 4-3)
8. Ole Miss (5-6, 2-5)
9. Georgia (7-4, 4-4)
10. Kentucky (6-5, 4-4)
11. South Car. (6-5, 3-5)
12. Vanderbilt (5-6, 2-4)
13. Miss. State (4-7, 2-5)
14. Missouri (3-8, 1-6)
Week 13 Previews and Predictions
Week 12: 8-2; season: 79-21
Game of the Week
Auburn at Alabama (-17.5). Alabama has already clinched the SEC West Di-vision, and even with a loss to Auburn will remain in the projected playoff field. The Tigers are playing for bragging rights and a chance to have a 10-win season if they can win their bowl game as well. Alabama leads the overall series 44-35-1, including last year’s 29-13 victory in Auburn. The Tigers hold a 7-3 advantage over the Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa, although Alabama won the last meeting at Bryant-Denny Stadium, 55-44, in 2014. Statistically, Alabama has the best defense in the SEC and is ranked second in the nation in scoring defense in allowing only 11.4 points per game. Auburn is seventh in the country in scoring defense, allowing only 14.3 points per game. This should be a defensive battle, and if Auburn quarterback Sean White and running back Kamryn Pettway are still out with injuries, the Tigers will have even more difficulty scoring. Prediction: Alabama 23, Auburn 9.
LSU at Texas A&M (+5.5).* LSU was stopped on the Gator 1-yard line by the Florida defense in a tough 16-10 loss, and interim coach Ed Orgeron might have lost his chance to remain the Tigers’ coach after the season. Texas A&M has limped down the stretch after an impressive start to the season, and the Aggies have yet to defeat LSU since joining the SEC. Prediction: LSU 24, Texas A&M 17.
Arkansas at Missouri (+9).** Arkansas’s offense exploded for 58 points in a win at Mississippi State, and the Razorbacks are facing one of the worst de-fenses in the conference this Friday. Missouri has a potent offense but the Tigers gave up nearly 60 points last week to Tennessee. Prediction: Arkansas 52, Missouri 31.
Kentucky at Louisville (-23.5). Louisville’s chances of making the playoffs evaporated after Houston upset the Cardinals last Thursday. Kentucky defeated Austin Peay on Saturday, and Mark Stoops’ team will play in a bowl game this postseason. Prediction: Louisville 59, Kentucky 38.
Georgia Tech at Georgia (-4.5). The Bulldogs haven’t dominated anyone this year, but they’ve still managed to win seven games in Kirby Smart’s first season in Athens. Georgia Tech is also 7-4 this year, but the Bulldogs have won 13 of the last 15 meetings between these two rivals. Prediction: Georgia 24, Georgia Tech 20.
Tennessee at Vanderbilt (+8.5). Tennessee’s chances of winning the SEC East slipped away when Florida knocked off LSU, but the Vols still have a chance at 10 wins this season if they can defeat Vanderbilt and win a bowl game. The Commodores need one more win to reach bowl eligibility, although they could reach a bowl game at 5-7 due to their high Academic Progress Rate. Prediction: Tennessee 30, Vanderbilt 23.
Mississippi State at Ole Miss (-7.5). Ole Miss was dominated by Vanderbilt, and the Rebels need to defeat Mississippi State to reach a bowl game. Mississippi State’s chances of reaching a bowl game disappeared with the loss to Arkansas, but a win over rival Ole Miss would be big for recruiting purposes for both Dan Mullen and Hugh Freeze. Prediction: Mississippi State 38, Ole Miss 34.
Florida at Florida State (-6.5). The Gators clinched the SEC East last week and will face Alabama in the SEC title game. The Seminoles have won three straight in this series, including last year’s 27-2 victory. Prediction: Florida State 24, Florida 10.
South Carolina at Clemson (-23.5). If Clemson wins its next two games, the Tigers will reach the College Football Playoff for the second consecutive season. South Carolina is bowl eligible with last week’s win over Western Carolina, but a win over in-state rival Clemson would be one of the biggest upsets of the season. Prediction: Clemson 41, South Carolina 24.
*game played on Thursday, Nov. 24
**game played on Friday, Nov. 25