By Cole Frederick/Sports Correspondent
Auburn Week 10 Review
For the third straight season, quarterback Diego Pavia led his team to an upset over a Hugh Freeze-coached team. This time, Pavia and the Vanderbilt Commodores entered Jordan-Hare Stadium and left with a 17-7 victory over Auburn. The Tigers were abysmal offensively, and while they outgained Vandy 327 to 227, they were only 2-13 on third down conversion attempts. AU quarterback Payton Thorne threw for 239 yards and a touchdown and Jarquez Hunter rushed for 50 yards on 12 carries. Auburn enters its last open week at 3-6 overall, and the Tigers must win out to reach a bowl game.
SEC Week 11 Rankings
1. Georgia (7-1, 5-1)
2. Texas (7-1, 3-1)
3. Texas A&M (7-2, 5-1)
4. Tennessee (7-1, 4-1)
5. LSU (6-2, 3-1)
6. Ole Miss (7-2, 3-2)
7. Alabama (6-2, 3-2)
8. Vanderbilt (6-3, 3-2)
9. South Carolina (5-3, 3-3)
10. Arkansas (5-4, 3-3)
11. Missouri (6-2, 2-2)
12. Florida (4-4, 2-3)
13. Oklahoma (5-4, 1-4)
14. Auburn (3-6, 1-5)
15. Kentucky (3-6, 1-6)
16. Mississippi State (2-7, 0-5)
Week 11 Previews and Predictions (last week: 6-1; season: 71-23)
Game of the Week: Alabama at LSU (+2.5). The Crimson Tide and the Tigers meet this Saturday night for a de facto playoff elimination game in Baton Rouge. Alabama certainly needs to win out to feel good about its chances to make the 12-team playoff, and UA checked in at No. 11 in the first playoff rankings earlier this week. LSU could still potentially make the SEC title game with two conference losses depending on what happens elsewhere, but a loss this week would end any at-large chances. LSU head coach Brian Kelly is undefeated in night games at Tiger Stadium, including a thrilling win over the Tide two years ago when he opted to go for two and the win with current NFL starting quarterback Jayden Daniels. This year’s matchup is shaping up to be another high-scoring affair, and Alabama will need Jalen Milroe’s legs to be a factor. Prediction: Alabama 34, LSU 31.
Florida at Texas (-21.5). The Gators simply cannot catch a break this season. After starting quarterback Graham Mertz was injured for the season in a loss at Tennessee, backup D.J. Lagway was injured last week against Georgia. Florida is on the road this week against one of the best teams in the country. Texas is one of the few SEC teams that control its own destiny for an automatic berth to the playoffs and should cruise at home on Saturday. Prediction: Texas 38, Florida 13.
Georgia at Ole Miss (+2.5). It is a massive weekend for playoff implications in the SEC, and this showdown in Oxford is arguably just as important as the matchup in Baton Rouge. If the Rebels wins out, they will make the playoffs, but they are home underdogs to a Georgia team finding its stride. The Bulldogs can afford one more loss and still make the 12-team field, but they have two difficult games remaining with Ole Miss and Tennessee. Prediction: Georgia 27, Ole Miss 24.
South Carolina at Vanderbilt (+4.5). The Gamecocks and the Commodores have been two of the most pleasant surprises in the SEC this season. South Carolina is one game away from bowl eligibility after an impressive win over Texas A&M, while Vandy earned its sixth win of the season at Auburn. While it’s a longshot, both teams have a non-zero chance of making the playoffs as an at-large if they win out and receive some help from other teams losing. Prediction: South Carolina 29, Vanderbilt 24.
Mississippi State at Tennessee (-24). It isn’t always pretty, but Tennessee keeps finding ways to win. The Volunteers are in prime position to make the playoffs, and they can likely afford one more loss and still feel comfortable about their position. However, a home loss to hapless Mississippi State might be damaging enough to end any at-large chances. Prediction: Tennessee 38, Mississippi State 17.
Oklahoma at Missouri (+3). Missouri is probably the only SEC team capable of going 10-2 that might still miss the playoffs. The Tigers are missing quality wins and they don’t have legitimate opportunities for such victories down the stretch. A 10-2 record might be enough, but Eli Drinkwitz and his squad would likely need some help to secure a playoff bid. Oklahoma might end those chances on Saturday. Prediction: Oklahoma 24, Missouri 20.
