Auburn Week 11 recap
The Tigers went on the road last week and routed Tennessee, 55-23. Auburn struggled early in the first half but the Volunteers could not stop Auburn’s high-speed offense. AU quarterback Nick Marshall ran for over 200 yards and running back Tre Mason rushed for over 100. Auburn’s special teams also put up points as the Tigers returned a punt and a kickoff for touchdowns. The Tigers improved to 9-1 overall, and 5-1 in conference play. Auburn returns home to take on Georgia this Saturday (Nov. 16) at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Alabama Week 11 recap
Alabama faced its first ranked opponent since September, and the Crimson Tide proved yet again why they are the top-ranked team in the nation. The Tide defeated LSU, 38-17, and dominated the second half of the game. LSU tied the game at 17-17 in the third quarter, but Alabama defense shut down the Tigers late, especially in the fourth quarter. LSU had several opportunities to score touchdowns early in the game, but a goal line fumble by J.C. Copeland quickly shifted momentum in Alabama’s favor. Alabama improved to 9-0 overall, and 6-0 in league play. The Crimson Tide takes on Mississippi State this Saturday in Starkville.
SEC rankings
1. Alabama (9-0, 6-0)
2. Auburn (9-1, 5-1)
3. Missouri (9-1, 5-1)
4. South Carolina (7-2, 5-2)
5. Texas A&M (8-2, 4-2)
6. Georgia (6-3, 4-2)
7. Ole Miss (6-3, 3-3)
8. LSU (7-3, 3-3)
9. Vanderbilt (5-4, 2-4)
10. Mississippi State (4-5, 1-4)
11. Florida (4-5, 3-4)
12. Tennessee (4-6, 1-5)
13. Arkansas (3-7, 0-6)
14. Kentucky (2-7, 0-5)
Week 12 Previews and Predictions
(Week 11: 6-1; Season: 77-13)
Game of the Week
Georgia at Auburn (-3.5). The Tigers are one win away from setting up one of the most high-profile Iron Bowls in decades. Auburn cannot afford to look ahead, however, because Georgia is finally looking like the team many expected to contend for a national title early in the season. The Bulldogs are healthier now than they have been in two months, and running back Todd Gurley is one of the best in the country when he’s healthy. Both teams can light up the scoreboard, and it may come down to which team has the ball last. Prediction: Auburn 41, Georgia 35.
Troy at Ole Miss (-28.5). The Rebels have quietly won three consecutive games, and a win over Troy would set up a showdown between Ole Miss and Missouri next weekend in Oxford. Ole Miss is bowl eligible for the second consecutive year. If the Rebels keep winning, they’ll be in play for a marquee bowl game in the postseason. Prediction: Ole Miss 52, Troy 16.
Kentucky at Vanderbilt (-12.5). Vanderbilt has defeated Georgia and Florida in the same season for the first time in school history. The Commodores beat the Gators in Gainesville for the first time since World War II. James Franklin has done an incredible job with Vanderbilt, and the ‘Dores have the chance to clinch another bowl berth this Saturday against the struggling Kentucky Wildcats. Prediction: Vanderbilt 41, Kentucky 20.
Florida at South Carolina (-13.5). Last season, Florida played in the Sugar Bowl. This year, the Gators might not make it into any bowl. Florida is sitting at 4-5 and still has games against South Carolina and Florida State. The Gamecocks still have a chance to win the SEC East, and they should have no problem with the Gators this weekend. Prediction: South Carolina 38, Florida 16.
Alabama at Mississippi State (+25). Dan Mullen has yet to beat Nick Saban, and Mullen’s Bulldogs will have difficulty keeping this a game in the first half. Alabama is better at every position, and the Crimson Tide should win in a blowout. Prediction: Alabama 38, Mississippi State 10.