Alabama Week 12 recap
The Crimson Tide easily defeated Western Carolina, 49-0, to improve to 10-1 overall on the season. After jumping out to a 42-0 first half lead, Alabama was able to rest several starters and key players in the second half. The Tide welcomes Auburn into Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday (Nov. 24) for the Iron Bowl.
Auburn Week 12 recap
The Tigers picked up a 51-7 victory over Alabama A&M on Senior Day last Saturday. Auburn led 35-0 at the half, and Onterio McCalebb and Tre Mason sparked the Tigers offensively. The duo at running back combined for four touchdowns and almost 300 yards on the ground. Auburn improved to 3-8 on the season. The Tigers travel to Tuscaloosa on Sa-turday to take on Alabama in the Iron Bowl.
SEC Power Poll
1. Alabama (10-1, 6-1)
2. Georgia (10-1, 7-1)
3. LSU (9-2, 5-2)
4. Texas A&M (9-2, 5-2)
5. Florida (10-1, 7-1)
6. South Carolina (9-2, 6-2)
7. Vanderbilt (7-4, 5-3)
8. Mississippi State (8-3, 4-3)
9. Ole Miss (5-6, 2-5)
10. Missouri (5-6, 2-5)
11. Arkansas (4-7, 2-5)
12. Tennessee (4-7, 0-7)
13. Auburn (3-8, 0-7)
14. Kentucky (2-9, 0-7)
Predictions (Week 12: 10-1; season: 86-15)
LSU at Arkansas (+12). The Razorbacks’ bowl hopes ended last Saturday in Starkville. Arkansas lost 45-14 to Mississippi State, and the Hogs are now 4-7 on the year. LSU avoided a loss to Ole Miss by scoring 21 points in the fourth quarter to defeat the Rebels 41-35. While the Hogs are playing only for bragging rights, the Tigers could make a BCS bowl with a win. LSU 38, Arkansas 24
Georgia Tech at Georgia (-13.5). The Bulldogs now have an opportunity to reach the BCS title game, but a loss to archrival Georgia Tech would end those chances. GEORGIA 41, Georgia Tech 17
Kentucky at Tennessee (-13). Perhaps this game should be dubbed “The Battle of the Fired Coaches.” TENNESSSEE 34, Kentucky 24
Vanderbilt at Wake Forest (+11.5). At 7-4, Vanderbilt already has secured its second winning season in the last 30 years. If the Commodores can knock off the Demon Deacons on Saturday, they will be in position to win nine games for the first time since 1915. VANDERBILT 27, Wake Forest 20
Florida at Florida State (-6). After Kansas State and Oregon were both knocked off last Saturday, the Gators and the Seminoles both crept back into the BCS title picture. If Notre Dame defeats USC, the title game will feature the Fighting Irish and the SEC champion. However, if Notre Dame loses, the winner of this game could potentially jump into that coveted second spot in the final BCS standings. FLORIDA STATE 20, Florida 17
Mississippi State at Ole Miss (-1.5). Dan Mullen is 3-0 versus “The School Up North” – his condescending nickname for Ole Miss – and a win for the Bulldogs would prevent the Rebels from reaching a bowl game. Hugh Freeze and the Rebels lost yet another fourth quarter lead last week, and if Ole Miss is going to take the next step as a program, they will have to learn how to close out games. OLE MISS 24, Mississippi State 23
Missouri at Texas A&M (-22). Missouri needs a win to reach a bowl game. Te-xas A&M needs a win to potentially reach a BCS bowl. Two words: Johnny Football. TEXAS A&M 45, Missouri 20
South Carolina at Clemson (-4). After an offseason full of verbal sparring between South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier and Clem-son head coach Dabo Swi-nney, the teams finally meet on the field this Saturday. With a win, Clemson could land in a BCS bowl in January. While it’s un-likely that South Carolina reaches a BCS bowl due to the depth of the SEC, a win over Clemson would cap off another great season for the Gamecocks. SOUTH CAROLINA 37, Clemson 34
Game of the Week – Auburn at Alabama (-31.5). For the fifth straight season, at least one team enters the Iron Bowl with a national championship potentially on the horizon. With a win, Alabama wins the SEC West and plays Georgia for the SEC championship. Auburn currently is experiencing one of the worst seasons in school history, but an upset over the Tide would alleviate at least some of the disappointment. The two programs heading in different directions. Cam Newton is a distant memory for Auburn, and the Tigers have struggled mightily since his departure. Auburn has been woeful on both sides of the ball all season long, and Alabama should easily exploit most of the Tigers’ weaknesses. Alabama is searching for its third national championship in the last four years. While Auburn does have a championship sandwiched in between thanks to Newton and Nick Fairley, the Tigers have quickly fallen. On the other hand, Alabama has maintained its success. At this point, there is not much that Auburn can do to stop Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. ALABAMA 41, Auburn 3
Extra Points – Rivalry Week edition
* Auburn vs. Alabama – the Iron Bowl: Alabama leads the series 41-34-1. The Crimson Tide have won three out of the last four, but Auburn is 7-1 in Tuscaloosa. Last meeting: Alabama 42, Auburn 14.
* Florida vs. Florida State: Florida leads the series 33-21-2. The Seminoles have won back-to-back games versus the Gators. Last meeting: Florida State 21, Florida 7.
* Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, the Egg Bowl: Ole Miss leads the series 60-42-6. The Bulldogs have won three straight versus the Re-bels. Last meeting: Mississippi State 31, Ole Miss 3.
* South Carolina vs. Clemson – The Battle of the Palmetto State: Clemson leads the series 65-40-4. The Gamecocks have won three straight. Last meeting: South Carolina 34, Clemson 13.
* Georgia vs. Georgia Tech – Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate Bowl: Georgia leads the series 62-39-5. Mark Richt is 10-1 versus the Yellow Jackets. The Bulldogs have won three straight. Last meeting: Georgia 31, Georgia Tech 17.
* Kentucky vs. Tennessee – Battle for the Barrel: Tennessee leads the series 73-24-9. Last year, Kentucky won for the first time since 1984. Last meeting: Kentucky 10, Tennessee 7.
* Arkansas vs. LSU – The Battle for the Golden Boot: LSU leads the series 35-20-2. Last meeting: LSU 41, Arkansas 17.