Alabama Week 5 recap
The Crimson Tide defeated Ole Miss, 25-0, in an impressive defensive performance last Saturday (Sept. 28). The Rebels failed to convert on several fourth down attempts deep in Alabama territory. Alabama led 9-0 at the half after three Cade Foster field goals, but running back T.J. Yeldon’s 68-yard third quarter touchdown put the game out of reach. The Tide improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play. Alabama plays Georgia State this Saturday at home.
SEC rankings
1. Alabama (4-0, 2-0)
2. Georgia (3-1, 2-0)
3. LSU (4-1, 1-1)
4. Texas A&M (4-1, 1-1)
5. South Carolina (4-1, 1-1)
6. Florida (3-1, 2-0)
7. Missouri (4-0, 0-0)
8. Ole Miss (3-1, 1-1)
9. Auburn (3-1, 1-1)
10. Vanderbilt (3-2, 0-2)
11. Mississippi State (2-2, 0-1)
12. Arkansas (3-2, 0-1)
13. Tennessee (3-2, 0-1)
14. Kentucky (1-3, 0-1)
Week 6 Previews and Predictions (Week 5: 7-1; Season: 44-6)
Game of the Week
Ole Miss at Auburn (+3). Saturday’s matchup between the Rebels and the Tigers features two teams who are very similar. Both teams have up-tempo offenses and both have former Arkansas State head coaches. Both teams also have two very talented but inconsistent quarterbacks. Auburn is coming off of a bye, while Ole Miss was handed its first loss of the season at the hands of Alabama. The Tigers finally are healthy for the first time this season and should squeak out of Jordan-Hare Stadium with a victory. Prediction: Auburn 27, Ole Miss 24.
Georgia State at Alabama (-56). Alabama begins a relatively easy October schedule with Georgia State on Saturday. The Panthers are one of the worst teams in college football, and the Crimson Tide’s backups should see plenty of playing time. Prediction: Alabama 59, Georgia State 3.
Georgia at Tennessee (+10.5). After losing to Clemson to open the season, Mark Richt’s Georgia Bulldogs have defeated two top 10 teams. Barring any major upsets, the Bulldogs should be 11-1 entering the SEC championship game in December. The Volunteers narrowly defeated South Alabama last week. Butch Jones is still in the process of rebuilding Tennessee, and his Vols do not have the firepower offensively to hang with the Bulldogs this year. Prediction: Georgia 48, Tennessee 20.
Arkansas at Florida (-11). The Gators defeated Kentucky, 24-7, in quarterback Tyler Murphy’s first career start in place of the injured Jeff Driskel. The Razorbacks suffered their first SEC loss under head coach Bret Bielema to Texas A&M. Florida still has trouble scoring but should be able to handle the Razorbacks in Gainesville on Saturday. Prediction: Florida 30, Arkansas 17.
LSU at Mississippi State (+9.5). Despite quarterback Zach Mettenberger throwing for nearly 400 yards, LSU suffered its first loss of the season, 44-41, at Georgia last weekend. The Tigers travel to Starkville to take on Mississippi State this Saturday. The Bulldogs are coming off of a bye week, but LSU should still be able to come away with a road win. Prediction: LSU 41, Mississippi State 24.
Missouri at Vanderbilt (-1.5). Along with Alabama, Missouri is one of the two unbeaten teams remaining in the SEC. The Tigers have yet to play a SEC game, but Gary Pinkel’s team is one win away from matching last year’s win total. The Commodores are 3-2 on the season but winless in SEC play. The winner of this game has the potential to finish third in the SEC East. Prediction: Missouri 38, Vanderbilt 34.
Kentucky at South Carolina (-21). The Gamecocks barely escaped Orlando with a 28-25 win last Saturday over Central Florida. Quarterback Connor Shaw was hurt early in the game, but backup Dylan Thompson led Steve Spurrier’s team to victory. Shaw might be back this week, but the Gamecocks should defeat the Wildcats with or without him. Prediction: South Carolina 45, Kentucky 13.