Alabama Week 9 recap
The Crimson Tide produced another dominant performance last Saturday defeating West Division rival. Tennessee 45-10. A.J. McCarron led the way, throwing for 275 yards and two touchdowns. T.J. Yeldon rushed for three touchdowns and the Alabama defense forced two turnovers. The Crimson Tide improved to 8-0 overall, and 5-0 in conference play.
Auburn Week 9 recap
The Tigers easily defeated Florida Atlantic, 45-10, last weekend. Auburn rushed for over 400 yards, and four different Tigers scored rushing touchdowns. Quarterback Nick Marshall left the game with a shoulder injury, but backup Jeremy Johnson threw for two touchdowns and nearly 200 yards in his place. The Tigers improved to 7-1 overall and travel to Fayetteville this Saturday to take on the Arkansas Razorbacks.
SEC Rankings
1. Alabama (8-0, 5-0)
2. Auburn (7-1, 3-1)
3. LSU (7-2, 3-2)
4. South Carolina (6-2, 4-2)
5. Missouri (7-1, 3-1)
6. Texas A&M (6-2, 3-2)
7. Ole Miss (5-3, 2-3)
8. Georgia (4-3, 3-2)
9. Florida (4-3, 3-2)
10. Vanderbilt (4-4, 1-4)
11. Tennessee (4-4, 1-3)
12. Mississippi State (4-3, 1-2)
13. Arkansas (3-5, 0-4)
14. Kentucky (1-6, 0-4)
Week 10 Previews and Predictions
(Week 9: 7-0; Season: 65-12)
Game of the Week
Georgia vs. Florida (+2.5). The Gators and Bulldogs have both been plagued by injuries all season. Each team is missing several key starters, although star running back Todd Gurley might be available this Saturday for the Bulldogs. The winner of this game might be able to salvage its season, but both teams are almost completely out of the SEC East race. Prediction: Georgia 31, Florida 27.
Mississippi State at South Carolina (-12.5). After defeating Missouri in dramatic fashion last Saturday, the Gamecocks have new life in the SEC East race. South Carolina is only one game behind Missouri in the conference standings. The Gamecocks have two SEC games remaining while the Tigers have four. If Mississippi State loses to South Carolina this weekend, the ‘Dogs will be in jeopardy of missing a bowl game. Prediction: South Carolina 38, Mississippi State 24.
Auburn at Arkansas (+8). The Razorbacks are still looking for their first conference win under head coach Bret Bielema, while the Tigers are looking to avoid the upset on the road. Auburn has not won in Fayetteville since 2007, and the Hogs have beaten the Tigers in four of the last five meetings. If Auburn defeats Arkansas, the Tigers should be in the top 10 in the next BCS ranking. Prediction: Auburn 41, Arkansas 20.
Tennessee at Missouri (-11.5). Missouri’s unbeaten season came to an end due to some miraculous plays by South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw, as well as a missed field goal in overtime. The Tigers still control their own destiny in the SEC East but cannot afford to lose another game. The Volunteers are coming off of a blowout loss to rival Alabama but they are still capable of pulling off the upset. Prediction: Missouri 34, Tennessee 27.
Alabama State at Kentucky (-27.5). The Wildcats have had a rough stretch recently, and this game should be an easy win for Mark Stoops. Kentucky nearly knocked off Mississippi State on the road last week but a late turnover cost the ‘Cats the game. Prediction: Kentucky 41, Alabama State 10.
UTEP at Texas A&M (-46.5). The Aggies rebounded from their loss to Auburn by crushing the Vanderbilt Commodores, 56-24. Johnny Manziel turned in another Heisman-worthy performance, and the star quarterback is on pace to surpass last season’s gaudy statistics. Texas A&M should have no problem with the Miners this weekend. Prediction: Texas A&M 59, UTEP 20.