By Cole Frederick
Alabama Week 9 Recap
After four consecutive wins over ranked opponents, Saturday’s road game at South Carolina was always going to be a letdown spot for Alabama. A season ago, Kalen DeBoer’s team probably would have lost that game. However, this version of the Crimson Tide erased a fourth quarter deficit and left Columbia with a 29-22 victory. Alabama led 14-6 at halftime, but the Gamecocks dominated most of the second half and built a 22-14 lead halfway through the fourth quarter. Ty Simpson led the Tide on a touchdown drive that lasted nearly eight minutes, and they converted a trick play on the 2-point conversion that tied the game at 22-22. A LaNorris Sellers fumble on the ensuing possession set up Alabama with great field position, and Germie Bernard scored the game-winning touchdown on a fake reverse with under a minute to play. Ty Simpson threw for 253 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Tide to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in SEC play. Alabama has an open week before they host LSU on Saturday, Nov. 8.
Auburn Week 9 Recap
Auburn overcame a halftime deficit on the road and left Fayetteville with its conference victory of the season. The Tigers trailed 21-10 at the half, but they dominated the second half for a 33-24 victory. Jackson Arnold threw a pick six 48 seconds remaining in the second quarter, and he was replaced by backup Ashton Daniels for the remainder of the game. Daniels led the Tigers on five field goal drives in the second half, and Auburn also scored on pick six from defensive back Rayshawn Pleasant, who intercepted two Taylen Green passes. Auburn improved to 4-4 on the year and 1-4 in conference play. The Tigers return home to host Kentucky on Saturday (Nov. 1) night.
SEC Week 10 Rankings
1. Texas A&M (8-0, 5-0)
2. Alabama (7-1, 5-0)
3. Georgia (6-1, 4-1)
4. Ole Miss (7-1, 4-1)
5. Vanderbilt (7-1, 3-1)
6. Oklahoma (6-2, 2-2)
7. Texas (6-2, 3-1)
8. Tennessee (6-2, 2-2)
9. LSU (5-3, 2-3)
10. Missouri (6-2, 2-2)
11. Florida (3-4, 2-2)
12. Auburn (4-4, 1-4)
13. Mississippi State (4-4, 0-4)
14. Arkansas (2-6, 0-4)
15. South Carolina (3-5, 1-5)
16. Kentucky (2-5, 0-5)
Week 10 Previews and Predictions
(Last week: 4-3; season: 71-17)
Game of the Week
Vanderbilt at Texas (-1.5). Texas kept its playoff hopes alive with a massive comeback win in overtime at Mississippi State, and now the Longhorns enter November with three matchups with playoff implications on deck. The Texas strength of schedule might allow them to sneak into the playoffs with three losses, but they would need some help in that scenario. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt still only has one loss on the season, and a 10-2 record for the Commodores likely earns them a playoff bid. Prediction: Texas 23, Vanderbilt 20.
Georgia vs. Florida (+7.5). Florida’s first game under interim coach Billy Gonzales will be away from home against a top-5 opponent as the Gators head to Jacksonville to take on Georgia. The Gators have not lived up to preseason expectations, and they made the decision after a narrow win over Mississippi State to move on from head coach Billy Napier after 3.5 seasons. Georgia still has all its preseason goals in front of them, and they can still find a way to the SEC title game by winning out and receiving some help with Texas A&M losing. Prediction: Georgia 31, Florida 20.
Mississippi State at Arkansas (-4.5). Both the Bulldogs and the Razorbacks found ways to lose yet again last weekend. Mississippi State led Texas by 17 in the fourth quarter, but they fell 45-38 in overtime. Arkansas led Auburn 21-10 at halftime, but they only mustered three points in the second half and lost 33-24. Both teams are winless in conference play, so something’s got to give Saturday afternoon in Fayetteville. Prediction: Arkansas 41, Mississippi State 38.
South Carolina at Ole Miss (-13.5). South Carolina’s upset bid against Alabama fell just short, and now they hit the road to take on one of the best teams in the country. Ole Miss just went on the road and upset Oklahoma, and the Rebels are in prime position to make the playoffs. A season ago, Ole Miss was upset twice against Kentucky and Florida, and those losses kept them out of the playoffs. The next few weeks will determine if the Rebels learned their lesson from last year. Prediction: Ole Miss 31, South Carolina 17.
Kentucky at Auburn (-10.5). Hugh Freeze’s team has an opportunity to build a winning streak entering the back half of the season, and they’re catching a reeling Kentucky team this weekend in Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Wildcats are one of three remaining winless teams in conference play, and while they’ve played a difficult schedule, it’s unlikely to improve in November for Mark Stoops. Freeze isn’t sure if Jackson Arnold or Ashton Daniels will start at quarterback for the Tigers, but they should prevail with either under center. Prediction: Auburn 27, Kentucky 13.
Oklahoma at Tennessee (-4.5). Saturday night in Knoxville is a de facto elimination game for the Sooners and Volunteers for playoff contention. Tennessee certainly cannot afford another loss given their strength of schedule, especially at home. Oklahoma is one of the few teams that might be able to earn a bid at 9-3, but 10-2 would certainly earn them a bid. It’s a battle of strengths as Tennessee’s high-powered offense squares off against Oklahoma’s vaunted defense, though the Sooners were exposed by Ole Miss a week ago. Prediction: Tennessee 28, Oklahoma 24.
