Week One SEC Predictions

234 days ago, Ohio State beat Oregon in the national championship and the notoriously long college football offseason started.

Today, the offseason comes to a close, with two SEC teams in action against non-conference foes.

Here are The Power T Report’s week one SEC predictions:

North Carolina vs. South Carolina (in Charlotte)

Thursday, September 3

(6, ESPN)

South Carolina’s 7-6 record in 2014 was very disappointing, but North Carolina’s season may have been worse.

The Tar Heels were considered a dark horse playoff contender going into last season, but finished with a losing record at 6-7 after a blowout loss to Rutgers in the Quick Lane Bowl.

These teams will probably have similar seasons record wise at season’s end, but Gamecock wide receiver Pharoh Cooper will be the difference in the Battle of the Carolinas.

South Carolina 34, North Carolina 23

Western Kentucky at Vanderbilt

Thursday, September 3

(8, SEC Network)

Last season, Vanderbilt put together one of the worst teams in SEC history under first year head coach Derek Mason.

It was so bad that Western Kentucky is favored on the road on a Thursday night against the Commodores.

Vanderbilt’s biggest question from a year ago was quarterback, and it is still unanswered on opening day of the 2015 season.

Western Kentucky, however, has a very talented quarterback in Brandon Doughty, who will put up big numbers against a bad Vanderbilt defense.

Western Kentucky 31, Vanderbilt 16

6 Auburn vs. Louisville (Chick-fil-a Kickoff Game)

Saturday, September 5

(3:30, CBS)

Auburn will be looking to start their title run after a disappointing 2014 season that saw the Tigers lose four of their last five games.

The matchup for the Tigers is an intriguing one, as they will take on the Bobby Petrino coached Louisville Cardinals.

Auburn and Louisville both have very respectable offenses, and whoever’s defense can stop the other team’s offense will emerge victorious.

The hiring of Will Muschamp will pay off early for the Tigers with a big season-opening win.

Auburn 35, Louisville 23

Texas A&M vs. 15 Arizona State (in Houston)

Saturday, September 5

(7, ESPN)

Along with Auburn, Texas A&M was the other SEC West team to fix their defensive issues with a new defensive coordinator hire.

The Aggies hired John Chavis away from LSU to try to repair a defense that ranked 71st in the country with 27.3 points allowed per game in 2014.

If Chavis can repair the Aggie’s defense immediately, Texas A&M will become a major contender on the national stage.

We will see right away when the Aggies take on dark horse playoff contender Arizona State.

Like the Auburn-Louisville game, a new defensive coordinator makes a big difference.

Texas A&M 31, Arizona State 24

3 Alabama vs. 20 Wisconsin (Cowboys Classic)

Saturday, September 5

(8, ABC)

Ever since Ohio State knocked off Alabama in the College Football Playoff semifinal, the question of Alabama’s dynasty being over has been a popular topic of conversation.

Wisconsin will be a good test to determine if the Crimson Tide will get back on track.

The Badgers lost star running back Melvin Gordon, but still have Corey Clement to lead their rushing attack.

The other storyline heading into the matchup is the Alabama quarterback competition. As of Thursday afternoon, the starter still had not been named.

Multiple quarterbacks will probably play, which will help the Badgers stay in the game early before the Alabama pulls away late.

Alabama 27, Wisconsin 17

25 Tennessee vs. Bowling Green (in Nashville)

Saturday, September 5

(4, SEC Network)

The long college football offseason has been tougher for Tennessee fans more than anyone else.

After blowing out Iowa back in January in the TaxSlayer Bowl, the hype train has been at full speed for the Vols.

But Bowling Green is no pushover for the Vols’ season-opener.

The Falcons’ offense could give Tennessee’s defense problems, but the Vols will have no trouble with the Bowling Green defense, which allowed 33.9 (109th in the country).

Don’t be surprised if Bowling Green hangs around into the second half, but Tennessee’s offense will put the Falcons away and make this one look like a blowout.

Tennessee 52, Bowling Green 20

Other Picks:

Georgia 59, Louisiana-Monroe 10

(12, SEC Network)

Ole Miss 48, UT-Martin 3

(12, SEC Network)

Arkansas 41, UTEP 7

(3:30, ESPNU)

Missouri 38, Southeast Missouri 3

(4, SEC Network)

Kentucky 34, Louisiana-Lafayette 13

(7, ESPNU)

LSU 56, McNeese State 3

(7:30, SEC Network)

Florida 37, New Mexico State 7

(7:30, SEC Network)

Mississippi State 35, Southern Miss 10

(10, Fox Sports 1)

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