Week Eight SEC Predictions

The SEC divisional races started to really fall into place last week with Alabama’s win over Texas A&M, LSU’s win over Florida, and Georgia’s win over Missouri.

The big games that were present last Saturday are not this week, with only one ranked versus ranked matchup (Ole Miss-Texas A&M) and only one other game carrying much hype (Tennessee-Alabama).

Here are The Power T Report’s week eight picks:

Auburn (4-2, 1-2 SEC) at Arkansas (2-4, 1-2 SEC)

(12, SEC Network)

Auburn and Arkansas have both been disappointing so far this season, but each team could begin to salvage their seasons with a win on Saturday.

Auburn started to get their offense back on track in their win over Kentucky last Thursday, but their defense, which allows 25.7 points per game, still needs to improve.

Arkansas on the other hand, needs to get an offense that is only scoring 19.7 points per game in SEC play back to it’s 2014 form.

Alex Collins, a 1,000-yard rusher from last season, has only topped 100 yards in a game once this season.

For Arkansas to win this game, Collins and the offense will have to get back on track.

But this week, Will Muschamp’s defense finally gets it together.

Auburn 31, Arkansas 17

15 Texas A&M (5-1, 2-1 SEC) at 24 Ole Miss (5-2, 2-1 SEC)

(7, ESPN)

This game matches up two ranked teams, but after last week it doesn’t really feel like either should be ranked.

Texas A&M was steam rolled by Alabama, while Ole Miss was embarrassed by Memphis.

Both teams have a lot to figure out going into this game.

Texas A&M has to work out their quarterback situation. Sophomore Kyle Allen has been getting the majority of snaps, with freshman Kyler Murray also getting some, but after Allen throwing three interceptions against Alabama, it could be time for Murray to get more playing time.

Ole Miss needs to reevaluate where they stand on defense, after surrendering 491 yards to Memphis last week.

Both these teams proved that they were both a little bit overrated in their losses last week, but Texas A&M has less issues to fix.

Texas A&M 34, Ole Miss 28

Kentucky (4-2, 2-2 SEC) at Mississippi State (5-2, 1-2 SEC)

(7:30, SEC Network)

Kentucky distinguished themselves as a pretender in the SEC East with a loss to Auburn in what was a very winnable game.

Mississippi State is currently tied for fifth in the SEC West, but a win over the Wildcats would put them in a very good position to finish in the middle of the pack – a big success after they were expected to finish last.

Kentucky’s main concern for this game will be defending Bulldog quarterback Dak Prescott and Mississippi State’s offense.

Kentucky was absolutely torched by Auburn last week for 407 yards and 30 points.

Prescott and the Bulldogs will take advantage of the soft Wildcats defense for their second SEC win of the season.

Mississippi State 38, Kentucky 24

Tennessee (3-3, 1-2 SEC) at 8 Alabama (6-1, 3-1 SEC)

(3:30, CBS)

Even with Alabama being once again favored by double digits, there seems to be a different feel to this Third Saturday in October.

Tennessee got a much needed win two weeks ago against Georgia, giving Vols fans some momentum and hope going into the game against the Tide.

But the 97th edition of the Third Saturday in October will be a much tougher task than Georgia.

Alabama steam rolled Texas A&M last week, 41-23 in a game that was not as close as the final score indicated.

Tennessee’s struggles in this game will start with Alabama running back Derrick Henry. Henry absolutely destroyed Texas A&M’s defense last week, going for 236 yards and two touchdowns.

If the Vols can somehow contain Henry early, they will have a chance to make some noise early, given Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin’s reputation for going away from the run if it doesn’t have early success.

Tennessee may not be able to contain Henry, but if the Tide do indeed go away from the run game, Alabama quarterback Jake Coker will not be an issue for the Tennessee defense.

All that being said, I think Tennessee is able to hang around with Alabama, but a big day from Henry propels the Tide to 7-1 going into a huge game against LSU.

Alabama 35, Tennessee 24

Other picks:

Missouri 16, Vanderbilt 6

(4, SEC Network)

5 LSU 59, Western Kentucky 20

(7, ESPNU)

#sec #predictions