Week 10 brought several spectacular games and confirmed the conference championship between Alabama and Georgia. Following the highly anticipated matchups from last week, action in the SEC remains hot with several top-25 contests and fierce rivalries. Here’s a look at what’s going down in the nation’s strongest conference in Week 11:
No. 1 Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC) vs. No. 16 Mississippi State (6-3, 2-3 SEC)
Saturday, Nov. 10 — Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tuscaloosa, Alabama
2:30 p.m. on CBS
This divisional rivalry has been a close series in recent years, with Mississippi State giving Alabama a run for their money last season in a 31-24 thriller that resulted in a win for the Tide. Last week, the Crimson Tide won a tremendous 29-0 game over LSU, with sophomore quarterback Tua Tagovailoa throwing for 295 yards and two touchdowns. Alabama ranks first in total offense nationally, averaging 565 yards per game. Defensively, the Tide ranks 11th, allowing 295 yards to opponents per game. Meanwhile, Mississippi State is getting back on their feet after a shaky start earlier this season. The Bulldogs are coming off of a couple key victories over Texas A&M and Louisiana Tech. Mississippi State can struggle offensively, but they have a stout defensive unit that could match well against the Tide. Senior defensive end Montez Sweat has had a stellar season with 36 total tackles and 10 sacks. Sweats leads the defensive unit, which ranks sixth nationally and allows 278 yards a game. Look for Alabama to do what they’ve done all season and thoroughly dominate this game at home. Tagovailoa might see pressure from the Bulldog’s front, but watch for him to go off for over 300 yards in the air.
Prediction: Alabama 41, Mississippi State 10
No. 5 Georgia (8-1, 6-1 SEC) vs. No. 24 Auburn (6-3, 3-3 SEC)
Saturday, Nov. 10 — Sanford Stadium — Athens, Georgia
6 p.m. on ESPN
In this year’s showdown in the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry,” a hot Georgia team takes on a talented Auburn team that is hungry for a marquee win. Georgia is having a near-perfect season, with the exception of a loss to a strong LSU squad and the Bulldogs are looking to make a run at the College Football Playoffs. Sophomore quarterback Jake Fromm struggled earlier this season, especially in the loss to LSU, but has since been a consistent threat in the air. Fromm has thrown for 1,762 yards and 17 touchdowns in 2018 and his presence will be vital to the Bulldogs’ success. On the other hand, Auburn has been a team full of inconsistencies. The Tigers have big wins over teams such as Washington and losses to teams like Tennessee. This game will be a chance to get some consistency in their game play. Quarterback play for Auburn will be the key to their success. Junior Jarrett Stidham has thrown 1,953 yards, but has 10 touchdowns to show for it. Getting into the end zone with consistency will determine this game for the Tigers. Auburn will compete in the first half, but Georgia will pull away with this one, especially in the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Georgia 34, Auburn 21
No. 15 Florida (6-3, 4-3 SEC) vs. South Carolina (5-3, 4-3 SEC)
Saturday, Nov. 10 — Ben Hill-Griffin Stadium — Gainesville, Florida
11 a.m. on ESPN
This Eastern conference matchup will see two very similar teams compete on Saturday. Florida is coming off of two straight losses and is looking for a big win at home against a divisional rival. The Gator offense has struggled as of late, scoring 17 points in each of the last two games. Sophomore quarterback Feleipe Franks is coming off of a game where he only threw for 84 yards and no touchdowns. He will have to improve if the Gator’s expect to win. South Carolina has been hot and cold as well, with struggles against elite opponents, including losses to Georgia, Texas A&M and Kentucky. The Gamecocks will be hungry for a win over a top-15 opponent, and if senior quarterback Jake Bentley can get some momentum against this stout Florida defense, they can turn that dream into a reality. The Gamecocks will also have to rely on their defense to hold Florida’s struggling offense and get some turnovers to really compete in this one. This one will be a slugfest with both teams struggling to score points, but Florida will come out on top late in the game with home field advantage playing a key role.
Prediction: Florida 24, South Carolina 21
No. 11 Kentucky (7-2, 5-2 SEC) at Tennessee (4-5, 1-4 SEC)
Saturday, Nov. 10 — Neyland Stadium — Knoxville, Tennessee
2:30 p.m. on SECN
This game should shake down to a battle of ideologies, as the run oriented, defensively-imposing Kentucky takes on the pass heavy, offensive threat that is Tennessee. Kentucky is coming off of a heartbreaking loss to Georgia and looks to finish the season with wins. Junior running back Benny Snell Jr. is the team leader with 1,113 yards from scrimmage and the ability to take over a game. If Snell plays well, it’s hard to stop this team. Meanwhile, the Wildcat defense has been a solid unit, allowing 311 yards per game. On the other hand, Tennessee has had big games in the air under sophomore quarterback Jarrett Guarantano, who has thrown for 1,571 yards in 2018. However, the Volunteer offensive line has struggled to protect Guarantano and will face a true task in handling Kentucky. Look for Kentucky to dominate this game in the trenches as Snell rushes for over 100 yards.
Prediction: Kentucky 31, Tennessee 17