Last week presented a bit of a shake-up in the SEC, especially in the West. We learned to never doubt Nick Saban and Alabama and that Florida is the favorite in the East — for now.
Texas A&M takes a bye week and will not have a game Saturday, but here is what is going on around the SEC for week six and a closer look at the games this upcoming weekend.
No. 19 Georgia at Tennessee
2:30 p.m. at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn.
Broadcast on CBS
It was nothing short of a debacle in Athens, Ga., last weekend. Georgia was obliterated by Alabama in a 38-10 loss. Now the Bulldogs head to Knoxville, Tenn., to face off with a talented Tennessee squad that has been one of the SEC’s bigger disappointments this season. The Vols come in after a 24-20 home loss to Arkansas, and now the seat really heats up for head coach Butch Jones.
A loss for Georgia would all but end the Vols hopes for a trip to Atlanta to play in the SEC Championship. A win for Tennessee would possibly save Butch Jones’ job. The game will not be hyped up, but there is a lot at stake in Neyland on Saturday afternoon.
The key here will be the Tennessee defense. If they can contain Nick Chubb and force Georgia into passing situations, which they were not very good at against Alabama, the Vols have a chance at the upset. Add in quarterback Josh Dobbs and the stable of receivers they have, and this could be the win that Tennessee has been waiting to get. Go with the Vols in an upset on Rocky Top.
Arkansas at No. 8 Alabama
6:00 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Broadcast on ESPN/ESPN2
Never count out Saban and the Tide. With their backs against the wall, Alabama put on a clinic against Georgia in a 38-10 romp. All of the sudden, Alabama is back. They come back to “T-Town” to face the Arkansas Razorbacks, possibly the SEC’s biggest disappointment thus far, though they did earn a nice 24-20 win at Tennessee over the weekend.
This game falls one week before the Tide goes to College Station to take on A&M, while A&M takes a break on a bye week. Arkansas has the biggest offensive line in all of football, and that is the key to this game. Their physicality will wear on Alabama — and that is a big story line the week before they face off against a fresh, rested A&M.
Alabama should run away with this one at home. Derrick Henry will surely do some damage, and Kirby Smart’s defense will give Arkansas nightmares. After a big time win on the road, the Tide might start off sluggish, but they should pull away for a big win before hitting the road to take on A&M.
No. 11 Florida at Missouri
6:30 p.m. at Faurot Field in Columbia, Mo.
Broadcast on SEC Network/ESPN
Florida comes in after a 38-10 lashing of then-No. 3 Ole Miss at home. Now, they face a Missouri team that might have found their answer at quarterback in freshman Drew Lock. Gators are on upset alert, but their pesky defense should provide some big challenges to whoever is taking snaps for Missouri. Florida wins, but this one might be closer than experts think.
No. 7 LSU at South Carolina 11:00 a.m. at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, S.C.
Broadcast on SEC Network/ESPN
Leonard Fournette. That is about all you need to know for this one. The LSU passing attack is nothing short of horrendous, but when you have a back like Fournette, you do not need to pass the ball. South Carolina has struggled mightily this year, and should once again against the Tigers. LSU should roll in Columbia.