The SEC is without a doubt the toughest conference in college football—no other conference can even compete.
This year looks like the most up-for-grabs year yet. No one team is really standing out over the rest. There are a few favorites, but not a year goes by without seeing a couple of upsets.
I will give you my picks and predictions of the main SEC games throughout this year and we will see how it all turns out.
In the second week of the season we get the first conference game—South Carolina at Vanderbilt. Vandy had a shocking season last year and was one win away from making it to a bowl game, but ended up losing the last four games and killing their season.
I don't see them being able to make it two years in a row. Steve Spurrier will find a way to get it done, and South Carolina will open the SEC season off with a win.
In the third week we really start the season with a couple of revenge games. Auburn has to play at Mississippi State, and Auburn will be looking to recover from last year's 19-14 upset. I don't see Mississippi State winning again, and I have Auburn winning.
The game of the week will be Georgia at South Carolina. South Carolina gave Georgia a 16-12 loss last year that kept Georgia out of the SEC championship, and possibly the national championship. Georgia had not found Knowshon Moreno at that time, but he will definitely be here this year, and he will lead Georgia to their first SEC win of the season.
In the fourth week we get a few rivalry games. Alabama has to play at Arkansas and will be looking to beat them two years in a row. If Alabama could beat Arkansas with Darren McFadden last year, I see Alabama beating them again. This time, though, it won't be as close as the three-point game last year.
If Alabama wants any chance at competing in the SEC West, they need to start the season off right with a win.
We also get to see LSU play at Auburn. This will be the first SEC game that the defending champions will play, and if they want to win it all two years in a row, they will need to win this game. I don't think Auburn has enough talent on their team to upset possibly the No. 1 team in the nation, and LSU will escape with a win.
The biggest game of the week will be Florida at Tennessee. Florida ran away from Tennessee last year and demolished them 59-20. I don't see it being any different this year. Tim Tebow will try to put up some more Heisman stats as Florida beats Tennessee by at least two touchdowns.
In the fifth week we get some standout East versus West games.
Tennessee plays at Auburn, and after a good year off from playing each other, this should be a really interesting game. I don't see either one of them putting a real big dent in the SEC race, so this would be for bragging rights and a chance at a better bowl game. This should be a really close, pound it out game, but I see Auburn winning a close one.
Ole Miss has to go to Florida and look to recover from the 30-24 loss last year. This game always seems to be a shocker—every year either team has a chance at winning, but Tebow will handle Ole Miss and Florida will walk away with a win.
The game of the week will be Alabama playing at Georgia. Both teams will most likely be undefeated in the SEC heading into this game, and the winner will be able to put up a challenge in their side of the SEC.
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Last year's game was arguably one of the best games in the SEC. It took extra time for Georgia to finally take care of Alabama, as Georgia scored on their first play of overtime to defeat Alabama 26-23.
I see this season's outcome being about the same. It's going to come down to whoever has the ball last, and I see Georgia having the ball last. Georgia will win this game and remain in first place in the SEC East.
The sixth week doesn't have many exciting games. Florida will have to put their undefeated record on the line as they travel to Arkansas. Arkansas will put up enough of a challenge to keep it close, but in the end Florida will pull away with a win and remain undefeated.
In the game of the week, Kentucky will have to travel to Alabama. Alabama will still be recovering from their loss to Georgia, and they will be able to take their anger out on Kentucky. This game will not be close—Alabama will be able to get back on a winning streak as they beat Kentucky pretty easily.
The seventh week will feature key games in deciding who will play for the SEC championship. Arkansas has to play at Auburn in a battle for third place in the SEC West. Last year's contest was a defensive battle in a 9-7 Auburn win. I see about the same outcome this year, as Auburn will win another defensive battle to take over the third spot in the SEC West.
In another standout SEC East game, Tennessee has to travel to Georgia. Last year Tennessee ran away from Georgia in a 35-14 win and eventually clinched the SEC East. It will not be the same this year with the loss of Tennessee's Erik Ainge, and Georgia will continue their undefeated streak as they beat Tennessee and remain in first place.
The game of the week will pit two top five undefeated teams against each other as LSU has to travel to Florida to play the Gators. Florida will try to reverse last year's 28-24 loss, and they will be able to do so with the help of Tim Tebow and the roar of the home fans. With this win, Florida will most likely jump to the number one spot in most polls.
Week eight will have more East versus West battles. I'm not picking any upsets this week—the team with the higher ranking will win.
In the closest game of the week, Arkansas will have to play Kentucky. This game will have nothing on the line, because by this time both teams will be out of the race for the SEC. I see Arkansas coming out with a win and giving them a little bit of a boost in shooting for a bowl game.
In the most lopsided game of the week, LSU has to play South Carolina. LSU will be coming off their loss to Florida, and I see them running up the score in a blowout win over South Carolina as they start their winning streak again and stay on top of the SEC West.
Week nine features two very exciting games. Alabama has to travel to Tennessee in hopes of staying in the race for the SEC West. Last year Alabama murdered Tennessee in a 41-17 runaway game. This year I don't see it being that much of a blowout, but Alabama will still walk away with a win and stay number one in the SEC West.
The game of the week will have Georgia traveling to LSU. This game will be the second top five matchup of the season in a very grueling meeting. This game could very likely be decided in overtime because the teams are that even, but in the end I see Georgia walking away with a win and staying undefeated.
Week 10 will feature the game of the year—Georgia versus Florida. This could be a No. 1 versus No. 2 matchup. Last year Georgia beat Florida 42-30 in a very uneven game.
This year I see it being a lot closer. Both teams have a great quarterback, but this game will come down to the running game, and Georgia definitely has the edge on Florida with Knowshon Moreno. Georgia will be able to pound it out on the ground and somehow walk away with two straight victories over Florida.
This win will boost Georgia to No. 1 overall in the nation and put them alone atop the SEC East.
In week 11, we will have the SEC West championship when Alabama travels to LSU. Last year Alabama lost 41-34 in LSU's national championship run. Alabama has the tools to get the job done, but in the end I see LSU walking away with a win in front of the home crowd.
This win will tie Alabama and LSU atop the SEC West, but LSU will own the tiebreaker and eventually clinch the SEC West for the second straight year.
Week 12 will have more rivalry games. Vanderbilt has to travel to Kentucky, and both teams will enter this game with hopes of playing in a bowl game. This should be an interesting game in a fight for respect and a bowl appearance, and Kentucky will walk away with a win and become bowl eligible.
The game of the week will pit No. 1 Georgia against Auburn. Last year's Blackout game was a very good game for Georgia—it put them on the right track to head to the Sugar Bowl. This win will clinch the SEC East for Georgia and give them an undefeated season in the SEC.
Week 13 will pit Vanderbilt versus Tennessee. Tennessee will have already clinched a bowl spot and will most likely overlook Vandy. Vanderbilt will come into this game still looking for a bowl spot, and they will be able to shock the Volunteers in front of their home fans and pick up a win.
In the last week of the season, Auburn will travel to Alabama. Alabama will still harbor hopes of going to the SEC championship. Auburn will not have the talent or the tools to be able to clinch this win, and Alabama will remain tied for No. 1 in the SEC west.
In the game of the week, LSU travels to Arkansas with hopes of going to the SEC championship with a win. LSU will not play around with Arkansas and will get this game over with quickly. The Tigers will clinch the SEC West with a win and end the regular season on a good note.
The SEC championship will pit SEC West champion LSU against SEC East champion Georgia. This game will be just like the first game of the season, as Georgia has their eyes on the national championship.
It will be a close, high-scoring game, but Georgia will have the better passing game and will clinch a spot in the national championship with a win.
This is my first entry on this site. Please go easy on me. I would really appreciate any comments or suggestions in how to improve my writing or what you liked. Thank You.
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2 months ago
I agree with all your picks for Kentucky, except Arkansas. I think we win that one especially since it's at Commonwealth Stadium this season. We return 8 starters on defense and our entire backfield except Rafeal Little, which we have enough talent to replace Little in the backfield thankfully. I think we beat Arkansas.
2 months ago
You talk about Vanderbilt vs. Kentucky but no mention of Alabama vs. Mississippi State in week 12? Croom lookin to make it 3 in a row? nobody has any love for the bulldogs
2 months ago
Nicely written article........one problem with your result. Florida will pound Georgia this year and win the east. With the outcome of last years game and Georgia's big celabration on their first touchdown still fresh on their minds, I look for UF to put at least 50 on the board and take number 16 of the last 19 games against the dogs
2 months ago
your an idiot if u think alabama and lsu will hold off auburn in the west. apparently u dont watch a whole lot or keep up with the sec to much. You wil be proved one hundred percent wrong come the end of the season.
from 2 months ago
Well I guess we will just have to say, check back at the end of the season to see who's right.
from 2 months ago
Quite frankly, calling him an idiot is laughable.
your (You're) an (a) idiot if u (you) think alabama (Alabama) and lsu (LSU) will hold off auburn (Auburn) in the west. apparently (Apparently) u (you) dont (don't) watch a whole lot or keep up with the sec (SEC) to (too) much. You wil (will) be proved (proven) one hundred percent wrong come the end of the season.
2 months ago
Auburn will be the surprise team in the SEC this year...Tony Franklin is the MVP this year...His offense will shock many teams.
Hold On Bama we will have 7 in a row and the fans will be screaming for Saban's head!
2 months ago
Seems like I'm the only person in the world who thinks Arkansas is going to have a very good season. I'm not sold on Saban at Bama just yet. I honestly think Rich Rod would've been a much better fit. I think Ole Miss will be improved, but not tremendously so, and I think MSU is going to get knocked down a rung or two. One of these five teams will win the SEC...
LSU, UGA, UT, FL, AU...recent history says so...
2 months ago
Suggestion: It would be cool to see some conference standings at the end of the article, just to have a final visual of the season.
I'm curious as to what will happen if Georgia goes undefeated and Florida loses only to Georgia (or vice versa). It's a slim chance, but something like that could result in an interesting rematch national championship game. Well, interesting for us-- annoying for most of the country.
Also, having attended the 2007 edition of the World's Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, from my recollection the game was actually pretty close until the fourth quarter, when two Florida turnovers let Georgia take control. With four minutes left, Florida was in the red zone ready to climb within 5 points but fumbled away any chance of a comeback. It was actually quite an exciting game, not "very uneven" like the article said.
Regardless, this year's WLOCP should be spectacular.
2 months ago
So LSU travels to FL and loses, then travels to South Carolina and blows them out? Not seeing it. If anything, a loss the Gators would make them more vulnerable on the road against a stout Gamecock defense. IMO, LSU-SC should be an extremely close and exciting game.
Not sure why you think Auburn is out of the race, though...
2 months ago
I like the Alabama predictions and think they are pretty accureate. However, the West will come down to the Iron Bowl. LSU will lose too many games that they will be out of the race. I also know Bama has a better shot of winning at LSU than most people give them credit for. Bama has a 15-3-1 record in Baton Rouge since 1979.
2 months ago
Hi Marcus
I like most of what you said for the year. Where I think you messed up was in the Florida - Georgia game. Florida has too much speed for Georgia'a backs and while Georgia may have a better running back, Florida has a better offensive line. As a result, Flroida will put too many points up for even Georgia to match.
from 2 months ago
Wait, was that the "too much speed" that was unable to stop Stafford as he scored 42 points against the Gators, or the "too much speed" that got run over by a "not enough speed" Michigan team? Tim, two words sum up Florida's upcoming season. No. Defense.
2 months ago
I believe you discounted Auburn to much,i believe they will suprise a lot of teams this year
2 months ago
While all this talk seems to be of Auburn surprising teams, what about the team with the most incoming talent, Alabama? With so many opportunities for these guys to play early and the condition and mentality that they are in already, you have to believe that Coach Saban and staff have more options than they had a year ago. Expect bigger and better things in a season that can only be deemed as "The Turning of the Tide!"
2 months ago
LSU has temendous talent w/ an untested quaterback. If perilloux is at qb, you have your repeating national champs. If Lee passes the test, and utilizes the playmakers around him, they will make a hell of a lot more noise than anyone thinks. Remember Lee was a very big recruit out of high school. #2 in texas behind Mallet. Watch out for the tigers
from 2 months ago
Even without Perriloux LSU will be in the thick of the SEC race and, therefore, have a shot at consecutive national titles. I was at the LSU-Bama game last year / Perriloux was NOT. Still have trouble understanding how the kid could waste such a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity (star QB on such a talented team) to lead his team to consecutive nat'l titles. Best of luck to him at JSU. QBs on past two LSU NCS teams were FAR less talented than RP. This year's young, inexperienced QBs are actually more physically talented than either Mauck or Flynn were at any point in their LSU careers. The key here is simple: take care of the football/minimize mistakes while fully utilizing the deep, talented stable of RBs available. Pass the ball often enough to keep opponents honest. Early mistakes will be made against a weak early schedule. But expect LSU QB (or possibly QBs) to open it up at Auburn. If LSU wins at Auburn the SEC West is theirs for the taking (Bama still young/great coach but will need time). LSU will be in the SEC title game against Georgia or Florida with a shot at the NCS on the line in spite of Perriloux's absence. DEFENSE will play a HUGE roll for LSU this year. They will be VERY aggressive and, IMO, highly regarded nationally. LSU or Florica wins the SEC.
2 months ago
Bama will have too many freshmen playing key roles, remember the best thing sbout freshmen is they become sophomores. Saying Auburn doesn't have the talent or the tools to stay on the field with Bama is laughable. One incoming recruiting class isn't going isn't going to tip the scales from AU having much more talent to UA having a lot more.
Florida's D is the single most important factor in the SEC this season, if they improve a bunch they play for a national championship, if they don't UGA wins the East and plays LSU for the SEC championship IMO.
2 months ago
Graet article!!! As a Dawg fan, I have to say this is the most acurate article I have ever read.
The Dawgs are due, no team in the country has more speed than Uga, Dawgs make it two in a row and a National Championship. What could be sweeter than keeping the gators out with only one blemish a (second loss to Ga).
about 1 month ago
Wat da hell U have UT losin 2 Vandy....UH NO! Tennessee will also win at least 2 of the 3 games against UF (Tebow IS Overrated), UGA (Cant give the ball 2 Knowshon every play) , and AUB (Offense is beyond suspect). People better watch out for da Vols, I think they are very underrated.
about 1 month ago
Great article. The DAWGS have a loaded backfield this year - lead by future Heisman winner Knowshon Moreno. This is going to be an exciting year in the SEC!
about 1 month ago
Georgia travels to commonwealth after traveling to lsu and the florida game. Remember what happened last time georgia traveled to the bluegrass. They watched us tear down the goal post. Our defense is greatly underrated and our offense is solid. Its a trap game for the dawgs and all of kentucky is ready to shock the college football world the same week it did last year.
about 1 month ago
Georgia travels to commonwealth after traveling to lsu and the florida game. Remember what happened last time georgia traveled to the bluegrass. They watched us tear down the goal post. Our defense is greatly underrated and our offense is solid. Its a trap game for the dawgs and all of kentucky is ready to shock the college football world the same week it did last year.
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