SEC Football: Predicting the Outcome of Every 2012 SEC League Game

The Southeastern Conference begins the 2012 season with two new members joining the conference. Texas A&M and Missouri will be on the regular SEC schedule this fall, adding a new dynamic to the season and making predictions for the outcome of league games more dicey than ever before.

Both the Aggies and the Tigers bring strong histories and programs to the lineup, adding to the conference prowess. New road trips to Columbia, Mo. and College Station, Tx. will be tough dynamics that will be seen–in most cases–for the first time.

Traditional conference battles will also be on the docket with the Western and Eastern Divisions carrying multiple teams looking to contend for the conference crown this fall.

Is the Eastern Division down to Georgia and South Carolina already? Can LSU repeat in the Western Division, or will Alabama, Arkansas or Auburn have enough to unseat the Bayou Bengals?

With less than 90 days until conference kickoff, here are predictions for all 57 conference matchups for 2012, including the SEC Championship Game.

Note to the reader: All predictions were written on a by weekend basis, not with a focus on specific teams. There were no forward thinking projections for outcome, but a weekly breakdown of each game with a winner projected based on growth of roster, schedule structure and growth throughout the season based on competition faced.

There is some parody tossed in with big wins that I think will happen, but every season we get winners and losers we least expect. I hope you enjoy the read. Whose your winners and losers?

--Ian Berg

8.30: South Carolina vs. Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tn.

The first SEC showdown of the season comes on Thursday night when the Gamecocks take on the Commodores. Both teams are coming off decent seasons for their respective programs, but 2012 brings hope of championships–for the Gamecocks at least.

Don’t get me wrong, Vanderbilt is a much improved team over years past, and will give South Carolina more than enough to keep the game tight into the late quarters.

Both teams return veteran quarterbacks in Connor Shaw and Jordan Rodgers, as well as talented ball carries with Marcus Lattimore and Zac Stacy in the respective backfields of the Gamecocks and Dores. 

The difference is at the line. The Commodores are extremely undersized compared to the offensive line of the Gamecocks. Despite the close game that will keep early, Lattimore and the Gamecocks will win prevail on the ground.

South Carolina wins: 24 - 14

9.8: Auburn vs. Mississippi State, Starkville, Ms.

This game is traditionally one of the toughest fought games of the fall. Auburn and Mississippi State play early every season with defense being the traditional theme. 

Both the Tigers and Bulldogs will return talented defenses with a wide array of experience, but offensively there are some questions. 

Both teams will have some questions at offensive line, and despite the return of experienced junior Tyler Russell for the Bulldogs, both teams have questions with quarterback consistency. Running back will be a strength for both teams. 

The key to this game will obviously be the line play. Auburn will benefit from an opening game against Clemson, while Mississippi State welcomes Jackson State to Starkville, Ms. 

Auburn will have the edge in the game for two reasons. The Tigers face stiff competition to start the season, and the Tigers speed rush will pressure Russell into mistakes. 

Auburn wins: 24-10

9.8: Georgia vs. Missouri, Columbia, Mo.

Welcome to the SEC Mizzou. That will undoubtedly be the yell from the Georgia fan section inside of Memorial Stadium.

The Bulldogs appear to be the early favorite for the SEC Eastern Division and they show it in this game. The Tigers have a youth movement on offense and defense with a number of key positions filled with underclassmen. 

The Tigers do have two tall and rangy receivers in Marcus Lucas and L’Damian Washington that will give the Bulldogs fits, but Georgia has a very talented secondary and explosive offense. Even with the absence of Baccari Rambo, the Bulldogs will still be strong defensively.  

This game will play close early, but the Bulldogs will explode in the second half, making a bold statement for the Eastern Division in this first SEC matchup.

Georgia wins: 31 - 17

9.8: Florida vs. Texas A&M, College Station, Tx.

Florida takes its first inter-division road trip of the season when the Gators make way to Aggieland.

Florida has to be excited for this game. The Gators return a very stout defense and experience all over the offensive side of the ball. The Gators do have issues at quarterback, but experience is available. The Aggies are starting an inexperienced sophomore. 

Texas A&M will also be making a defensive scheme transition this fall. When Kevin Sumlin was hired as head coach from Houston, the Aggies are reverting back to a 4-3 defensive scheme from the 3-4 ran under Mike Sherman. 

Despite the Florida quarterback questions, week two is not looking good for the Aggies. Starting the season against Louisiana Tech isn’t a huge prep game for the Aggies in week one. Florida wins this game in the fourth, despite the 12th man in College Station. 

Florida wins: 28 - 17

9.15: Alabama vs. Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.

Welcome to the first showdown that will determine the SEC Western Division.

Both the Crimson Tide and the Razorbacks have similar concerns heading into the new season. Skilled quarterbacks will play behind offensive lines that will have spot replacements, and both quarterbacks will search for new targets in the passing game. 

Defensively the Tide is very talented, but losses at linebacker and defensive back will be tough to ignore against the explosive offense employed in Fayetteville. Arkansas has a veteran linebacker corps and secondary, but the defensive line loses a big playmaker in Jake Bequette. 

This will not be an easy road win for the Tide, but they will edge it out nonetheless. Both teams will struggle to connect in the passing game early, but the Tide will push away with the win.

Alabama wins: 24 – 21

9.15: Florida vs. Tennessee, Knoxville, Tn.

This will be a tough matchup in Knoxville. Both the Gators and Volunteers are in position to have unexpected special seasons this fall.

The Volunteers have less tests before this game rolls around than the Gators, but the Vols return talented quarterback Tyler Bray and possibly the two most talented receivers in the conference in Da’Rick Rogers and Justin Hunter.

The Vols will want to air it out early and stretch the field against the Gators. Florida has a pass rush that could cause issues for Tennessee and force the Vols into less big play scenarios. 

The Florida defense is strong, but Bray and his duo are the most dangerous in the conference when they are on. Look for the Vols to pull this game out with big offensive plays.

Tennessee wins: 24 – 21 

9.22: Auburn vs. LSU, Auburn, Ala.

LSU took Auburn to the woodshed last season in Baton Rouge. This year the Tigers from Auburn return a wealth of experience and host LSU in Jordan-Hare.

LSU will return the most experienced and talented squad in the country this fall. The SEC West looks to be the Tigers’ for the taking. Auburn will look to end LSU’s hope at a repeat title.

Auburn and LSU will both be entering the fourth game of the season, but Auburn has much stiffer competition to start the year. That looks to benefit Auburn. 

The game could go either way and I expect the momentum to float back and forth consistently in the game. This game will be very close and a tough defensive battle, but LSU pulls out the win in the fourth.

LSU wins: 24 – 21 

9.22: Florida vs. Kentucky, Gainesville, Fl.

Florida returns home to face Kentucky after what I predict to be their first loss of the season in Knoxville. Kentucky will be riding high heading into their first conference contest, but Florida severely out-mans the Wildcats.

Kentucky has a strong base on defense with the return of Taylor Wyndham and Mister Cobble upfront, but the secondary lacks experience and the linebackers will be having a youth movement.

Kentucky doesn’t look to be very good this season, but Florida will be a very tough Eastern Division team. Look for Florida to get redemption at home against the Wildcats, winning this game big.

Florida wins: 31 – 17 

9.22: Georgia vs. Vanderbilt, Athens, Ga.

Georgia welcomes Vanderbilt the fourth week of the season to Athens. The Bulldogs will have already laid one SEC foe to rest with a win over Missouri, and Vanderbilt will be the second in line. 

Vanderbilt returns talent offensively and defensively, but Georgia is the strongest team in the SEC Eastern Division heading into the 2012 season. Vanderbilt will make waves early in the game, possibly snagging an early lead, but the Bulldogs will win big in the second half. 

This will be a big test for Georgia. Mark Richt got his team to the SEC title game a year ago, but a loss was not the outcome they wanted. To find their way back to Atlanta, the Bulldogs have to win games like this one. 

Despite Vanderbilt’s veteran defensive backfield, Aaron Murray has his best game of the season in week four. 

Georgia wins: 35 – 17

9.22: South Carolina vs. Missouri, Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina opens the season in SEC fashion, but waits until week four to continue conference play. The Missouri Tigers make their first visit to South Carolina on the fourth Saturday in September. 

South Carolina’s biggest question for the 2012 season is the offensive line. With talent abound at receiver, running back and quarterback the Gamecocks need to have strong offensive line play.

Fortunately for the Gamecocks, the Missouri defensive front is one of the youngest in the country. Look for the Gamecocks to pound the ball on the ground, and dip in an occasional play-action. 

D.L. Moore will try and fill the big-play role left void by the departure of Alshon Jeffery, and Ace Sanders will use his speed to threaten the deep third of the field. Missouri will have a tough road in the SEC this fall. South Carolina will be one of the major roadblocks in 2012.

South Carolina wins: 31 – 21

9.29: Alabama vs. Ole Miss, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Ole Miss has a host of issues that they will face in 2012. One of the major issues is lack of talent at key positions. Whoever let Alabama be the first SEC contest has to be a Mississippi State fan.

C.J. Johnson was one of the stud linebackers in the 2011 recruiting class for the Rebels, and he is now found at defensive end. He is undersized for the position, but his speed and athleticism will help him make plays in most backfields. Not Alabama’s.

Why highlight Johnson? He is about the only chance the Rebels have at stopping the Alabama offense. The strong offensive line for the Tide should blast the Rebels front four, and the Bama defense will stop any attempt that Barry Brunetti can put in the air. 

Unfortunately, the Hugh Freeze led Rebels will not be very good. Bama wins big. 

Alabama wins: 38 – 10 

9.29: Arkansas vs. Texas A&M, College Station, Tx.

With so much turmoil surrounding the Arkansas program, it could be easy to pick against the Razorbacks in their first SEC road trip of the season. Losing the conference schedule opener to Alabama keeps the Hogs from flopping in this road contest. 

Sure Arkansas is in turmoil, but look at Texas A&M. They will start a sophomore quarterback in Jameill Showers that has virtually no experience and have an entirely new coaching staff. I know, there is no firm starter named yet, but Showers has the edge. 

The youth along the Aggies offensive line is the concern heading into this game. Arkansas will be fast attacking and aggressive at the point of attack. Containing Ryan Swope will be the biggest concern for the Hogs D.

The Aggies will be baptized by fire and the young, inexperienced secondary for the Aggies will get shredded by Tyler Wilson and Co.

Arkansas wins: 34 – 21 

9.29: Georgia vs. Tennessee, Athens, Ga.

The Bulldogs host the Volunteers in the final weekend of September in what will be a major Eastern Division showdown. The Bulldogs have to be the early conference favorite, but the Vols will be coming on strong in week five.

The Bulldogs will see the return of star Baccari Rambo in this game, making their secondary nearly unbeatable. The Volunteers will give the Bulldogs a tough test as the passing game from Knoxville is extremely dangerous. 

Tennessee has a strong secondary themselves, but stopping Aaron Murray will prove to be too much for the Vols. Expect Tennessee to hold the Georgia rushing attack at bay, but for Murray to pick the defense a part, creating big plays and points for the Bulldogs. 

Georgia wins: 28 – 21

9.29: Kentucky vs. South Carolina, Lexington, Ky.

Kentucky plays host to the Gamecocks in this Eastern Division matchup in late September–that being the only edge held by the boys in blue in this game. 

Kentucky is not going to be very good this season. South Carolina is looking to exploit that theory this fall. Kentucky will attempt to earn big plays over the Gamecocks in the passing game, but it won’t come easy.

Despite the loss of Stephon Gilmore in the secondary, the Gamecocks are very dangerous. Look for Connor Shaw to be the quarterback racking up the big numbers in this game. 

Despite a valiant homestead effort by the Wildcats, the Gamecocks keep their march toward a championship alive.

Gamecocks win: 24 – 10 

10.3: Florida vs. Missouri, Gainesville, Fla.

Florida enters the Missouri game coming off of a huge emotional win over Georgia in Jacksonville. The Gators will have only lost one game in the conference thus far, and winning big over the Tigers would be a big move in the East. 

Missouri will be looking to gain some footing in the conference in this game, throwing all that they have offensively at the Gators. The speed that the Mizzou offense carries will be the biggest threat, but Florida has track star speed defensively. 

Florida will win this game handily and force doubters into the back corner. Florida is ready to be a contender this fall, and this game gives them the stage to prove that they belong in the championship conversation. 

Florida wins: 28 – 10 

10.6: Arkansas vs. Auburn, Auburn, Ala.

Arkansas will travel to Auburn for the second road contest in as many weeks. The Razorbacks will be high off of a win over the Aggies in College Station, while Auburn will be coming off a bye week following a tough home loss to LSU.

This game will set up nicely for both teams as they pursue backdoor entry into the SEC championship game. Arkansas will have a loss from Alabama, and Auburn from LSU, but both will still be able to climb into the title hunt.

Auburn will have a big off week before this game ironing out the major issues that led to a close loss to LSU. Arkansas will be winded heading into the second straight road game and sixth straight game. 

Look for a tough defensive battle that pushes the game to be one on the ground. Expect Auburn to gain big in the rushing game, pushing forward with the big home win.

Auburn wins: 24 – 14 

10.6: LSU vs. Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

Florida will host LSU on the first week of October looking for a huge win. Unfortunately for the Gators, it won’t come.

LSU is going to be a very talented squad in 2012 and will head into the Florida game fresh off of a virtual bye week–they face Towson the week prior. 

LSU faces its toughest competition in the opening weeks against Auburn. Outside of the road trip to the Plains, the Tigers will be well rested and ready to beat the Gators in Gainesville.

This will be a tough game as Florida should be hitting stride by this point, but LSU hands Florida its second SEC loss of the season. 

LSU wins: 24 – 17 

10.6: Ole Miss vs. Texas A&M, Oxford, Ms.

The Rebels host the Aggies from Texas A&M on the first weekend of October looking for the first marquee win of the Hugh Freeze era. A&M will have made the transition both offensively and defensively by this game, and will be winless in the SEC. 

Texas A&M gets the first conference win of the season in this game. Jameill Showers and Ryan Swope will have a pitch-and-catch type day on the Ole Miss secondary–a group that lacks consistent playmakers. 

The Aggies will not be a major player in the SEC Western Division race this season, but getting this win will make it seem as if they made the right move jumping into the SEC. Look for the game to be in the Aggies hands from the onset. 

Texas A&M wins: 27 – 10 

10.6: Mississippi State vs. Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

Not often is the field relatively even in the SEC, but this game will be one of the few. The Bulldogs are right around mediocre this season, and so are the Wildcats. 

This will be the second SEC contest of the season for the Bulldogs and the third for the Wildcats. Mississippi State will face a tough crowd in Lexington, but they have a very talented defense that should cripple the Wildcats offense.

The Bulldogs will be coming off of their bye week before this game, and should be settled and fresh after a late September contest against fresh D-1 foe South Alabama.

Despite this being a road game for the Bulldogs, they win the game handily. The Wildcats will struggle to slow down the rushing attack of Mississippi State. 

Mississippi State wins: 31 – 17 

10.6: Georgia vs. South Carolina, Columbia, S.C.

This game will feature the two favorites to win the SEC Eastern Division in 2012. The Bulldogs will be coming off of a huge home win over Tennessee and South Carolina will have just routed Kentucky in Lexington. 

The Gamecocks will be looking for a big win in this game, as the following week they travel to LSU. Georgia has to see this game as a must win. 

This games winner will have the lead in the SEC East, and the Bulldogs have the easiest road to the finish line after this game.

Despite the tough defense that Georgia will bring, the Gamecocks win this game. The fourth quarter in this contest will be the most exciting of the SEC season to date.

South Carolina wins: 31 – 28 

10.6: Missouri vs. Vanderbilt, Columbia, Mo.

Vanderbilt makes a tough road trip to Columbia, Mo. in early October this fall. The Tigers aren’t receiving a lot of love in their new role in the SEC, but are a very strong football team. 

After losing two straight games to SEC foes, Missouri will see this game as a do-or-die contest. Vanderbilt will also be entering this game with a goose-egg in the win column inside the conference.

Missouri has won big games when it was in the Big 12, and winning against Vanderbilt in this game will be the first sign of marketability in conference as a winner. Missouri knows this game is a must win, and they get it.

Missouri wins: 35 – 24 

10.13: Alabama vs. Missouri, Columbia, Mo.

Alabama will head to Missouri coming off of its bye week for the season. There really isn’t much left to be said about the outcome.

The Missouri defensive front will have had time to grow by this time in the season, but the Alabama offensive line will own the point of attack. That will open up the Alabama rushing attack, and will keep the Mizzou defense honest by allowing A.J. McCarron to look like an All-American.

Mizzou has a long way to climb to be in the elite of the conference. Nothing points to that climb beginning against Alabama in mid-October. Alabama will win this game handily, welcoming Missouri to the conference in fitting fashion. 

Alabama wins: 28 – 10 

10.13: Arkansas vs. Kentucky, Fayetteville, Ark.

Arkansas returns home in mid-October to face off against the Wildcats of Kentucky. Arkansas will have faced Texas A&M and Auburn back-to-back and on the road, splitting that series. 

Kentucky is looking to come to Arkansas and win big, but the Hogs will be planning another outcome for the Wildcats. 

Kentucky is likely to be the worst team in the SEC Eastern Division this season. It is proven true in this game in Fayetteville. 

Arkansas wins: 35 – 17

10.13: Auburn vs. Ole Miss, Oxford, Ms.

Ole Miss will be having a tough run by the time Auburn comes rolling into Oxford. The Rebels will be sitting at .500 before this game, but SEC hopes will be gone with losses to Alabama and Texas A&M. 

Auburn will have one loss on the resume, but the Tigers will have had a strong showing and big win against Arkansas the week before. This begins a back-to-back road stretch for the Tigers, with this contest falling after a tough stretch of games to start the season.

The Auburn offensive front will have a very strong showing against the inexperienced front seven that the Rebels will employ. Expect Auburn to turn on the rushing attack in this game. 

The Tigers defense has to be looking at this game with favor as well, with the Ole Miss offensive line having three underclassmen manning the front. Expect this to be a big Auburn win, keeping the Western Division hopes alive. 

Auburn wins: 35 – 17 

10.13: LSU vs. South Carolina, Baton Rouge, La.

South Carolina hopes that hosting the LSU Tigers will be enough to provide them with the winning edge in this game. It won’t be.

LSU will be entering the heart of its SEC lineup when this game hits, and Zack Mettenberger should be making a name for himself on the national stage again by this game. 

South Carolina has to attempt to keep the rushing attack as a focus, but against the talented front seven that LSU employs, that game plan will be extremely difficult. Connor Shaw is a good quarterback, but against the LSU secondary he will prove average.

Look for LSU to end this game early, taking over the contest from the onset. This will be the biggest loss of the season for the Gamecocks.

LSU wins: 35 – 21 

10.13: Mississippi State vs. Tennessee, Starkville, Ms.

Mississippi State is always good for at least one big win every season. This will be that win for the Bulldogs. 

Tennessee will come to Starkville with an even record inside the conference. A big win over Florida earlier in the season will give the Vols a lot of confidence heading into this game. 

The Bulldogs biggest challenge will be to stop Tyler Bray and Co. from producing major stats and explosive plays. Guys like Corey Brumfield and Johnthan Banks will do work on the Vols receivers, stopping them enough for the Bulldogs to hold off for a win. 

Mississippi State will control the clock from the get go, using LaDarius Perkins to wear down the Tennessee defense. Reverses to Chad Bumphis will be enough to confuse the Vols and create space for the Bulldogs. 

Mississippi State wins: 24 – 17 

10.13: Florida vs. Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tenn.

James Franklin has his Commodores where he wants them by mid-October. The Commodores have lost two conference games by this point, but a strong showing against Georgia and Missouri gives hope to the program.

Hosting Florida is the best scenario for Vanderbilt, but that hardly secures the victory for Vandy. 

Florida will have two losses on its conference resume, losing another game would put them out of the SEC title discussion. Florida will have settled on a quarterback by this game, and the defense will be hitting on all cylinders. 

Despite a valiant effort from the Commodores at home, Florida escapes Nashville with a big defensive win. 

Florida wins: 21 – 10 

10.20: Alabama vs. Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.

The battle between Alabama and Tennessee is a historic rivalry game. Both teams know the weight that this contest carries, typically making it a tough game. 

Tennessee will be coming off of a tough loss to Mississippi State, while Alabama will be coming off of a big win over Missouri. 

The key to this game will be if the Tennessee defensive line can penetrate the relatively inexperienced Alabama offensive line. If the Vols can stop the downhill rushing attack of the Tide, they stand a chance to get a win in this game. 

Alabama can’t solely rely on pounding the football, forcing A.J. McCarron to make plays against the Tennessee D. Expect the Vols to air out the game as much as possible, as they will like the matchups on the outside that their receivers provide. 

This will be a tough win, but Bama gets it. 

Alabama wins: 21 – 17 

10.20: Auburn vs. Vanderbilt, Nashville, Tenn.

Auburn hates to see Vanderbilt on the schedule. The Tigers have struggled mightily in the past against the Dores with this season looking to be no different. 

The Tigers will only have one conference loss heading into this game and will attempt to keep their conference title hopes alive. Vandy will be looking to gain bowl eligibility and push Franklin to legendary status in Nashville. 

Auburn will be finishing a two-game away streak when they head to Vanderbilt. The Tigers and Dores will both be settled into their rosters, which benefits the Tigers.

Expect the game to stay close into the second half, but Auburn will take away the lead in the third and never look back.

Auburn wins: 28 – 17 

10.20: LSU vs. Texas A&M, College Station, Tx.

Texas A&M will roll off of a bye week into a home stand against LSU. The Tigers from Baton Rouge will have just won a big conference contest over South Carolina, and will be looking to stay undefeated. 

This will be one of the toughest losses for the Aggies of the 2012 season. LSU will have a defense that rivals the 2011 squad, giving the Aggies fits in this home game. 

LSU will rely heavily on the push of the offensive line to produce lots of space in this game. The Aggies will be undersized compared to the Tigers upfront. Expect the Tigers to win handily, never allowing the game to get close to the Aggies grasp.

LSU wins: 28 – 17 

10.20: South Carolina vs. Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

If South Carolina plans on being a part of the Eastern Division discussion, they have to win this game in Gainesville. Coming off of a road trip loss to LSU, it won’t be easy.

Florida will be battling to stay alive in the conference discussion, and the Gators defense will have turned the corner as one of the best in the SEC. Connor Shaw will need to have the best game of his career to date for South Carolina to win. I don’t think it happens. 

Florida needs this win to head into the “Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” against Georgia still in contention for the East. Look for Florida to use its defense to earn this victory, and for South Carolina to come out flat from the start.

Florida wins: 24 – 14 

10.20: Georgia vs. Kentucky, Lexington, Ky.

This will not be a very strong showing for the Wildcats in Lexington. Georgia will employ a suffocating defense that will stunt the Wildcats offense on a regular basis. 

The Bulldogs will receive a huge showing from Aaron Murray, solidifying him among the conference elite in this game.

The Wildcats are coached tough, but the talent level will be a huge disparity in this game. All signs are pointing to a route in this game. Expect Georgia to continue its climb toward the Atlanta and the SEC title game. 

Georgia wins: 42 – 14 

10.27: Alabama vs. Mississippi State, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Mississippi State always plays Alabama tough. Expect much of the same this year in Tuscaloosa. 

The Bulldogs quarterback Tyler Russell will be battle tested and much improved since the start of the 2012 season by this game. He will have tough-to-stop targets in Chad Bumphis and Chris Smith, as well as a supporting cast of running backs led by LaDarius Perkins. 

Alabama has the upper hand with its veteran defensive line however, so the big plays and offensive movement will be sporadic for the Bulldogs. 

The Crimson Tide will give up a few big plays defensively, but the steady march of the methodical Tide offense will control the clock and push out a grinding win.

Alabama wins: 24 – 10 

10.27: Arkansas vs. Ole Miss, Fayetteville, Ark.

This game could hold the key to the Hugh Freeze era and the end of the John L. Smith reign at Arkansas. 

With the recent suspensions of key players for robbery, and the turmoil that the team was thrown into with the Bobby Petrino scandal, the Razorbacks are not looking to have the strong season that appeared to be on the horizon. 

With two conference losses already in the books, the Razorbacks are out of the conference discussion. Ole Miss will be looking to push for a marquee conference win under Freeze, and this game will be it. 

Ole Miss will come into Fayetteville and pull off the seemingly impossible, upsetting the Razorbacks at home. John L. Smith can’t hold this team together forever, and four losses seem to be in order for the Hogs. This will be the third loss of the Razorbacks letdown season. 

Ole Miss wins: 28 – 24 

10.27: Auburn vs. Texas A&M, Auburn, Ala.

By this point in the season, the Tigers will be pushing the limits of a championship run. The Tigers will have lost early to LSU, but winning out since has shown the depth that resides on the bench for the Tigers. 

The Aggies will be fully adjusted to the new Kevin Sumlin offense, and the transition back into the 4-3 defense. Traveling to Auburn will be no easy task despite the transitions being relatively complete. 

With Auburn settling much the same way by late October, the strong defensive front will cause issues for the timing in the Sumlin offense. Also, the Auburn offense will far outweigh their opposing defensive counterpart, making for huge rushing lanes against the Aggies. 

Auburn has an extremely talented backfield this season and will employ a large number of inside runs against the Aggies, exploiting the size difference. Auburn marches to a big win over the Aggies in October. 

Auburn wins: 31 – 24 

10.27: Florida vs. Georgia, Jacksonville, Fla.

The game formerly known as the “Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party” is going to be a tough bout this season. Both the Gators and the Bulldogs are pushing for big seasons, but to this point the Bulldogs have carried the good luck.

This will be a battle in the trenches and whoever controls the line consistently will win the ballgame. Aaron Murray will have been stellar to this point in the season, but the Gators pass rush will be a consistent threat that will force errant throws. 

The Bulldogs will have issues running the football against the Florida front as well, hurting the play-action pass that they rely on. With Florida losing two conference games already, a third will eliminate the Gators from the conference discussion. 

Putting it all on the line in Jacksonville, the Gators pull off the win over the Bulldogs. 

Florida wins: 28 – 24 

10.27: Kentucky vs. Missouri, Columbia, Mo.

Missouri will welcome Kentucky to Columbia to finish October looking to build their SEC win repertoire. Even though the Wildcats aren’t the cream of the crop this fall, losing to Kentucky would really hurt the Missouri cause. 

Kentucky is not very good, and Missouri will be led offensively by a quarterback that will be in his second season behind center. Missouri will also have a strong presence in the backfield with Kendial Lawrence and Jared Culver fighting for time.

Expect the Tigers to build a strong running game in the contest, and for the Gary Pinkel passing game to earn an edge over the Wildcats from the start.

Missouri wins: 35 - 21  

10.27: South Carolina vs. Tennessee, Columbia, S.C.

South Carolina needs this win to keep its conference hopes alive. Tennessee is trying to scratch its way back into the top dog conversation in the SEC. 

This will be a tough game for both teams, as they are both in dire need of a win. Tennessee is away, making the win a much more difficult proposition, but not impossible. The Tennessee offense will make a few big plays in the passing game, forcing Carolina to run clock control.

The South Carolina offense will want to establish a firm ground game around Marcus Lattimore. Lattimore will be able to earn tough yards, leading the Gamecocks to a big victory. 

South Carolina wins: 21 – 17 

11.3: Alabama vs. LSU, Baton Rouge, La.

In 2011 the Tide and Tigers had a national showdown both during the regular season and in the national title game. This season, the Tigers welcome the Tide to Baton Rouge, looking for a bit of redemption. 

The Tigers will have a very nasty passing attack at this point as Zach Mettenberger should be playing at a high level from the quarterback position. Alabama is young in the secondary and lost key components to the 2012 NFL Draft. 

Don’t expect a lot of rushing production from either team, which will bottle-neck the Alabama offense more so than LSU’s. The tip of the hat in this game lands in the Tigers favor as the more skilled and proven receivers are found on the LSU sideline.

Despite both defenses playing very tough in the game, LSU pulls out the win in the later quarters.

LSU wins: 28 – 21

11.3: Ole Miss vs. Georgia, Athens, Ga.

Ole Miss will be flying high heading into this game after winning big over Arkansas the week prior. Unfortunately for the Rebels, their luck runs out against Georgia in Athens. 

The Bulldogs will have a swarming defense that is led by Jarvis Jones. Ole Miss will struggle to get the ground game churning against the Bulldogs as John Jenkins and Co. will be stuffing the center line. 

Expect Georgia to have a big game through the air as Aaron Murray looks to make a comeback statement after losing a tough game to Florida. 

Georgia wins: 31 – 14 

11.3: Mississippi State vs. Texas A&M, Starkville, Ms.

Starkville is a tough place to go in and look for a win, especially in the first season in the SEC. The Aggies will look to do just that when they visit Mississippi State in November. 

The Bulldogs will be out of the Western Division race and will be fighting for bragging rights over the new SEC team. I don’t expect the Bulldogs to pull it off. 

Texas A&M will give up yards in the rushing game against the Bulldogs as their defensive line will be a bit undersized. Despite that, A&M will be explosive offensively, overtaking the Bulldogs. 

Texas A&M wins: 24 – 17 

11.3: Kentucky vs. Vanderbilt, Lexington, Ky.

Vanderbilt will head to Lexington for a late season conference showdown against the Wildcats. The Commodores will overachieve this season, and winning here is one of the glowing marks on the resume. 

The Commodores will rely heavily on the legs of Zac Stacey to win this game. Veteran quarterback Jordan Rodgers will prove to be very effective against the Wildcats secondary as well. 

The Commodores are not among the elite in the SEC, but they are the middle of the pack in the East. That is enough to carry the James Franklin led showstoppers to victory in early November. 

Vanderbilt wins: 28 - 17

11.10: Alabama vs. Texas A&M, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Alabama welcomes Texas A&M to Tuscaloosa for one of the most difficult games that the Aggies will face this season. The Aggies will be much more effective and seasoned by the time this game rolls around, but beating the Tide at home will be a tough feat. 

Look for the Aggies to harass the Alabama secondary, but the passing attack will not be enough to push them over for the victory. 

The Crimson Tide offensive line will have one of its best games of the season as the unit should have a great day against the undersized linemen from Texas A&M. The Alabama offense will push for ball control in the second half, closing out the win by the third quarter. 

Alabama wins: 28 – 14 

11.10: Arkansas vs. South Carolina, Columbia, S.C.

The Arkansas versus South Carolina game may be one of the best in the month of November. The Gamecocks will be clawing for wins hoping to keep their title hopes alive, while the Hogs will be looking to save face late in the season. 

After playing themselves out of the conference title discussion, the Razorbacks will come back in the second half of the season with a vengeance. The ability of Tyler Wilson to pick apart the Gamecocks secondary will be the difference in the game. 

Marcus Lattimore is a key for the Gamecocks, but the Arkansas defense will not lay down and let him run past. If Connor Shaw struggles–which I think he will–the Hogs walk off with the win.

Arkansas wins: 38 – 31 

11.10: Auburn vs. Georgia, Auburn, Ala.

Georgia straight embarrassed the Tigers a season ago between the Hedges. Auburn will go into this game hoping to regain the edge in the “Deep South’s Oldest Rivalry.”

This will be a tough, close game. Expect the defenses for both teams to hold the edge when the final minutes tick off the clock. Aaron Murray is explosive, but when he is hit often he struggles. Look for the Tigers to have a strong pass rush, forcing bad decisions. 

Georgia will look to do much of the same, and hope to stop a tough, downhill rushing attack that will be present for the Tigers. Turnovers will be rare, but the few that will come could change the face of the game. 

Look for Auburn and Georgia to salvo back and forth early, but finish with tough defense winning the game. Auburn’s pass rush will force a key interception late, tipping the win to the Tigers.

Auburn wins: 24 – 21 

11.10: LSU vs. Mississippi State, Baton Rouge, La.

Mississippi State will travel to Baton Rouge in mid-November hoping to turn a stagnant season with a marquee win over LSU. The Tigers will not let that happen. 

With the Mettenberger led offense, the Tigers will be extremely dangerous and will make more than a few big plays against the Bulldogs defense. State will attempt to rely on the rushing attack to gain yards, but the LSU line will prove too much for the Bulldogs. 

This game will be over well into the first half with LSU likely walking off with the score. The defensive effort from the Tigers may be one of the best of the season as the matchup along the line and on the outside is in heavy favor of LSU. 

LSU wins: 34 – 14 

11.10: Ole Miss vs. Vanderbilt, Oxford, Ms.

James Franklin is looking to continue storming the SEC with a win against Ole Miss in Oxford. It won’t be an easy task for the Commodores to take on, but the Rebels are a team that Vanderbilt should be able to handle in 2012. 

The Rebels will be struggling in their first season under Hugh Freeze, but a few big wins keep the hope alive in Oxford. A win against Vanderbilt would really puff up the cause, but it doesn’t seem likely. 

The Commodores have a very potent offense and will see Jordan Rodgers have his strongest game of the season against the Rebels. Rodgers will look for big bodied receivers Chris Boyd and Jordan Matthews to make plays in the vertical passing game. 

The passing game should open lanes for Zac Stacy, pushing the Commodores forward for a big conference win. 

Vanderbilt wins: 31 – 17 

11.10: Missouri vs. Tennessee, Knoxville, Tenn.

Missouri has a tough road ahead as it enters SEC conference play, and traveling to Neyland Stadium in the first season is one of the toughest draws. Tennessee will be looking to solidify the best season under Derek Dooley, while Missouri is looking for new conference points. 

The Tennessee pass offense will be very dangerous for the Tigers. Look for big games from Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers. The vertical threat will be something that the Missouri defense will struggle to defend. 

Missouri will want to open up the passing game as well and put the Volunteer defense on its heels. If Tennessee can force turnovers through quarterback pressure, the Vols will win this home game handily. 

Tennessee wins: 28 – 21 

11.17: Arkansas vs. Mississippi State, Starkville, Ms.

This will be a battle of defenses when the Razorbacks roll into Starkville. Mississippi State will hope to establish a running game early, but the strong defensive front seven of Arkansas will make it difficult. 

Arkansas doesn’t mind airing out the football to win, but the Bulldogs do. If Arkansas can eliminate the threat of LaDarius Perkins early and force Tyler Russell to the air, the Hogs will have a great chance at victory on the road. 

Dan Mullen has been consistently mediocre since taking the reins over the Bulldogs program. A loss to a downward spiraling Razorbacks team will be the topping for another mediocre performance from Starkville. 

This will be Hogs win, and it will be a no-brainer by halftime. 

Arkansas wins: 31 – 17 

11.17: LSU vs. Ole Miss, Baton Rouge, La.

LSU will host one final SEC contest of the season when the Rebels of Ole Miss make the trip to Baton Rouge. This will be a tough game for Ole Miss, but not one for LSU. 

The Tigers are extremely talented and at this point will be undefeated throughout the season. Losing to Ole Miss is nowhere in the cards for the Tigers. 

Look for LSU to put away the Rebels early, taking an early lead and never letting off. LSU has to win convincingly as the final week of the season they will face off a very hot Arkansas squad. 

LSU wins: 31 – 14 

11.17: Vanderbilt vs. Tennessee, Nashville, Tenn.

Vanderbilt will solidify its place in the conference conversation in this game. The Commodores host Tennessee in Nashville and have built a very dangerous offense throughout the season. 

This will be a shootout until the final seconds fall. Both Vanderbilt and Tennessee will look to incorporate the passing game into the plan as often as possible, attacking the weaker secondaries of the opposing team. 

The Commodores and Vols also know that neither team will produce a ton of yards in the rushing game. Zac Stacy will have the edge in the rushing game and will tip the hat to the Dores for the win. 

Vanderbilt wins: 38 – 35 

11.23: LSU vs. Arkansas, Fayetteville, Ark.

The battle for the golden boot is always a nail biter. Expect much of the same this year. The Tigers will be on cloud nine heading into the game, as they will be eying their second straight run at a national title. 

Arkansas will be finishing the first season in the post-Petrino era, one that will just as soon to be forgotten. 

With LSU having so much at stake in this game, expect the Tigers to pull out a victory. Don’t expect it to come easily though, as the Razorbacks will be looking for a signature win to make sense of the once promising season. 

LSU will prevail on the ground. Getting the rushing attack moving has to be a priority for LSU. It will happen, and they will march to an undefeated regular season in the process. 

LSU wins: 28 – 17 

11.24: Alabama vs. Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Ala.

The Iron Bowl will have a lot riding on it when the Tigers head to Tuscaloosa for the final game of the season. Alabama and Auburn will be a day removed from the conference title race with LSU defeating Arkansas, but both teams will be looking to make a statement. 

Auburn will head into the game coming off of an embarrassing performance a year ago against the Tide where the Alabama team defeated Auburn with one of the largest routes in the history of the series. Auburn owes the Tide a loss. 

Alabama will have developed a young defense throughout the season into a very formidable squad by this point, but Auburn’s offense will be equally potent. Alabama will struggle establishing the run, but short passes and a few deep balls will keep them at the advantage. 

This will be a tough game that will be one of the best overall games of the season. Look for Auburn to fight hard, but in the end the Tide have the edge with the home game and experience at quarterback.

Alabama wins: 24 – 21 

11.24: Ole Miss vs. Mississippi State, Oxford. Ms.

The Egg Bowl makes its return to Oxford this season and the Rebels are looking to finish the first season under Hugh Freeze on a high note. The Bulldogs will be in a bit of a slump, but they have the talent to make this game a runaway win.

This game will be tight from the get go with the Rebels likely holding a small advantage into halftime. Both teams will come alive in the second half, with turnovers being the difference.

I expect that Ole Miss quarterback Barry Brunetti will be well on his way to being a consistent threat for the Rebels and could make his mark with a win against the Bulldogs in this years Egg Bowl.

Ole Miss will be able to key on the Bulldogs and win this game in the later half, making for a big finish for Freeze, and a terrible tumble for Dan Mullen. 

Ole Miss wins: 24 – 17 

11.24: Tennessee vs. Kentucky, Knoxville, Tenn.

The showdown in Knoxville will pit a growing Tennessee squad against an abysmal Kentucky team. The Wildcats will have drastically underperformed expectations this season, while Tennessee will have surprised most. 

The vertical passing attack for the Vols will prove overwhelming for the Kentucky defense. Add to that a mix of big runs that will hit around third quarter, and the Tennessee team will be marching to a big win.

Nothing against Kentucky, but Joker Philips may be pushing the limits with this loss. 

Tennessee wins: 31 – 21 

11.24: Texas A&M vs. Missouri, College Station, Tx.

The battle of the former Big 12 foes will surely draw an audience to close the season. This scheduling was a brilliant move by the SEC office and will likely stick for some time. 

Pitting old conference foes against each will draw a rivalry between the two that will not have to be artificially forced with another current SEC team. It makes sense for these two teams to want to battle it out at the end of the season to prove who was more worthy of the conference berth. 

Both teams will employ high flying offenses that will make an impact on the league, but their most effective games will come against each other. Both pass defenses will struggle this season, at no point will it hurt more than in this game. 

Expect Texas A&M to prove the winner as they have more experience along the offensive line and will exploit the youth of the Missouri defensive front. 

Texas A&M wins: 34 – 31 

12.1: SEC Championship Game, Atlanta, Ga.

What prediction article would be complete without the title game? To my surprise, after breaking down each game of the season for the SEC, Florida and LSU end up in the SEC title game.

This will be an interesting matchup with Zach Mettenberger and his elite receivers taking on a very potent pass defense and rushing defensive line. Florida will attempt to hit Mettenberger often, causing bad throws and sacks.

If Florida can make an effort to cause issue in the backfield, they stand the chance at success. LSU will counter that with its own blitzing mentality defensively, and wreak havoc on the Florida quarterbacks. 

Mettenberger is likely to be more poised at this point in his career than either option for Florida, with that being the tipping point in the game. Both teams will display excellent defensive efforts, but a big play scattered in with a methodical rushing attack will push LSU into victory lane. 

LSU wins: 28 - 17

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