SEC Predictions For November 7: Who's Going To Cover and Who's Not

The SEC slate is heavy with FCS schools this weekend, but we still have four intriguing conference games including LSU at Alabama.  But before we get to the Tide and Tigers, lets look around the rest of the SEC.

Last week I was a promising 5-2 straight-up and 5-2 against the spread.

South Carolina Gamecocks at Arkansas Razorbacks

Line: Arkansas -7

Two likely bowl teams meet as South Carolina travels to Arkansas.  The Gamecocks missed a golden opportunity last week to move up in the pantheon of teams in the SEC East by stumbling at Tennessee.  Arkansas essentially had a bye week by scheduling winless Eastern Michigan. 

The home field will play a big part in this game.  South Carolina has really struggled away from Williams-Brice Stadium scoring just 16 points per game and rushing for only 88 yards.  Meanwhile, the Hogs have run it up in Fayetteville this season where they are averaging 540 ypg on offense. 

The Gamecocks defense has been stout on the road but has suffered from poor field position given to them by their offense and special teams. 

I like Arkansas to take this one at home comfortably.

Arkansas Wins

Arkansas Covers -7

Memphis Tigers at Tennessee Volunteers

Line: Tenn -26

Memphis travels across the state to play Tennessee who is coming off a resounding Halloween night win over South Carolina.  The Volunteers are pegged as 26-point favorites over the Tigers.

On the season, Memphis is giving up nearly 200 yards per game on the ground.  That stat dose not bode well against a run-first Tennessee team.  Also, the Vols have steadily gained momentum in the passing game as well as the season has gone on. 

I think this line is pretty much spot on, but I give the edge to UT because I think Lane Kiffin may pour it on late to further build his teams’ confidence.

Tennessee Wins

Tennessee Covers -26

Vanderbilt Commodores at Florida Gators

Line: Florida -35

Eye Gate has been all the rage surrounding the Florida program this week with star LB Brandon Spikes initially suspended for half a game and now a full game this weekend. 

Meanwhile, the Commodores come into town fresh off a loss at home to Georgia Tech whom they led early in the third quarter.

All this discussion around last week’s game makes me think Florida may not be entirely focused on Vandy.  I think the ‘Dores make a game of it in the first half.  Florida pulls away some in the second half, but not enough to cover five touchdowns.

Florida Wins

Vanderbilt Covers +35