SEC Football 2011: Predicting Every Non-Conference Game Winner
The SEC is not known for its extremely strong non-conference schedule, and that trend will continue this season. The conference is set up to have eight regular season conference games per team and four non-conference opponents.
Traditionally, the power of the Southeastern Conference is a factor that entices conference teams to look for a mix of high quality opponents and mid-tier FBS teams. The occasional FCS team also will make its way on to the majority of the conference schedules which is where the most criticism is typically drawn for the conference teams.
No other conference can claim five consecutive national titles however which leaves the schedule strength argument null and void for those that say the SEC needs more difficult non-conference opponents. Despite the perennial power house that is the SEC, the AD’s at the institutions have begun to reach out for more high-quality opponents, and this year will bring some great games that will bring a national audience and implications.
Kent State @ Alabama 9/3/11
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The most interesting storyline that will come from this game is that Alabama will be host to Coach Nick Saban’s alma mater. Saban graduated from Kent State and played defensive back for the football team.
Kent State returns its starting quarterback this season and its leading rusher from the 2010 season. The Golden Flashes finished the season 5-7 and fourth in the Eastern Division of the MAC. Opening up at Alabama is not a good way for the Flashes to open with a win in 2011.
Look for Alabama to dominate this game from beginning to end and for the quarterback controversy to continue. This would be a great opportunity to get both quarterbacks game experience and make a final decision on the starter for the Tide.
Alabama - 42 Kent State - 7
Missouri State @ Arkansas 9/3/11
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The Missouri State Bears are one of the first FCS teams to make it on the schedule for an SEC squad this season. Coming off a 5-6 season and finishing in the bottom half of the Missouri Valley Conference, the Bears will have something to prove when they visit Fayetteville this coming fall.
Arkansas will be looking to open the season with a win and begin the path to a strong season. Arkansas has the talent this season to make a challenge for the SEC West, and it starts with Week 1. I would not expect this game to have much of a challenge to it, and Arkansas pulls away early.
Arkansas - 45 Missouri State - 3
Utah State @ Auburn 9/3/11
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Utah State and Auburn will both be looking to break in a new quarterback in the season opener. The Aggies have to replace their starting running back as well this coming season and opening the season in Auburn may not be the best scenario to find confidence for the new found starters.
Auburn enters this game with only seven starters returning from last year’s national championship squad. There will be questions for the Tigers at virtually every position on the field with the hope being that they can find some continuity in this game.
Despite the questions that Auburn faces entering the season opener, Auburn will be heavily favored to earn the victory.
Auburn – 38 Utah State – 10
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Oregon vs. LSU at Cowboys Stadium 9/3/11
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When mentioning that the Southeastern Conference, AD’s were looking for better non-conference opponents, this game stands out. LSU is coming off of an 11-2 season that had its fair share of ups and downs, but it is a team that returns the majority of its playmakers from a year ago.
Oregon will be more than a formidable opponent as the Ducks return their starting quarterback and star running back tandem. The Ducks will be looking to make another run at the national title game but so will the Tigers.
How Jordan Jefferson is able to settle in early will determine how far LSU will go this season, but this is a must win for both the Tigers and the Ducks. Both teams are hunting for the title, and this will go a long way in helping the winner jump start their trek to New Orleans. The national stage is set, and whoever comes out on top will get some much deserved love in the second poll release of the season.
LSU – 28 Oregon – 24
Mississippi State @ Memphis 9/3/11
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The Bulldogs are entering the 2011 season with a goal to be in the hunt for the SEC West. They return a wealth of starters on offense with some gaps on the offensive line, but with those things being corrected early, they return one of the most veteran teams in the conference.
Memphis is coming off a 0-8 conference record and 1-11 season in 2010. Anything would be an improvement for the Tigers. Unfortunately, they will not get the momentum going against Mississippi State. Look for State to dominate the game and return to Starkville with a win.
Mississippi State – 35 Memphis – 14
BYU @ Ole Miss 9/3/11
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Ole Miss has its hands full when it opens the season in Oxford against BYU. Ole Miss is set to have a talented backfield and returns experience at the running back position, but the quarterback position will have a new name taking snaps.
BYU returns Jake Heaps, a talented sophomore to the quarterback position and will look to bring an air attack to Oxford that will tip the hat to the Cougars. Despite a loss of depth and playmakers for Ole Miss this coming season, you have to know that Houston Nutt has some tricks up his sleeve for this game.
Both teams had disappointing results in 2010, more so for Ole Miss, and starting off 2011 on a good note is a must for both squads. This game should be close to start but BYU’s offense will pull away in the late quarters to top the Rebels.
BYU – 28 Ole Miss – 17
Florida Atlantic @ Florida 9/3/11
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Florida is entering the beginning of the Will Muschamp years. The obvious comparison to Ron Zook has to be there as Florida has attempted to bring on a defensive minded coach before to no avail. Muschamp will have an easy entry into his first season with the Gators with the opening game but his offense will be the focus.
With Charlie Weiss now the offensive coordinator for the Gators, the offense will go to the pro-style look. Hopefully for the Gators, his offense will be more potent at Florida than it was at Notre Dame.
The Owls of Florida Atlantic return starting quarterback Jeff Van Camp and leading rusher Alfred Morris. The Owls will be looking for a big win to open the season and are likely to keep it more interesting than most would expect with the veterans they have available, but the Gators take it over and finish with an ugly win.
Florida – 21 FAU – 10
Boise State vs. Georgia at the Georgia Dome 9/3/11
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This is the chance for Boise State to earn some stripes in the southeast. Starting the season against Georgia is a test for Boise, but it will also be a test for the Bulldogs. Boise is returning its starting quarterback in Kellen Moore and starting running back Doug Martin. The Broncos are sure to come out swinging.
Georgia returns Aaron Murray at quarterback but lost their most experienced back earlier in the offseason. Caleb King returns with some carries and incoming freshman Isaiah Crowell will be looked upon to make an instant impact.
Both defenses return some studs, but Boise is returning almost all the defensive starters from a season ago and will look to be speedy and dominant in the front seven. This game could be interesting to start as the cobwebs wear off from the offseason, but Boise pulls a win in Atlanta.
Boise State – 35 Georgia – 21
Western Kentucky vs. Kentucky 9/1/11 in Nashville, TN
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Western Kentucky is three years removed from the jump to the highest division of college football. Kentucky will hope to open with a win over the Hilltoppers and will likely get one. Morgan Newton is returning with some experience for the Wildcats, but they lose both of the leading rushers from a season ago.
Replacing the rushing yards will be a task, but the Hilltoppers are not at the level of an SEC team just yet. Western does return key elements on both sides of the ball but will fall short in Nashville.
Kentucky – 38 Western Kentucky - 10
East Carolina @ South Carolina 9/3/11
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The season opener for the Gamecocks is going to have its own storyline no matter how the game finishes. Does Garcia play? Recently being reinstated makes it seem as if he will. That question, however, may be the least of the concerns the Gamecocks will face in the first game.
East Carolina returns Dominique Davis at the quarterback position who threw for 3,967 yards a year ago. He also completed 64.5 percent of his passes. It won’t be a game that the Gamecocks overlook as East Carolina has been looking to get back on the upswing after falling to 6-7 a year ago.
South Carolina – 31 East Carolina – 21
Montana @ Tennessee 9/3/11
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Tennessee will use its first game of the season to play its FCS opponent and earn the assumed win. Tennessee will be looking for consistency in an offense that had some issues a year ago even after the takeover of Tyler Bray.
Look for Tennessee to have a stronger defense this coming year, but it won’t be a necessity in this game. Tennessee wins big.
Tennessee – 45 Montana – 7
Elon @ Vanderbilt 9/3/11
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Vanderbilt is looking to open the season on a good note and starting with Elon should help them earn a win early and build some much-needed momentum for the season. Returning Chris Marve at linebacker and Larry Smith at quarterback, the Commodores have two leaders on both sides of the ball.
Elon is not likely to pull the upset in this one and Vanderbilt will get a good win for the new staff.
Vanderbilt – 28 Elon – 10
Alabama @ Penn State 9/10/11
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This game will be one of the best of the season for the SEC and its non-conference schedule. Alabama visits happy valley this season and expect the stadium to be full of blue and white come Week 2. Alabama will be challenged as this will be the first major test for the new quarterback of the Tide.
Penn State is returning Matt McGloin at quarterback and looks to build on the success that he found late in the season a year ago. The defenses for both teams will be improved as well so this game will most likely end closer than a year ago.
Don’t expect for the score to blow the lights off the board but for the game to be a defensive battle as the two offenses search for an identity.
Alabama – 21 Penn State – 17
New Mexico @ Arkansas 9/10/11
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The Lobos travel to Arkansas early in September hoping to have better success than they did a year ago. New Mexico was one of the worst teams in FBS a year ago. They came in ranked 106th in passing and rushing and 120th in points against.
With the second game being against one of the most formidable offenses in the SEC, the Lobos will be in for a long day. Tyler Wilson and the host of backs will look to jump start the offense in 2011, and this game will be a great way to get the ball rolling.
Arkansas – 56 New Mexico – 14
Northwestern State @ LSU 9/10/11
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The Demons of Northwestern State are no doubt headed to the bayou looking for a win. The Demons may be the only ones that think they have a shot. This game is LSU’s attempt at a FCS team and will be well placed between games against Oregon and Mississippi State.
LSU has to maintain focus however as some FCS teams have shown the ability to upset the overlooking FBS teams as of late. That is not going to happen in Death Valley this September. LSU rolls.
LSU – 42 Northwestern State – 7
Southern Illinois @ Ole Miss 9/10/11
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The Rebels will be looking to bounce back from a loss to BYU against the Salukis from Southern Illinois. Ole Miss will need a win here to get some momentum as the meat of the schedule comes up fast for the Rebels.
Ole Miss needs a quarterback to step up in this game to complement the host of talented backs that return. The Ole Miss defense will need a huge improvement over a year ago as well, and this would be the game for them to find their stride. Ole Miss gets the much-needed win here.
Ole Miss – 28 Southern Illinois – 17
UAB @ Florida 9/10/11
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Florida will look to start the season 2-0 when UAB comes to town in September. UAB will not roll over however and returns playmakers all over the field from a year ago. Expect the Muschamp crew to be settled after the first game and for the Gators to have a blowout game against the Blazers.
UAB will keep it close for the first half, but Florida will pull away after halftime and put the Blazers away pretty efficiently. Florida needs a big win to build the confidence needed to head into their conference opener against Tennessee.
Florida – 35 UAB – 17
Central Michigan @ Kentucky 9/10/11
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Ryan Radcliff threw for 3,358 yards last season for the Chippewas and looks to increase those numbers this season. This game falls right before the big instate contest against the Louisville Cardinals for Kentucky. Kentucky can’t afford to overlook this game.
The Chippewas were not terrible defensively last season and with the explosive offense can cause the Wildcats some problems. Despite this, Kentucky pulls out the win.
Kentucky – 35 Central Michigan – 28
Cincinnati @ Tennessee 9/10/11
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The Bearcats are going into their second season under Butch Jones and went 4-8 a year ago but are hoping to rebuild the steam from the Brian Kelly years. Last year, they finished second to last in the Big East with a 2-5 conference record.
The assumption is to be made that Tennessee will be settling into their second year under Derek Dooley by Week 2 and will knock off the Bearcats. However, this will be an easy game to overlook as rival Florida is the following week.
Tennessee – 31 Cincinnati – 21
Connecticut @ Vanderbilt 9/10/11
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Connecticut is coming off a big BCS game just a season ago. The season ended with a loss for the Huskies but they return enough playmakers to battle West Virginia at the top of the Big East conference again this coming season.
Vanderbilt needs to earn the victory in this game as they enter the heart of the conference schedule in Week 3. Despite the valiant effort that the Commodores give, UConn finishes this contest on top. The top of the Big East is better than the bottom of the SEC.
Connecticut – 24 Vanderbilt – 21
North Texas @ Alabama 9/17/11
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The Mean Green of North Texas will travel to Tuscaloosa for the third week of the season looking to knock the Crimson Tide off the undefeated pedestal. The Tide will be coming off of an emotionally and physically taxing away game at Penn State and looking to avoid a letdown against the Mean Green.
By Week 3, the Tide will have found consistent quarterback play and will ease past North Texas in preparation of the SEC opener the following week against Arkansas. Look for the Tide to roll early and limit their exposure of starters in the second half.
Alabama – 38 North Texas – 3
Troy @ Arkansas 9/17/11
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Troy has been known to play anyone anywhere since the Larry Blakeney days began. He takes his Trojans to Fayetteville this season looking for a signature win for 2011. Unfortunately for the Torjans, they won’t find the big win against the Hogs.
Troy does bring back Corey Robinson who threw for 3,726 yards and completed over 63 percent of his passes. Last year, he played like a veteran despite being a freshman. Look for the experience gained a year ago to help his leadership and decision making for this coming season.
Arkansas will be in the groove offensively by Week 3 and will be looking to handle the Trojans when they come to town. The Arkansas defense will be looking to make stops and contain Robinson’s arm. Arkansas needs this win.
Arkansas – 31 Troy – 17
Auburn @ Clemson 9/17/11
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Clemson is looking forward to this game. They likely have it circled on the calendar, and Auburn should as well. After the heartbreaking loss that occurred at the hands of Auburn in Jordan-Hare a year ago, the Tigers from Clemson are hoping that Howard’s rock will bring the luck for a win.
This game is going to determine the direction of both of these teams 2011 season. The quarterback play will be a major factor. Clemson is going to be looking for Tajh Boyd to step into the starting role and lead this team to a victory and payback. The Auburn Tigers will be looking for Barrett Trotter to make an impact with precision passing.
Trotter will make fewer mistakes and lead Auburn to a win in another heart stopper on early morning ABC television.
Auburn – 38 Clemson – 35
Coastal Carolina @ Georgia 9/17/11
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Coastal Carolina is Georgia’s FCS opponent for the 2011 season. Coastal finished with a 5-1 conference record and is no slouch in the FCS ranks. Georgia is not likely to fall this season to the Chanticleers however.
After two tough games against Boise State and South Carolina, this will be a much-needed lighter game for the Bulldogs before they hit the road to Ole Miss for their first road game of the season. Coastal will put some points on the board later in the contest, but Georgia puts the game away early.
Georgia – 35 Coastal Carolina – 14
Louisville @ Kentucky 9/17/11
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Louisville comes to Kentucky hoping to break the four-game win streak that the Wildcats hold in the series. Looking to hoist the Governor’s Cup will be the goal for both teams in this rivalry game, but Kentucky will have the edge.
Having an experienced quarterback will give the Wildcats the edge and likely give them the fuel to make it five in a row. The rivalry was rekindled in 1994 and has been virtually even. This game will set the course for Kentucky to hop into conference play the following week against Florida.
Kentucky – 28 Louisville – 17
Navy @ South Carolina 9/17/11
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Navy has improved in the recent years under the lead of Niumatalolo, and despite losing star quarterback Ricky Dobbs, will continue to mount its fair share of rushing yards. South Carolina will be looking to key on fullback Alexander Teich and stop the rushing attack of Navy early.
South Carolina will be looking to outgain Navy on the ground on the legs of Marcus Lattimore and will likely need every yard he can produce given the clock control offense that Navy runs. If South Carolina wins the time of possession battle, they win easy. If they don’t, it may be a long day in Columbia.
South Carolina – 24 Navy – 21
Florida Atlantic @ Auburn 9/24/11
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Auburn will be coming off a very draining and emotional win at Clemson. There is a very real possibility that they will start of slow, and Jeff Van Camp will make some touchdown tosses occur early. The Tigers will not take the Owls lightly, however, and will stay even and climb above late in the second quarter.
The game will start competitively, but Auburn pulls away in the end. This game is vital to the season for the Tigers because it leads them into one of the toughest schedule stretch any team will face this year. Auburn needs a win in this game to keep the confidence factor rolling into the hellacious month of October.
Auburn – 38 Florida Atlantic – 10
LSU @ West Virginia 9/24/11
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This game is set up to be another big non-conference contest for the SEC. LSU will need to be on its A game when they make this trip. Geno Smith will be an explosive player for the Mountaineers this season and will surely turn some heads in this game.
LSU will need Jefferson to be making great decisions in this game as West Virginia played stiff defense a year ago and finished third in the country in points allowed with only 13.5 a game. LSU struggled offensively a year ago and had one of the worst passing attacks in the country. That must improve by the end of the September if the Tigers want a win in the mountains of West Virginia.
LSU – 24 West Virginia – 21
Louisiana Tech @ Mississippi State 9/24/11
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Tech will be leaning on 1,000-yard rusher Lennon Creer to earn some explosive plays in the late September in Starkville. The cowbells may be too much for the Bulldogs from Louisiana however as Sate knows this is a must win.
Louisiana Tech is no stranger to upset wins and beating SEC teams. I don’t see that happening in Starkville this season. Dan Mullen is entering his third year with the Bulldogs and has playmakers on offense and returns the majority of his defense from a year ago.
Mississippi State earns the win easily and gets some much-needed rest for starters late in the game before their second SEC road contest of the season at Georgia.
Mississippi State – 28 Louisiana Tech – 14
Texas A&M @ Arkansas 10/1/11
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Arkansas hosts the Aggies in a game that is likely to fly under the radar. Despite its lack of national attention, the game should play out quite competitively. The good news for the Hogs is that they host this game, the bad news is that A&M is not going to lay down.
The Hogs have to stay focused on this game despite the fact that the Auburn game will loom the following week. Petrino will do just that and keep his guys on pace. The Hogs will be coming off of an away game at Alabama and that may have some effect on the performance. Wilson will toss some touchdowns late and finish off the Aggies in the fourth.
Arkansas – 31 Texas A&M – 21
Ole Miss @ Fresno State 10/1/11
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Fresno will be looking for a marquee win when the Rebels come to town in early October. Losing their starting quarterback to graduation will hurt, but by the time this game rolls around, the Bulldogs should have found a viable replacement.
Ole Miss has more questions than answers heading into 2011, and this game will be one of the more road contests of the season. The Rebels will have a tough time making it to Fresno and coming out with a win. A lot of improvement must occur, especially defensively, if Ole Miss expects to be viably strong this season, but unfortunately, mountains aren’t scaled overnight or over an offseason either, for that matter.
Fresno wins this game without much question while Ole Miss goes home to face Alabama looking for the upset.
Fresno State – 28 Ole Miss – 17
Buffalo @ Tennessee 10/1/11
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Buffalo was a 2-10 team last year and is not going to improve drastically this season. The Bulls will look to be competitive in this game and will remain competitive until the second quarter. Tennessee is not set up to blow people away this year, but Buffalo has been consistently one of the worst teams in college football.
Look for Tyler Bray to have a huge day through the air and for the Tennessee defense to look like All-Americans by the time that this game is finished. Buffalo had the worst points scoring offense in the FBS last season by averaging 14.2 points a game. They score a few less than that in Knoxville.
Tennessee – 42 Buffalo – 10
Mississippi State @ UAB 10/8/11
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The Bulldogs will take a short trip across the state lines into Birmingham to take on the Blazers of UAB midseason. This will be a win for State, but it could play a more pivotal role than most would expect. After playing games against Auburn and LSU, State will hope to be undefeated by the time this game rolls around.
If the Bulldogs have losses they will likely come from Auburn, LSU or Georgia. If the Bulldogs lose those games, this game against UAB will determine whether or not State is bowl eligible or not. I know its early and only the season mid-point, but Mississippi State doesn’t have a slouch of a schedule this season. Look for the Bulldogs to win big at Legion Field and keep pushing for a bowl game but also for a taste of the SEC Western Division.
Mississippi State – 27 UAB – 10
Jacksonville State @ Kentucky 10/22/11
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The Gamecocks of Jacksonville State will not come to Lexington to lie down and take a beating. Ole Miss expected to get an easy win last season from the FCS opponent, but State stunned the Rebels at home 49-48 on overtime.
Kentucky wants to make a bowl game this season, and this game is a must win for the Wildcats. They can’t afford to overlook the Gamecocks, and Joker Phillips won’t allow that to happen. Jacksonville State will keep it competitive for the first two quarters, but the Wildcats pull away in the late quarters and finish off their FCS opponent for the season handily.
Kentucky – 38 Jacksonville State – 17
Army @ Vanderbilt 10/22/11
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Trent Steelman and Jared Hassin return for the Black Knights in 2011, and they are sure to wreak havoc on the Commodore defense. Chris Marve will play like an All-American in the game and will try and hold down the rushing attack of Army, but Marve will need help to stop this dynamic duo.
Vanderbilt is in the midst of a coaching transition and would like to pick up a win in this non-conference game but there are too many factors going against the ‘Dores. Army wins this game by controlling the clock and pounding the ground.
Army – 17 Vanderbilt – 10
UT Martin @ Mississippi State 11/5/11
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Mississippi State gets their shot at FCS team when Tennessee-Martin comes to Starkville. The Skyhawks are a middle of the pack Ohio Valley conference team. They will look to travel to Starkville and play the Bulldogs close, but at this point, Mississippi State should be hitting on all cylinders offensively.
The Bulldogs put this one away early and earn the second team some much-needed experience and live playing time. This game will play a pivotal role in the SEC West hunt as Alabama comes to town the following week. This game will help the Bulldogs rest and prepare for the Tide.
Mississippi State – 45 UT Martin – 17
New Mexico State @ Georgia 11/5/11
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The Aggies will need large improvements over last season to hope to be formidable in this game. Georgia has the Aggies sandwiched between Florida and Auburn so Georgia will be looking to put the game away early.
You will see Aaron Murray for the first two quarters, but I suspect Georgia will have the fire power early to be able to put away New Mexico State and rest for the coming conference game. Georgia wins big.
Georgia – 42 New Mexico State – 14
Middle Tennessee State @ Tennessee 11/5/11
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The Volunteers host the Blue Raiders in early November to close out the non-conference schedule for 2011. Tennessee will need this win because they face a tough road early in the season. Tennessee has far from arrived under Dooley and winning here could determine bowl eligibility.
The Blue Raiders lose some major playmakers on offense and will be looking to rebuild on offense. Unfortunately, a rebuilding year doesn’t help Middle Tennessee get the win in November.
Tennessee – 38 MTSU – 17
Western Kentucky @ LSU 11/12/11
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The Hilltoppers pick up their second SEC team in 2011 when they travel to Death Valley to face the Tigers of LSU. LSU will be off back-to-back Western Division battles against Auburn and Alabama and will be looking for a victory to close out the non-conference schedule.
The Tigers will put away Western Kentucky early and will be looking to finish the season against Ole Miss and Arkansas for a shot at the SEC title game. The Hilltoppers are playing in FBS but aren’t quite ready for the BCS challenge.
LSU – 49 Western Kentucky – 17
Louisiana Tech @ Ole Miss 11/12/11
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The Rebels finish their non-conference schedule against the Bulldogs of Louisiana Tech. This game is most likely to be closer than most would expect, but Ole Miss should be able to put Tech away. Expect Ole Miss to lean heavily on their rushing attack throughout the season, and that trend will continue in this game.
The Rebels will allow the Bulldogs to stick around for a bit, but Ole Miss puts them away in the third quarter.
Ole Miss – 28 Louisiana Tech – 17
Georgia Southern @ Alabama 11/19/11
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This is Alabama’s FCS opponent for the 2011 season, but the Eagles are no slouch. The Eagles made it to the FCS semifinals in 2010 but fell to Delaware. Despite their competiveness at the FCS level, the Tide will put the Eagles away pretty quickly.
This game falls right before the Iron Bowl for Alabama so the Tide must put the game away early to ensure that they can prepare for the road trip to Jordan-Hare. Alabama wins this game early and gets some much-needed playing time to second string guys and role players as the Tide looks to close the 2011 season strong.
Alabama – 42 Georgia Southern – 14
Samford @ Auburn 11/19/11
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Samford travels to Auburn with a few Auburn ties. Pat Sullivan, Heisman winner and quarterback for Auburn in the early ‘70s is the head coach, and the newly hired offensive coordinator Rhett Lashlee was an understudy at Auburn under Gus Malzahn.
How the Bulldogs offense looks will be interesting as the pupil will try and outwit the teacher in this late season battle. The Bulldogs will come to town looking for a game, and Auburn is sure to give it to them. Expect this game to be over in the first half despite the efforts of the Bulldogs and their new found offense.
Auburn – 42 Samford – 17
Furman @ Florida 11/19/11
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There seems to be a trend at the end of the season and FCS matchups in the SEC. Florida hosts the Paladins of Furman in a game that falls right before a critical season-ending matchup against Florida State.
How Muschamp develops his team in the coming season will go a long way in determining how long the starters stay on the field in this game. Expect to see an early runaway game and for the Gators to rest their starters for the majority of the contest.
Florida – 45 Furman – 7
Citadel @ South Carolina 11/19/11
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Yet again another FCS team will help close out the season before a major rivalry game occurs. South Carolina will have Clemson waiting the following week and will look to rest starters in preparation of the season ending rivalry game on the 26th.
South Carolina – 42 Citadel -10
Florida State @ Florida 11/26/11
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There are quite a few national pundits that are leaning towards Florida State being a nationally dominant team in 2011. Florida has whispers that they will be competitive but the chances at a title of some sort are very slim.
That being said, Florida will want to win this game. This will be a close game and go well into the fourth quarter. The Gators and Seminoles always play each other tough and this is sure to be a good game to close out the season.
Despite the tough play by the Gators, the Seminoles are more established than the Gators this season and Florida will take the eventual loss.
FSU – 31 Florida – 21
Georgia @ Georgia Tech 11/26/11
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Georgia Tech was the No. 1 rushing offense in the country last season and will need to continue that trend through the coming season and into the this game against the Bulldogs. The Bulldogs will need to have explosive plays to win this game.
If Georgia Tech will control the clock then the game will be tipped in their favor. The Bulldogs will air it out and rely on Aaron Murray to make huge plays with his arm. Georgia will win this game and control the flow of the game.
Georgia – 28 Georgia Tech – 14
Clemson @ South Carolina 11/26/11
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Only 132 miles separate these schools in the state of South Carolina. It is one of the better rivalries in college football and will not have conference implications but will determine the success of the season for these teams.
Clemson will need this signature win more than the Gamecocks, but South Carolina cannot afford a lost to end the season. Look for this to be a battle that goes well into the second half, but the Gamecocks take the win in preparation for their second trip to the SEC title game.
South Carolina – 28 Clemson - 24
Vanderbilt @ Wake Forest 11/26/11
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Wake Forest returns Tanner Price, their freshman starter, from a year ago with one year of experience under his belt and hopefully some growth as Wake Forest was 114th in passing in 2010. Vanderbilt will need this win to end the season on a good note for first-year coach James Franklin.
Vandy will travel well and put up a good fight in this game. The Demon Deacons will attempt to protect their home turf, but Vandy will come out victorious in this battle.
Vanderbilt – 24 Wake Forest – 21
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