SEC Football: Dr. SEC's Week 2 Previews and Predictions

It was a successful week one. I went 11-1 during the week and predicted several key stats, such as LSU winning the game because they would force four turnovers. Here is a review:

Alabama

Score Prediction:W 51-7 Actual: 48-7 
Stat Prediction: DL with 4 sacks Actual: Defense had 4 sacks

Arkansas

Score Prediction: W 52-3 Actual: 51-7 
Stat Prediction: Wilson 17-21 (300 yards,3 TDs) Actual:18-24 (260 yards, 2 TDs)

Mississippi State

Score Prediction:42-10 Actual 59-14 
Stat Prediction: Relf 3 total TDs Actual: 2 total TDs

Vandy

Score Prediction: 38-3 Actual: 45-14 
Stat Prediction: Smith 300 yards: Actual: Smith 125 yards

South Carolina

Score Prediction: 41-24 Actual: 56-37 
Stat Prediction: Lattimore 175 rushing yards Actual: 112 rushing yards and 3 TDs

Florida Gators

Score Prediction: 38-10 Actual: 41-3 
Stat Prediction: Brantley 3 TDs Actual: Brantley 1 TD

Auburn Tigers

Score Prediction: 45-24 Actual 42-38 
Stat Prediction: 350 yards rushing Actual: 78 yards rushing 
* Sidenote: I did talk about this game being close and how it could be an upset.

Tennessee Volunteers

Score Prediction: 52-17 Actual 42-16 
Stat Prediction: Tyler Bray 4 TDs Actual: 3 touchdowns

Ole Miss

Score Prediction: BYU 28-OM 17 Actual: BYU 14-13 
Stat Prediction: Heaps 300 passing yards Actual: 225 passing yards

LSU

Score Prediction 31-28 Actual:40-27 
Stat Prediction: LSU forces 4 turnovers Actual:LSU Forced 4 turnovers

UGA

Score Prediction 24-17 Actual: L 35-21 
Stat Prediction: Kwame 2 sacks Actual: 0

Alabama Crimson Tide Versus Penn State Nittany Lions

When the casual fan thinks back to the 2010 matchup between Alabama and Penn State, there is a general misconception that many carry. The idea is that the Lions were never in the game and Saban was just being generous not to run the score up.  The truth is that Penn State repeatedly shot themselves in the foot and this was the reason they were not competitive.  During the Nittany Lions' second series, they racked up 56 yards before Penn State quarterback Rob Bolden threw an interception. After an Alabama touchdown, Penn State was driving once again. However, after 67 yards Penn State would turn the ball over again with a fumble.  Yes, Alabama was the better team, but the Nittany Lions also shot themselves in the foot repeatedly.

Just like last season, Alabama is the better team. However, having a shaky quarterback situation in an electric environment will lead to a more conservative offensive game plan. Moreover,  the weather conditions will be miserable and the field could be downright dangerous.  These facts will lead to a slower offensive game. The Tide, however, will have their dominating defense on display. As a result, the Tide will be victorious in their first road game.

Score Prediction: Alabama 20 Penn State 6

Stat Prediction: Eddy Lacy will lead the Tide in rushing

Auburn Tigers Versus Mississippi State Bulldogs

These two teams could not have looked more different in their season openers. Mississippi State appeared to be genuine SEC contenders against Memphis. Auburn, on the other hand, needed the perfect onside kick to pull out their win against Utah State. On paper this is a blowout. Mississippi State has more proven players on each side of the ball.

I almost always go with the numbers and the trends because gut feelings will lead you astray. However, I cannot believe that an Auburn team is going to get blown out at home with Gus Malzahn as the offensive coordinator. Barrett Trotter looked amazing last week as he completed 17 of 23 passes for 261 and three touchdowns.

If the running game had looked anywhere near what I expected last week I could possibly go with the upset. However, Mississippi State is too good and Auburn is too young. Auburn will be explosive enough on offense to keep it close. However, Vick Ballard will rush for three touchdowns for the sixth time in fourteen games. Look for Chris Relf and Chad Bumphis to have big games as well.

Score Prediction: MSU 34 Auburn 31

State Prediction: Ballard Three touchdowns

LSU Tigers Versus Northwestern State Demons

Les Miles has been called a lot of things in his tenure at LSU. However, they might need to add the name apostle to the list. The Bayou Bengals will face Northwestern State and barring the game being cancelled, Coach Miles will be casting Demons out of Tiger Stadium. Miles has made it clear this week that his main concern is winning the game. However, it is possible that the LSU Tigers could field the soccer team and win this game.

The Demons needed a 17 point rally last week just to beat a division-II team. This game is a well needed rest for LSU who has Mississippi State next week. This game will serve as a great opportunity for backups to get plenty of reps.

Score Prediction: LSU 56 NSU 6

Stat Prediction: Spencer Ware two touchdowns

Florida Gators Versus UAB Blazers

I am sure as you read this you will think I am out of my mind. However, I think UAB will keep this game close. Remember, UAB played Mississippi State and Tennessee last season and lost those two games by a combined eight points. Moreover, the Blazers dominated the total yards battle 544-287 in their game against Tennessee. Had it not been for their kicker missing 5 makeable field goals, UAB would have won that game.

UAB did not play in week one, so we do not know a whole lot about this season’s team. They do, however, have 16 starters returning from that team. Much like my Auburn/Utah State prediction last week, I expect UAB to keep this within a touchdown at half, but Florida will pull away in the end.

Score Prediction: UF 34 UAB 21

Stat Prediction: DL will have 5 sacks

Arkansas Razorbacks Versus New Mexico Lobos

New Mexico enters the game against Arkansas reeling from a 14-10 loss to Colorado State. The Lobos not only dropped their first game but they gave up nine sacks as well. New Mexico did look much improved on defense in their first game. As a result, they are unlikely to repeat their 1-11 season. However, they will start 0-2.

The Razorbacks season has laid out perfect for them to pull an upset on the Alabama Crimson Tide in week four. With three weak opening games, they are preparing themselves for the week four battle. Their goal for this game is to improve and avoid injury.

Score Prediction: 48-6

Stat Prediction: Tyler Wilson 275 yards and three touchdowns

Ole Miss Versus Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois started their season off well last week with a 38-10 victory over Southeastern Missouri. In fact, the Salukis quarterback, Paul McIntosh, had 103 total yards more than the whole Ole Miss football team tallied last week in their loss to BYU. Southern Illionis gained a total of 494 yards last week. While Ole Miss might not be an elite SEC team, they are still better than Southeastern Missouri.

The Rebels' offense was horrific last week. The rushing game looked anemic while rushing for 64 yards on 29 carries (2.2 YPC). However, it should get better this week. Look for Ole Miss to find some productivity this week.

Score Prediction: Ole Miss 27 SIU 13

Stat Prediction: Zach Stout 225 yards passing and 2 touchowns

Kentucky Wildcats Versus Central Michigan

Neither the Wildcats nor Chippewas looked impressive in their season-opening wins. Kentucky beat Western Kentucky 14-3. Central Michigan beat South Carolina State 21-6. These Chippewas are not like the version that had Dan LeFevour. This version struggled on offense last season and finished with a losing record.

The Wildcats are not going to be the offensive team they were last season either. However, the Wildcats do have this game at their home stadium and they should win.

Score Prediction: UK 21 CM 9

Stat Prediction: Morgan Newton 200 yards and one touchdown

Vanderbilt Commodores Versus UConn Huskies

Both teams posted blowout victories last week. However, Vanderbilt did not look as good as the score might indicate. Fans are excited with the new coaching regime in Nashville, and rightly so. However, it is going to take him a couple of seasons to get his players in the system.

The Huskies will not give the Commodores much tape to work with because nobody is sure on the starters.  UConn will use three quarterbacks in this game. There is also uncertainty at the running back position. Last season’s star running back Jordan Todman declared early for the NFL Draft. D.J. Shoemate was slated to be the starter. However, he missed the season opener with an injured ankle. This opened the door for redshirt freshman Lyle McCombs who rushed for 141 yards and four touchdowns.

Though I am not sold on the Commodores just yet, there is too much uncertainty with the Huskies.

Score Prediction: Vandy 24 Huskies 21

Stat Prediction: Larry Smith passes for 200 yards

Tennessee Volunteers Versus Cincinnati Bearcats

Both teams enjoyed blowout victories last week. However, both should have an asterisk beside them. Tennessee should have an asterisk because they had eight potential turnovers. The Vols had six fumbles (recovered them all) and two interceptions (both were negated because of pass interference calls).They did beat Montana 42-16 but it was less than impressive. They even ran a flea flicker for a touchdown. A flea flicker against Montana, really? Cincinnati, on the other hand, was almost flawless in their 72-10 win against Austin Peay. I live about 15 minutes from the Governors campus and I can tell you that this win was not impressive. Austin Peay is only a few years removed from not even giving scholarships for football.

I am going to take Tennessee in a shootout but only because they are at home. However, I would not be a bit surprised to see Cincinnati defeat the Volunteers. However, in a high scoring game you have to like the chances of hearing a lot of Rocky Top blaring. But if they start turning the ball over they could get run out of their own stadium.

Score Prediction: UT 41 Cincinnati 35

Stat Prediction: Justin Hunter 135 yards and two touchdowns

Georgia Bulldogs Versus South Carolina Gamecocks

I should note that I have been with my wife since we were 15. She knows me better than anyone in the world. We get along great. However, she tells me that I can be stubborn sometimes. Once I get my mind set on something, I refuse to let it go. I went 11-1 last week with my incorrect pick being the UGA/Boise State game. I really feel like this UGA team will finish the season strong. As a result, they might continue to be a blemish on my record. I believe in going by the numbers and trends and they say that South Carolina is going to win this game.

There is one glaring number that sticks out for South Carolina. They are 6-13 away from William-Brice Stadium over the last three seasons. This trend is why you see them beat Alabama by two touchdowns at home last season and lose to Kentucky on the road the following week. In regards to the Bulldogs, I have two concerns. One, can they block out all the negativity that surrounds the program right now? Two, can they stop the run without their stud linebacker Alec Ogletree? The Bulldogs were tremendous against the run last week. They held stud running back Doug Martin to 57 yards on 24 carries.

Score Prediction: UGA 27 USC 24

Stat Prediction: Aaron Murray with 300 yards passing

Final Take

Please do not place any bets on my predictions this week. In my opinion, week two and week three are the hardest weeks all season. Some teams come out flat the first few weeks. Others have competition that is hard to gauge. However, these are the best selections with the information given

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