Week 11 in the SEC
Rise and grind Dawg fans, the day of SEC football starts in earnest early today. This week’s slate of games looks pretty good, perhaps the best since upset Saturday a few weeks ago. Everybody is playing except South Carolina.
11:00 – Vanderbilt at Florida (-10), FSN
This is a big game for both of these 4-4 teams, especially Florida. If the Gators don’t win they’ll have to beat either South Carolina or Florida State just to get to six wins and a bowl. Vanderbilt could certainly use this game, but they do have Kentucky and Wake Forest still left on the schedule as possible wins. The last time this game was in Gainesville (2011) it came down to the wire but UF pulled it out, 26-21.
11:00 – #11 Missouri (-13.5) at Kentucky, ESPNU
The Tigers’ 3-game home stand comes to an end, but Lexington, Kentucky shouldn’t be too unfriendly. UK has been routinely over-matched this year and this game should be no different. I’m honestly surprised the spread isn’t larger.
11:00 – #9 Auburn (-7) at Tennessee, ESPN
This game could be pretty interesting. Tennessee has had their doors blown off at home this year, out-scored 166-44; but at home they have been much better: 4-1 with a win over South Carolina and an overtime defeat to Georgia. This will be the Vols 5th straight ranked opponent and 7th in the last 8 games – WOW. Auburn is riding a hot wave, winning their last five ball games and if they can win this one they’d set up a big time final two games at Jordan-Hare: Georgia & Alabama.
11:21 – Arkansas at Ole Miss (-17), SEC Network
The Rebs had a week off to prepare for this game, but it’s doubtful they really needed it. UPig is bad, real bad, and Ole Miss is looking to make some hay during the weaker part of their schedule. A win here would make them bowl-eligible.
11:30 – Appalachian State at Georgia, ESPN3
The Bulldogs get a FCS school to sharpen their tools against in preparation for Auburn next week.
2:30 – Mississippi State at #15 Texas A&M (-19), CBS
State gets their shot on the big stage, we’ll see what they can do against Johnny Football. Last year’s game was a blowout, and I haven’t seen too many fans, MSU or otherwise, who seem to think this year will be much different.
7:00 – #13 LSU at #1 Alabama (-13), CBS
That’s a big spread for this game no matter how good Bama is. This series has been the best in the country the last 4 or 5 years. Every game has come down the wire (except maybe their BCS title game). LSU would need some dominos to fall to get back in the SEC West race, but winning this game would be the start. Should be another great matchup.