By Vince Ferrara / @VinceSports
Each week, I’ll share my predictions and info on SEC football games.
Below is broadcast info and analysis for Week 7 in the SEC.
These are straight-up winners only. The point spread is just as a barometer for how big of a favorite or underdog each team is.
2020 SEC Week 5 Game Prediction Record: 5-1 (83%)
2020 SEC Season Prediction Record: 27-9 (75%)
2019 SEC Game Prediction Record: 103-20 (84%)
NOVEMBER OPENS SECOND HALF OF SEC SEASON
SATURDAY, November 7
Florida (3-1, 3-1 SEC) vs. Georgia (4-1, 4-1 SEC)
Series: UGA leads, 52,43-2
3:30 p.m. ET • CBS
Last: UGA, 24-17 (2019 in Jacksonville)
Jacksonville, Fla. • TIAA Bank Field (82,871)
Sirius: 206/119 • XM: 191/192
Point Spread: Georgia -3
Vince’s View: Even though Georgia was my preseason pick to win the East, the Bulldogs have controlled the series recently and Florida hasn’t been flawless, I’m going with the Gators. UGA’s defense is perhaps the best in the country, but they’ve given up some passing yards and the scoring D is only 55th. Plus, no Richard LeCounte II in the UGA secondary. My biggest concern with Georgia is the offense. The QB play is big-game flaw. No WR George Pickens again. The run game is decent but not unstoppable like past years. Florida’s Kyle connection will make enough winning plays to take control of the SEC East.
Score Prediction: Florida 31 Georgia 21
Vanderbilt (0-4, 0-4 SEC) at Mississippi State (1-4, 1-4 SEC)
Series: MSU leads, 13-7-2
3:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Last: MSU, 51-0 (2014 in Starkville)
Starkville, Miss. • Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field (61,337)
Sirius: 133 • XM: 390/190
Point Spread: Mississippi State -18 ½
Vince’s View: Ugh. What do you do with this one? Mississippi State can’t score. Vanderbilt can’t score or stop anybody. As long as Vandy doesn’t try the Bo Pellini man coverage approach against the Bulldogs offense, it should be ugly (understatement) and low scoring.
Score Prediction: Mississippi State 17 Vanderbilt 9
Texas A&M (4-1, 4-1 SEC) at South Carolina (2-3, 2-3 SEC)
Series: TAMU leads, 6-0
7 p.m. ET • ESPN
Last: TAMU, 30-6 (2019 in College Station)
Columbia, S.C. • Williams-Brice Stadium (80,250)
Sirius: 81/206 • XM: 81/191
Point Spread: Texas A&M -7 ½
Vince’s View: I’m surprised at the line not being more in the Aggies’ favor. South Carolina has been competitive and coming off an open week. Texas A&M is relying more on the run game which keeps them balanced and aides QB Kellen Mond.
Score Prediction: Texas A&M 38 South Carolina 24
Tennessee (2-3, 2-3 SEC) at Arkansas (2-3, 2-3 SEC)
Series: UT leads, 13-5
7:30 p.m. ET • SEC Network
Last: ARK, 24-20 (2015 in Knoxville)
Fayetteville, Ark. • Reynolds Razorback Stadium (72,000)
Sirius: 133 • XM: 390/190
Point Spread: Tennessee -1
Vince’s View: Tennessee absolutely needed the open week like week to try and reset, make-up missed practices and try to save the season. That being said, there’s no guarantee that it helps. If UT isn’t much improved with two weeks of prep and schemes, that’s a real indictment of the coaching staff and the chemistry. I would be surprised if we don’t see Key Lawrence play a lot in this game to try to fix the various issues in the secondary. He’s been bounced around when available and Pruitt says they’ve worked him at that revolving door Star position. The tackling, the pass rush, the QB play, the wide receivers getting off press coverage, the lack of dominance by the 5-star littered o-line…the areas that need improvement are many. Arkansas does some things offensively that have given UT problems, like slants and attacking the middle of the field. Feleipe Franks has typically played well vs. UT. The Vols cannot lose the turnover margin. This team isn’t talented or explosive enough to overcome those things. It will rise the fan base to a boiling point if it happens, but I think Arkansas wins this game. If so, with vs. Texas A&M, at Auburn, at Vanderbilt and vs. Florida remaining, where are the non-Commodores wins? COVID-19 year or not, many fans won’t stand for 3-7 in year three under Jeremy Pruitt.
Score Prediction: Arkansas 24 Tennessee 23
Open: Alabama (6-0, 6-0 SEC); Auburn (4-2, 4-2 SEC); Kentucky (2-4, 2-4 SEC); LSU (2-3, 2-3 SEC); Ole Miss (2-4, 2-4 SEC); Missouri (2-3, 2-3 SEC)
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