Cupcakes and Carousels: Week 12 SEC Preview

Gone are the days when cupcakes and carousels were just for the playground; in the Southeastern Conference, they’ve found a place in college football. Sure, some might dub it “Cupcake Saturday” in the media, but fear not, we’re here to gear you up for the Week 12 SEC Preview. With only three conference matchups on the horizon, the rest of the teams are set to face off against FCS and Group of Five opponents. The potentially “sweet” weekend will try to make up to make up for the bitter taste left by Week 11.

Jimbo Fisher sent the 2023 coaching carousel into overdrive when Texas A&M announced firing him and paying his $76 million buyout in full. Following suit, Mississippi State showed the door to first-year head coach Zac Arnett. Meanwhile, rumors about Sam Pittman‘s future at Arkansas started swirling after a blowout loss to Auburn. Pittman might still be at the helm, but patience is wearing thin in Fayetteville.

Two other names to watch out for if this weekend doesn’t go well. Flordia travels to Missouri, is a double-digit underdog, and will likely miss a second straight bowl. Kentucky travels to South Carolina, and Wildcat fans are growing restless and asking if there is more out there. The excitement doesn’t end there as we brace ourselves for the final two weeks of the regular season, and you can count on Last Word on Sports to keep you in the loop with all the latest developments. But before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s indulge in the sweetness of our Week 12 SEC Preview.

Week 12 SEC Slate

All times are EST. The visiting team is listed first. Lines are current as of the Time of publishing. Week 12 picks against the spread are in bold. Click on the links to follow the latest from our Last Word on College Football staff. 

Week 12 SEC Preview

No. 1 Georgia vs. No. 18 Tennessee

This Saturday marks the 49th and final chapter (at least for now) of the SEC on CBS broadcasts from Neyland Stadium. Tennessee holds a special place in this history, being the inaugural team featured in the SEC on CBS package on September 21, 1996. The season hasn’t panned out as expected for Vol Nation, ending at likely 8-4, falling short of their aspirations. The losses at Florida and a lackluster performance against Missouri will leave a bitter taste during the offseason.

The challenge doesn’t get any easier as they face the No. 1 Bulldogs. Georgia is kicking it into high gear after a dominant victory over Ole Miss, securing its spot in Atlanta. Anticipate another strong statement from Georgia as they gear up to close the regular season next Saturday night in Atlanta against Georgia Tech. Look for Georgia to make another statement before closing the season next Saturday night in Atlanta against Georiga Tech.

Prediction: Georgia 42, Tennessee 13

New Mexico State vs. Auburn

Hats off to Hugh Freeze and his staff at Auburn. Earlier in the season, the offense and the entire 2023 campaign seemed to be heading in the wrong direction. However, with three consecutive victories over Mississippi State, Vanderbilt, and Arkansas, the Tigers have proven they’re not throwing in the towel yet. Despite these opponents not being from Alabama or Georgia, it underscores Freeze’s resilience and knack for turning things around.

Freeze has made Peyton Throne the starting quarterback full-time, and the move has paid off. Throne has delivered eight touchdowns and just two interceptions in the last three games, injecting new life into the team. Watch out for Auburn to build on this momentum come Saturday against New Mexico State before they gear up for the epic showdown in the Iron Bowl against the Tide. It’s worth noting that Nick Saban has a 4-4 record as head coach of the Tide at Auburn, and we all remember how Freeze has given Saban a run for his money in the past. Auburn fans have every reason to be optimistic.

Prediction: Auburn 48, New Mexico State 17

Florida vs. No. 9 Missouri

It was the best of times; it was the worst of the times. The classic Charles Dickens quote sums up Missouri and Florida’s seasons as much as it did 18th-century Paris. Currently sitting at No. 9 in the College Football Playoff rankings, Missouri is basking in the best of times, eyeing a New Year’s Six bowl. Their success highlights the positive impact of playoff expansion on college football, offering teams like the Tigers, who may not traditionally make a four-team playoff, a chance to shine on a larger stage. The potential for a 12-team format rewards fans and the program for solid seasons.

Conversely, the Florida Gators are grappling with the worst times. With a 4-6 record and matchups against Missouri and Florida State remaining, the prospects of a bowl game seem bleak for the second consecutive year under Coach Bill Napier. Despite the optimism surrounding Napier’s recruiting prowess, recent setbacks in the 2024 class, like the high-profile commitment flip of Four-Star DL Nasir Johnson to Georgia, provide more bad news. This is certainly not what the Gators or their fans expected when Napier took the helm two years ago.

Prediction: Missouri: 38, Flordia 21

FIU vs. Arkansas

What Arkansas team will show up on Saturday? The Razorbacks appear to be in freefall, and matters were made worse when a picture of the team watching Polar Express leaked on the internet rather than figuring out how to beat Auburn at halftime. The writing seems to be on the wall in Fayetteville. A loss or poor showing against lowly FIU likely seals Pittman’s fate sooner rather than later.

Prediction: Arkansas 24 FIU 17

 Kentucky vs. South Carolina

South Carolina has shifted away from the usual noon kickoff, bringing fans an exciting Saturday night matchup. Expect a high-scoring and exciting game. Both teams boast potent offenses and defenses that face challenges in stopping anyone. South Carolina aims to build a late-season winning streak for a shot at bowl eligibility. While Kentucky has already secured a spot in a bowl game, Wildcat fans crave even greater success. A defeat against either or both South Carolina or Tennessee might place Stoops under scrutiny, potentially leading to a hot-seat situation this year or in 2024.

Prediction: South Carolina 38, Kentucky 35

Georgia State vs. No. 19 LSU

Brian Kelly isn’t facing job insecurity, at least for now. LSU should be cautious about their upcoming Saturday night clash with a Sun Belt opponent. Georgia State has demonstrated resilience against SEC teams in recent years. 2019, they kicked off the season with a notable 38-30 victory over Tennessee at Neyland Stadium. Just two years ago, they came close to defeating Auburn at Jordan-Hare. Jayden Daniels is primed to add to Heisman season and it seems unlikely that the Panthers should challenge LSU. Still, Kelly should be on alert.

Prediction: LSU 45, Georgia State 24