#1 Alabama (5-0, 2-0) @ #16 Arkansas (4-1, 0-1); Sat 7 EDT, ESPN
The Alabama Crimson Tide will visit the Arkansas Razorbacks Saturday in a mid-season clash of SEC West foes. The Tide come in riding a 17-game winning streak while the Razorbacks are hungry for their first SEC win of the season.
Here are a few key players to watch for the Tide:
Players to Watch
Jalen Hurts
The freshmen quarterback will make his second road start in the SEC Saturday in the electric Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Although Hurts’ numbers were solid in the Tide’s win over Kentucky, he seemed to have trouble throwing the ball vertically. Hurts’ ability the throw the ball downfield will be a huge key in leading the Tide to their 18th straight victory.
Joshua Jacobs
The three star running back from Tulsa, Oklahoma burst onto the scene Saturday in the Tide’s 34-6 win over Kentucky. Jacobs rushed for 100 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Josh seems to bring a new dimension to the Tide backfield. His burst of speed and shiftiness is something that can catapult the Tide’s running game against the Razorbacks.
Tim Williams
Despite not playing the first half last week, Williams might have had his best game of the season so far. He recorded four tackles (three for loss), a sack, two quarterback hurries, and a forced fumble. Razorback quarterback Austin Allen comes in averaging 246.4 yards per game passing. Look for Williams to apply pressure on Allen, opening up opportunities for the secondary to create turnovers.
Eddie Jackson
The Tide is ranked first in non-offensive touchdowns with seven this season. Jackson has two with an interception and a punt return. Jackson could have a big day in the secondary if the Tide defensive line can get pressure on first year starter Austin Allen. Also, Jackson has been compared to former Bama punt returner Javier Arenas due to his ability to make defenders miss on punt returns. Look for him to make an impact on the game on special teams.
Prediction: Alabama 31 Arkansas 14
SEC Game Predictions
Auburn (3-2, 1-1) @ Mississippi State (2-2, 1-1); Sat 12 EDT, SEC Network
The Auburn offense exploded for 58 points last week against lowly UL Monroe, while Mississippi State had to come from behind to defeat UMass 47-35. The Bulldogs enter the game ranked outside the top 50 in passing yards allowed. Look for Rhett Lashlee and Sean White to exploit the Bulldogs’ secondary woes.
Prediction: Auburn 27 Mississippi State 14
LSU (3-2, 2-1) @ #18 Florida (4-1, 2-1); Sat 12EDT, ESPN
Ed Orgeron opened his interim coaching stint perfectly this Saturday. The Tigers broke the school record for total offense in a game with 634 yards. Tiger running backs Derrius Guice and Darrel Williams combined for almost 300 yards and six touchdowns. The Gators are coming off a hard-fought 13-6 victory over Vanderbilt. The Gators were slightly banged up on the defensive line, which allowed Ralph Webb to gain 110 yards rushing. The defensive line should be healthy this week and starting quarterback Luke Del Rio is also expected to return. The Gators will slow down the LSU offense, but will not have enough production from their offense to get it done.
Prediction: LSU 24 Florida 14
#9 Tennessee (5-0, 2-0) @ #8 Texas A&M (5-0, 3-0); Sat 3:30 EDT, CBS
The biggest game in the SEC and nationally this week is between the Tennessee Volunteers and the Texas A&M Aggies. The two most experienced quarterbacks in the SEC, Josh Dobbs and Trevor Knight, will square off. The Vols draw close comparisons to the Auburn team of 2013 with their last second magic. The Texas A&M defense has improved drastically compared to the past years of the Kevin Sumlin era, and Kyle Field will be rocking. Look for Tennessee’s magic to run out this week.
Prediction: Texas A&M 45 Tennessee 31
Vanderbilt (2-3, 0-2) @ Kentucky (2-3, 1-2); Sat 4 EDT, SEC Network
Vanderbilt and Kentucky, as in previous years, are the cellar dwellers in the SEC so far this year. The few bright spots for both teams seems to be in the running game. Two of the better running backs in the SEC, Ralph Webb and Stanley “Boom” Williams, will try to carry their team to victory. Vanderbilt’s defense seems to have finally lived up to their preseason hype. Look for the Commodores to pick up their first SEC win of the year.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 17 Kentucky 14
Georgia (3-2, 1-2) @ South Carolina (2-3, 1-3); Sat 7:30 EDT, SEC Network
Georgia experienced the worst case of heartbreak possible last week, losing on a last second Hail mary to Tennessee. The Bulldogs are looking to move their SEC record to .500 with a win against the Gamecocks. Meanwhile, Will Muschamp continues to struggle to develop a potent offense in Columbia. With Nick Chubb cleared to play, but still likely slowed up due to an ankle injury, look for the Bulldogs to lean on Sony Michel and freshmen quarterback Jacob Eason to push them to victory.
Prediction: Georgia 31 South Carolina 10
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