Buy, Sell, or Hold? Week Three SEC Betting Lines

Headlines can be more provocative than profound. This was especially true after Week Two of the college football season, when eight SEC teams were ranked in the Week Three AP Poll, including locking out six of the first seven spots. Before we get to the Week Three SEC  betting lines, we figured we would take a closer look to check the stocks on those eight teams. We are buying those teams that have proved something, holding on to teams that have yet to play an opponent of merit, and placing a hard sell on teams that have lost or have shown cracks in their foundation.

Buy, Sell, or Hold? Week Three SEC Betting Lines

Buy:

As we start looking at the Week Three SEC teams, we can buy stock in three of them. Each team has secured a signature win and proven themselves on the field, making them standout contenders to invest in.

#1 Georgia: The consensus #1 team since the preseason, Georgia’s defense has made a statement in 2024. The Bulldogs have yet to give up a touchdown. Sure, they played an FCS team last week, but Clemson (their Week 1 opponent) dropped 35 in the first quarter against Appalachian State after failing to muster 200 total yards of offense in Week 1. This week, they go on the road to face Kentucky. The Wildcats offense looked anemic last week against South Carolina and could only look worse against the Bulldogs.

#2 Texas: This weekend, the SEC party continued for the Longhorns in Ann Arbor. Burnt orange and cowboy hats took over Ann Arbor on Friday night (some courtesy of Cooper Manning). Quinn Eweers and the Longhorns jumped over the defending national champions, winning 31-12. The game wasn’t even that close, and it helped Texas bypass Ohio State for the #2 spot in the rankings. Texas returns to Austin to face UTSA on Saturday night.

#7 Tennessee: The other UT team had the most impressive win in Week 2. The Vols dismantled NC State 51-10 in a neutral-site game in Charlotte. The Wolfpack became a popular pick to supplant Florida State and Clemson atop the ACC. Quarterback Niko Iamaleava continues to show poise in leading a revamped Volunteer offense in 2024. Tennessee will get one more tune-up game this weekend against Kent State before heading to Norman next weekend for a showdown with the Sooners.

Hold:

Three teams we are marking it as a hold. One, given its history, gets the benefit of the doubt. The rest have yet to play anyone of consequence in the season’s first two weeks.

#4 Alabama: Maybe Alabama should stop scheduling USF. Despite a 42-16 win, it was a one-score game for most of the contest, and USF faltered by kicking a field goal instead of going for a touchdown in the red zone early in the 4th quarter. Alabama did something similar last year but responded with a 24-10 win over Ole Miss. Expect them to start strong Saturday as the SEC vs. Big Ten showdown takes center stage on Big Noon Kickoff. A win over Wisconsin would be a major victory for the SEC, showing Kalen DeBoer is ready to step into Nick Saban’s shoes.

#5 Ole Miss: To quote Dan Patrick, the Rebels are “en fuego.” Jaxson Dart is lighting up the scoreboard with six touchdowns, just one fewer than his seven interceptions. Ole Miss faces Winston-Salem this weekend for their first non-conference Power Four opponent. A win could see them favored in every game until they host Georgia on November 9. Lane Kiffin and the Rebels are enjoying the #PartyInTheSip.

#6 Missouri: Let’s be honest; Missouri’s matchup with Boston College wasn’t on our radar at the season’s start. But BC, revived under first-year coach Bill O’Brien, will challenge the Tigers’ run defense, having used this approach to upset Florida State. For Missouri to stay in playoff contention, a win here is crucial.

Sell:

Buyer beware. As we head into Week 3 SEC play, there are two teams in the AP Top 25 to be wary of.

#15 Oklahoma: Nebraska remains a cautionary tale of using conference realignment for more green pastures and dollars. Oklahoma struggled last week to put away a Houston team that they should have been able to handle. This week, they face another test, a team that could pose problems for the Sooners. Many expected Tulane to step back this year when Willie Fritz left for Houston. Last week, they gave Kansas State all they could handle and nearly knocked them off. Oklahoma has a challenging end to its schedule. Controlling the Green Wave in Norman is key to a bowl birth and a successful season. This has upset special written all over it.

#16 LSU: LSU is 1-1 and was another team with fool’s gold for a final score. The Tigers defeated Nichols last week 44-21, but this game was too close for comfort for many Tiger fans last weekend. Brian Kelly was brought in to be a difference maker, elevate the Tigers back into contention for an SEC Championship, and be in the national championship conversation. Instead, his teams have had to overcome slow starts and, at times, uninspiring football. This is not the standard in Baton Rouge, and the Tigers must be on alert as they head to Columbia, South Carolina, to take on the Gamecocks. Shane Beamer and Carolina are fresh off dusting Kentucky and could be ready to jump on LSU early if they are not prepared for that noon start.

Week 3 SEC Betting Lines

Rankings are based on the AP media poll. Lines and game totals are courtesy of FanDuel. Cupcakes (FCS) games are sweet but do not have lines. All games are Eastern Standard Time. Check the links for insights from your favorite Last Word on College Football writers.