New Year. Same Tide: Week 6 SEC Betting Lines

Welcome to the Week 6 SEC betting lines. This was supposed to be Georgia’s time. You never want to be the guy to follow the guy. Both of these statements were the narratives that shaped the SEC and college football heading into the 2024 season. When Nick Saban announced his retirement in January from Alabama, the big, scary elephant that terrorized the SEC and college football for the last 17 years was supposed to be over. Sure, Kalen DeBoer was a good coach. A guy who coached at Washington, Eastern Michigan, and Sioux Falls surely couldn’t be Dixieland’s Delight.

Sorry folks, Saturday night’s performance brought a new reality to the SEC and college football. It’s a new year, but it’s the same old Tide. Before we get to the Week 6 betting lines, we will take a closer look at the Tide and offer our three key storylines as we head into SEC Week 6.

That Kalen Guy Knows a Thing or Two

Where was DeBoer on the Tide’s wish list? It doesn’t matter if he was their first or fifth choice. Saturday night’s win shows that DeBoer was the right choice. All he has done as a coach is win. DeBoer is a remarkable 109-12 as a head coach and is 6-0 against Kirby Smart, Steve Sarkisian, and Dan Lanning. The best part, he has done it his way. He has redone the head coach’s office, let the media onto the practice field, and even brought music back to practice. DeBoer’s big win helped quiet those naysayers who said the moment might be a little too big for him in Tuscaloosa.

DeBoer’s event earned the praise of the “voice of the SEC,” Paul Finebaum. On SportsCenter this week, Finebaum, who is never one to hold his opinions, had high praise for the Crimson Tide’s new coach. “Nothing could be finer,” Finebaum said. “Unbelievable. This guy has really done one of the masterclasses I have ever seen in a transition. You saw it on Saturday night. It wasn’t perfect — it was perfect for the first half, but they won the game on an amazing play, and that’s all people are going to remember.”

Best “Running Back” in the Country

Smart had high praise for Jalen Milroe after the game on Saturday night. Smart was questioned why he didn’t have more double coverage against the Tide’s standout receiver, Ryan Williams. “I said we can’t do anything special for Ryan Williams,” Smart said. “They got a guy back there at quarterback that could be the best running back in the country, and he throws the ball.” Milroe was dynamic for the Tide and had the Midas touch in the first half as Alabama raced out to a 30-7 lead. He was 18-20 for 199 yards and a touchdown in the first half. He also was able to hurt the Bulldogs with his legs. Milroe ran the ball nine times for 109 yards in the first half and added two touchdown runs himself.

It’s the way Milroe carries himself for the Tide that is the difference. Watching the game on Saturday night, it was noticeable how much fun he had playing for the Tide. There is always plenty of pressure being the Crimson Tide’s quarterback, but you don’t see that with Milroe. Instead, you see a young man who is confident and having fun. It also helps he has some great weapons to assist him.

The Kids Are Alright

The young kids were the difference makers for the Alabama on Saturday night. Williams was a five-star recruit of the Class of 2024. He put up staggering numbers in high school. He accounted for over 4,600 all-purpose yards and 65 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Saraland (Ala.). Williams has picked up right where he left off at Saraland for the Tide this year. Williams announced his presence with authority Saturday night. He had two highlight reel catches that left fans asking how a kid this young could be so good. He also put the final dagger in the Bulldog’s hopes of a comeback when he caught a 75-yard touchdown with just over two minutes remaining to secure the win. The catch came just 13 seconds after Georgia pulled themselves out of the 30-7 halftime deficit.

Williams wasn’t the only star freshman for the Tide on Saturday night. Zabien Brown intercepted Carson Beck in the end zone to secure the victory for the Tide. Williams predicted the play when the two were playing College Football 25 the night before the game. “We played NCAA last night, and it was like a close game, and he caught the game-winning pick-six,” Williams told reporters in postgame on Saturday. “This morning, I was like, ‘Bro, you’re going to catch a pick.’ And he was like ‘Of course that’s what I’m going to try to do anyway.’ “Next thing you know, game-winning interception. … That’s how I lost my voice. I was screaming, ‘I told you, I told you.’

The two freshmen will play a big part as the Tide continues to roll to another shot at another SEC and national championship. The Tide travel to Nashville to take on Vanderbilt this week. Here are all of your Week 6 SEC betting lines.

Week 6 SEC Storylines

At first glance, this week’s slate seems light, but here are three storylines we will be looking for on Saturday.

• Can Miz and Rocky Top seize the moment?
  The Georgia loss last week opens the door for other teams with their eyes on a chance to play in Atlanta for the SEC Championship or a spot in the playoff. Missouri has been lurking all season. They travel to Kyle Field as an underdog on Saturday. Tennessee gets the showcase game on Saturday night in Fayetteville. Let’s hope they can avoid being blinded by their Top 5 AP ranking this week.
• Can Georgia and Ole Miss Bounce back?
  Georgia and Ole Miss both suffered disappointing losses on Saturday. The expanded college football playoff allows for a mulligan. Auburn and South Carolina can also cause problems. It would be best to avoid seeing either’s losing streak climb to two.
• Saturday Night Drama Unfolds at The Swamp
  The saga of Billy Napier and the Florida Gators takes another twist on Saturday night as UCF visits the Swamp. This game is a “must-win” for Napier, as frustrated fans have called for his departure. While the Gators have mostly performed well at home under his Napier, UCF is coming off a tough loss to Colorado. A win could calm the discontent, but a loss might mark the end of Napier’s tenure.

Week 6 SEC Betting Lines

The Week 6 SEC slate is a bit light this week—just one game at noon. There is one of the oldest rivalries taking place in Athens. All eyes will be on Gainesville if the result doesn’t go the Gators way. Rankings are based on the AP media poll. SEC betting lines and game totals are courtesy of FanDuel. All games are Eastern Standard Time. Check the links for insights from your favorite Last Word on College Football writers.