Week 6: Will Texas A&M get a Top 10 scalp?

Missouri comes into Saturday’s game at Kyle Field with trepidation. It’s not because they haven’t played each other before (it’s 2-2 in SEC play since they both came into the conference in 2012), it’s because they were so lousy against Vanderbilt, while the Texas A&M-Marcel Reed combination has looked better and better.

But there are other interesting games this Saturday too. Ole Miss can’t possibly play as badly as they did against Kentucky this week when they visit South Carolina, can they? Will No.4 Tennessee avoid problems at Arkansas? Will Alabama continue to roll against Vanderbilt? Can Georgia get over the ‘loss hangover’ at home to ancient rival Auburn? And will Florida continue to recover against UCF?

Anyway, there are some really interesting games this week. Here are our ones in order:

1.  No.9 Missouri at No. 25 Texas A&M (-2): We’re actually going to this game, so we’re really hoping for a game that goes down to the wire. The weather’s meant to be a horrible 90 degrees, and me and my bud are going to be up at the top of the stadium. Anyway, it shiould be interesting. Missouri’s main worry won’t be their wide receiving talent. Luther Burden and Theo Wease can play with anyone. But the ‘old Brady Cook’ raised its ugly head against Vanderbilt, as the quarterback had the worst completion percentage of the season. In short, it was garbage performance. The defense missed its fair few tackles. On the other hand, Texas A&M won very, very ugly against Arkansas. Marcel Reed’s a PROBLEM with his legs. Oh, and A&M’s secondary has a SEC-leading seven interceptions so far this year. PREDICTION: Texas A&M with a big upset (rankings-wise, anyway). Texas A&M 35, Missouri 28.
2. No.12 Ole Miss (-8) at South Carolina: Ole Miss can’t possibly be as bloody awful at South Carolina as they were against Kentucky could they, I mean, COULD they? Look, South Carolina will give Lane Kiffin another massive test. Williams-Brice is going to be LIT. After all, if it wasn’t for an awful refereeing decision, they would already have a Top. 20 scalp in LSU. LaNorris Sellers, who caused LSU’s defense fits a couple of week ago, is going to start against Ole Miss, and his rushing talent against the speed threat of Rocket Sanders will cause the Rebels problems. But hey – Ole Miss is still a two-headed weapon. Jaxson Dart is still one of the best quarterbacks in the SEC. Henry Parrish is a good running back, playing against a South Carolina D who gives up over 100 yards a game. PREDICTION: Ole Miss squeaks by. Ole Miss 38, South Carolina 14.
3.  UCF (-2.5) at Florida: Gus Malzahn is returning to SEC grounds for the first time this season, and with an offense that’s going to provide guaranteed fun. KJ Jefferson will do that. But UCF was embarrassed by Colorado. Their offensive line isn’t strong. Florida is – quite frankly – better. We know that Billy Napier probably won’t survive this season, but in all that, UCF isn’t a good team, who would probably struggle with the team that UF beat handily in Mississippi State. PREDICTION: We’re taking the Gators. Florida 45, UCF 25.
4. No.4 Tennessee (-13.5) at Arkansas: After seeing a lot of the game against Texas A&M, we can say this: My whole “Arkansas is actually pretty good” train is going off the rails. Taylen Green is an OK quarterback, who can cause problems with his legs, but he’s one of the worst quarterbacks in the SEC for interceptions. Tennessee will be going in Fayetteville with zero fear. Nico’s playing like the rock star we all knew he was. Dont’e Thornton’s playing like a first rounder. Dylan Sampson is a monster at running back, leading the SEC in rushing TDs (10). And the Vols’ defense – which was hilariously crap for years on end – is really good. PREDICTION: Some things in life are close. This game won’t be one of them. Tennessee 45, Arkansas 14.
5.  Auburn at No.5 Georgia (-22.5): Georgia was horrible at Alabama (first half), and brilliant against Alabama (second half). Auburn was great against Oklahoma (three quarters), but so awful they managed to lose (fourth quarter). After a loss, Georgia’s head coach said he was incredibly proud of how his team competed over the course of 60 mins. After a loss, Auburn’s head coach bemoaned the previous administration’s recruitment policy – a week before he’d verbally beaten down his freshman quarterback. So which team do you have more confidence in? And what team is suddenly more likeable? PREDICTION: Georgia’s gonna smoke them. Georgia 48, Auburn 10.
6.  No.1 Alabama (-23.5) at Vanderbilt: Vanderbilt might have been feisty against Missouri, but that doesn’t mean that they’re a good team. This should be a fantastic quarterbacking match-up, with Jalin Monroe (Heisman Contender) and Diego Pavia (Johnny Manziel without the drug problem or receiving talent). But otherwise, Vanderbilt won’t be able to hold a candle to Alabama. Especially in a game that’s going to be a home game for the Crimson Tide. PREDICTION: Alabama 48, Vanderbilt 17.