It’s that time of the year again – rivalry week in college football, where tradition, bragging rights, and epic showdowns take center stage. The college football world is abuzz with excitement as we gear up for clashes like the Iron Bowl, Egg Bowl, and the Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate game. The outcomes of these battles will resonate within divided households, entire states, and across the realm of college football.
First up, we have Alabama squaring off against Auburn in the Iron Bowl, a decade after the legendary “Kick Six” moment that rocked the Crimson Tide. This game holds immense historical significance, as it can shape the course of the SEC Championship race.
Meanwhile, just a stone’s throw away from Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Georgia is set to fine-tune their skills against in-state rival Georgia Tech at Bobby Dodd Stadium in Atlanta. The Bulldogs are riding high on a 28-game winning streak, with quarterback Carson Beck making waves as a dark horse Heisman Trophy contender.
Then there’s the Egg Bowl on Thanksgiving night, a showdown between Ole Miss and Mississippi State, known for its unpredictability and memorable moments. Who knows what surprises this rivalry might have in store?
Let’s delve into the action across the SEC and make some predictions in this edition of SEC Smothered and Covered.
Appetizer: A Gator Mystery
Florida finds itself in an intriguing position, one win away from bowl eligibility. They’ll field backup quarterback Max Brown against No. 5 Florida State, who also plans to start their backup, Tate Rodemaker. It’s a matchup shrouded in uncertainty, with both teams’ motivations and game plans up in the air.
Brown’s impressive performance off the bench in Week 12 adds an element of unpredictability to the Gators’ offense. With a week to strategize around Brown’s dual-threat abilities, Florida State faces a formidable challenge. The Gators, driven and desperate, might just have a chance to extend their season.
Main Course: Style Points for Alabama?
The question arises: Does Alabama need to rack up style points? The answer is yes and no. While impressive victories certainly help, the Crimson Tide’s ticket to the College Football Playoff hinges primarily on their win-loss record.
Alabama faces an uphill battle, needing external help to secure a playoff spot. The head-to-head loss against Texas is a significant hurdle, and the Longhorns’ success could work in Alabama’s favor. Additionally, the emergence of a strong Oregon team from the Pac-12 could further complicate matters.
Should Florida State win their next two games, including a potential top-10 victory over Louisville in the ACC Championship Game, style points may become irrelevant for Alabama.
In essence, Alabama’s path to the playoffs relies on Texas establishing itself as the clear-cut No. 3 team. That’s the narrow window of opportunity for Coach Saban and his squad.
Dessert: LSU’s Heisman Run
LSU’s Coach Brian Kelly has shown no hesitation in keeping quarterback Jayden Daniels on the field to accumulate impressive stats for Heisman voters. This strategy aligns with modern recruiting dynamics, where a Heisman winner can be a powerful asset, especially in the era of NIL and the transfer portal.
Daniels’ success, coupled with NFL Draft prospects and local endorsements, could elevate LSU’s standing in college football. The program aspires to emulate the recruiting prowess seen during the Lincoln Riley era at Oklahoma.
Power Rankings:
1. Georgia
2. Alabama
3. Missouri
4. Ole Miss
5. LSU
6. Tennessee
7. Texas A&M
8. Florida
9. Kentucky
10. South Carolina
11. Auburn
12. Arkansas
13. Mississippi State
14. Vanderbilt
Picks (Straight Up: 87-15 | Against the Spread: 43-42-3):
1. Georgia (-24) at Georgia Tech: Expect a dominant performance from Georgia, but they may ease off the gas with an eye on the SEC title game. Prediction: Georgia Tech +24.
2. Florida State (-6.5) at Florida: This game is a tough one to predict with backup quarterbacks and high stakes. Prediction: Florida +6.5.
3. Alabama (-14.5) at Auburn: Alabama is expected to control the game and cover. Prediction: Alabama -14.5.
4. Missouri (-7.5) at Arkansas: Missouri is favored to win and secure a New Year’s Six bowl berth. Prediction: Missouri -7.5.
5. Kentucky at Louisville (-7): Louisville’s potent offense may prove too much for Kentucky. Prediction: Louisville -7.
6. Ole Miss (-11) at Mississippi State: Ole Miss is favored to win the Egg Bowl. Prediction: Ole Miss -11.
7. Texas A&M at LSU (-11): Expect a high-scoring game with LSU’s quarterback Jayden Daniels aiming for Heisman stats. Prediction: Texas A&M +11.
8. Vanderbilt at Tennessee (-27): Tennessee’s potent running game should lead to a decisive victory. Prediction: Tennessee -27.
9. Clemson (-7) at South Carolina: Clemson seeks revenge and is favored to win. Prediction: Clemson -7.
The college football action in Week 13 promises excitement, surprises, and pivotal moments that will shape the postseason landscape.