This Week in the SEC (Week 13)
Embarrassing week last week for the SEC, (or at least the East) as Florida went into overtime with FAU, Georgia Southern took Georgia into OT, and THE CITADEL beat South Carolina. Yeah, it was rough. It was also rough for LSU, who lost their 3rd straight, which put the most successful SEC coach in the past 10 years on the hot seat. The season has flown by, and we find ourselves at the last This Week in the SEC. I know, I'm teary-eyed too. I break down Week 13 in the SEC.
Power Rankings:
1) Alabama (10-1, 6-1)
Last week: W 56-6 vs Charleston Southern
This week: at Auburn
I know Auburn is 6-5, but it’s not going to be an easy win for the Tide.
2) Florida (10-1, 7-1)
Last week: W 20-14 vs Florida Atlantic (OT)
This week: vs #14 Florida State
FAU was 2-8, and they took Florida into overtime. Ouch.
3) Ole Miss (8-3, 5-2)
Last week: W 38-17 vs #15 LSU
This week: at #21 Mississippi State
Hard to believe, but Ole Miss can still win the West.
4) Mississippi State (8-3, 4-3)
Last week: W 51-50 at Arkansas
This week: vs #18 Ole Miss
This is the second straight year the Egg Bowl is a big game.
5) Tennessee (7-4, 4-3)
Last week: W 19-8 at Missouri
This week: vs Vanderbilt
When you weren’t paying attention the Vols won 4 straight.
6) Arkansas (6-5, 4-3)
Last week: L 50-51 vs Mississippi State
This week: vs Missouri
The Hogs better watch out for Mizzou, who will be playing for bowl eligibility.
7) Texas A&M (8-3, 4-3)
Last week: W 25-0 vs Vanderbilt
This week: at LSU
When Bama lost to Ole Miss, many thought the LSU-A&M game might determine the West champ. Oh, how things have changed.
8) Georgia (8-3, 5-3)
Last week: W 23-17 vs Georgia Southern (OT)
This week: at Georgia Tech
The SEC was already embarrassed by Florida and South Carolina, and to make matters worse, Georgia Southern took Georgia to overtime.
9) LSU (7-3, 4-3)
Last week: L 17-38 at #22 Ole Miss
This week: vs Texas A&M
Look for LSU to be playing all out for Les.
10) Auburn (6-5, 2-5)
Last week: W 56-34 vs Idaho
This week: vs #2 Alabama
Imagine the chaos if Auburn beats Bama.
11) Missouri (5-6, 1-6)
Last week: L 8-19 vs Tennessee
This week: at Arkansas
Mizzou has to beat Arkansas to get to a bowl. It can happen…
12) Kentucky (5-6, 2-6)
Last week: W 58-10 vs Charlotte
This week: vs Louisville
Kentucky needs to upset Louisville to reach a bowl. The bottom line: you shouldn’t have lost to Vandy.
13) Vanderbilt (4-7, 2-5)
Last week: L 0-25 at Texas A&M
This week: at Tennessee
We are at the last power rankings, and Vandy is not last. A lot to be proud of, Doors.
14) South Carolina (3-8, 1-7)
Last week: L 23-22 vs THE CITADEL (C’mon!)
This week: vs #1 Clemson
North Carolina is 10-1. Their only loss: A South Carolina team that lost to THE CITADEL.
Game of the Week
#12 Florida vs #13 Florida State
Saturday, 7:30 ET, ESPN
As the rumors of Les Miles’ firing continue, so do the Jimbo Fisher-to-LSU rumors. The Noles need to block out the distractions and get ready to play their archrival. With major bowl game implications on the line, it's UF vs FSU for Game of the Week!
The Breakdown:
Florida comes in looking terrible, as they almost lost to the SEC's worst, Vandy, and a 2-8 Florida Atlantic team. The Gators need to get things together, because they have so much on the line coming into this one. If they win this game and then beat Bama in Atlanta, I don't see a scenario where Florida is left out of the top 4. In order for them to accomplish that though, Treon Harris HAS to play better. He only went 8-17 in the win last week, and in the win against Vandy he only completed 50% of his passes. He has to be sharp as he goes against this Seminole defense.
McGuire has done pretty well since taking over the starting QB job in Tallahassee. He's thrown for 895 yards in his 4 starts, with 7 touchdowns and only one pick. This Gators defense will probably be the best he's played all year, so it won't be easy for him to put up those type of numbers. If they can have a balanced attack with Dalvin Cook at running back, expect FSU to make this a game.
Prediction:
Florida State definitely has a lot to play for, but not a playoff spot like Florida. The Gators will want to redeem themselves in front of their home crowd after a pitiful performance last week, and I expect to see a much improved Treon Harris. This game will come down the wire, but Florida gets the win to keep their playoff hopes alive. They just hope it doesn't come down to a field goal.
Score: Florida 24, Florida State 23
Other Games to Watch:
#2 Alabama at Auburn
#18 Ole Miss at #21 Missisippi State
Texas A&M at LSU
Upset Alert:
Kentucky over Louisville
Georgia Tech over Georgia
