(25) Missouri vs (7) Georgia
Missouri is the SEC’s most underrated offense and is primed to give the young Georgia defense issues. Dual threat quarterback James Franklin is an unpredictable factor that’s scored 15 total touchdowns this season, yet has only thrown three interceptions. His success can be partially credited to his plethora of talented receivers that make his job easier, especially Dorial Green-Beckham. The two-headed rushing attack of Henry Josey and Russell Hansbrough has totaled 686 rushing yards and nine touchdowns through a combined 102 carries.
Injuries have littered Georgia’s offense. Malcolm Mitchell tore his ACL earlier in the season, Todd Gurley is doubtful for this week’s game due to an ankle injury, and Keith Marshall and Justin Scott-Wesley both tore their ACLs and are out for the season. With both star running backs injured, freshman JJ Green will step up to the plate. In his 22 carries this year, he’s amassed 194 yards and a single touchdown. Even more responsibility falls upon Aaron Murray as he will be relied upon to run the offense just as efficiently as he has been, but with less talent around him. Thus far, Murray has thrown for 1,500-plus yards and has a 14:3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
(14) South Carolina vs Arkansas
Connor Shaw has been having a low-key good season thus far. His 68.8% of completion and seven passing touchdowns have yet to be tarnished by an interception. He’s been greatly supported by his stud of a running back, Mike Davis. Davis has pounded his way through defenses for 614 yards and 8 touchdowns on 92 rushing attempts. Arkansas, on the other hand, is much more one dimensional. Quarterback Brandon Allen is an abysmal wreck that has completed less than half of his passes and his little success is solely dependant on his running backs. Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams have ran for 651 yards and 503 yards, respectively, as well as three touchdowns and four touchdowns, also respectively.
West Carolina vs Auburn
The offensive attack of the Auburn Tigers will depend heavily on their ability to run the football. While Tre Mason carries the heaviest load, he, Corey Grant , and Cameron Artis-Payne have combined for 919 yards and nine touchdowns on 161 carries. The trio will open up the skies for Nick Marshall, and he certainly needs it. Marshall has only completed 59% of his passes thus far and has thrown just as many interceptions as touchdowns (four each).
(17) Florida vs (10) LSU
The nation’s most talented defense (Florida) is set to square off against one of the most impressive offenses in the nation (LSU). Zach Mettenberger, who’s thrown for 15 touchdowns and only two interceptions, will have Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr. at his disposal as he faces the best cornerback corps in the nation (Hargreaves, Purifoy, Roberson, and Watkins). Luckily, Jeremy Hill and his 7.5 yards per carry average will ease the pressure off of Mettenberger.
Florida’s offense will have to put up more than their rough average of 24 points. Tyler Murphy, who currently has completed 72% of his passes to this point, will have to play turnover-free football. With little support from his running backs, especially against LSU’s front seven, Murphy will have to take the game into his own hands.
(1) Alabama vs Kentucky
To no surprise, Alabama is set to terrorize yet another unfortunate opponent. TJ Yeldon’s 445 yards and four touchdowns, followed by Kenyan Drake’s 192 yards and three touchdowns, instills fear into the minds of opposing defenders and their defensive coordinators. With the box crowded to shut the duo down, McCarron will be able to uphold his 70%+ of completion and add to his ten passing touchdowns. On the other hand, Kentucky’s dual quarterback system of Maxwell Smith and Jalen Whitlow will have to throw more than their usual one or two touchdowns per game. With respectable running support form Jojo Kemp and Raymond Sanders, the chances of Kentucky’s victory grow, but are still slim to none.
Bowling Green vs Mississippi State
Surprisingly enough, Bowling Green will give Mississippi State a run for their money. Mississippi State’s quarterback situation is a mess as neither Tyler Russell or Dak Prescott have been able to elevate the team from a passing standpoint. At the least, Prescott provides an unpredictable running threat that has already scored six rushing touchdowns. The trio of running backs (Perkins, Robinson, and Shumpert) have totaled 455 yards and three touchdowns on their combined 95 carries. Bowling Green’s Matt Johnson has thrown nine touchdowns to only three interceptions thus far and will have to play up to or better than that standard in order to win.
(9) Texas A&M vs Ole Miss
While Johnny Manziel and Bo Wallace share similar tendencies, Manziel is clearly the better quarterback. Manziel’s completion percentage surpasses 70% and he’s thrown 14 touchdowns, as well as running for three touchdowns. Bo Wallace has only completed 59% of his passes and has nine total touchdowns, as compared to Manziel’s 17 touchdowns. Both quarterbacks will be reliant on their outstanding receiving corps. Texas A&M’s run game is better as well. Ben Malena and Tra Carson’s combined 543 yards and 11 touchdowns are better than the 530 yards and measly three touchdowns of Jeff Scott and I’Tavius Mathers.