Kentucky vs Mississippi State
The lack of offense that Kentucky has been able to produce against SEC opponents this year (14 points per game) won’t bode well for them.
Kentucky’s pass rushing duo of ZaDarius Smith and Bud Dupree will be forced to be disruptive and carry the defense.
Dak Prescott is Mississippi State’s poor man’s version of Cam Newton. He’s an unpredictable playmaker, but not quite as sound of a quarterback.
Vanderbilt vs (16) Texas A&M
With quarterback Austyn Carta-Samuels possibly out with an ankle injury, receivers Jordan Matthews and Jonathan Krause need to get separation from A&M’s defensive backs.
Vanderbilt’s defense will not be able to handle Johnny Manziel and company. They are too well rounded and explosive.
Look for A&M to use a multitude of running backs (B. Malena, T. Williams, B. Williams, and T. Carson).
Tennessee vs (1) Alabama
In their last two games, Tennessee kept up with Georgia and beat South Carolina. They are not to be underestimated.
Justin Worley is an incompetent quarterback, but running backs Rajion Neal and Marlon Lane carry the offense.
Alabama will have an easier time passing than they would running the ball, although, expect them to set up the rushing attack early on.
Matchup to keep an eye on: Tennessee offensive line vs Alabama defensive line. Both sides are loaded with NFL talent.
Furman vs (13) LSU
Furman is a Division 1-AA team and has a 3-4 record thus far. In no way should they come relatively close to winning this game.
Zach Mettenberger needs this game as a confidence booster after recently throwing three interceptions to Ole Miss.
Running back Jeremy Hill will have an absolute field day on Furman. He’s arguably the second best running back in the SEC behind Todd gurley.
(21) South Carolina vs (5) MIssouri
Both teams’ starting quarterbacks are injured. South Carolina’s Connor Shaw is not expected to start due to a left knee injury. Dylan Thompson will be his temporary replacement. Missouri’s James Franklin went down with a shoulder injury and will be replaced by Maty Mauk.
Mike Davis of South Carolina and Missouri’s Henry Josey will battle it out to be the game’s leading rusher. Although, Davis should be favored.
As usual, take notice of how Jadeveon Clowney will be handled. Many teams have completed changed their game plan to slow down or avoid Clowney.
Idaho vs Ole Miss
Idaho is a mess on defense. They are ranked 124th in the nation in the “Points Against” department.
Ole Miss’ explosive offense (headed by the deadly duo of receivers Laquon Treadwell and Donte Moncrief) will demolish Idaho. Don’t count on the starters playing in the fourth quarter.
With Bo Wallace’s confidence up from his outstanding performance against LSU, he could potentially put up video game-like numbers.
Florida Atlantic vs (11) Auburn
As usual, look for Auburn to be banking on their rushing attack led by Tre Mason. Quarterback Nick Marshall is a running threat as well.
Nick Marshall led Auburn to an upset win last weekend and appeared like a competent passer. The game’s margin of victory will depend on his passing.
William Dukes of FAU is an underrated wide receiver. If Auburn underestimates him, it could create problems for Auburn.