Auburn looks to go bowling. Rest of SEC/CFP taking shape

What to Watch for This Weekend

Auburn

• The Auburn Tigers are looking to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2023. They travel to Starkville tomorrow to take on the Mississippi State Bulldogs. Auburn is coming off a last-minute win against Arkansas, 26-23. A win that marked the first time since 2022 that the Tigers won multiple SEC games at home, as amazing as that sounds. Auburn had an abysmal first half but found their stride late in the second quarter and rode that momentum to a 23-point second half and the victory. Auburn needs to find more consistency earlier in games. A blazing start does not seem to be in this Tiger teams’ DNA. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be utterly futile, as they were last weekend, in netting only fifteen yards in their first fourteen plays. Auburn is living dangerously by continuing to rely on late game rallies. That said, there is no denying the fight of this team, and that they have won games recent Auburn teams would not have. That should give Auburn fans hope for the future. I think this game will be close, but Auburn will make enough plays in the end to get their sixth win of the year.

Missouri vs. Georgia

• Since Georgia’s loss to Auburn last month, the Bulldogs have looked like best team in America. They have outscored their last two SEC opponents 69-15. It is Georgia’s first game back in Sanford Stadium since the Tigers beat them at the buzzer. While Missouri is a pesky and scrappy team, Georgia should be able to take care of business here. Eli Drinkwitz has done an excellent job in Columbia, but his struggles against ranked opponents continue Saturday. Look for Georgia to pull away late.

Texas vs. LSU

• If LSU is to have any chance at making the College Football Playoff this year, they need a win this weekend. They are coming off an embarrassing showing at home against Alabama last week, after their head coach took leave of his senses, continuously turning down points and turning the ball over on downs four times. Meanwhile, Texas is hitting their stride, after losing back-to-back games in October. Arch Manning is much improved in recent games, while Lane Kiffin’s fifty-million-dollar squad has underachieved to this point of the season. That could all change under the lights at Tiger Stadium. Historically, the Bengal Tigers fare well in night games at home. Look for those rowdy cajuns to be loud and affect the game. LSU in a close one against Texas.

Ranked SEC Teams With Tricky Games

#8 Tennessee @ Texas A&M

• Tennessee is coming off a dominating win over their old rival Kentucky, who were ranked sixth in the country. The Vols, behind their stout defense, are one of the better teams in the SEC in my view. However, this could be a spot for a potential let down, as they travel to College Station to take on a struggling Texas A&M team. Mike Elko’s squad has also fallen well short of its expectations this season. The Aggies have not beaten an FBS team since October 3rd. They have lost their last two road games but played well last week against South Carolina. Texas A&M should not beat Tennessee, but I will not be shocked if they somehow pull this one out.

#19 Ole Miss @ Oklahoma

• The Rebels should be good and mad after being boat raced last week against Georgia at home. Meanwhile, Oklahoma went to the Swamp and drained it with a nice win over the Florida Gators. Oklahoma has been up and down this year. Meanwhile, Ole Miss has not played particularly well on the road, going 1-2. That win came against Vanderbilt on October 10th. The Rebels are still in playoff contention, but they cannot afford a loss in Norman. Trinidad Chambliss and company find a way to win here.

#11 Kentucky hosting Florida

• On paper, this is a game that should favor Kentucky. They have been the more consistent team this year. However, the Wildcats were just demolished by Tennessee, and Florida has historically dominated in this rivalry. Florida was playing better football earlier in the season, before inconsistent quarterback play and poor defense scuttled the campaign. This is another big test for Will Stein in his first year in Lexington. He had passed them all before the Tennessee debacle. Can he get a big win over the rival Gators? Call this one a true toss up.

Outside the SEC

USC vs. Indiana

• This is a game that could be closer than most people think. USC has been up and down this year, while Indiana is showing that the last two years are not a fluke. It is a cross-country trip for USC who have actually fared pretty well in those scenarios this year. However, look for Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers will find a way to win as they usually do.

Utah vs. Arizona

• It appeared Utah’s toughest test of the year was last week against BYU. However, this week’s trip to Tucson may be as difficult, if not more. Arizona is coming off a thrilling Friday night win over TCU last week. The Wildcats have not lost at home, and they might be a sleeper in the Big 12 championship race. Arizona still has hopes of making the CFP, but a loss here would probably eliminate them from an at-large bid. I think this game will be super competitive and would not be surprised if there is still a little Tucson magic left in the desert.

Texas Tech vs. Oklahoma State

• Another key Big 12 matchup takes place in Stillwater. The Texas Tech Red Raiders are hoping to punch their ticket to the Big 12 title game. Oklahoma State could burst that bubble with a win in primetime. The Cowboys showed they are not quitting this year after a heartbreaking loss to Iowa State. OSU steamrolled Kansas State last week to keep their slim playoff hopes alive. The Red Raiders have fared pretty well on the road this year but did lose their most recent one to Cincinnati. Look for the Cowboys to pull the upset.

#13 Wake Forest @ SMU

• Rhett Lashlee’s bunch is still very much alive in the race for the ACC. They host Wake Forest, who has been another surprise team this year, in one of the most unpredictable seasons of college football. Both teams are still alive for a playoff berth with a win. SMU is undefeated at home, and the clock strikes midnight for the Demon Deacons. The Ponies run away with this one in the second half.

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