Season record: 3-3
Last week: 2-2 (Pittsburgh -21.5, Georgia State +17, Notre Dame -25.5, Texas State/ULM over 62)
Another .500 week, but the SEC returns to action this week. That means it is going to mean more going forward.
#5 Florida Gators @ Ole Miss Rebels | September 26 | 11:00 AM CT | Vaught-Hemingway Stadium
Line: Florida -14.5 | Total: 57
The Lane Kiffin gets underway in Oxford as the Rebels host the Gators. Kiffin has yet to announce a starting quarterback. However, I expect him to go with Matt Corral, the better passer of the two. Kiffin also has returning production among skill players. Running back Jerrion Ealy had 6.9 (nice!) yards per carry last season and slot receiver Elijah Moore had 850 receiving yards last season.
The Florida defense will be replacing some key pieces from a season ago. Jonathan Greenard and Jabari Zuniga have moved on to the NFL. Safety Brad Stewart is also not on the team’s depth chart. Florida defensive coordinator tends to be blitz-happy, and that could play right into Kiffin’s hand.
Florida quarterback Kyle Trask looks to build on a strong 2019 season which saw him throw for 25 touchdowns. I expect him to shine against the Ole Miss defense which gave up 30 points a game in conference a season ago.
Start the day and take the over 57!
#24 Louisville Cardinals (1-1) @ #21 Pittsburgh Panthers (2-0) | September 26 | 11:00 AM CT | Heinz Field
Line: Pittsburgh -3 | Total: 55
I just cannot quit Pitt. I swore them off after failing to cover against Syracuse last week. However, after seeing Louisville give up big play after big play against Miami, I cannot resist backing Pittsburgh.
Pittsburgh was plagued by some untimely turnovers and missed field goals against Syracuse. The Panthers outgained the Orange, 342 yards to 171 yards.
Louisville rolled up 516 yards of offense, but the takeaway from that game was their defense which I alluded to earlier. In the second half, the Cardinals gave up a pair of 75-yard touchdowns along with another 47-yard pass for a touchdown.
Louisville just played in prime time, now they go to Pittsburgh for a noon kickoff. An emotional hangover is to be expected for the Cardinals. Also, I expect the defensive woes to continue, so give me Pittsburgh -3.
Mississippi State Bulldogs @ #6 LSU Tigers | September 26 | 2:30 PM CT | Tiger Stadium
Line: LSU -16.5 | Total: 56
Forgive me, but I may be viewing this game from purple and gold glasses. When this game opened it was LSU -19, it has since dropped to -16.5.
While much has been made of the departures and opt-outs at LSU, this is still a very talented team. Myles Brennan takes over at quarterback after being the backup for his first three seasons. Now listed at 210 pounds, Brennan has the size to hold up as a full-time starter. He also has some talented pass catchers to throw to in Terrace Marshall, Racey McMath, and incoming tight end Arik Gilbert.
The last time we saw the Mississippi State defense, they gave up 38 points and 510 yards of offense to Louisville. The Bulldogs defense returns leading tackler Erroll Thompson and five others from last season.
Running back Kylin Hill is the best player on the Mississippi State offense. Last season, LSU kept him bottled up as he had only 34 yards on 15 carries.
LSU lost most of their defensive starters, but Ed Orgeron is confident in this unit heading into this season.
I am going to take his word for it. LSU -16.5
#4 Georgia Bulldogs @ Arkansas Razorbacks | September 26 | 3:00 PM CT | Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium
Line: Georgia -26 | Total: 52.5
About this time a year ago, I took Arkansas State +33 against Georgia.
The Bulldogs went on to win 55-0. While this is Arkansas, not Arkansas State, I do not see much difference in talent.
Georgia returns eight starters on a very talented defense. While they only return two starters on offense, look for improvement under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Georgia -26
Vanderbilt Commodores @ #10 Texas A&M Aggies | September 26 | 6:30 PM CT | Kyle Field
Line: Texas A&M -30.5 | Total: 46.5
Jimbo Fisher begins his third season in College Station still looking to elevate the Texas A&M program. While he has two bowl wins under his belt, Fisher has yet to put the Aggies in contention for the SEC Championship.
The Aggies open the season with the hapless Vanderbilt Commodores. The Commodores lose almost their entire offense from last season. Opening the season at Kyle Field will not be easy, even at limited capacity.
Texas A&M quarterback Kellen Mond is back for his senior season and leading rusher Isaiah Spiller returns. The Aggies lost three of their top receivers from last season, though. Quartney Davis and Kendrick Rogers turned pro while Jhamon Ausbon recently opted out.
Speaking of opt-outs, Vanderbilt has a quite a few of their own.
With upcoming games against Florida and Alabama, I expect Fisher to have the Aggies ready out of the gates. Vanderbilt should be no match. Texas A&M -30.5
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 