Game of the week
Kentucky at Auburn
Mark Stoops has built Kentucky into a competitive SEC program. After a ten-win season in 2018, the Wildcats won eight games in 2019. The do-it-all Lynn Bowden is gone, but quarterback Terry Wilson returns from injury along with a host of returning starters. Much of the Wildcats’ offense came on the ground last season, and that should continue with the return of three offensive linemen as well as starting running back Asim Rose.
Kentucky’s backup quarterback is Joey Gatewood, who was at Auburn just last season. However, his eligibility is pending approval from the SEC.
For Auburn, SEC Freshman of the Year Bo Nix is back to lead the Auburn offense. Gone is leading rusher JaTarvious Whitlow, but plenty of offensive production remains from a season ago. Auburn’s top three receivers, Seth Williams, Anthony Schwartz, and Eli Stove, all return.
Former Arkansas head coach Chad Morris comes in as offensive coordinator at Auburn. Despite his failures at Arkansas, Morris still has a respected offensive pedigree and his philosophy meshes well with Malzahn. It will be interesting to see what innovation Morris brings as well as what he can do for Bo Nix’s progression as a quarterback.
The expectations at Auburn continue to be high as they are ranked #8 in both the AP and Coaches Polls. Kentucky is ranked 23rd in the AP and unranked in the Coaches Poll.
This is the first meeting between Kentucky and Auburn since 2015. Auburn won by a final of 30-27. Last time Kentucky played at Auburn was in 2009, and the Wildcats came away victoriously.
Player to Watch
Arik Gilbert
The five-star recruit out of Marietta, Georgia is listed atop the LSU depth chart at tight end. Gilbert is expected to have an impact from his very first start. His size and athleticism is something that has never been seen in an LSU tight end. Gilbert has already made quite an impression.
Upset Alert
Florida Gators
Florida was recently picked to win the SEC East by the media. Their quest begins with an 11 am kickoff in Oxford, Mississippi. Their opponent will be sporting some fresh new threads.
Ole Miss should have an emotional edge playing their first game under new coach Lane Kiffin.
Emotion aside, I believe the Rebels will be able to move the ball on Saturday.
As I alluded to in my picks, this will be a high-scoring affair. I look for Kiffin to get better quarterback play out of Matt Corral. Corral threw for 1,362 yards and 6 touchdowns last season. A number of quarterback’s have seen success under Kiffin’s tutelage going back to his days at USC in the early 2000’s.
Florida’s Kyle Trask is one of the main reasons for optimism for the Gators. His strong play in 2019 helped Florida win eleven games. However, two of his top three receivers are gone. Trask will be depended on heavily until the Gators can improve their rushing attack. In 2019, Florida ranked 107th out 130 FBS teams in rushing yards per game with 129.8.
If there is a knock on Trask, it is his propensity to turn the ball over.
That will be something to watch for as Kiffin looks to make a splash in his debut.
Woodshed Alert
Vanderbilt at Texas A&M
Kyle Field plays host to Texas A&M and Vanderbilt Saturday night. While it is a beautiful structure, it gets the distinction of being a woodshed for this matchup. According to Odds Shark, Texas A&M is currently a 30.5 point favorite. Rightfully so, as Vanderbilt was outscored by an average of 36-13 in conference last season.
Texas A&M is out to prove they are worthy of their top 10 ranking and Vanderbilt does not appear to have the talent to match up.
Hot Seat
Will Muschamp
This will be Will Muschamp’s fifth season as head coach at South Carolina. Muschamp brought the Gamecocks to three straight bowls, but things took a turn in 2019. While South Carolina pulled of an upset against rival Georgia, they finished a modest 4-8. That includes losses in five of their last six games.
The Gamecocks open the season with Tennessee. While both programs are vying for footing an increasingly competitive SEC East, the Volunteers appear to be headed in the right direction. Tennessee capped off their season with six straight wins including a Gator Bowl win over Indiana. Head coach Jeremy Pruitt was rewarded with an extension on Thursday.
Welcome back SEC football! As always,
OUTTA HERE!
Clarknado Sports 