SEC Fan Nation Staff Predictions for Week 8 Football
The No. 9 Ole Miss Rebels are getting ready for Saturday’s matchup with the LSU Tigers at 2:30 p.m. central. Those predictions will come later this week.
But what about the rest of the SEC?
Staff members from All Aggies, Mizzou Sports Talk and The Grove Report provide their predictions for the rest of the SEC games this week.
UT Martin at Tennessee, 11 a.m. central, SEC Network
Collier Logan, Staff Writer: This is a classic “little brother-big brother” game that the Vols should walk through pretty easily. Tennessee 55, UT Marin 10
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: The Volunteers might have a bit of an emotional letdown after the thrilling win over Alabama, but that doesn’t mean a blowout win over UT Martin isn’t already well in the works. Tennessee 54, UT Martin 9
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: I mean, naturally, this would be the perfect letdown game. But the Skyhawks only win this game if they’re unable to get new goalposts for Neyland Stadium. And, hey, Tennessee — don’t start a GoFundMe for new goalposts when you know darn well you can afford replacements. Bad look. Tennessee 52, UT Martin 10
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Holy lucky schedule, Tennessee. Thank goodness the Vols are facing the Skyhawks instead of Kentucky after last week's emotional win over Alabama. Make no mistake, Tennessee will win, but it could be an ugly start to no one's surprise. Tennessee 38, UT Martin 7
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: There isn't a whole lot to write about this one. Tennessee is a legit College Football Playoff contender and should have no issue dispatching UT Martin. Tennessee 63, UT Martin 7
Vanderbilt at Missouri, 3 p.m. central, SEC Network
Collier Logan, Staff Writer: This will be Mizzou’s homecoming game and it will be eager to win it. The Tigers don’t have a conference victory yet, but neither does Vandy. Either way, one of these programs will move up a bit in the conference standings. Missouri should be that team, though. Missouri 28, Vanderbilt 20
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: The Tigers will have their work cut out for them against a Vanderbilt team capable of pulling out a road win in Columbia. But Mizzou needs a win in SEC play at some point. Missouri 33, Vanderbilt 24
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: Vandy has this awful SEC losing streak, and at some point, it has to go. If you’re looking at the Commodores’ schedule, this is probably their last, best chance to do it this season. Missouri coming off a bye week should be well rested. But these Tigers don’t score a lot of points, nor do they consistently and effectively execute. Vandy has a shot here, and I think they snap the losing streak on Saturday. Vanderbilt 28, Missouri 24
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Heads, it's Vandy. Tails, it's Mizzou. I'll just go against the grain and say it's heads. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz might be the most under-the-radar name when it comes to coaches on the hot seat. Vanderbilt 28, Missouri 24
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: These two teams have consistently found themselves as the bottom two teams in our weekly SEC power rankings and for good reason. However, while all signs point this to being a bad game, something tells me it'll be good in some dumb way. Missouri will pull out the win in its homecoming game, snapping a three-game losing streak and slightly righting the ship. Missouri 28, Vanderbilt 13
No. 24 Mississippi State at No. 6 Alabama, 6 p.m. central, ESPN
Collier Logan, Staff Writer: Alabama gets back on track with a W against the Bulldogs at home. Alabama 40, Mississippi State 24
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: This should be a fun one … but not for Hail State. The pass-happy Bulldogs will keep things interesting against Alabama, but the Tide might be a little too ticked off after last week’s loss to have another game come down to the wire. Alabama 41, Mississippi State 31
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: What’s the only thing worse than facing a talented Alabama team with Nick Saban as head coach? Facing a talented Alabama team with Nick Saban as a head coach AND they’re ticked off. Mississippi State is taking Tennessee off the Christmas card this year. Alabama 37, Mississippi State 31
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Alabama has lost two regular season games since 2019. In both instances, the Crimson Tide took on Mississippi State immediately after and reminded the country that it’s still Alabama by outscoring the Bulldogs 87-16. It's closer this season, but the final result remains. Alabama 44, Mississippi State 24
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: A ticked-off Alabama is likely not an ideal scenario for Mississippi State. However, Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers could have a field day against a very shaky Alabama secondary. That being said, while Mississippi State keeps this one close early, Alabama will pull away late in this one to get back on track in SEC play. Alabama 42, Mississippi State 28
Texas A&M at South Carolina, 6:30 p.m. central, SEC Network
Collier Logan, Staff Writer: The Aggies are undefeated all-time against South Carolina, and don’t expect that to change. A&M has had a bye week to prepare after its close contest with Alabama in Week 6. Now, the Aggies should put a little more of their talent to good use after some time to sort things out. Texas A&M 30, South Carolina 18
Zack Dimmitt, Staff Writer: Both teams are fresh off a bye week, but one only was able to secure the upset win over a ranked opponent before the week off (South Carolina over Kentucky). The Gamecocks are looking for a midseason surge and the Aggies are in their way. Fortunately for A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, his defense will help pull out an entertaining road win. Texas A&M 22, South Carolina 21
Matthew Postins, Staff Writer: Both teams are coming off of bye weeks. But I’m not feeling the Aggie offense. Frankly, no one is right now. However, the nice thing about a bye week is you can recalibrate. Haynes King is a good quarterback and may eventually be a great one for the Aggies. But he needs more help around him, and if the Aggies are willing to lean on that help, they can extend their lead in the Bonham Trophy series to 8-0. Just don’t expect this one to be pretty. Texas A&M 27, South Carolina 24
Cole Thompson, Staff Writer: Texas A&M is 7-0 all-time against South Carolina in SEC play. And while the Aggies have failed to meet the standard of being a preseason Top-10 program, they did find a formula that worked against one of the nation's top defenses on the road. This comes down to kicker Randy Bond, and he drills a late field goal to end A&M's month-long road trip away from Kyle Field with a victory. Texas A&M 31, South Carolina 28
Connor Zimmerlee, Staff Writer: There might not be a more intriguing matchup in the SEC this week than Texas A&M hitting the road to take on South Carolina. While the South Carolina offense seems to be finding its rhythm, the Texas A&M offense has been stagnant at times and downright lethargic at others. I expect South Carolina to pull off the big win at home and continue its upward trajectory that it has shown this season. South Carolina 38, Texas A&M 28
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