SEC Football Predictions: Week 3

Last week we went 9-3 on our predictions and were exactly correct on zero games. The misses were wins by Clemson, Kentucky, and Colorado State against Texas A&M, Florida, and Arkansas respectively. The closest game to a correct score prediction was Alabama vs. Arkansas State were we missed by a grand total of five points between the two squads.

By Steve Wright

Last week’s record: 9-3

Overall record: 21-5

Exact score predicted: 0

Here are some score predictions for Week 3 of the FBS season:

Saturday, September 15

Kentucky vs. Murray State – Kentucky can’t afford a let down here. The Wildcats have been exceptional on third down and the face a Racers team that doesn’t have the offense to keep up in a shootout. Kentucky 42, Murray State 10. MORE: Kentucky 3 Keys

Tennessee vs. UTEP – Tennessee showed against ETSU that the offense can move the ball on defenses without a pulse, but there are still serious questions about the offensive line. The big positive here is that UTEP just isn’t good enough to move the ball against a Vols defense that looked great last week. Tennessee, 42, UTEP 7. MORE: Tennessee 3 Keys

Vanderbilt @ (8) Notre Dame – UPSET ALERT. Vanderbilt has done everything right do far, with Kyle Shurmur (Four TDS, zero INTs) looking particularly impressive. It has been the defense though that has stolen the show, as two big production offenses in Middle Tennessee and Nevada have been bottled up by the Commodores. If Notre Dame can’t establish a running game then watch out. Vanderbilt 27, Notre Dame 14. MORE: Vanderbilt 3 Keys,  Notre Dame First Look, Roanoke’s Nevada Summary- Notre Dame thoughts, Vanderbilt-Notre Dame: Being Early Means Being On Time

(7) Auburn vs. (12) LSU – With wins against Washington and Miami respectively, Auburn and LSU might have the two best non-con wins in the SEC. Auburn was supposed to be good, but LSU has been more impressive than expected out of the gate. Jarrett Stidham has to be better than his 9-of-25 passing performance in this game last season, and Auburn will win to keep the pressure on ‘Bama. Auburn 28, LSU 20. MORE: Auburn 3 Keys,  LSU 3 Keys, First Look: Auburn vs. LSU

Florida vs. Colorado State – The Rams are bidding to go 2-0 against the SEC after stunning Arkansas in Fort Collins last weekend. The Florida pass defense allowed too many bug plays as Kentucky finally broke its losing streak and now they face another competent passer in KJ Carta-Samuels. Florida needs turnovers and a running game here. Florida 28, Colorado State 24. MORE: Florida 3 Keys

Arkansas vs. North Texas – This will not be easy for an Arkansas team that just laid an egg defensively against Colorado State. The Mean Green has the best passing attack in the FBS after two weeks, and they have been scoring in a controlled and disciplined way. Chad Morris needs this win in the uber competitive SEC West. Arkansas 35, North Texas 28. MORE: Arkansas 3 Keys

Ole Miss vs. (1) Alabama – Ole Miss can score at will, but their defense just gave up over 40 points to an FCS school. With nothing to lose though for the Rebels this is a very dangerous game for Alabama. Jordan Ta’amu and the offense have averaged 62 points and almost 600 yards per game this season. Ole Miss will upset a big SEC team at some point in 2018, but it won’t be Alabama. The latter is still en route to be the top contender for the 2019 CFP National Championship. Alabama 45, Ole Miss 21. MORE: Alabama 3 keys, First Look: Alabama vs. Ole Miss

(3) Georgia vs. Middle Tennessee – In owning South Carolina 42-17 on the road – and in a crazy atmosphere no less – the Bulldogs laid down a marker that they are a National Championship level team in 2018. The pass rush needs to improve, but as long as there is no hangover from the South Carolina victory it will be over by halftime. Georgia 49, Middle Tennessee 14. MORE: UGA 3 Keys

(16) Mississippi State vs. Louisiana – The Bulldogs just need to avoid a letdown after going into Manhattan and beating one of the best coached teams in the country. They will do so and Nick Fitzgerald will be out by halftime. Mississippi State 48, Louisiana 20. MORE: MSU 3 Keys

Texas A&M vs. UL Monroe – This is a good spot for the Aggies to play a team they will be much better than after being jobbed out by the officials as they so narrowly failed at taking down Clemson last Saturday. Expect Jimbo Fisher to have his team ready to play. Texas A&M 42, UL Monroe 17. 

Missouri @ Purdue – If Purdue could figure out how to stop giving away bad penalties then the Boilermakers would be a solid 2-0 right now. Instead, they are flagged all the time (180 yards on the season) and they will mess up enough times to allow Drew Lock to pick them apart with extra possessions. Missouri 35, Purdue 24. 

South Carolina vs. Marshall – Is it enough of a prediction to say this game will go ahead as scheduled? South Carolina needs to rebound in a big way after the whooping from Georgia, but that felt like a loss that could set the program back a couple of years. The conditions will likely make this a battle of the running games as throwing the ball will be a lottery. South Carolina 21, Marshall 10.