Auburn will probably through the kitchen sink at Alabama early and then add in a heavy dose of RB Michael Dyer, but he's not enough to win it for his team. It will take forcing turnovers and getting Alabama off the field on third down. But the Tigers defense does neither of those things well. There's your difference in the game. Alabama will have plenty of opportunities for long sustained drives and if it weathers the initial offense surge Auburn is known for, the Crimson Tide should win the game comfortably though probably not by as many points as some predict.
Pick: Alabama 28, Auburn 13
Tennessee (5-6) @ Kentucky (4-7)
Tennessee QB Tyler Bray may still not be 100% but his presence alone makes a world of difference in the entire Volunteers game plan. Kentucky made a great effort and took advantage of a sluggish Georgia team last week to try and get closer to bowl contention, only to fall short once again. I don't think Kentucky has the horses to hang in this game.
Tennessee can see a bowl game in sight, which would sweeten the sour taste of how sideways this season has gone for it. Tennessee has the better quarterback and that's enough of a difference to make me believe it can beat Kentucky.
Pick: Tennessee 28, Kentucky 14
Ole Miss (2-9) @ Mississippi State (5-6)
Mississippi State owns a two-game winning streak over Ole Miss and there's little doubt it will get to three this year. Ole Miss's season ended when Houston Nutt was announced as a lame duck and was fortified when Ole Miss got dumped on homecoming by LA Tech. Mississippi State's season hasn't been spectacular and has disappointed some, but it has the building blocks for the future in place. Expect the Bulldogs to come out strong and simply overwhelm the Rebels in this one.
Pick: Mississippi State 26, Ole Miss 13
Out of Conference Games
Georgia (9-2) @ Georgia Tech (8-3)
Georgia is looking for their 10th straight win, taking on a team that has given it fits in recent years, as Georgia Tech's triple option is a great equalizer for many reasons. Tech's defense isn't very good. When it wins, it is because teams can't get their offense off the field (see Clemson). That's the key to the game. The Bulldogs defense has improved a lot through the season and this will certainly be a test but they should be able to force a few stops. That will put the ball in the hands of that balanced attack and that offense will find plenty of room against Georgia Tech. It may be close early but I expect Georgia to pull away and win comfortably.
Pick: Georgia 35, Georgia Tech 21
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