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SEC Football Preview, Predictions, Game Times and TV for Week 2
Aug 19, 2016; Bristol, TN, USA; General view during the NASCAR Xfinity Series Food City 300 at Bristol Motor Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Here is a quick preview and prediction for every SEC football game during week 2 of the college football season this Saturday.
After an incredible slate of games to kick off the college football season, SEC football is filled with some cupcake matchups in week 2.
SEC football teams have four games against FCS schools this weekend. Four other teams play games outside of the power five conferences. There are two games within the conference, leaving Tennessee and Arkansas as the only two teams playing big non-conference games this weekend.
The SEC went 6-6 in out-of-conference games last week. SEC West teams were just 3-4 in the opening week, and Arkansas just survived a loss to La Tech by one point.
Many think the SEC lost a lot of luster last week, but the fact is that a lot of power five conferences took some hits. The Pac 12 was 7-5 on the weekend, while the ACC and Big 12 had some bad losses as well.
I expect much better results from SEC football this week. Tennessee and Arkansas are the only teams playing out-of-conference power five teams. The Volunteers are favored by double-digits, but the Razorbacks are an underdog.
Vanderbilt is the only team that I see who could get upset this week. Arkansas State and Jacksonville State certainly have the talent to put a scare into Auburn and LSU respectively, but it would still be a shocker if either lost those games.
After a subpar performance for SEC football in week one, we’ll see if the conference can bounce-back in week two.
Sep 1, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers fans after winning in overtime against the Appalachian State Mountaineers at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 20-13. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Nicholls at Georgia – 11 a.m. CT – SEC Network
The Bulldogs got off to a good start in the Kirby Smart era with a comeback win against a ranked North Carolina team. That was one of the big question mark games going into the weekend, and the Bulldogs made the SEC proud.
Nick Chubb appears to be healthy and ready to take on a huge workload.
However, I don’t think he gets many carries in this one as the Bulldogs should win easily.
The main thing to watch in this game is who gets the most playing time at quarterback? Both Jacob Eason and Greyson Lambert should see the field. But we’ll see who gets the start and the most snaps with the ones.
Prediction: Georgia – 45 Nicholls – 13
Kentucky at Florida – 2:30 p.m. CT – CBS
Sep 3, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators wide receiver Brandon Powell (4) runs for a touchdown during the second half of a football game against the Massachusetts Minutemen at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. The Gators won 24-7. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
This game would be a lot more interesting had Kentucky not squandered a huge first half lead to Southern Miss. The Wildcats were up 35-10 just before halftime, but then Southern Miss scored the game’s final 34 points to win 44-35.
Florida didn’t exactly impress in its opener either with a 24-7 win over UMass. The offense rushed for just 107 yards with a 3.7 ypc average. There is no denying that Florida will once again have one of the best defenses in the conference though.
Prediction: Florida – 27 Kentucky – 10
Middle Tennessee at Vanderbilt – 3 p.m. CT – SEC Network
A game that went unnoticed during a packed college football weekend was Vanderbilt’s three point loss to South Carolina at home. The Commodores were up 10-0 early, but the Gamecocks scored the next 13 points and won on a 55-yard field goal.
Middle Tennessee looked good in its opener by crushing Alabama A&M 55-0.
This will not be an easy game for Vanderbilt this week. They barely survived at Middle Tennessee last year with a 17-13 win. I look for this to be a very similar game on Saturday.
Prediction: Vanderbilt – 24 Middle Tennessee – 16
Eastern Michigan at Missouri – 6:30 p.m. CT – SEC Network
Missouri hung tight with West Virginia for a little bit, but ultimately lost by 15 points to the Mountaineers. The Tigers really seem to have fallen on hard times, but they should be able to get their first win of the season this weekend against Eastern Michigan.
The Eagles put up 61 points on Mississippi Valley State in week one, so don’t expect them to lay down against Missouri. The Tigers will have to score some points to win.
Prediction: Missouri – 41 Easter Michigan – 24
Virginia Tech at Tennessee – 7 p.m. CT – ABC
Sep 3, 2016; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies defensive back Greg Stroman (3) celebrates an interception with Virginia Tech Hokies defensive lineman Vinny Mihota (99) during the third quarter against the Liberty Flames at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
Even though Tennessee is a double-digit favorite, this might be the most exciting game of the weekend. If for no other reason than it’s at Bristol Motor Speedway and will be the largest crowd ever for a college football game.
The Volunteers did not play well in week one against a good Appalachian State team. That should be the wake-up call they need, and I expect them to be much more prepared this weekend.
The Hokies had a fairly comfortable win against an FCS opponent in week one. Tennessee’s offensive line will need to play much better in this game, or Virginia Tech’s defensive front is going to own them all game.
Prediction: Tennessee – 27 Virginia Tech – 20
Sep 3, 2016; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks celebrate after the game against the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas defeated Louisiana Tech 21-20. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
PV A&M at Texas A&M – 11 a.m. CT – SEC Netowrk or Watch ESPN
Much like Georgia, the Aggies also had a big win to start the season over a ranked UCLA team. It got a little scary as they blew a 15 point lead late in the game before winning in overtime.
For now, the Kevin Sumlin hot seat has cooled down.
Texas A&M should get a break against Prairie View A&M this weekend, allowing Trevor Knight and the receivers to build some trust before going to Auburn.
Prediction: Texas A&M – 57 PV A&M – 17
Western Kentucky at Alabama – 2:30 p.m. CT – ESPN2
The Crimson Tide was by far the most impressive team in the SEC in week one with their thrashing of USC. There is still a lot to be decided at the quarterback and running back positions. I think they use a bunch of guys at those positions in this game during an easy victory.
Prediction: Alabama – 42 Western Kentucky – 10
Wofford at Ole Miss – 3 p.m. – SEC Network or Watch ESPN
The Rebels looked like a playoff team in the first half against Florida State. However, you have to play all four quarters. Up 28-6 in the first half, Ole Miss gave up 35 straight points to the Seminoles. They had a chance late, but Chad Kelly couldn’t make it happen.
I think they take some frustration out on Wofford this weekend.
Prediction: Ole Miss – 63 Wofford – 3
Arkansas at TCU – 6 p.m. CT – ESPN
Sep 3, 2016; Fort Worth, TX, USA; TCU Horned Frogs quarterback Kenny Hill (7) rushes in to score past South Dakota State Jackrabbits defensive back Marshon Harris (18) during the second half on an NCAA football game at Amon G. Carter Stadium. TCU won 59-41. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
This will be an intriguing game as both teams struggled in their opener.
Arkansas had to come from behind to beat Louisiana Tech 21-20. While TCU won a back-and-forth game against South Dakota State 59-41.
The Horned Frogs were penalized 12 times for 125 yards in that game and also threw two interceptions. Still, that defense gave up 461 yards of total offense. Only 128 of that came on the ground though. If TCU can stop Arkansas’ run game, I think they get a fairly easy victory.
Prediction: TCU – 31 Arkansas – 21
South Carolina at Mississippi State – 6 p.m. CT – ESPN2
South Carolina is coming off a dramatic win on a field goal, while Mississippi is coming off a dramatic loss because of a missed field goal.
It will be interesting to see how both teams respond after such dramatic games in week one. The Bulldogs are the better team, but if they don’t come out inspired to play on Saturday, South Carolina can beat them.
Prediction: Mississippi State – 24 South Carolina – 13
Arkansas State at Auburn – 6:30 p.m. CT – SEC Network
More from Fly War Eagle
The Tigers are coming off a close loss to the number two team in the nation. Gus Malzahn will be looking to get his first win of the 2016 season against his former team.
Arkansas State was embarrassed by Toledo in their opener. They’ll be trying to prove that they’re still one of the best teams in the Sun Belt.
If Auburn plays to its potential, and allows a quarterback to get into a rhythm throwing the ball, this should be an easy win for the Tigers.
Prediction: Auburn – 31 Arkansas State – 13
Jacksonville State at LSU – 6:30 p.m. CT – ESPNU
We all know how dangerous the Gamecocks of Jacksonville State can be as they almost upset Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium last season. Can you imagine if Les Miles started the season 0-2 with a loss to Jacksonville State?
I’m not sure he would make it out of the stadium with a job.
I don’t think that happens in Baton Rouge this weekend. LSU will get back on track with a hard earned win over Jacksonville State.
Prediction: LSU – 31 Jacksonville State – 17
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