SEC Predictions Week 3

So after Week 2 of the season, Michael padded his lead with an overall mark of (16-1), followed by Jay at (14-3) with Eddie bringing up the rear at (13-4). Now that we are getting into the meat of the schedule, picks will start to become more interesting. Let's take a look at Week 3 Picks:

Michael McCoy Picks

Louisville @ Kentucky- Kentucky
North Texas @ Alabama- Alabama
Tennessee @ Florida- Florida
LA Lafayette @ LSU- LSU
Mississippi State @ Vanderbilt- Vanderbilt
Florida Atlantic @ South Carolina- South Carolina
SE Louisiana @ Ole Miss- Ole Miss
Georgia @ Arkansas- Arkansas

West Virginia @ Auburn:
So far, so good for Auburn. Except for some shoddy special teams play and few third down failures from the defense, things could not have gone much better for the Tigers through the first two games of the Gene Chizik era. Now comes the first true test with West Virginia coming to town. Breaking in a new coaching staff meant that Louisiana Tech and Mississippi State were possible banana skins early in the season, but that challenge was met with relish and now we'll see how Auburn fares against a big time program. The Mountaineers aren't the same without Rich Rod, but they're still a contender in the Big East, and between WR Jock Sanders, RB Noel Devine, and pro prospect QB Jarrett Brown, there is offensive firepower aplenty. They still carry much of the Rich Rod philosophy of running the ball, but the passing game is now more dynamic than it was in years past. The biggest question mark on West Virginia's offense is their offensive line, which is mostly new. I expect this to be one of the keys to the game. If West Virginia can the get the ball in the hands of its playmakers, it will be a shootout. On defense the Mountaineers have a lot coming back, but even last year's Auburn offense was able to have its way with them for a half, so I expect the offensive production to continue from Gus and the boys this week, though they may have to open the passing game a bit more to do so. Special teams will be the other key. Another game like last week and West Virginia will punish us, but I think we see marked improvement there this week and Auburn comes out on top in the end. I'll say Auburn 38, West Virginia 30.

Jay Skipworth's Picks

Louisville @ Kentucky- Kentucky
North Texas @ Alabama- Alabama
Tennessee @ Florida- Florida
LA Lafayette @ LSU- LSU
Mississippi State @ Vanderbilt- Vanderbilt
Florida Atlantic @ South Carolina- South Carolina
SE Louisiana @ Ole Miss- Ole Miss
Georgia @ Arkansas- Arkansas

West Virginia @ Auburn

The Tigers offensive resurgence has generated plenty of excitement on the Plains. The first real test of the season comes in the form of West Virginia, a team that has found a solid passing game to go with the run in spite of replacing four offensive linemen and do-everything quarterback Pat White. The Tigers defense is a good starting group, but lack of depth and experience could come back to haunt them in a shoot-out. This one will more than likely turn into a score-fest as both offenses will find ways to exploit the defenses. Give the edge to West Virginia with more proven wide receivers and special teams performers. West Virginia 35, Auburn 31.

Also, if you would like to read a more detailed version of Jay's picks, you can check out his column on BC by following the link:

http://blogcritics.org/sports/article/sec-week-three-previews-and-picks/

Eddie McCoy's Picks

Louisville @ Kentucky- Kentucky
North Texas @ Alabama- Alabama
Tennessee @ Florida- Florida
LA Lafayette @ LSU- LSU
Mississippi State @ Vanderbilt- Mississippi State
Florida Atlantic @ South Carolina- South Carolina
SE Louisiana @ Ole Miss- Ole Miss
Georgia @ Arkansas- Arkansas

West Virginia @ Auburn
This game is a real tricky game for Auburn and it stands in the way of an undefeated September which is key in rolling into a tougher October. West Virginia is going to to provide a very stiff test for the Auburn defense with its balance attack. Auburn will need to control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in order to get the much needed W and I believe that they will. I look for Auburn to test out the run early and often against the 3-3-5 defense while also being able to take shots downfield. Chris Todd will need to do a good job of taking what the defense gives him because he will not have all day to sit and wait on the deep route to develop like he has the previous two games. With that said, I look for Auburn to once again find itself in a very tight game at halftime, but I believe that this offense has the ability to wear down the West Virginia defense, especially since they are going to have their two best players banged up and on the field at best. I like Auburn to win and continue the offensive success that it has shown in the first two games, but I also believe the defense is going to have its hands full with trying to keep all the West Virginia playmakers in check. Auburn 45, West Virginia 34.

Please share your prediction for Auburn this week in the comment section.

War Eagle!