SEC Predictions Week 9

Last week saw Michael and Jay go a perfect (6-0) while Eddie stunk it up at (3-3). Michael has maintained his lead over Jay at an overall mark of (50-10), while Jay has a decent lead on 2nd place at a record of (47-13) and Eddie pulling up the rear at (44-16). Let's get on with the picks:

Michael McCoy's Picks:
Florida vs Georgia - Florida (upset alert)
Eastern Michigan at Arkansas - Arkansas
Mississippi State at Kentucky - Mississippi State
Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt - Georgia Tech
South Carolina at Tennessee - Tennessee
Tulane at LSU - LSU

Ole Miss at Auburn:
What was once a promising season has been on a downward spiral the last few weeks, but I still think things are salvageable, but it would have to start with a win at home this weekend against Ole Miss. Unluckily for Auburn, it seems the Rebels are finally starting to hit their stride, evidenced by a big win over Arkansas last weekend at home. The Ole Miss defense has been solid all year, but the offense broke out in a big way with a 500 yard performance, including a big day from Jevan Snead, though it's worth remembering that he still threw a couple of picks in the effort. Auburn's defense actually showed last week that it could stop the run a little and apply some pressure to the quarterback, but the secondary was left exposed at times and Jordan Jefferson took advantage. If Auburn can keep up the quarterback pressure against an at times suspect Rebel offensive line and tighten up the coverage a little bit, there may be some turnovers to be had. Dexter McCluster will be the other X-factor on that side of the ball in the running game, especially out of the Wildcat. Auburn must slow him down. Having said all that, most Auburn fans know that the key to any Auburn victory in the coming weeks will be the offense somehow finding its mojo again. Chris Todd is definitely not the same player he was a month ago, for whatever reason, but he hasn't been helped a whole lot either from his offensive teammates. Ben Tate is the only offensive performer who has truly distinguished himself in recent weeks. Maybe it is a case of once one good thing happens, things will take off again from there for this offense. That's the hope, but nothing will come easy against this stingy Rebel defense. I expect some new wrinkles from Malzahn to help shake the cobwebs and get this thing back on track, but surely there has to be a steady dose of #44 to start things off. Then maybe we can get the play-action passing game going once again. I don't think it will be pretty, but I think Auburn will come out inspired and do enough to stay in the game and take this thing to the wire. It could go either way from there, but I'll say Auburn 26, Ole Miss 23.

Jay Skipworth's Picks:
Florida vs Georgia - Florida
Eastern Michigan at Arkansas - Arkansas
Mississippi State at Kentucky - Mississippi State
Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt - Georgia Tech
South Carolina at Tennessee - South Carolina
Tulane at LSU - LSU

Ole Miss at Auburn:
The Rebels offense woke up for the first time all season last week as they throttled Arkansas at home. Now Houston Nutt travels to a place where he’s had success (albeit as the Arkansas coach) against Auburn. The Tigers look nothing like the team that reeled off 5 wins to start the year as the offense has been unable to produce anything consistent, hanging a thin defensive unit out to dry in the process. Jevan Snead and Dexter McCluster will have big games as the Rebels are simply a better team than Auburn right now. Ole Miss 27, Auburn 9.

You can get a more detailed preview of every one of Jay's pick's at his weekly column listed below:
http://blogcritics.org/sports/article/sec-week-nine-previews-and-picks/

Eddie McCoy's Picks:
Florida vs Georgia - Florida
Eastern Michigan at Arkansas - Arkansas
Mississippi State at Kentucky - Kentucky
Georgia Tech at Vanderbilt - Georgia Tech
South Carolina at Tennessee - Tennessee
Tulane at LSU - LSU

Ole Miss at Auburn:
Auburn is reeling after three straight defeats and beating Ole Miss is going to be just as tough as the last three opponents have been. The only thing consistent about the Auburn offense the last three games is that it continues to struggle. I believe that this team can pick it back up as quick as it dropped off.....I just don't see them doing it this week. Ole Miss has a better front seven in my opinion than LSU and LSU gave our line fits all night long. To beat Ole Miss, Auburn will have to commit to running the football and hoping that it opens up the passing game from the dungeon that it's been locked up in. Defense cannot give up the big play and it cannot afford to but Snead back into the 1st round of the draft. I believe that things will improve for Auburn this week, but I believe they will come up on the short side in this game. I'll say Ole Miss 31, Auburn 17.

Feel free to leave your score predictions in the comment section. War Eagle!