When the revised SEC schedule came out in August, wedding coordinators across the state rushed to book this date for their clients. With the Crimson Tide and Auburn Tigers idle, one significant piece of the SEC puzzle will fall into place today. The winner of the Georgia-Florida showdown in Jacksonville will presumably face Alabama in the SEC Championship Game on December 19.
While the Tide waits, let’s make some picks.
THE BASICS
No. 23 Michigan (-3.5) at No. 13 Indiana: After Michigan’s loss to in-state rival Michigan State last week, talk of the post-Harbaugh era began. Paul Finebaum nominated Cincinnati head coach Luke Fickell. Former almost Crimson Tide head coach Rich Rodriguez, who previously served a term in Ann Arbor, announced that Harbaugh was not the problem at Michigan. Harbaugh’s team faces off against the highest ranked Indiana team in 33 years.
The pick: Michigan 31, Indiana 20
No. 8 Florida vs. No. 5 Georgia (-3): A super smart guy recently said, “It used to be that good defense beats good offense. Good defense doesn’t beat good offense anymore.” This would seemingly doom Georgia in its matchup for supremacy in the SEC East. While serving as an embodiment of stability and steadiness at the helm, Florida head coach Dan Mullen is seeking his first win against the Bulldogs in this series.
The pick: Georgia 38, Florida 27
BUYER BEWARE
No. 18 SMU (-17.5) at Temple: It was not that long ago that Temple’s head coach was Matt Rhule, who now leads the Carolina Panthers. Temple is currently 1-3 with a single win coming against a dreadful South Florida squad. This will be an early kick in an empty stadium, the type of game in which SMU will be happy taking the win and getting out of town as quickly as possible.
The pick: SMU 46, Temple 30
Boston College (-15) at Syracuse: Boston College roasted Clemson during the first half of their game last week. The Eagles exposed a weak Tigers secondary. Today they square off against a Syracuse team that is weak everywhere. Syracuse head coach Dino Babers is an example of why you cannot blame coaches for moving around. Barely a minute ago he was rumored to be next in line for the USC job. Now his team is 1-6 on the season.
The pick: Boston College 27, Syracuse 21
HOMETOWN HEROES
Troy (-3.5) at Georgia Southern: The Trojans head to the iconic town of Statesboro, Georgia. Year in and year out, these are two of the most underrated Group of 5 programs in the nation.
The pick: Georgia Southern 26, Troy 24
Last week: 4-1 straight up; 4-1 ATS
Season: 21-6 straight up; 16-11 ATS
Tim Howe is an owner of Yellowhammer Multimedia
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