Rivalry Week Preview: The SEC

Written by Carter Ball

14 Vanderbilt at 19 Tennessee

A juiced-up rivalry matchup after an offseason of smack talk from Diego Pavia will result in the first Commodores’ victory in this rivalry in a while. Pavia may get all the hype, but guys like Eli Stowers and Junior Sherrill are what make Vanderbilt go. Clark Lea recently got his contract extended, and in a rivalry matchup that could vault the Commodores into playoff contention, I expect him to show the world why.

Writer’s Prediction: 34-21 Vanderbilt Victory

10 Alabama at Auburn

Auburn true freshman QB Deuce Knight recently won the starting role and looks to make a statement in the Iron Bowl

Quite frankly, this game is always a good one. When it’s at Auburn, however, it is usually even better. After a rough home loss against Oklahoma two weeks ago, the pressure is on Kalen DeBoer to avoid Alabama going consecutive years without double-digit wins for the first time in what seems like ages. Unfortunately for DeBoer, Auburn is peaking with freshman QB Deuce Knight leading the charge. I expect an Auburn upset win in yet another Iron Bowl classic.

LSU at 8 Oklahoma

OU has been great, but extremely inconsistent all year. The Sooners’ struggles to run the ball so far may come back to bite them toward the end of the season, but I don’t expect the losses to come until the playoffs. LSU will keep this game close, but OU will pull away and clinch a playoff spot with a scary close victory.

Writer’s Prediction: 30-20 Oklahoma Victory