The SEC has proven again that it is still the best conference in college football. There are a number of teams still alive, and a lot can still happen because in this league, anything is possible on any given Saturday. As some of the best SEC bets get looked at for this weekend, there are a couple of teams that can’t afford any letdowns as the regular season enters the home stretch.
Best SEC Bets
LSU-Arkansas Prediction and Odds: Tigers Control Destiny in West
The LSU Tigers (7-2, 5-1 SEC West) face a critical road matchup as they take on the Arkansas Razorbacks (5-4, 2-3 SEC West). The Tigers are in the driver’s seat in the West division after a massive win last weekend against Alabama. With so much to play for, the Tigers must win out if they want a ticket to the SEC Championship and possibly the College Football Playoff if everything works in their favor.
LSU got off to a rough start under new coach Brian Kelly, but ever since has become one of the strongest teams in the country and opened some eyes in recent weeks. A major key to the Tigers success has been the growth of quarterback Jayden Daniels.
The junior won’t necessarily rack up enormous yards, but he has been incredibly careful with the ball (one interception on the year) and has made the tough throws when needed. Daniels has been dynamic in the run game with 619 yards on the year, which has helped this offense improve significantly over the season. The Tigers have shown they can win games against some of the best in the nation.
While LSU can’t afford any letdowns, any team in the SEC can be in trouble on the road. LSU is a 3.5-point favorite and back the Tigers to cover and come away with an important conference win. For Arkansas, their season has quickly gone downhill and the health of quarterback KJ Jefferson is in question. While the Razorbacks seem to be going in the wrong direction, the Tigers must continue to win if they want to compete for a championship.
LSU-Arkansas Prediction: LSU -3.5 (-110)
Texas A&M-Auburn Prediction and Odds: Must Win for Both Teams
The Texas A&M Aggies (3-6, 1-5 SEC West) face a tough road test against the Auburn Tigers (3-6, 1-5 SEC West). These teams have been among the most disappointing in the entire country, and the loser of this game will fall out of contention to make a bowl game.
Texas A&M has had a very frustrating season and because of that, people are calling for head coach Jimbo Fisher to be fired. While the Aggies have struggled to win, they have also struggled to find the answer at quarterback, which can lead to a lot of uncertainty within a program. All three quarterbacks have not performed to the standard that Fisher would like and the Aggies have been unable to close out games this season.
Auburn is a 1.5-point favorites and this is a good bet for the weekend. Usually after teams fire their head coach, there is a little energy found within that program for the optimism of a fresh start, and Auburn has a great opportunity to work on their new era this weekend. While Texas A&M has not found its identity, Auburn has at least a little more consistency in that regard with quarterback Robby Ashford. With a game total of 48.5 points, look toward the over as a solid bet as both teams rank in the bottom half of the SEC in total defense.
Texas A&M-Auburn Prediction: Auburn -1.5 (-105), Over 48.5 points (-110)
Missouri-Tennessee Prediction and Odds: Vols Build Playoff Resume
While the Tennessee Volunteers (8-1, 4-1 SEC East) may not play for the SEC Championship, their hopes for the CFP are still alive. This Saturday they have a home matchup against the Missouri Tigers (4-5, 2-4 SEC East) and there is no way they can afford to lose another game if they still want a chance. While Missouri’s record is not elite, they have been an improved team over the season and have been able to keep games close with some of the nation’s top teams.
While Tennessee seemed to have been exposed last week against Georgia, there is no question that they have had an amazing season so far. Quarterback Hendon Hooker is still in the Heisman Trophy discussion and will need to still play his best football for Tennessee to get where they want.
While the Volunteers have been a dynamic offense, their defense has been very inconsistent, which hurt them last week. Tennessee ranks 121st in the FBS in opponent pass yards per game and is going to need to clean that up because it is hard to only rely on your offense every game. For Missouri, it has a very good defense, ranking fourth in the SEC in opponent yards per game.
It is that time of year where teams look to get style points by running up the score, and for Tennessee, it is going to need all of the help it can get. A great bet to look at for this matchup is Tennessee’s team total. Back the Volunteers for over 38.5 points. With the Volunteers defense still questionable, looking at the spread in this one is risky, but this is a team that can light up the scoreboard and will definitely be playing with a chip on their shoulder as they look to bounce back from a loss.
Missouri-Tennessee Prediction: Tennessee Team Total OVER – 38.5 Points (-110)
