SEC Football: Week Five Predictions

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers head coach Butch Jones during the second half against the Florida Gators at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Les Miles era at LSU officially came to an end this weekend. As much as I’m going to personally miss the Mad Hatter, the time was probably right for a change down in the bayou. As we’ve seen repeatedly throughout the first few weeks of the season, the days of winning games without a dynamic offense are practically over. Miles, through either inability or stubborn refusal, could not turn the talent in Baton Rouge into a competent offense. Farewell, Mad Hatter and may the grass be greener and taste better on the other side.

While LSU is now firmly out of the playoff mix, other teams within the SEC have made a strong push for contention. Tennessee stormed back against Florida to end the Gators’ winning streak and Texas A&M made a big statement with a win over Arkansas. The Vols and Aggies can now be firmly placed alongside Alabama as playoff contenders in the SEC. Remaining there will be tough as both must hit the road this week.

While I missed on a few predictions (Thanks Vandy, LSU, and Florida), I was able to post a 6-3 record. Now, much like the Aggies and Vols, I need to sustain some consistency as we get ready to end the first month of the season.

Sep 24, 2016; Oxford, MS, USA; Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Jacob Eason (10) scrambles during the fourth quarter of the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mississippi won 45-14. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee (-3) over Georgia, Saturday 2:30 PM (CT), Sanford Stadium

Has there been a quicker turn around than the Vols comeback against Florida last week? After the first half, the Tennessee fan base was ready to declare the Vols dead and were prepping to run Butch Jones out-of-town. However, something miraculous happened: the Vols and QB Josh Dobbs finally looked like the team that received so much preseason hype in the offseason! The Vols torched a Florida defense that has been stifling all season. Now the Vols turn their attention to Georgia, where a win could go a long ways toward booking a trip to Atlanta for the SEC Championship.

The Bulldogs enter with their tails tucked between their legs after being completely dominated by Ole Miss. It’s clear that Georgia has real issues along the offensive line along with a lack of playmakers at receiver. Since week one, Nick Chubb has been a non-factor. The Bulldogs desperately need Chubb to get going, but I don’t see it happening this week unless the O-line can improve dramatically. The Vols look to have finally found their stride on offense and I expect them to continue to improve. The Bulldogs will hang around until the 4th quarter due to it being played in Athens, but Tennessee will ultimately pull away. Tennessee 31, Georgia 20

Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Texas A&M Aggies lineman Myles Garrett (15) tackles Auburn Tigers quarterback Sean White (13) during the first quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

Texas A&M over South Carolina (+17.5), Saturday 3:00 PM (CT), Williams-Brice Stadium

This could be a trap game for the Aggies. Texas A&M is coming off a huge win over Arkansas and faces a huge matchup with Tennessee next week. I think it’s very possible that the Aggies come out flat on the road against the Gamecocks.

While South Carolina is not a good team, they do have a defense that has surrendered very few point so far this season. That is partly due to the caliber of offenses they have faced, but I do think the Gamecocks are decent on that side of the ball. Add in the fact that this game is being played inside Williams-Brice Stadium and I think we could have the combination for a fairly close game. I don’t think the Gamecocks have a chance to pull off the upset, but I do think they stay in the game through 3.5 quarters and find a way to cover the spread. Texas A&M 34, South Carolina 17

Sep 24, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Joshua Jacobs (25). Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Alabama (-35) over Kentucky, Saturday 6:00 PM (CT), Bryant Denny Stadium

Alabama enters the game a little banged up with several of the Tide starters questionable to play. That won’t matter though as Bama could likely get way with playing their 3rd stringers against Kentucky. Kentucky got a much-needed win over South Carolina last week, but they still haven’t improved much since the first week of the season. That doesn’t bode well facing a night game in Bryant Denny.

At this point, Mark Stoops may be coaching for his job. While no one expects him to upset Bama, keeping it close would go a long way toward showing that the Wildcats are improving. With that being said, keeping it close in this game is definitely subjective. The Wildcats will be very fortunate if they’re able to put 10 points on the board. Alabama 49, Kentucky 6

Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive end Arden Key (49) and LSU Tigers defensive end Lewis Neal (92) celebrate sacking Texas A&M Aggies quarterback Kyle Allen (10) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

LSU over Missouri (+13), Saturday 6:30 PM (CT), Tiger Stadium

I came very close to picking Missouri to out right beat LSU. Missouri has already came close to pulling off one upset with a one point loss to Georgia in week 3 and have, for the most part, looked better than I expected. Missouri QB Drew Lock is second in the country in passing yards and leads an offense that is capable of putting up points against LSU.

As far as LSU, it’s impossible to predict how they will come out after a strange week in which they lost their long time head coach. Will they come out with renewed energy looking to make a statement or will it be much of the same? Ultimately, I think it will be a combination of both. LSU’s offense will likely not look much different after one week, but I do think interim coach Ed Orgeron will have the Tigers ready to play. If this game was being played in Missouri then that would be a different story. But as it is, I think LSU will find a way to win a close one. LSU 27, Missouri 24

Sep 24, 2016; Dallas, TX, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Austin Allen (8) throws a pass against Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Armani Watts (23) in the second quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Elsewhere around the SEC:

Arkansas (-49) over Alcorn State

Florida (-10) over Vanderbilt

Auburn (-32.5) over Louisiana Monroe

Ole Miss (-14.5) over Memphis

Record: 20-22 ATS, 33-9 Straight-up