SEC Viewer’s Guide: Week 7
Week 7 should set the tone for the SEC standings at the midway point of the season.
The 2015 season officially reaches its halfway point when the games kickoff this Saturday. There are several enticing conference clashes that could potentially carry some serious postseason implications.
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Of those match-ups, the Florida-LSU and Alabama-Texas A&M contests are receiving much of the attention as they feature arguably the four best teams in the SEC. Additionally, Vanderbilt has a chance to end its 10-game losing streak to conference opponents in its meeting with a Head Ball Coach-less South Carolina in Columbia. Ole Miss travels to Memphis in what promises to be an intriguing non-conference bout against the Tigers.
The excitement starts on Thursday this week; here’s how to make the most of the Week 7 slate and ultimately enhance your viewing pleasure.
Thursday, Oct. 15
7 PM ET
Auburn at Kentucky, ESPN
Both teams enjoyed the luxuries of their respective byes last week, so the preparation for this contest was aplenty.
With Arkansas, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama still looming on the schedule, Auburn is in desperate need of a win against Kentucky if it hopes to reach the postseason. Likewise, the Wildcats need a win this weekend to keep their bowl bid alive as well, despite boasting a 4-1 record — reference the 2014 Kentucky team that was one win away from bowl eligibility before dropping six straight.
Simply put, the winner of this game will be playing in December while the loser’s season comes to a premature end.
Saturday, Oct. 17
Noon ET
No. 13 Ole Miss at Memphis, ABC
What was supposed to be a ‘cupcake’ game for Ole Miss has perhaps turned into the best non-conference game of the weekend.
Coach Justin Fuente and his Memphis Tigers have played excellent football thus far (5-0 record; outscoring foes by an average 21 points per game), but they have a lot to prove in this regional rivalry clash with the Rebels.
A win for Memphis could elevate the Tigers’ national standing and solidify an AP Top 25 ranking — but it certainly won’t be easy against one of the SEC’s elite programs.
Louisiana Tech at Mississippi State, SEC Network
It’s the Bulldogs versus the Bulldogs in Starkville this Saturday.
Both teams are 4-2, but they have played much different competition. For Mississippi State, LaTech is the final tuneup game before heading into a brutal five-game conference stretch to close out the season.
Expect Dak Prescott and the Bulldogs to get plenty of reps in against their last non-conference opponent of the season.
3:30 PM ET
No. 10 Alabama at No. 9 Texas A&M, CBS
Sep 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies receiver Josh Reynolds (11) runs after a reception in the fourth quarter against Arkansas Razorbacks safety Santos Gaines (9) at AT&T Stadium. Texas A&M won 28-21 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
The winner of this game will likely be the West’s representative in the SEC championship game in Atlanta — and perhaps the College Football Playoff.
Texas A&M enters fresh off of a bye week. Meanhile Alabama managed to find its offense late in last week’s 27-14 win over Arkansas in Tuscaloosa.
Essentially, this match-up pits the conference’s best offense in the Aggies against the best defense in the Crimson Tide.
Whatever the outcome, this contest should be plenty dramatic. Given that it’s in College Station, A&M will have a slight edge.
4 PM ET
Vanderbilt at South Carolina, SEC Network
Does Vanderbilt extend its conference game losing streak to 11? Does South Carolina struggle even more with the sudden resignation of their Head Ball Coach? Do the Gamecocks play with some energy for their former coach or is Vandy truly making strides and improving?
One thing’s for certain: if the Commodores can play consistent offensively and avoid costly mistakes, they’ll have a good shot to notch their first conference win since November 2013 (14-10 over Tennessee).
7 PM ET
No. 8 Florida at No. 6 LSU, ESPN
Who knew the Florida-LSU match-up in Death Valley would headline Week 7 back in the preseason? We figured the Tigers would be competitive with running back Leonard Fournette returning, but nobody expected the Gators to start off the McElwain era with a perfect 6-0 record.
It’s an arduous task, but if Florida can find a way to win in college football’s most intimidating venue (without quarterback Will Grier, no less), it’ll have a legitimate shot at running the table. Georgia and No. 11 Florida State would remain as the only viable opponents on the Gators’ remaining schedule.
7:30 PM ET
Missouri at Georgia, SEC Network
Both teams are coming off of disappointing losses last week. But for Georgia, the biggest loss wasn’t on the scoreboard. Rather it was seeing it’s star running back Nick Chubb go down with a season-ending injury. Alas, the Bulldogs are no longer the presumed favorites to win the SEC East.
On the other side, the back-to-back division-winning Missouri Tigers have already dropped two of their first three conference games and have lacked the characteristics of a reigning championship team.
The Dawgs get Mizzou at home this week, so a win could revitalize a dispirited Georgia fanbase Between the Hedges.
Next: Poll: Who is the favorite in the SEC East?
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