College Football: SEC Bowl Predictions, Pre-Rivalry Week

Nov 21, 2015; Fayetteville, AR, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) passes in the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mississippi State defeated Arkansas 51-50. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Twelve weeks of college football have passed this autumn.  It has been a time filled with fun, family, and friends, (and potentially beverages and lovers). That, mixed with on and off field drama, has made for a wild three months of action that we won’t forget until 2016 officially kicks off.

We’re not quite through yet, however. Rivalry week is upon us, whether you’re wearing colors in The Palmetto Bowl, Iron Bowl, The Egg Bowl, Clean Old Fashioned Hate, or The Governor’s Cup.

 Then we’ll see all of you in the SEC Championship as Nick Saban’s Alabama Crimson Tide (making my prediction in the Iron Bowl, here) square up against Jim McElwain’s Florida Gators on the first week of December in Atlanta. Who do you think’s favored in that one, guys?

After we wrap up the madness, the college football rollercoaster speeds into something we all like to call bowl season. This is a time where either a second-ranked ‘Bama or a 6-6 Auburn can compete for a trophy.  It is also a time when your team could be competing in an all-important playoff or a meaningless exhibition.  Everyone in the southland cares about SEC bowl season, though.

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• SEC Football: Florida, LSU rise in Week 4 2023 power rankings
• 4 SEC football picks to hammer and one to avoid in Week 3
• After down Week 2, Week 3 provides another opportunity for SEC football

In the nation’s most mind-boggling sport, the postseason could mean the second week of December or the second week of January.  Whether you’re in the midst of a coaching change and an uninspired squad slumping through practices or your team is firing on all cylinders and cruising into a New Year’s Six or Playoff bid, bowl season is an exciting time for all teams.

Or, if you’re South Carolina and Vanderbilt, sitting at home on the couch watching the rest of the SEC compete.  Even if that means a 5-7 Kentucky possibly qualifying for the Birmingham Bowl with a waiver.

In the spirit of Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Southbound and Down takes a sneak peek on where our beloved schools will be headed this Holiday season.

Next: College Football Playoff