Week One Predictions for the SEC
By Jake Ingram
#16 UCLA (+2.5) over Texas A&M, Saturday 3:30 PM (ET), Kyle Field
This may be the trickiest game of the weekend to predict. UCLA enters the season as the favorite to win the PAC-12 South and with good reason.
The Bruins return star QB Josh Rosen, who is poised to be one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. They also return a host of offensive weapons at his disposal. However, the Bruins must replace 3 starters on the offensive line along with the departure of Myles Jack on defense.
The Aggies once again boast a lot of talent on both sides of the ball, but can they finally put it all together? The defense should be much improved in the second year under defensive coordinator John Chavis, especially with Myles Garrett and Daeshon Hall returning on the defensive line. Offensively, Oklahoma transfer Trevor Knight looks to take over under center for the Aggies and he certainly won’t be lacking in receivers as Christian Kirk, Josh Reynolds, and Ricky Seals-Jones all return.
Despite the fact that A&M should be better defensively, this one has shootout written all over it. It certainly favors A&M that this game will be played in College Station. However, the game will ultimately come down to the quarterback position. And I trust Josh Rosen a little more. Expect the Bruins secondary to force Trevor Knight into a couple of devastating late game turnovers that will prove to be the difference in what’s sure to be a barn burner.
Prediction: UCLA 38, Texas A&M 34
Next: LSU takes on Wisconsin in Lambeau