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SEC Football: Week Nine Predictions

By Jake Ingram

Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Lamical Perine (22) runs with the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Missouri Tigers 40-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators running back Lamical Perine (22) runs with the ball against the Missouri Tigers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Missouri Tigers 40-14. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone (3) runs the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Tennessee Volunteers wide receiver Josh Malone (3) runs the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Neyland Stadium. Tennessee won 38-28. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /

#18 Tennessee (-13.5) over South Carolina, Saturday 6:15 PM (CT), Williams Brice Stadium

For Tennessee, a bye week couldn’t have come at a better time. The Vols have been decimated by injuries all season and it finally caught up to them against Texas A&M and Alabama. Now the Vols are in a position where they must win out and hope for a Florida loss to have a chance to win the East. South Carolina is in a different position as they are merely pushing for a bowl appearance. A bowl game with a talent depleted roster would be huge going forward for Will Muschamp and the Gamecock program. However, the Gamecocks must pull of an upset to reach six wins and this home match-up with Tennessee likely represents their best opportunity.

Williams-Brice Stadium is always a tough environment to win in, but I’m counting on Tennessee to be rejuvenated for the final stretch of the season. The Vols are expected to see the return of several key players, especially along the offensive line, which has been a major weak spot in the last few weeks. While Tennessee is still far from fully healthy, it should be close enough to full strength for Tennessee to take care of business against the Gamecocks. I expect the South Carolina to hang around early, but the Vols will ultimately pull alway in second half. Tennessee 34, South Carolina 17

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