SEC Week 12 Preview

Game of the Week

Ole Miss (5-5, 1-5 SEC) at Vanderbilt (4-6, 1-5)

7:30 p.m. (SECN)

Yep, that’s right — the battle between two teams with only one conference win each is my choice for game of the week. The ‘Dores almost took out Missouri in a shootout, and the Rebels put up tons of points while looking fun doing it, even if they ultimately lose. Given the Ole Miss “defense,” this could be another high-scoring affair. It’s also Vandy’s last chance to put their patented damper on someone’s season.

Full schedule

The Citadel (4-5) at No. 1 Alabama (10-0)

Noon (SECN)

I would say the triple option could maybe help the Bulldogs not lose by 50, but Alabama’s defensive line will be in the backfield immediately after every snap, so.

Idaho (4-6) at No. 13 Florida (7-3)

Noon (ESPNU)

I’ll give the Gators this much: The Vandals are at least an inspired choice for their end-of-season snack.

Middle Tennessee (7-3) at No. 17 Kentucky (7-3)

Noon (SECN)

The Blue Raiders are actually not a guaranteed layup here, so we’ll see how well the Wildcats bounce back after that ugly loss to the Vols.

Arkansas (2-8, 0-6) at No. 21 Mississippi State (6-4, 2-4)

Noon (ESPN)

The poor Hogs are still in search of that elusive first SEC win under new coach Chad Morris, while the Bulldogs keep see-sawing between decent and rough around the edges in coach Joe Moorhead’s first season. Although State got shut out by Alabama last week, it kept the Tide largely in check with just 24 points allowed. This probably won’t end the way Arkansas is hoping for.

Missouri (6-4, 2-4) at Tennessee (5-5, 2-4)

3:30 p.m. (CBS)

I thought long and hard about making this the game of the week, since the Vols are fresh off a big upset and chasing bowl eligibility, while the Tigers nearly lost a high-scoring battle against Vanderbilt last week (called it). But this game just kinda smacks of ugly football, and not the fun kind.

UMass (4-7) at No. 4 Georgia (9-1)

4 p.m. (SECN)

Next.

Liberty (4-6) at Auburn (6-4)

4 p.m. (SECN)

Remember that time Jacksonville State almost beat Auburn a few years ago? I have no such faith in Liberty to do the same, I was just inspired to mention that here.

UAB (9-1) at Texas A&M (6-4)

7 p.m. (ESPN2)

Man would I love to see a Blazers victory here; UAB’s football program has been a triumphant good-over-evil story since coming back from the ashes after Alabama trustees almost killed it. Taking an SEC scalp would be more icing on the cake.

Rice (1-10) at No. 7 LSU (8-2)

7:30 p.m. (ESPNU)

As a 1-10 team, probably the only thing I’d want to do less than play in Death Valley at night would be to play Alabama.