The one and only game going on this weekend in the SEC that I have my eye on is Kentucky and Florida, and it isn’t so much about the fact that UK is playing, but who they’re playing. I’m not going to jump too deep into my personal opinions but I have a strong dislike towards the Gators, in all aspects of their program. But I’ll let the Cats take care of business tomorrow while I go ahead and look through what the rest of the conference has to offer.
Auburn vs. Georgia: Things are not getting any better in the meantime for Tony Barbee and the Tigers. They have lost seven of their eight SEC games so far, and we’re only halfway done with the SEC schedule. Georgia on the other hand won a close one over Arkansas during the week, recovering from their loss to UK last weekend. Auburn’s poor shooting should only make matters worse for them on the road. Travis Leslie is a tough player to guard and I see him as well as Trey Thompkins causing fits for Auburn. Georgia should have no problem winning this one.
South Carolina vs. No. 24 Vanderbilt: Both teams have had somewhat of a tough stretch, but then again this is the SEC East. Only 2.5 games separates last place Vanderbilt and first place Florida, which beat the Commodores in overtime earlier this week. This will be a tough game for both teams. Vanderbilt’s advantage in this game is their home-court advantage as well as John Jenkins, a dynamic scorer for the Commodores. This is what will make the difference for Vanderbilt tomorrow and pull them even with the Gamecocks in the standings.
Mississippi St. vs. LSU: There’s only one word to describe the SEC, but it perfectly fits the description for the Bulldogs: inconsistency. They are one game above .500 overall at 11-10, and are struggling to stay afloat. Ravern Johnson, who is the second-highest scorer on the team with 17.7 a game, is suspended for the LSU game and the following game against Arkansas due to his actions on Twitter. Because of him, his teammates are also banned from using it. And that should be enough to offset the Bulldogs backcourt and should be a great advantage for the Tigers. Expect the Bulldogs to compete, but it simply won’t be enough.
Alabama at Tennessee: Both of these teams have been on a roll as of late. The Crimson Tide are on a four-game win streak while the Vols are on a three-game win streak. And both teams have won their games with ease. But what will happen when both of these teams collide tomorrow? What will hurt Tennessee is that their highest scorer, and one of the best players in the SEC in Scotty Hopson, is out tomorrow with a sprained ankle. It should come down to defense and to see if Bama can contain Tennessee and keep them from running and slowing down their pace. Anthony Grant can, and should. pull off a huge road win tomorrow.
Ole Miss vs. Arkansas: Arkansas has managed to turn things around within the past couple of weeks. They have won two out of their past three, the only loss coming against Georgia by one point. Despite beating Kentucky, things aren’t necessarily clicking this season for the Rebels. They are 1.5 games ahead of last place Auburn, and haven’t played close in their losses for the most part. Call me biased, but I expect a letdown from the Rebels on the road.
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