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After two weeks of SEC football, we can say a few things; Alabama looks great again – against lesser opponents, LSU has questions, and a lot of teams are getting their first real test this week! One of those teams is No. 22 Auburn who travels to Happy Valley to take on No. 10 Penn State.
Here’s a fun stat – both Auburn and Penn State have losing records when they are featured on ESPN Gameday – and ESPN Gameday will be aired from Happy Valley this weekend.
As for Alabama, the Tide has played two weaker teams in a row so far to ramp up for a road game against Florida. ‘Bama took down Miami to kick off their season and followed with a thumping of Mercer. Both teams are ranked as Alabama is No. 1 and Florida comes in as No. 11 with wins against Florida Atlantic and South Florida.
Here’s how week three of SEC football breaks down.
Biggest SEC Games to Bet on for CFB Week 3
When: Saturday, September 18 at 3:30 p.m. on CBS
Alabama -15.5 (-110) vs Florida +15.5 (-110)
Alabama looked convincing against Miami despite what Head Coach Nick Sabin said – and they cleaned things up the next week against Mercer. Plenty of players got game time so they have plenty of depth with fresh field time going into the Swamp. Florida is solid on both sides of the ball and their defensive hope is to get pressure on ‘Bama’s young QB Bryce Young – maybe rattle him into making mistakes. That sounds great on paper – but Alabama makes a habit of chewing up opponent’s best-laid plans. Beating the cover… two touchdowns plus… that’s a different story. Florida should be able to score some points, but they won’t stop Alabama’s offense.
Best Bet: Alabama -15.5 (-110)
When: Saturday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. on ABC
Auburn +6 (-105) vs Penn State -6 (-115)
Two ranked teams going head to head! It’s No. 22 Auburn on the road at Penn State – as mentioned above – Both schools have losing records when ESPN Gameday features them. Auburn has scored 60 points over the last two weeks but that may not happen against the Nittnay Lions at home. They have a much better defense than Akron and Alabama State – plus Penn State can move the ball. That’s not something the Tigers have had to deal with their last two games. This will be the game to watch for Auburn fans still evaluating Bo Nix’s progress this year.
Best Bet: Penn State -6 (-115)
South Carolina vs. Georgia Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 7:00 p.m. on ESPN
South Carolina +30.5 (-100) vs Georgia -30.5 (-120)
South Carolina goes on the road this week to take on No. 2 Georgia. The Gamecocks look improved on both sides of the ball but they’ve only taken on E. Illinois and Coastal Carolina. The problem was that they had trouble moving the ball against Coastal and making big plays when they needed to. South Carolina won, but it was 20 – 17. Georgia has a much stronger defense than Coastal Carolina! The issue for the Bulldogs is getting their offense to the level of their defense. They struggled against Clemson with only 3 points via a field goal and a defensive touchdown. The Dawgs scored 56 points last week against UAB but South Carolina is a much better team than Birmingham.
Best Bet: South Carolina +30.5 (-100)
2021 SEC Football Week 3 Predictions
New Mexico vs. Texas A&M Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 12:00 p.m. on SEC Network
New Mexico +28.5 (-115) vs Texas A&M -28.5 (-105)
Texas A&M is No. 7 in the country so they should handle New Mexico with ease. You may see some rotation in multiple positions from the Aggies but that should not slow things down too much. This game could get out of hand.
Best Bet: New Mexico +28.5 (-115)
Chattanooga vs. Kentucky Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 12:00 p.m. on SEC Network+ / ESPN+
NOTE: As of this writing, there were no odds available.
Kentucky will handle Chattanooga while getting plenty of field time for their depth chart. Chattanooga can produce points but their defense will not hold up against the Wildcats.
Best Bet: Kentucky wins outright.
SE Missouri State vs. Missouri Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 12:00 p.m. on SEC Network+ / ESPN+
NOTE: As of this writing, there were no odds available.
Look for Missouri to firm up some defensive sets during this game before jumping full steam into SEC play. SE Missouri will try their best to pull the upset but the Tigers will wear them down.
Best Bet: Missouri wins outright
Tennessee Tech vs. Tennessee Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 12:00 p.m. on SEC Network+ / ESPN+
NOTE: As of this writing, there were no odds available.
Vols fans can see this coming – as they’ve witnessed this type of season unfold several times over the last decade. The Vols will put up points on Tennessee Tech but leave a bunch of points on the field. Tennessee is also having some controversy with who will be the starting QB. A fun – but probably ugly – win for Tennessee.
Best Bet: Tennessee wins outright.
Georgia Southern vs. Arkansas Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m. on SEC Network
Georgia Southern +23.5 (-110) vs Arkansas -23.5 (-110)
Arkansas needs to show that they can be consistent on offense against a fighting team like Georgia Southern. The Arkansas defense should figure out Southern’s multiple option look and keep them in check.
Best Bet: Arkansas -23.5 (-110)
Mississippi State vs. Memphis Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 4:00 p.m. on ESPN2
Mississippi State -3 (-120) vs Memphis +3 (-100)
This would be a great border rivalry if Mississippi State and Memphis could figure out a way to play each other more often. It could be a shootout but both teams can keep things close. It’s a home game for Memphis at the Liberty Bowl.
Best Bet: Mississippi State -3 (-120)
Central Michigan vs. LSU Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 7:30 p.m. on SEC Network
Central Michigan +19.5 (-110) vs LSU -19.5 (-110)
Central Michigan will not be a cakewalk for LSU but the Tigers need a convincing win this week to please their fans. It’s a home game for LSU so Ed O wants to make this a statement game if possible.
Best Bet: LSU -19.5 (-110)
When: Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. on ESPN2
Tulane +14 (-105) vs Mississippi -14 (-115)
Tulane comes in against Ole Miss which is now No. 17 in the nation. This will be Lane Kiffin’s first real opportunity to show what his offense can do. This game’s odds are tighter than most would have expected three weeks ago, starting the week at -7 for Ole Miss – now -14, as Tulane has shown they are not a push-over team.
Best Bet: Mississippi -14 (-115)
Stanford vs. Vanderbilt Preview
When: Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. on ESPNU
Stanford -12 (-110) vs Vanderbilt +12 (-110)
Is there a game you look at and instantly want to stay away from every week? This may be that game! Vandy opened the season with a shocking loss to in-state foe East Tennessee. Then they won a squeaker with a field goal last week against Colorado State. The ‘Dores need a win this weekend against a strong Stanford team even if it is another last-second field goal.
Best Bet: Stanford -12(-110)
