CFB: Predicting the top games in Week 2 of the SEC

Western Kentucky Hilltoppers vs. #1 Alabama Crimson Tide

Breakdown: Coming off a dominating win over the No.8 Michigan Wolverines the Crimson Tide leaped over the USC Trojans in the AP Poll to the No.1 spot as they prepare to battle against the Western Kentucky Hilltoppers. Freshman RB T.J Yeldon stepped up against the Big Blue defense, carrying the ball 11 times for 111 yards and one TD. Alabama was terrific on defense as well, shutting down Denard Robinson and holding Michigan to 14 points. As for the Hilltoppers who are coming off a 49-10 win over Austien Peay, well they just have to hope they can score a TD. This game will be a blowout, but we will get a chance to see if Yeldon can repeat his Week 1 numbers, or if Eddie Lacy will start to shine.

Prediction: Alabama 41 Western Kentucky 7

Washington Huskies vs. #3 LSU Tigers

Breakdown: In their first game without Tyrann Mathieu, the LSU Tigers defense looked as good as ever against North Texas, holding the Mean Green to 14 points, while forcing 2 turnovers. Now as LSU prepares at home to take on the Washington Huskies they will be looking to do the same thing this week. As for the Huskies, they are heading out after a 9 point win over San Diego State, but must be ready for a tougher opponent this week in Baton Rouge. While this game will be closer than Alabama vs. WKU, LSU will still take this one easily.

Prediction: LSU 35 Washington 17

#7 Georgia Bulldogs vs. Missouri Tigers

Breakdown: If the Georgia Bulldogs want to prove they can be a Top 10 team, their defense is going to have to play better than they did against Buffalo. While Aaron Murray mastered the offense and helped the Bulldogs rack up 45 points, their defense still managed to give up 23 to a Bills offense which is hardly threatening. As for Missouri, they will look to build on their 62-10 win over Louisiana-Lafayette, but they aren’t in the Big 12 anymore. Even with Georgia’s defense struggling, the Tigers are in for a rude awakening to the SEC.

Prediction: Georgia 35 Missouri 14

Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks vs. #8 Arkansas Razorbacks

Breakdown: As Tyler Wilson and the Razorbacks prepare to take on the Louisiana-Monroe Warharks, they have to hope they can continue the dominance they showed last week against Jacksonville State. Wilson threw for 367 yards and 3 TD’s as Arkansas routed the Gamecocks 49-24. Now as the Warhawks get ready for the first game of the season, with a chance at a W near impossible, Louisiana-Monroe has to just hope to keep Arkansas under 40.

Prediction: Arkansas 42 LA-Monroe 17

East Carolina Pirates vs. #9 South Carolina Gamecocks

Breakdown: After narrowly edging out Vanderbilt to kick off the college football season last week, the Gamecocks would be disappointed with anything but a blowout against their little brother the East Carolina Pirates. Coming back off a torn ACL, Marcus Lattimore looked as healthy as ever carrying the rock 23 times for 110 yards and 2 scores. QB Connor Shaw even risked his shoulder to get the W, but shouldn’t have to worry about any injury against the Pirates. As for East Carolina, who beat up on Appalachian State last week, they might find it easier to skip the game and just watch highlights from last week because this game won’t be close.

Prediction: South Carolina 31 East Carolina 7

#24 Florida Gators vs. Texas A&M

Breakdown: Well one thing is for sure, this isn’t the same Florida Gators program of old. After an ugly week that saw the team commit 14 penalties for 106 yards, and just nudge out Bowling Green, the Gators need to reverse their fortunes. There is good news in Gainesville as Will Muschamp named Jeff Driskel as the Gators starting QB, who will have to prove himself in College Station against the Aggies as Texas A&M makes their SEC debut. After the Aggies opener was postponed due to the hurricane, they now had 2 weeks to focus on Florida. While I don’t think UF will make as many penalties this week,  I expect Texas A&M to win the game, and earn their first SEC victory.

Prediction: Texas A&M 27 Florida 21

Georgia State Panthers vs. Tennessee Volunteers

Breakdown: After a breakout game last week against North Carolina State, JuCo transfer Cordarrelle Patterson hopes to build on his debut against an even weaker opponent in Georgia State. Another Volunteers player who will be drooling over this matchup is QB Tyler Bray, who threw for 333 yards and 2 TD’s against a tough Wolfpack secondary. While Tennessee’s coaching staff will make this sound like a very close matchup, in reality this will end up being a tune up game for the starters and some nice playing time for the backups.

Prediction: Tennessee 42 Georgia State 10