It. Is. Here. Football Is Back.

by Chris Paschal

I didn’t think this moment was ever going to come… SEC football is back, baby. To celebrate the first official Saturday of college football I will list the games you need to know about and why they are significant.

Most Important Game: Auburn vs. Washington (Atlanta) 

I agree with Joel Klatt when he says Washington has no shot at making the playoff if they lose this game. Meanwhile, at the same time this is an opportunity for both teams, but especially Auburn, to prove that they are legitimate top-end team’s this season. This is going to come down to the offensive lines. Both teams have juggernaut defenses and playmakers on the offensive side of the ball and elite quarterbacks. But which offensive line will impose their will in the second half. I think that team is Auburn… the left side of the Tiger’s offensive line is one of the better ones in the country.

Final: Auburn 27 Washington 14

This game could come down to the wire. Image from 247Sports.

Most Intriguing Game: Miami vs. LSU (Arlington) 

This is a showdown between to unbelievably talented defenses. I think LSU’s defense stymies the Hurricanes. The question is whether or not Joe Burrow can score enough points for the Tiger’s to win this game. He has the weapons around him, and the offensive line should be solid enough up front to not lose this game. The cry of the Tiger – “if only we had a quarterback” – may be answered in this game.

Final: LSU 21 Miami 13

Ed Orgeron seems to have everything but a quarterback. Image from USA Today.

Most Likely Defeat for the SEC: West Virginia vs. Tennessee (Charlotte)

The Vols are going to play their butts off… but can they make a few stops… that’s the biggest question. It’s not like West Virginia’s defense is the issue here. If Tennessee scores some points, they may only need a couple of stops. But is that defense capable of doing so? Probably not. I will say this though, if anyone can quickly flip a defense around it would be Jeremy Pruitt.

Final: West Virginia 38 Tennessee 28

Can this defense make some stops? Image from Sports Illustrated.

Most Likely Win for the SEC: Alabama vs. Louisville (Orlando) 

South Carolina is playing Coastal. Georgia is playing Austin Peay. Florida is playing Charleston Southern. I am more convinced that Bama beats Louisville than any of those teams win, and I am only half kidding. If you have small children, don’t let them watch this game. It’s going to be ugly. And Louisville started talking trash before the game. What’re you thinking?!?!

Final: Alabama 49 Louisville 13

Damien Harris has top end speed for his size. Image from USA Today.

Most Action Packed Game: Ole Miss vs. Texas Tech (Houston)

There will be no defense played in this game. Seriously, the first team to stop the other one wins this game. I think Ole Miss finds a way to knock off the Red Raiders. I also think there will be a ton of Rebel fans in NRG Stadium.

Final: Ole Miss 45 Texas Tech 42

This game could turn into a shootout. Image from Ole Miss Rivals.