SEC Week 2 Predictions

by Chris Paschal

It doesn’t take a genius to know that I picked South Carolina to lose to Georgia in my Season Previews… but that was before I got all jacked up on Mountain Dew. Here are my thoughts.

Georgia at South Carolina

This game will come down to South Carolina defensive tackles Javon Kinlaw and Keir Thomas. Georgia has some studs on the offensive line, but they won’t be able to outflank/run outside zones against TJ Brunson, DJ Wonnum, Jaycee Horn and Co. The question is whether Georgia can break Carolina’s back by beating them up inside. Carolina’s defensive line did not look good in Week 1… against Coastal. I’m nervous about that matchup. I think both quarterbacks will perform at a high level, but look for Fromm to make a mistake early, before settling in. If Carolina can capitalize on a frenzied crowd  and get up on Georgia early, I like the Gamecocks’ chances. Front Porch Football Subscriber, Albert Kitchens, mentioned to me the other night that this is the type of game Muschamp dials up the intensity and play-calling. Even last year, Kirby Smart said the Carolina game was one of the most physical games Georgia had last season. Winner of this game has a death grip on the SEC East.

Prediction: South Carolina 24 Georgia 21

Image from Gamecock Athletics. Skai Moore Will Be Missed.

Clemson at Texas A&M

I think this will be a close game for many reasons. First, it’s before A&M’s usual death spiral after they lose to SEC Power, Alabama, so they still have some confidence. Second, A&M’s defense will be a lot better this year than it was in previous year’s. Kingsley Keke might be the best defensive lineman Clemson faces this season, and Landis Durham is an elite pass rusher. I also HATE the idea of Clemson flipping back and forth between Bryant and Lawrence. Start Lawrence to start the game, and Clemson wins this game. Put Lawrence in a hole because Bryant has played sub-par football, and A&M might pull off the upset. PS. I don’t buy the hype surrounding Jimbo vs. Dabo… that has little bearing on this game, in my opinion.

Prediction: Clemson 31 Texas A&M 20

Christian Wilkins (43) & Dexter Lawrence (90) are currently the most dynamic DT’s in college football. Image from Post & Courier.

Kentucky at Florida

This is a chance for Florida to flex its muscle early in the SEC season. Kentucky is a decent team, don’t get me wrong, but Florida has far superior athletes and a much more dominant defensive line. Florida has not lost to Kentucky in football for over three decades. I don’t expect that to start this weekend. Look for the Gators to punish Kentucky on the ground, and for Franks to have a couple of long touchdown passes. The X Factor for this game will be Benny Snell. He already has an us against the world mentality, and he revels in these types of environments. If he can break a couple of runs and can wear down Florida’s defense, this could be a game. I just don’t see it happening.

Prediction: Florida 34 Kentucky 13

Cece Jefferson. Image from SEC Country.