Tennessee football: Week 5 SEC, top 25 picks by Abby Dalton
By Abby Dalton
Here are Abby Dalton’s Week 5 picks for the Tennessee football Volunteers, SEC and top 25.
As Tennessee football gets set to take on the Missouri Tigers, here are my predictions for this week’s SEC and top 25 matchups. Last week, I was 8-1 straight up, including predicting the Mississippi State Bulldogs to upset the LSU Tigers, and I was 12-6 on gambling picks. That included going 7-2 against the spread and 5-4 on the over/under.
38. 840. Prediction. 20. 850
Florida -17.5; Over 57.5
I wouldn’t overlook South Carolina in this game. They have Kevin Harris, who played a good game against Tennessee football. If the Gamecocks get hot, it may be closer than a lot of people think. I am not taking South Carolina out of this fight. With that being said, Florida has an incredible passing game so that is something that will allow them to take over this game.
873. 43. 829. Prediction. 21
Alabama -17.5; Over 52.5
The Texas A&M Aggies had a rough start against the Vanderbilt Commodores need to clean up their act before Saturday. If they don’t this game will get ugly fast. I could see Texas A&M pulling this off but they’d have to play flawless defense, and against Alabama I do not see that happening. Alabama always has outstanding talent and they know it. This is a very confident Alabama team that one team will soon knock down a bit. Texas A&M won’t be that team in Tuscaloosa.
833. Prediction. 18. 841. 35
Kentucky -6; Under 61.5
This is a match up that most people would consider to be a close game. I don’t really think the Kentucky Wildcats’ run game is going to let it be. The Ole Miss Rebels have many uncertainties as they move forward under former Tennessee football head coach Lane Kiffin. They need someone to lead the team and take control of the game. Ole Miss does a great job at setting the tempo, but Kentucky will be able to match it in Lexington.
814. Prediction. 24. 842. 27
Auburn +7; Over 44.5
This game is going to go down to the wire with kickers. I expect a field goal game-winner. The Georgia Bulldogs don’t have a solid offense, so it’s going to be difficult to get the ball rolling for them. As a result, the Auburn Tigers will score the first touchdown, and the ball will be in their court. However, Georgia’s defense is rock solid. It will hard for Auburn to lock this game up. I have the bulldogs handling business in Athens.
844. 43. 893. Prediction. 28
Arkansas +17.5; Over 68.5
With their big win over the LSU Tigers, the Mississippi State Bulldogs. They are going to go into this game very confident and will take care of the Arkansas Razorbacks in Starkville. If K.J. Costello, who looked great last week, can just keep his team on the right track, there will not be any problems. Arkansas can’t be taken lightly though. They gave the Georgia Bulldogs a good scare. It all comes down to who is ready to play and with what mentality. This just looks like the perfect setup for Mississippi State to keep on rolling through.
887. Prediction. 38. 817. 12
LSU -20.5; Under 51
Coming off their loss to the Mississippi State Bulldogs, the LSU Tigers should be entering this game embarrassed. They will be seeking revenge, and sadly the Vanderbilt Commodores will pay for it. Vanderbilt has had a rough program for the past couple of years. They can’t get much going. Offensively, the Commodores won’t be able to do much, and they most definitely won’t be able to stop LSU’s offense. Myles Brennan will help lead his team to victory.
839. Prediction. 24. 822. 35
Missouri +12.5; Over 48.5
I expect this to be a relatively close game for three quarters and then Tennessee football running away with it in the fourth just because the Vols are a bit more put together than the Missouri Tigers. Don’t count Mizzou out of the game, though. Their rush defense showed promise, and that is enough to give UT a run for their money. However, coming off a road win, I see Rocky Top cleaning up some issues and securing the win to move into Week 6 against the Georgia Bulldogs.