Ole Miss @ Kentucky: 35-10 Ole Miss wins (Ian Sparks)
The Rebels rounded out their non-conference slate with ease, outscoring their opponents 220-22 over four games. While the talent gap between the Rebels and their opponents was sizable, that feat should not go unnoticed.
Kentucky comes into Oxford at 2-2 on the year and 0-2 in SEC play, with losses to South Carolina and Georgia. With only three passing touchdowns and two interceptions, quarterback Brock Vandagriff has had a mediocre start for the Wildcats.
Decidedly, Ole Miss wins this one. The Rebels’ high-powered offense and Kentucky’s lackluster passing attack will keep the Wildcats from pulling off an upset.
Louisville @ Notre Dame: 35-17 Notre Dame wins (Dylan Liggett)
Louisville played a tough home game against Georgia Tech last week. The Cardinals’ secondary looked weak and susceptible to offenses that can pass the ball, while Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King added numbers on the ground.
The Cardinals’ defensive line was substantially stronger than its secondary, stopping everything on the ground other than the quarterback run. Against a Notre Dame team that has struggled passing the ball this season, Louisville has the chance to capitalize on defense to find success.
If the Fighting Irish can open up their passing game, Notre Dame could see its first win against a ranked opponent at home this season.
Georgia @ Alabama: 24-20 Alabama wins (Tanner Shapiro)
Georgia and Alabama will meet in Tuscaloosa, Ala., for a week six contest with high stakes. Both teams are coming off of a bye week, and preparing for a packed Bryant-Denny Stadium featuring a visit from ESPN’s College GameDay.
In week three, Alabama took home a big win against Wisconsin, while Georgia held on against Kentucky, winning by one point.
Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe is looking sharp, and so is highly talented 17-year-old Ryan Williams; this dynamic duo continues to be an elite QB-WR connection for the Tide.
Georgia’s defense has been elite as well, holding every opponent played to under 13 points. Quarterback Carson Beck and the offense have kept standards high, putting up more than 30 points in the first two games.
Milroe’s legs will be the X factor and in an SEC Championship repeat, the Tide will outscore the Bulldogs 24-20.
Illinois @ Penn State: 35-17 Penn State wins (Wilson Engeriser)
In a Top 25 Big 10 matchup, Penn State and Illinois will both enter the game undefeated. This game opens Big 10 play for Penn State, while Illinois is looking for its second conference win.
After starting the season with close wins against West Virginia and Bowling Green, Penn State rebounded with a dominant victory over Kent State. The Nittany Lions are led by running back Nick Singleton, who is Top Five in the nation for yards per carry with 8.5.
Illinois began the season hot with three straight wins before going into a Friday night matchup with Nebraska, in which they squeaked out an overtime victory. Quarterback Luke Altmeyer threw for four touchdowns and over 200 yards.
A night game at Beaver Stadium only intensifies Penn State’s home field advantage, giving the Fighting Illini a tough environment to play in.
While both teams are ranked, the Nittany Lions will power through and take the win over Illinois.
Oklahoma @ Auburn: 36-21 Oklahoma wins (Sarah Fenton)
The Oklahoma vs. Auburn game is expected to be a hotly contested SEC battle.
Oklahoma is the favored team, but Auburn’s home-field advantage could end up being a major factor. Key offensive players — like Auburn quarterback Robby Ashford and Oklahoma quarterback Michael Hawkins — will have a significant impact.
While Ashford has had many starts with the Tigers, Hawkins, a true freshman for the Sooners, will take the field for Oklahoma over quarterback Jackson Arnold, head coach Brent Venables recently announced.
The game will come down to which team can force turnovers at key moments, as well as which team plays better on defense. With Oklahoma’s strong offense led by Hawkins, the Tigers’ defense and running game could challenge the Sooners.
After the Tigers’ loss at home against Arkansas last week, Auburn will have to capitalize on both sides of the ball in order to overcome the Sooners.
Despite the Tigers’ home field advantage, Hawkins and the Sooners will surge on offense and find their first ever SEC victory.
Mississippi State @ Texas: 52-3 Texas wins (Luke Dunavant)
After a rough start this season for Mississippi State, the Bulldogs will travel west to face the No. 1 ranked Texas Longhorns in another SEC battle.
With quarterback Blake Shapen out the rest of the season due to injury, Mississippi State will struggle to stay afloat, as the Bulldogs are currently 1-3 and 15th in the SEC.
In their debut season in a new conference, the Longhorns’ talented offense has proven worthy of being an SEC team. Texas has beaten every opponent given to them — including reigning national champion Michigan.
The Longhorns are led by two explosive quarterbacks: Quinn Ewers and Arch Manning. With Ewers hurt, Manning pushed Texas ahead in his first start for the Longhorns against UL Monroe.
This will be Mississippi State’s first ranked opponent this season, and the Bulldogs will have to work wonders to beat a dominant Texas team on its home turf.
Arkansas @ Texas A&M: 27-17 Arkansas wins (Nate Donohue)
Both teams will enter this game with three wins and one loss. Arkansas is coming off of a 10-point victory against a spotty Auburn team, while Texas A&M narrowly secured a win against Bowling Green.
Arkansas’ rushing attack is what will ultimately win the game for the Razorbacks. Running back Ja’Quinden Jackson already has eight touchdowns through four games and is averaging over 100 yards per game on the ground. Quarterback Taylen Green is also a threat in the run game, with 325 rushing yards on the season.
Texas A&M struggled against Notre Dame at home in week one. In a neutral-site game, Arkansas — whose only loss came in overtime against a solid Oklahoma State team — should be in control.
