We’ve reached the final week of the regular season in the SEC, and as expected, there’s still plenty to play for.
Auburn and Tennessee are both searching for at least a share of the regular season title, while many other teams around the league are trying to to stay in the hunt for an NCAA Tournament bid.
As always, my predictions are based on team analysis and who I think will win. Score projections are for my own amusement.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 224-66
No. 16 Tennessee at Mississippi State – 7 PM EST, SEC Network
This game is the start of what should be a common theme throughout this entire slate, as you’ve got a great road team going up against a great home team.
The Vols have won nine games away from Knoxville this season, which includes neutral court wins over Purdue and Western Kentucky. The Bulldogs are 18-1 in Starkville, and most recently held on for an overtime win over South Carolina.
This has the feel of one of those grind-it-out type of games that results in low scoring for both sides. There’s something on the line for each team, as Tennessee can stay in the regular season title hunt with a win, and Mississippi State can take a step closer to the NCAA Tournament if it comes out on top.
I know the Vols have been pretty stellar on the road, but I just love the way the Bulldogs are playing right now.
Prediction: Mississippi State 65, Tennessee 64
Florida at Alabama – 7 PM EST, ESPN
How does one predict a game between what feels like the two most head-scratching teams all season long in the SEC?
When these two are at their best, they’re capable of beating anyone. But when these two aren’t at their best, they’re capable of losing to anyone.
The good news is that someone has to win this game, so there should be some consistency to be found. Florida is coming off a huge win over Auburn, while Alabama is coming off a surprising home loss to Arkansas.
Of course, the first time these teams met in Gainesville, the Crimson Tide held the Gators to their lowest point total of the season in a 68-50 victory.
Again, there’s absolutely no way of knowing what we’re gonna get in this one. And since Alabama fans are convinced that the Tide lose every time I pick them to win (fake news), I’ll give their nerves a break and take Mike White’s team to score the victory.
Prediction: Florida 74, Alabama 70
Missouri at Vanderbilt – 7 PM EST, ESPN2
It’s been a long season for the Commodores, but the value of seniors Jeff Roberson and Riley LaChance shouldn’t be overlooked.
As our Robbie Weinstein wrote in a recent column, the Roberson/LaChance duo has put up numbers that are way more impressive than people have given them credit for. But will they be enough to beat a Mizzou team in desperate need of a win?
The Tigers enter Nashville having lost three straight, and another defeat here could certainly have an impact on NCAA Tournament hopes for Cuonzo Martin’s squad.
Like with every other game on the Tuesday schedule, this feels like a toss-up. And since that’s the case, I’ll lean towards the Commodores since they are definitely a better team at home.
Prediction: Vanderbilt 72, Missouri 69
No. 14 Auburn at Arkansas – 9 PM EST, SEC Network
If my earlier prediction of Tennessee losing at Mississippi State works out, then Auburn would enter this game feeling a lot less pressure.
But either way, winning at Bud Walton Arena won’t be easy. The Razorbacks are riding a ton of momentum after scoring the win in Tuscaloosa, and with the Hogs still in the race for the double bye, there’s plenty to play for.
And let’s not forget about the senior night effect, either. Daryl Macon and Jaylen Barford have meant so much to the Arkansas program, and they will be looking to go out in style along with the other seniors on the roster.
I think the senior thing plays a role here, especially if Auburn has already secured at least a part of the SEC regular season title with a Tennessee loss.
This should be the most exciting game of the night, with points likely being scored at a rapid rate. I’ll go with the Razorbacks to grab another huge win.
Prediction: Arkansas 84, Auburn 82
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