It’s been a great start to SEC play, with several teams already showcasing their talents thus far.
There are three games set for Wednesday, and they should all offer some very interesting matchups.
Let’s get to the picks.
Season Predictions Record (straight up): 137-35
Vanderbilt at Georgia – 6:30 p.m. EST, SEC Network
Both teams are trying to rebound from losses in their league openers, and that should make for an entertaining game.
Georgia’s biggest weakness is taking care of the ball (332nd nationally with 16.5 turnovers per game), but Vanderbilt is only forcing 12.1 per game (288th nationally).
While the Bulldogs are coming off a 46-point loss at Tennessee, they’ve played significantly better at home this season, which is already a common theme for many SEC teams.
And with the Commodores playing just one true road game to this point, I’ll lean towards Georgia in this spot.
Prediction: Georgia 77, Vanderbilt 75
No. 11 Auburn at Ole Miss – 7 p.m. EST, ESPN2
This game could be one of the best in the SEC to this point in conference play, as both teams are having no trouble scoring the ball.
The Rebels have been the surprise of the league, and their tremendous offensive efficiency (ninth nationally in effective field-goal percentage) has played a big role, as has a significant improvement on defense.
Meanwhile, Auburn has had a few struggles recently, but Bruce Pearl’s team should be ready for this challenge after a nice little break.
Neither team has been great at defending the 3-pointer, and most may be surprised at the fact that the Rebels have been the more efficient group in that category (35th nationally at 38.3 percent).
Beating Ole Miss in Oxford is going to be tough to do this season, but I feel like Auburn’s depth may be the difference here.
Prediction: Auburn 83, Ole Miss 79
Florida at Arkansas – 8:30 p.m. EST, SEC Network
Florida’s loss to South Carolina may not look as bad after the Gamecocks beat Mississippi State, but this is a crucial game for Mike White’s team.
The Gators may have the toughest league schedule of any team in the SEC, and they have to be able to find ways to win these types of games.
Of course, that isn’t going to be easy to do, as Daniel Gafford figures to offer a huge test for the Florida frontcourt.
Defensively, Florida is good enough to slow down what has at times been an inconsistent Arkansas offense, but the Gators are leaving a lot to be desired on the offensive side of the court.
There isn’t a safe pick either way in this particular matchup, so I tend to go with the home team in that scenario.
Prediction: Arkansas 74, Florida 73
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