SEC Football: Week 3 key SEC games and a couple of national matchups
By Ronald Evans
(Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
LSU at Mississippi State
Thanks to Dennis Dodds for this stat,
"Ed Orgeron is 0-12 in the SEC on the road as a full-time head coach to start a season. Miss St would be first win"
The is a big early season game for both teams. With both teams having to face Alabama football later in the season, a loss on Saturday will damage SEC West division chances.
Mississippi State has the better quarterback in Nick Fitzgerald. The Bulldogs also have the best defensive lineman in Jeffery Simmons. Mullins may be the better head coach but LSU has the better assistants in Dave Aranda and Matt Canada.
Arden Key will be making his season debut for LSU. Key just adds to the talent disparity that favors the Bengal Tigers. LSU is favored by 7.5 points. It was a three point Tigers win last season. Both teams are better in 2017.
Kentucky at South Carolina
The Kentucky Wildcats have not been impressive in two wins over inferior competition. The Wildcats defense has normally been solid under Mark Stoops. In the UK’s second win, the Wildcats gave up 16 points to Eastern Kentucky. The Wildcats appear to be vulnerable to the pass.
The South Carolina combo of Jake Bentley and Deebo Samuel will give the Wildcats difficulty. Long known for tough physical defenses, Gamecock coach Will Muschamp’s defense looks better than the Wildcats. South Carolina is favored by seven points.
Tennessee at Florida
Hurricane damage be damned, the Gators were determined to not relocate this contest. Unless the Florida offense shows a marked improvement from the Michigan game, the Gators need every bit of the home-field advantage.
Tennessee can score. The Vols are vulnerable against the run. Gator running back Jordan Scarlett and seven teammates are suspended again this week. On paper, based upon injuries and suspensions the Vols appear to have a clear advantage. Oddsmakers are calling it the other way as the Gators are favored by four points.
The winner gets a leg up on a SEC East Division championship.