Early in the SEC football season, Week 3 provides key games that can prove to be hinge points for several teams. One-loss teams Alabama and Florida cannot afford another loss this early in the season. Georgia and Tennessee have a key game in Knoxville that will have the loser trailing in the hunt for an SEC Championship. Texas A&M will be in South Bend seeking a statement win over the Fighting Irish.
Six SEC teams are favored by three touchdowns or more according to FanDuel. Alabama is a 20.5-point favorite over Wisconsin. At Temple, Oklahoma is a 24.5-point favorite. Auburn at home for South Alabama and Kentucky at home for Eastern Michigan are 25.5-point favorites. Missouri is favored by 26.5 points over Louisiana. Texas is favored by a whopping 41.5 points over UTEP. No spread has been set for Alcorn State at Mississippi State. Mark those games down as wins for the SEC teams.
That leaves five games for nine SEC football teams in which the outcome is in doubt. The largest favorite in the group is LSU. The Bengal Tigers host Florida and and LSU is favored by 8.5 points. It is a must-win game for Billy Napier. After the trip to Baton Rouge, the following four Saturdays for the Gators include at Miami, off, Texas in Gainesville, and at Texas A&M. The season could quickly collapse for Florida and Napier. Saturday's prediction is an LSU win.
In South Bend, the Irish are favored by 6.5 points over Texas A&M. The Aggies could surprise with the rapidly rising Marcel Reed. Reed was dinged up against Utah State, but is said to be fit for Saturday's game. The Aggies need a statement win under Mike Elko, but South Bend is a tough place to get one. The prediction is a Notre Dame win.
SEC Football Week 3 Biggie
The SEC biggie for the weekend is Georgia at Tennessee. The Bulldogs are favored by 3.5 points. The Neyland Stadium crowd will impact the game. The Georgia offense is so far unpolished. The Vols will be short some key players. The prediction is the Bulldogs escape Knoxville with a win over Tennessee. In what will be a nail-biter, Georgia kicker Peyton Woodring can be the difference.
Hosting Arkansas in Oxford, Ole Miss is favored by 8.5 points. The Rebels should get the win. South Carolina hosts Vanderbilt in Columbia. The Gamecocks are favored by 5.5 points. The prediction is South Carolina squeaks by with a win.