Rebel Walk Roundtable: Week 11 Picks Around the SEC

Following a tough home loss to South Carolina, the Rebels look to rebound in hostile territory as they head to Texas A&M for another 11 a.m. showdown. Here’s our Rebel Walk Roundtable for Week 11.

They were so close. The Rebels were so, so close. However, they just couldn’t quite finish in the 4th quarter.

Despite a loss at home last Saturday to South Carolina, the Rebels competed for a full 60 minutes for the first time in a while, Rebel fans stuck around for the entire game, and the atmosphere around the Vaught was exciting…until the very end.

This week, along with a number of other SEC teams, the Rebels get a chance to rebound. Heading into College Station for yet another 11 a.m. kickoff this season, Ole Miss looks to knock off a struggling A&M team. Outside of that game, the SEC has a full slate of action this week. Every team is in action this week, with multiple matchups having huge postseason implications. Despite Georgia and Alabama securing their respective sides of the SEC last week, the season is still far from over.

Among the interesting games in the league this week, we’ve got State traveling to Bryant-Denny, Auburn heading to Athens, and South Carolina going to the Swamp.  Let’s take a look at those games as well as the rest of SEC action.

Here are our records after last week’s picks!

Evie Van Pelt: 14-4

Land Teller: 13-5

Hays Dubberly: 13-5

Jake Evans: 13-5

Week 11 SEC Schedule

11 A.M. Ole Miss (5-4, 1-4 SEC) vs Texas A&M (5-4, 3-3 SEC)

11 A.M. South Carolina (5-3, 4-3 SEC) vs #15 Florida (6-3, 4-3 SEC)

11 A.M. Vanderbilt (4-5, 1-4 SEC) vs Missouri (5-4, 1-4 SEC)

2:30 P.M. #16 Mississippi State (6-3, 2-3 SEC) vs #1 Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC)

2:30 P.M. #11 Kentucky (7-2, 5-2 SEC) vs Tennessee (4-5, 1-4 SEC)

6:00 P.M. #24 Auburn (6-3, 3-3 SEC) vs #5 Georgia (8-1, 6-1 SEC)

6:30 P.M. #7 LSU (7-2, 4-2 SEC) vs Arkansas (2-7, 0-5 SEC)

Teams with a bye this Saturday: N/A

Here are our picks for each of this weekend’s upcoming SEC games. Give us your feedback on Twitter (@TheRebelWalk) and Facebook, and let’s talk SEC football! Hotty Toddy!

Rebel Walk Roundtable: Our Week 11 Picks

11 A.M. Ole Miss (5-4, 1-4 SEC) vs Texas A&M (5-4, 3-3 SEC)

Spread: A&M -12

O/U: 67

Jake: A&M is coming off of back-to-back road losses, and they have struggled at home versus the SEC West. I think offensive coordinator Phil Longo has a lot to prove right now for the Rebels, and that should lead to some points. However,  I just don’t see the Ole Miss defense shutting down Kellen Mond and Trayveon Williams. Plus, with Scottie Phillips and Ta’amu banged up, things don’t look as good for the Rebels right now. A&M is 3-12 at home vs the SEC West since joining the conference, and they haven’t won at home vs the SEC West since 2015, but I just don’t think Ole Miss is good enough to stop that streak. Jimbo Fisher is a more-experienced coach, and in an environment like Kyle Field, that coach usually wins. I think this game could go bad in the second half, especially since it’s at Kyle Field. Sadly, I see the Rebels going down this week. I’d love to be wrong, though!

Evie: I know conventional wisdom says take the Aggies at home, but I can’t quit thinking about how A&M is 3-12 vs. the SEC at home in Kyle Field. Or, how the Aggies have lost seven straight SEC West games in College Station. The Rebels were oh-so-close to beating South Carolina, a team who played the Aggies down to the wire. I think the offensive line is on a mission to make sure Scottie Phillips reaches the 1,000-yard mark for the season, a feat that will be accomplished if he gains 77 at Kyle Field. The Aggies possess the number two-ranked rush defense in the nation, but I think Ta’amu, Phillips, and nasty wide outs DaMarkus Lodge, A.J. Brown, and Elijah Moore will give the Rebels the win late in the game.

Land: I picked the Rebs last week against my better judgement and it came back to haunt me…A&M has had a rough couple of weeks, as have the Rebels. I just don’t see Ole Miss slowing down Mond and Williams, and I think Ole Miss’ offense will get stopped just enough times to give the Aggies the home win.

Hays: Just when the Rebels are counted out, they seem to get it together with Matt Luke. Remember the Kentucky game last season? Yeah, this will be a signature victory at Kyle Field. Not to mention, the Aggies haven’t defeated an SEC West opponent since 2015 at home. The Rebels will get a big win this week.

11 A.M. South Carolina (5-3, 4-3 SEC) vs #15 Florida (6-3, 4-3 SEC)

Spread: Florida -6.5

O/U: 54

Jake: South Carolina had a heck of a comeback 4th-quarter win last week vs Ole Miss, while Florida got smoked at home. However, there is just no way that this Florida team will go down to inferior opponents, at home, two weeks in a row. Simply put, the Gators will get it done in The Swamp. South Carolina can score, but their defense is just not good enough to win this game.

Evie: Gators’ running backs Lamical Perine and Jordan Scarlett are averaging 5.2 and 5.6 yards per carry, respectively–only two other SEC schools (Alabama and Georgia) have two backs, each, who are gaining 5.0+ per carry. That being said, Florida needs better QB play if it is going to beat the Gamecocks. South Carolina, coming off a big win over the Rebels, will be bowl eligible for a third straight year under Muschamp if they beat Florida–they’ll have to wait another week because Mullen’s Gators win this one.

Land: South Carolina is riding high while Florida is quite the opposite. However, I expect Coach Mullen to get his Gators ready and they will take care of business against the former Florida coach, Will Muschamp.

Hays: Upset alert in the Swamp? Absolutely, this Gamecock team is relentless and does not quit. However, I think the Gators rebound after a blowout loss vs Missouri and win a close one. Although I have no faith in the Gators, I just do not see South Carolina’s defense being able to make enough stops.

11 A.M. Vanderbilt (4-5, 1-4 SEC) vs Missouri (5-4, 1-4 SEC)

Spread: Mizzou -17

O/U: 62

Jake: I’m honestly very surprised at the spread for this game. I know Vandy has trouble scoring, but their defense is good enough to me to keep this game closer than 17. Mizzou’s offense shined last week in The Swamp, and probably will do the same this week at home. However, Mizzou’s defense will struggle in my opinion. I think this game is a nail-biter for a while, but the Tigers will pull away late for a messy win.

Evie: I’m with Jake; I’m surprised the spread is so large for this game. Vandy has five losses, but most of those have come to Top 25 ranked teams–including Georgia, Florida, and Kentucky, who are rated No. 5, 15, and 11, respectively, in the latest CFP rankings. Vandy’s red zone offense is 4th-worst in all of FBS, while Mizzou’s is 11th worst, so that is one stat that will be interesting to see in this game. Ultimately, I think Missouri’s win over Florida will help give them momentum and Drew Lock and company win this one over the Commodores.

Land: I think this will be a fun game. Mizzou shocked the SEC world after thrashing Florida last week. I think Lock and company won’t have it as easy this week against a pretty solid Vandy defense, but I think Shurmur and the Commodore offense won’t be able to keep up with the Tigers. Mizzou in a fun one.

Hays: I have been high on this Mizzou team despite their four losses. Vanderbilt’s defense is not as stout as in previous years, and Missouri’s offense is high-powered. The Tigers will carry the momentum from The Swamp into this week and blow out the ‘Dores.

2:30 P.M. #16 Mississippi State (6-3, 2-3 SEC) vs #1 Alabama (9-0, 6-0 SEC)

Spread: Alabama -23.5

O/U: 52.5

Jake: If you look at this game and go, “Oh! #16 vs #1! That’ll be a good game!” then you’re just crazy. After last week, I’m thoroughly convinced that this Alabama team is the best team to ever exist, ever, in history, all-time. Best thing since sliced bread. I legitimately believe that they could give a few NFL teams a challenge. Anyway. LSU dominated State three weeks ago, and Alabama dominated LSU last week. I know the transitive property isn’t the most reliable thing in sports, but with Alabama, I think it’s safe to assume that Nick Fitzgerald and company are in for a long day at Bryant-Denny. Maybe the Bulldogs score a couple TDs and make some noise for roughly 11 seconds like the Rebs, but there is just no way that they can legitimately compete with this team. If I had a farm, I would put it on the Crimson Tide absolutely rolling Mississippi State this week.

Evie: Another week, another 20+ point spread in favor of the Tide. Though it’s impressive the Bulldogs have played nine games and only given up nine TDs this season, look for Tua (depending on how long he’s able to play on his knee that he tweaked in the win over LSU) to lead Alabama to at least four TDs in this game. The reasoning there? It’s simple: he’s the best QB in the country and is joined by outstanding receivers Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, along with running backs Najee Harris and Damien Harris. Those players, combined with a ‘Bama defense that held LSU to 12 (!!) yards rushing, add up to another Tide win.

Land: State being #16 seems a little generous, and I think Bama might be the best team that I’ve ever seen. The #16 vs #1 looks exciting, but this game will not be. Tua and the Tide are just too dang good and Fitzy and the Bulldogs just don’t have the offensive talent to keep up with Saban’s Tide. State loses. Man, I love typing that.

Hays: Alabama blew out LSU in Death Valley in prime time. This game is in Tuscaloosa, and I do not think Mississippi State has a chance. Some may think this could be a hangover game for the Tide, but I just do not see State scoring more than 10.

2:30 P.M. #11 Kentucky (7-2, 5-2 SEC) vs Tennessee (4-5, 1-4 SEC)

Spread: Kentucky -6

O/U: 42.5

Jake: It’s crazy to think that we are talking about a ranked Kentucky team in November–that’s not their basketball team. Props to them, though, as they seem to have really turned a corner with head coach Mark Stoops this year. UT struggled last week AT HOME, versus Charlotte, while Kentucky gave Georgia a good game. There is just no shot for Tennessee here in my mind. They’ve improved, but not this much. This is a rivalry game at Neyland Stadium, but still, Cats by a bit.

Evie: While this could be a trap game for Kentucky after the Wildcats’ loss to Georgia last week, I look for Benny Snell Jr. to lead Mark Stoops’ team to its first win in Neyland Stadium in 34 years. The Kentucky defense is good–while the Vols’ D has proven inconsistent. I think if for no other reason than the fact that Tennessee could only muster 20 TOTAL rushing yards against Charlotte last week makes me give this one to the Wildcats.

Land: Kentucky’s defense is for real, but their offense is iffy, at best. I expect the Wildcats to get the win, but I think Tennessee will keep it closer than most people think.

Hays: Neither offense can score points, and I think whoever scores 21 points will win this game. Benny Snell Jr. is the best player on the field, and he should get plenty of touches. Kentucky will control the line of scrimmage, and pull away late in the game.

6:00 P.M. #24 Auburn (6-3, 3-3 SEC) vs #5 Georgia (8-1, 6-1 SEC)

Spread: Georgia -14

O/U: 50

Jake: I think this is going to be the best SEC game we see this week. Auburn has a couple of ugly losses this season, but somehow has this ability to just play good at the drop of a hat, like a completely different team. They lose at home to Tennessee three weeks ago, then go to College Station and beat A&M…like, what? If the Auburn team that won last week shows up, we’ll have a game. If the team that lost to UT shows up…yikes. Anyway, Georgia is still one of the best teams in the nation, and at home between the hedges, they should show out. UGA is scoring 35.5 PPG vs SEC opponents and is riding high after clinching the SEC East last week. This will be a good game for a while, but the Dawgs’ depth and talent will just be too much for Auburn in the end.

Evie: Georgia’s offensive line was dominant last week vs. Kentucky as the Bulldogs gained 331 yards on the ground. They were so dominant that the running back duo of D’Andre Swift (156 yards) and Elijah Holyfield (115 yards) notched career-highs in the game, and piled up 255 of Auburn’s 331 yards BEFORE contact. Holy moly. The Auburn d-line is solid, but their o-line is not so much after suffering some key injuries. Auburn ran for just 19 yards on 21 carries vs. A&M last week (though the Tigers did win the game). I look for it to be a good game in the first half, but Georgia pulls away in the end.

Land: Georgia showed last week that the Dawgs still a CFP contender, and I think they make another statement this week by dominating a newly-ranked Auburn team. Fromm and his weapons will light up a good-but-not-great Auburn defense, and the Bulldogs’ D will shut down a mediocre Stidham–and the hot-seat question returns for Gus Malzahn

Hays: After the Dawgs took a whipping in Death Valley, they have put their foot on the throttle. The Tigers come into Athens with a lot of hype after a comeback win over A&M, but I still think UGA wins by 10.

6:30 P.M. #7 LSU (7-2, 4-2 SEC) vs Arkansas (2-7, 0-5 SEC)

Spread: LSU -13.5

O/U: 47.5

Jake: Coming off an embarrassing loss at home to Alabama, I think LSU will be a force to be reckoned with this week. Arkansas has struggled all year for consistency, and minus last week, that’s something LSU has had this year. LSU should go into Fayetteville and blow the Hogs out of the water. Not much else to say…

Evie: LSU is coming off a game against Alabama last weekend where Saban and the Tide proved, yet again, they’re at a different leve than everyone else in the SEC. Fortunately for the Tigers, they’re playing Arkansas this Saturday. Look for LSU to bounce back on the road and defeat the Hogs. Ed Orgeron’s bunch has played six ranked teams this season—four of which were in the Top 10. This series has been split 2-2 over the last four seasons, and I do look for it to be closer than the spread indicates. In the end, however, I think LSU’s ground game is superior to the Hogs and that will be the difference. Tigers win.

Land: LSU showed last week that they aren’t as good as everyone thought; that or Alabama is an NFL team cleverly disguised as a college squad. Burrow and the Tigers offense reminded us how inconsistent (or in last week’s case, nonexistent) it can be. Tigers’ D is for real, but without an offense it’s hard to knock off teams like Alabama. I still think #7 is too high for LSU, but, hey maybe that’s why I’m not on the committee. Anyhoo, luckily for the Tigers, they get a very bad Arkansas team this week. Don’t expect an upset this week, folks. The Bayou Bengals will dominate and maybe back up their #7 ranking.

Hays: Arkansas is a bad football team…end of story. This game will not be close, and Arkansas has no shot of a victory even though this game is in Fayetteville.

Our Week 11 Score Predictions

	MISS vs. A&M	SCAR vs. #15 FLA	VAN vs. MIZZOU	#16 MSU vs. #1 BAMA	#11 UK vs. TENN	#24 AUB vs. #5 UGA	#7 LSU vs. ARK
Jake	A&M 38-27	FLA 27-17	MIZZ 40-28	BAMA 42-17	UK 28-17	UGA 33-20	LSU 35-10
Evie	MISS 38-35	FLA 31-24	MIZZ 42-24	BAMA 34-17	UK 24-17	UGA 35-21	LSU 28-17
Land	A&M 34-21	FLA 31-17	MIZZ 24-13	BAMA 45-20	UK 24-13	UGA 34-17	LSU 38-13
Hays	MISS 31-27	FLA 28-27	MIZZ 42-24	BAMA 45-7	UK 24-10	UGA 34-24	LSU 35-14

There you have it for The Rebel Walk Roundtable’s Week 11 SEC Picks!

Let us know what you think will happen on Saturday, and start the conversation with us on Twitter (@TheRebelWalk) and Facebook!

Hotty Toddy! Beat Texas A&M!